Abstract: A rear projection display device improves the brightness by improving the utilization efficiency of image light projected to a screen from slantly below. At least a green component of the image light is P-polarized to the screen (7). Therefore, reflection of light on the screen (7) is reduced.

Abstract: This invention relates to electromagnetic wave beam paths, formation of the beam, illumination of programmable electromagnetic wave field vector orientation rotating devices (“PEMFVORD”) with an electromagnetic beam, and the technique of projection of the modulated beam. This invention also relates to a unique light path and method of forming the light into a rectangular beam to be used for optical projection systems and, more particularly, in a color and/or black and white liquid crystal device (LCD) projectors that produce high resolution, high brightness and/or three-dimensional images. This invention further relates to a device capable of receiving and displaying two-dimensional and three dimensional images.

Abstract: An optical processing unit comprises a dichroic filter to filtrate a green-colored light off a white light, a polarizer to selects a certain linearly polarized light component from the filtrated green-color light and a dichroic mirror to resolve the light into two lights as the first light beam and the second light beam divided at a predetermined wave length, two beam splitters to change the propagation direction of the light beams, liquid crystal devices to reflect the light beams thereon, reflective image superimposing devices to superimpose image information in the reflection onto two image lights and a dichroic mirror to compose these two image lights into an identically single image light which directs toward a direction in a single optical axis. This invention can provide an optical process unit that realizes a high fidelity stereo image display system wherein the pixel-shifted image generation and the stereo image display are compatible.

Abstract: A stereoscopic display apparatus 20 is employed in combination with an image transmission section 10. A case 1 includes a half-mirror 3, a visual field lens 4 and polarizers 22L, 22R therein, and an observation port 23 with a hood is defined in the case 1. A band 25 to be worn on a viewer's head is disposed in the exterior of the case 1. Both of the polarizers 22L and 22R are so designed as to display the stereoscopic images for the right and left eyes on the basis of data transmitted from the image transmission section 10, respectively, and the image lights are guided to the viewer's eyes through the half-mirror 3 and the visual field lens 4. The stereoscopic display apparatus 20 is of the head mount type that guides the images for the right and left eyes projected onto one display screen which is formed of the half-mirror 3 to the right and left eyes.

Abstract: A projection system configured to project a stereographic image onto a viewing surface is provided. The projection system includes a light source configured to produce a beam of light, a beam splitter configured to split the beam of light into a right image beam and a left image beam, an image engine configured to produce the stereographic image, and a projection lens configured to project a left-eye image and a right-eye image onto the viewing surface. The image engine includes a left optical path configured to produce the left-eye image from the left image beam, the left optical path including an upstream left polarizer, a left image-producing element and a downstream left polarizer, and a right optical path configured to produce the right-eye image from the right image beam, the right optical path including an upstream right polarizer, a right image-producing element and a downstream right polarizer.

Abstract: A wide-field-of-view projection display comprises a circularly symmetric lens and an array of light emitters, positioned along the focal circumference of the circularly symmetric lens so that light from each of the light emitters is substantially collimated by the lens in a different direction. A ray-diverting means, such as a slab waveguide or a reflector, ejects the collimated light out of the plane of the lens to the viewer. The planar circularly symmetric lens has no aberration, allowing adjacent views to be seamlessly joined because they can all be diffused by the same angular amount.

Abstract: A stereographic display system comprises a signal processing unit receptive of stereographic images originating from stereographic image sources at a prescribed frame rate. The stereographic display system is operative to generate a multiplexed image stream and a series of synchronization pulses. An image display device is receptive of the multiplexed image stream and operative to display the multiplexed image stream as multiplexed images. A phase-locked loop is receptive of the series of synchronization pulses from the signal processing unit. An optical signal filter system is coupled to the phase-locked loop and receptive of the multiplexed stereographic images. The optical signal filter system includes rotating polarization filters that alternately pass or block the passage of a first and second image of the multiplexed stereographic images. The stereographic display system may be made, in whole or in part, an integral part of an item of apparel such as a pair of glasses or a helmet.

Abstract: A projection system configured to project a stereographic image onto a viewing surface is provided, the stereographic image including a left-eye image and a right-eye image. The projection system includes a light source configured to produce a beam of light, a beam splitter configured to split the beam of light into a right image beam and a left image beam, an image engine configured to produce the stereographic image, and a projection lens configured to project the left-eye image and the right-eye image onto the viewing surface. The image engine includes a left optical path configured to produce the left-eye image from the left image beam, the left optical path including an upstream left polarizer, a left image-producing element and a downstream left polarizer, and a right optical path configured to produce the right-eye image from the right image beam, the right optical path including an upstream right polarizer, a right image-producing element and a downstream right polarizer.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the color of a light source comprises a first polarizer to polarize the light source, a fixed retarder with its optical axis at a first angle to the polarized light, an electronically variable retarder with its optical axis at a second angle to the polarized light and a second polarizer to polarize the resultant light. This light source may be used where light of adjustable color is needed, for example in a theatrical spotlight or a liquid crystal projection system.

Abstract: The invention accurately sets a polarization direction of a polarization element, and prevents deterioration of the usage efficiency of the light and a reduction in image contrast. Field lenses are provided on a projection display device. A polarizer is placed on a flat surface of a field lens. The flat surface of the field lens is provided with a reference shape to place the polarizer at the end thereof. The reference shape may be one or more planes provided on the end of the field lens. In addition, the reference shape may be a straight line drawn on the flat surface of the field lens.

Abstract: A rear projection system provides for reduced cabinet depth by folding the optical path with polarization sensitive mirrors. In one aspect, the projector outputs linearly polarized light to a quarter-wave polarizing sheet, which circularly polarizes the projector output. A mirror directs the projected light back through the quarter-wave material to a polarization-dependent reflector. The light has a reflective polarization state. The polarization-dependent reflector reflects the light back to the quarter-wave material and mirror. Upon traversing the path a second time, the light is in a transmissive polarization state.

Abstract: A projection system for projecting a stereographic image onto a viewing surface is provided, the stereographic image including a left-eye image and a right-eye image. The projection system includes a light source for producing a beam, a beam splitter for splitting the beam of light into a right image beam and a left image beam, an image engine for producing the stereographic image, and a projection lens. The image engine includes a left optical path for producing the left-eye image from the left image beam, the left optical path including an upstream left polarizer, a left image-producing element and a downstream left polarizer, and a right optical path configured to produce the right-eye image from the right image beam, the right optical path including an upstream right polarizer, a right image-producing element and a downstream right polarizer.

Abstract: To suppress light loss without deteriorating resolution of a projected image, light is first polarized and separated by a polarizing beam splitter. Green light is separated from a light flux emitted by the polarizing beam splitter by a dichroic mirror having a green light reflection property. A light flux containing blue and red light, which is transmitted by the dichroic mirror, is separated into red light and blue light by a dichroic prism. Resultant color light is modulated and reflected by reflection light valves, returned to the corresponding dichroic mirror or dichroic prism, and combined by the dichroic mirror and the dichroic prism. Resultant combined color light is projected via the polarizing beam splitter and a projection lens. The dichroic prism transmits s-polarized light having wavelengths less than a wavelength substantially within a wavelength band of green light and reflects s-polarized light having larger wavelengths.

Abstract: To reduce inconsistencies in an image to be displayed in a projector. At least one of a polarizer on the side of a light incident surface and a polarizer on the side of a light emitting surface is bonded on a sapphire glass plate. The sapphire glass plate may preferably be formed of single-crystal sapphire. In addition, the sapphire glass plate may preferably be held by a holding frame made of metal. The sapphire glass plate and the holding frame made of metal may preferably be bonded by an adhesive agent having superior heat conductivity.

Abstract: A system for stereoscopic image display includes a projection device (2) with modulators (21, 22) and a polarization splitter prism (3) for the projection of images with differing perspectives each with differing polarization directions. A holographic screen (1) has a grid structure that corresponds to a hologram recording of actual screens with differing polarization directions. The incident light beams (A, B) have the effect that two differently polarized images are generated on the holographic screen (1), where said images can be perceived separately by the left and the right eye by using eyeglasses (5) with polarization filters.

Abstract: Autostereoscopic images are produced by projecting a stereo pair of images onto a modified cube-corner retroreflective material. The cube-corner differs from that commonly available in that it has been altered to return the light to viewers eyes rather than directly back to the source of the projection.

Abstract: In a polarized light illumination apparatus, randomly polarized lights emitted from first and second light sources are respectively separated by a polarized light separating and combining element into two different types of polarized lights. Secondary light source images are formed at locations shifted from each other in an x direction, whereby polarization is aligned in the same single direction. At least two condensing mirror plates of first to third condensing mirror plates are shifted in parallel from the center axis of the polarized light separating and combining optical element so that secondary light source images formed by z-polarized lights (polarized in a z direction) emitted from the first and second light sources are superimposed upon each other, and secondary light source images formed by x-polarized lights (polarized in an x direction) emitted from the first and second light sources are superimposed upon each other.

Abstract: The optical system comprises a convergent mirror (Ec) and a plane mirror (Ep), which are duly positioned in order for the focus (F) established in the optical axis (X—X) of the convergent mirror (Ec) in turn to be located in the sector lying between both mirrors. An object (I1-I2) located in an area (1) is first reflected onto the plane mirror (Ep) and then onto the convergent mirror (Ec), yielding an image (I″1-I″2) in an area (2) opposite the area (1) in a normal position for an observer located at a point (O) outside the system, i.e. in such a position that the signs are legible.

Abstract: A multi-view three-dimensional image system that enables a plurality of observers to view a three-dimensional image simultaneously in the visible ray range without the utilization of special spectacles adapted for viewing three-dimensional images. The multi-view three-dimensional image system according to the present invention comprises an imaging apparatus wherein a plurality of vertical strip type electro-optic switches functioning as moving apertures are adjacently disposed in front of an object lens. The system also comprises a display apparatus which comprises an image projector having electro-optic switches and a projection lens similar to that in the imaging apparatus, a signal converter which converts a parallel signal to a serial signal, and a display having a holographic screen which displays a projected image. The imaging apparatus and the image projector acquire the image of objects and projects it through the vertical strip type electro-optic switches.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a projection system especially intended for projecting three-dimensional representations on a viewing device (8, 12), where the representations submitted to the watcher's eye are put in relation with the respective point where the watcher stands (6,7), to whom sensors are allocated for locating his or her relative position, so that he or she sees on the viewing device an image virtually represented in space in relation to his or her position. In order to allow for the various three-dimensional representations to be viewed by many watchers on the same viewing device, the system projects several image representations simultaneously, each corresponding to the watcher's relative position. Each watcher is allocated image separating apparatus which enable his or her access to image representations corresponding to the place where he or she stands.

Abstract: A system for creating the perception of visual depth in scenery comprising lateral movements. A polarizing projection filter 21 controls the plane of polarization of projected light. The plane of polarization is changed by changing the orientation of the polarizing projection filter. An observer wears special viewing glasses 22 with polarizing filters when viewing scenery illuminated by the polarizing projection filter. The plane of polarization of the polarizing viewing filter for the right eye 23 is rotated 45 degrees clockwise from horizontal. The plane of polarization of the polarizing viewing filter for the left eye 24 is rotated 45 degrees counterclockwise from horizontal. When the polarizing projection filter is rotated clockwise from horizontal the scenery appears brighter to an observer's right eye than to the observer's left eye. Objects moving laterally 42 from right to left from the observer's perspective appear closer to the observer 43.

Abstract: In a polarized light illumination apparatus, randomly polarized lights emitted from first and second light sources are respectively separated by a polarized light separating optical element into two different types of polarized light thereby producing three types of polarized light which are polarized in directions perpendicular to one another. The polarized lights are partially returned to the light sources and their polarization directions are rotated. Secondary light source images are formed at locations shifted in an x direction whereby polarization is aligned in the same single direction. Thus, even though a plurality of light sources are used, the polarized light illumination apparatus can emit illumination light using both polarized components without causing an increase in the illumination angle. Furthermore, a projector capable of projecting an image with a very high brightness can be realized.

Abstract: For three-dimensional image representation on a large-screen projection surface by means of a multimode or, respectively, monomode laser projector, in the first case it is proposed to direct the multimode laser beam onto a polygonal mirror with layers that alternatively polarize light in two different directions, from which lines of the one direction of polarization and lines of the other direction of polarization and lines of the other direction of polarization are then plotted on the large-screen projection surface in alternating fashion. In the second case, the monomade laser beam is directed by a partially transparent mirror and only then onto the polygonal mirror. A partial beam derived from the partially transparent mirror is rotated in its direction of polarization and directed onto the polygonal mirror from another direction.

Abstract: Systems and method of displaying images of entire scenes in apparent three dimensions. A projector projects images with light onto a multi-layered composite transparent sheet polarizing screen. The dimensions of the screen whose optically active layers are determined by the intensity and the mixture of polarization states of the projected light. The images appear to be three dimensional. A bead layer of the screen contains beads on the order of a wavelength of visible light.

Abstract: A polarized light illumination device that is able to utilize both polarized light components by using a plurality of light sources without increasing the illumination angle, and a projection display device that is able to project a considerably bright projection image are provided. In a polarized light illumination device, randomly polarized light emitted from first and second light sources is directionally separated into two types of polarized light by a polarized light separating and synthesizing optical element, secondary light-source images, which are offset in the x direction, are formed, and then, the direction of polarization is aligned.

Abstract: A stereoscopic 3D display comprises a light source and condenser optics which direct light through a spatial light modulator and a polarisation modulator. Each of the modulators is pixellated with the pixels of one modulator being optically aligned with respective pixels of the other modulator. Each pixel of the spatial light modulator is controlled so as to provide a light amplitude which is equal to the square root of the sum of the squares of the corresponding pixels of the stereoscopic images. Each pixel of the polarisation modulator is controlled so as to supply output light with a polarisation angle give by the arc-tangent of the quotient of the pixel amplitudes of the stereoscopic images. Polarising glasses with suitably aligned polariser lenses allow an observer to perceive the 3D effect, for instance on a polarisation preserving screen on which the encoded stereoscopic image is projected by projection optics.

Abstract: A stereoscopic image projector has a light valve controlled by two image signals. The light valve produces a polarized raster image in which some rasters are modulated by the first image signal and other rasters by the second image signal. A polarization switch changes the polarization of rasters modulated by the second image signal, thereby creating a stereoscopic image, which is projected through a projection lens onto a screen, and viewed through polarizing eyeglasses. A color stereoscopic image is obtained by using three light valves and three polarization switches, one for each of the three primary colors, and combining their images for projection through a single projection lens. The projection lens is preferably a telecentric zoom lens consisting of three lens groups.

Abstract: A three-dimensional stereovision imaging system (20) adapted for use with a polarizing filter (22). The inventive system (20) includes a stereovision projector (24) for generating a projection (26) of alternating left and right images. A polarizer (30) polarizes electromagnetic energy corresponding to the images (26) and provides a polarized image (34) in response thereto. A twist liquid crystal screen (28) controlled by a twist liquid crystal controller (36) rotates the plane of oscillation of the polarized image (40) by a first twist angle synchronized with the alternating left and right images. Polarizing glasses (42) direct the polarized image (40) from the twist liquid crystal (28) into alternate eyes in response to the polarization state of the polarized image (40). In a specific embodiment, the polarizing glasses (42) have first (44) and second (46) eye-pieces with first (44) and second (46) linear polarizers, respectively.

Abstract: A system for creating the perception of visual depth in two dimensional single image displays. A polarizing projection filter 1c provides means to control the plane of polarization of projected imagery. The plane of polarization is changed by changing the orientation of the polarizing projection filter. An observer wears special viewing glasses 2 with polarizing filters when viewing imagery polarized by the polarizing projection filter. The plane of polarization of the polarizing viewing filter for the right eye 3 is oriented 30 degrees clockwise from horizontal. The plane of polarization of the polarizing viewing filter for the left eye 4 is oriented 30 degrees counterclockwise from horizontal. When the polarizing projection filter has an angular offset of approximately 45 degrees clockwise from horizontal the projected imagery appears approximately 20 times brighter to an observer's right eye than to the observer's left eye.

Abstract: An electro-optical recording system for recording spatially multiplexed images (SMI) of a 3-D object for use in stereoscopic viewing thereof with high image quality and resolution. A micropolarization panel of electrically passive polarization is employed to produce first and second patterns corresponding to spatially modulated perspective images. These pixel patterns are optically combined to produce a spatially multiplexed image of the 3-D object which can be used for stereoscopic viewing thereof with high image quality and resolution.

Abstract: An image projecting apparatus is so constructed as to generate a stereoscopic-image signal having images for right and left eyes alternatively arranged for each field, decompose an image produced by the stereoscopic-image signal into lights with predetermined components, divide the lights into first and second groups, assign the first group to a first polarized light having the directions of polarization different from each other for each period of a video field, assign the second group to a second polarized light having the directions of polarization different from each other for each period of a video field and having a direction of polarization different from that of the first polarized light, and project the first and second polarized lights, the second polarized light being delayed by one video field with respect to the first polarized light.

Abstract: In an apparatus for displaying a three-dimensional image, an image display and a polarizing filter having an axis of easy transmission in a predetermined direction or an optically-active film having an optically-active portion at a predetermined position are combined together in a predetermined positional relationship, thereby easily displaying an image on the image display when a flat original image is prepared for forming the three-dimensional image and simplifying the structure of the apparatus with a reduced manufacturing cost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optical apparatus provided with an optical element for outputting polarized light beams separated generally in parallel. The optical apparatus according to this invention comprises an optical element having a pair of optical members being prisms cross sections of which are right-angled triangles similar to each other, each having a vertex angle of less than 45 degrees, and being constructed in a unitary double prism structure in which the optical members are cemented to each other between side faces thereof, each side face being between the right angle and the vertex angle of less than 45 degrees out of two orthogonal side faces of each optical member, and a polarization splitting portion comprising an optical thin film group formed on the cemented faces of the double prism structure to polarization-split light incident thereto.

Abstract: A three-dimensional picture projecting device comprises a projector for projecting a three-dimensional picture, a screen for capturing the projected three dimensional picture, and a pair of polarizing glasses having left and right polarizing eyepieces with different polarization directions. The projector includes a light source, a focusing lens for focusing the light emitted from the light source, picture forming means for receiving the light from the light source and forming left-eye and right-eye pictures, polarization changing means for making polarization directions of the left-eye and right-eye pictures different from each other, and a projection lens for magnifying the left-eye and right-eye pictures on the screen. Therefore, a three-dimensional picture can be provided with a single projector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a full color three dimensional projector comprising a light source for emitting light, a condensing means for condensing the emitted light and converting the light into a parallel light, a color separating means for separating the parallel light into red, blue and green color components, a first means for splitting the red component into polarized beams and for forming the optical image of the red component, a second means for splitting the blue component into polarized beams and for forming the optical image of the blue component and a third means for splitting the green component into polarized beams and for forming the optical image of the green component. The total size of the system can be reduced and the heat loss can be largely reduced.

Abstract: A full color stereoscopic display having polarizers for color multiplexing and effecting three-dimensional full color viewing from a single direct view display. Color polarization of color images provides the basis for discriminating the different perspectives of three-dimensional images. Polarization may be linear or circular. The viewer may perceive three-dimensional images with merely the aid of polarized glasses.

Abstract: An electro-optical display system for visually displaying a polarized spatially multiplexed image (SMI) of a 3-D object for use in stereoscopic viewing thereof with high image quality and resolution. In the illustrative embodiment, electro-optical display system comprises a liquid crystal display device and a micropolarization panel of electrically-passive construction. The liquid crystal display device has a display surface for visually displaying a composite pixel pattern representative of a spatially multiplexed image composed of first and second spatially modulated perspective images of the object, consisting of first and second pixel patterns. The micropolarization panel includes an optically transparent laminate portion and an optically transparent substrate portion which is in direct physical contact with the laminate portion. First and second optically transparent patterns are permanently formed in the optically transparent laminate portion.

Abstract: A stereoscopic projector includes a condenser member for leading a beam from a lamp to advance in parallel, an infrared ray filter for removing heat component in the beam from the condenser system, a polarizing beam splitter for splitting an incident beam into two beams, a liquid crystal display panel or a slide film for obtaining image signals, and a reflective mirror for converting the beam path a field lens and a projection lens, whereby the projector prevents the keystoning phenomenon, since the light utilizing efficiency is high, the power loss is reduced, and the infrared filter removes the thermal line from the beam so that the separate cooling system is not required.

Abstract: A full color 3D projection display using wavelength separation which, through a combination of retarders, prisms and dichroic and polarizing coatings, takes linearly polarized red and green light of p orientation from left and right images and blue linearly polarized light of p orientation from one of the views or a common image, and presents the light for projection having green and red light of one polarization orientation for one view and red and green light of a polarization with another orientation for providing the 3D components of the image. The blue light component is presented alternately in one of both polarization orientations to be perceived with the left and right views, respectively.

Abstract: A stereoscopic optical system for use in a camera to simultaneously photograph two separated views of a three-dimensional scene with lenticular type film and a viewing system by which the stereo pairs recorded on the lenticular film can be projected and combined on a screen so that they can be seen in proper stereo relief with spectacles having orthogonally polarized lenses. The stereoscopic optical system comprises a dual optical path for providing the two separated views of the scene. The two separated views of the scene are optically encoded through the use of orthogonal polarizers and are then combined to travel along a single system optical path through the use of a polarizing beamsplitter. An objective taking lens images the combined encoded scene views through an apertured polarizing mask which spatially separates the two separate views so that each travels along separate paths to the film.

Abstract: Spaced-apart light sources, a screen and means for restricting light from each source to separate eyes of each observer cause perception of a seemingly solid or three-dimensional shadow of an object or objects. The shadow is detached from the object and does not necessarily appear to be in the plane of the screen but may be perceived as floating in space in front of the observers. The seemingly solid shadows of objects including active human performers or even an observer may be caused to appear to be within the context of a previously filmed 3D still or motion picture scene. The system may be used for purposes additional to creating unique entertainment effects.

Abstract: A microfiche reader with a compact housing having an upper housing portion or hood and a lower housing portion or base, has an upper surface which supports a fiche carrier in a projection plane. The hood has a lower surface spaced above the base to provide a work area for manipulation of the microfiche carrier. To further minimize size and overheating of the microfiche, a light source, condensing lens and mirror form a preassembled module which is located in the hood beneath and behind the projection screen and above the film plane. The projection lens and focus adjustment are carried by a slide or drawer which is movable between a position in registry with the light beam during use to a withdrawn position for easy access for changing lenses. The use of the light source module in the hood and the projection lens in the base enables the use of various size screen hoods on the same base without changing mirror angles in the base.

Abstract: An improved system is provided for converting monocular microscopes to the stereoscopic mode with the aid of polarizing filters or color filters. The embodiment of the system illustrated herein includes means by which the specimen under examination can be viewed by stereo projection. The system may include means by which stereo photomicrography on black-and-white or color film can be easily and effectively accomplished; and it may include means for transmitting stereo microscopic images by television.

Abstract: A photogrammetric plotting apparatus comprises means to move two stereographic plates in their plane with respect to two respective optical systems which are arranged to project onto a single screen images of reference marks indicating the trace of the line of sight of each optical system on the respective plate. Different polarizers are disposed on the lines of sight of the optical systems so that an operator looking at the said screen through two analyzers corresponding to the polarizers sees the images of the region of one plate and its respective reference mark with one eye and the image of the corresponding region of the other plate and its respective reference mark with the other eye.