Abstract: The invention relates to a cockpit for an aircraft, particularly for a helicopter, with transparent extensions (2, 3) to a dashboard (7) for displaying various control information for flight operation. The transparency of the extensions (2, 3) of the dashboard (7) is automatically or via pilot commands changeable depending on flight operations and environmental needs.

Abstract: A volume-phase reflection hologram optical element is fabricated by exposing a hologram photosensitive material to two coherent light beams. One exposure light beam has an axis-asymmetric wavefront, and the other exposure light beam has focus points different in the optical axis direction (Z-direction) between on a plane (ZX-plane) including one of two directions (X- and Y-directions) mutually perpendicular on a sectional plane perpendicular to that light beam and on a plane (YZ-plane) including the other of those two directions. Thus, an image display apparatus is realized in which at the time of reproduction, the component of a predetermined wavelength of the image light diffraction-reflected by the hologram optical element is focused at positions different in the optical axis direction between on the ZX-plane and on the YZ-plane, offering different image viewing characteristics between in the X- and Y-directions.

Abstract: Non-rigidly coupled, overlapping, non-feedback optical systems for spatial filtering of Fourier transform optical patterns and image shape characterization comprises a first optical subsystem that includes a lens for focusing a polarized, coherent beam to a focal point, an image input device that spatially modulates phase positioned between the lens and the focal point, and a spatial filter at the Fourier transform pattern, and a second optical subsystem overlapping the first optical subsystem includes a projection lens and a detector. The second optical subsystem is optically coupled to the first optical subsystem.

Abstract: Light outputted from a laser light source (12) of an image generating section (11) is two-dimensionally deflected and permitted to perform scanning by means of a reflecting surface (13a) of a deflecting device (13), diffused by means of a diffusion unit (14), and then diffracted and reflected by an HOE (23) of an eyepiece optical system (4), and guided to an optical pupil (E). Deterioration of qualities of an observing image can be eliminated by setting the optical pupil (E) and the reflecting surface (13a) of the deflecting device (13) to have an optically conjugated positional relationship.

Abstract: The invention relates to holographic head-up displays, to holographic optical sights, and also to 3D holographic image displays. We describe a holographic head-up display and a holographic optical sight, for displaying, in an eye box of the display/sight, a virtual image comprising one or more substantially two-dimensional images, the head-up display comprising: a laser light source; a spatial light modulator (SLM) to display a hologram of the two-dimensional images; illumination optics in an optical path between said laser light source and said SLM to illuminate said SLM; and imaging optics to image a plane of said SLM comprising said hologram into an SLM image plane in said eye box such that the lens of the eye of an observer of said head-up display performs a space-frequency transform of said hologram on said SLM to generate an image within said observer's eye corresponding to the two-dimensional images.

Abstract: There is provided an optical device, comprising a display source; a light-diffuser; an imaging optical module, and an output aperture from the optical device characterized in that the light diffuser is an angular, non-uniform diffuser of light for increasing a portion of light emerging from the display source that passes through the output aperture. A method for improving the brightness of an optical display is also provided.

Abstract: A head-up display optical film includes: a first optical layer configured to convert the polarization plane of incident light by 90 degrees; a second optical layer configured to convert the polarization plane of incident light by 90 degrees; and an intermediate optical layer sandwiched between the first optical layer and the second optical layer and having a refractive index that is different from the refractive index of the first optical layer and from the refractive index of the second optical layer.

Abstract: A hologram optical element is formed on a substrate so as to make an optical device. The hologram optical element is formed in an area smaller than an irradiation area of a beam for reproduction such as image light or object light on the substrate. Supposing that the beam for reproduction is made of a center beam having intensity higher than 50% of center intensity and other peripheral beam, the hologram optical element is formed on the substrate in a size for diffracting only the center beam so that a flare or a ghost can be relieved without using additional optical elements such as a shading plate.

Abstract: In a joined optical member, let the adhesion strength between a surface coating layer and an eyepiece prism be A1, the adhesion strength between the surface coating layer and a deflector prism be A2, the adhesion strength between the surface coating layer and adhesive be A3, and the adhesion strength between, at one end, the adhesive and, at the other, the eyepiece prism and the deflector prism be A4, then A1 (A2)>A3 and simultaneously A4>A3. This makes removal of superfluous adhesive on the surface coating layer easy, and prevents scratches on the exterior surfaces. Even after removal of superfluous adhesive, the surface coating layer remains on the exterior surfaces of the eyepiece prism and the deflector prism. This prevents scratches on the exterior surfaces in actual use, and prevents degradation of optical performance.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus has a distortion correction processing unit. The image processing apparatus has a distortion correcting range calculating unit that calculates an input image range necessary for distortion correction processing of the distortion correction processing unit. Thus, the corrected image (output image) obtained by the distortion correction processing can be outputted without overs and shorts for the image output range. The distortion is corrected by effectively using input (picked-up) image data, serving as the original data. Further, the distortion including the pincushion distortion, the barrel distortion, and the curvilinear distortion is effectively corrected.

Abstract: Image display optical systems are disclosed that extend the angle of view longitudinally and transversely while saving space. The image display optical system includes a prism-shaped substrate transparent to an image-carrying light flux to be projected to a viewing eye, an introduction unit that guides the image-carrying light flux to a propagation path through which the image-carrying light flux propagates in a direction in which the image-carrying light flux from the outside enables internal reflection at least at three surfaces including at least one side of the substrate, and an output unit that guides the image-carrying light flux propagating through the substrate from the substrate to the viewing eye. By internally reflecting the image-carrying light flux at all the sides, i.e.

Abstract: A light source apparatus emits light image information. A reflective layer is formed on a planarization film formed on a metal substrate. LED thin films are arranged in a matrix having columns extending in first directions and rows extending in second directions perpendicular to the first directions, the LED thin films being bonded to the reflective layer by means of intermolecular force. First wires are connected to first electrodes of the LED thin films. Second wires are connected to second electrodes of the LED thin films. A first driver circuit selectively electrically drives the LED thin films, arranged in the rows, via the plurality of first wires. A second driver circuit selectively electrically drives the LED thin films, arranged in the rows, via the plurality of second wires.

Abstract: An exit pupil extender with one input optical element and two exit optical elements disposed on different sides of the input optical element. The exit pupil extender also comprises two intermediate diffractive optical couplers, each disposed between the input optical element and one exit optical element. The couplers serve as exit pupil extending components. The grating lines of the couplers are at substantially a 60-degree angle from that of the optical elements in order to optimize the exit pupil extending efficiency. This invention further describes a general diffractive optics method that uses a plurality of diffractive elements on an optical substrate for expanding the exit pupil of a display of an electronic device for viewing. The system can support a broad range of rotations angles (e.g., 0<?<70°) and corresponding conical angles and remains geometrically accurate.

Abstract: A holographic substrate-guided wave-based see-through display can has a microdisplay, capable of emitting light in the form of an image. The microdisplay directs its output to a holographic lens, capable of accepting the light in the form of an image from the microdisplay, and capable of transmitting the accepted light in the form of an image. The holographic lens couples its output to an elongate transparent substrate, capable of accepting the light in the form of an image from the holographic lens at a first location, and transmitting the light in the form of an image along a length of the substrate by total internal reflection to a second location spaced from the first location, the elongate substrate being capable of transmitting the accepted light in the form of an image at the second location.

Abstract: A method for holographic storage data recovery in a holographic storage system is presented. One exemplary method includes detecting a stored image at a detector such that the image is oversampled. A relationship is determined between a location of the detected image and a location of the source image. Pixel information associated with the source image may be obtained from the detected image based on a fractional delay filter. In one example, the image may be oversampled by magnifying the detected image at the detector and/or having a detector with pixel sizes and spacing less than the image pixel size. Further, coefficients of the fractional delay filter may be determined, at least in part, on magnification and shift information of the image based on known registration marks.

Abstract: An image display apparatus for a viewer to view a two-dimensional image demonstrated on an image display device as an enlarged virtual image by a virtual-image optical system. The image display apparatus includes a prism and a reflective transmitting surface for reflecting or transmitting image light incident from an incident optical surface. The image display apparatus also includes a reflective optical component for reflecting image light reflected from the reflective transmitting surface and radiated from a first planar optical surface towards the reflective transmitting surface as a collimated light beam and a phase difference optical component arranged on a light path between the first planar optical surface and the reflective optical component to the state of polarization of the image light.

Abstract: An image display apparatus including a light source unit, a liquid crystal display panel, an illumination optical system leading light from the light source unit to the liquid crystal display panel, and a display optical system leading light from the liquid crystal display panel to an observer. The illumination optical system and the display optical system share an optical surface having dielectric multilayer films and being concave toward the liquid crystal display panel on a plane including a center ray corresponding to an angle of view. The optical surface reflects light from the light source unit for leading the light to the liquid crystal display panel while transmitting light reflected from the liquid crystal display panel. On the plane including the center ray, the brightness of the light-emitting surface of the light source unit is reduced toward the optical surface smaller than that in the remote from the optical surface.

Abstract: An image display system for use of a driver in a subject vehicle includes a look area detector for detecting a look area of the driver who watches a real leading vehicle on a transparent glass in a front of the driver and a control unit for controlling display of a transparent image on the transparent glass in the front of the driver for representing a virtual leading vehicle. When the look area detected by the look area detector overlaps at least a portion of the transparent image of the virtual leading vehicle displayed on the transparent glass, the control unit increases a degree of transparency of at least an overlapping portion of the transparent image of the virtual leading vehicle relative to a non-overlapping portion of the transparent image of the virtual leading vehicle.

Abstract: A head-up display apparatus includes a display unit outputting display light, a mirror for reflecting the display light toward an eye point, a mirror holder to be turned up/down for receiving and holding the mirror, a holder top cover extending toward the eye point when the mirror holder is turned up, and a holder rear cover so as to be placed at an opposite side of the eye point when the mirror holder is turned up. The holder rear cover has a surface shape to become in the same outline as that of the instrument panel when the holder rear cover covers totally an opening provided at the instrument panel in case that the mirror holder is turned down. The holder rear cover is continued to the holder top cover with an acute angle.

Abstract: A scanning image displaying apparatus capable of preferably adjusting a diopter is disclosed. The scanning image displaying apparatus includes a light source, a movable diffusing face, an imaging optical system for forming an image of the light source on the diffusing face, scanning means for two-dimensionally scanning the image of the light source formed by the imaging optical system on the diffusing face, an eyepiece optical system for guiding light from the diffusing face to an observer, and a mechanism for moving the light source and/or at least a portion of the imaging optical system in interlocking relationship with the movement of the diffusing face.

Abstract: Provided is an image display apparatus that has resistance to dust and water, that is compact and lightweight, and that has see-through characteristics. The image display apparatus is provided with a display device displaying an image, a prism guiding light of the image displayed by the display device to an optical pupil, and transmitting outside light such that an outside world can be viewed therethrough, and an enclosure housing and holding the display device and part of the prism. Here, a first sealing member is provided so as to make contact with a part around the prism where image light is not reflected and with the enclosure.

Abstract: A near eye image display system includes an image projector, a beam combiner assembly, and an optical assembly, optically coupled between the image projector and the beam combiner assembly The image projector projects a display image toward an optical pathway, the optical pathway intersecting a viewing axis, the viewing axis extending from the eye of a user to an ambient scene The beam combiner assembly includes a plurality of beam combiners optically cascaded along the optical pathway, each of the beam combiners being disposed diagonally to the optical pathway and diagonally to the viewing axis Each of the beam combiners is arranged such that for each two adjacent beam combiners, the first of the adjacent beam combiners is optically located between the second of the adjacent beam combiners and the image projector The geometrical projection of the second beam combiner onto a first plane perpendicular to the optical pathway, is subsumed within the geometrical projection of the first beam combiner onto the firs

Abstract: An image display device includes an image forming device, collimating optical system, and optical device, with the optical device including a light guide plate, first diffraction grating member and second diffraction grating member which are made up of a volume hologram diffraction grating, and with central light emitted from the pixel of the center of the image forming device and passed through the center of the collimating optical system being input to the light guide plate from the near side of the second diffraction grating member with a certain angle. Thus, the image display device capable of preventing occurrence of color irregularities, despite the simple configuration, can be provided.

Abstract: A head-up display device includes a housing; a display unit accommodated in the housing for emitting a projected image; a reflector for reflecting the projected image passing through an opening in the housing toward an eye range of a vehicle driver. The head-up display device further includes a movable member attached movably to the housing, and the display unit is fixed on the movable member. A position of the projected image is adjusted by only moving the movable member.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a deformable eyecup. A display shares an optical path with the eyecup. A monocular houses the display. A shutter shares the optical path with the eyecup and the display, wherein the shutter opens upon deformation of the eyecup. Optionally, the eyecup includes a rubber, neoprene, plastic, and/or pleated material. Optionally, the shutter is integral with the eyecup. Optionally, the shutter includes a mechanical iris, a liquid crystal shutter, a micro-mechanical micro-shutter array, and/or a shutter including a plurality of flaps that flex upon the deformation of the eyecup.

Abstract: A device for projecting an object in a space of a vehicle is described. This object is preferably projected holographically, and a voice input and output system is assigned to this object. An artificial passenger is thus created for a driver.

Abstract: In an image display apparatus, two light sources emit illumination light having different wavelengths, with which a liquid crystal display device is illuminated. By modulating the illumination light, the liquid crystal display device produces a first and a second image light having different wavelengths. Two holographic optical elements respectively reflect the first and second image lights and direct them to the user's eye so that virtual images of the images represented by the first and second image lights are formed at different positions. As the light source from which to obtain the illumination light is switched between the two, the dioptric power with which to present an image is changed.

Abstract: A volume-phase reflection hologram optical element is fabricated by exposing a hologram photosensitive material to two coherent light beams. One exposure light beam has an axis-asymmetric wavefront, and the other exposure light beam has focus points different in the optical axis direction (Z-direction) between on a plane (ZX-plane) including one of two directions (X- and Y-directions) mutually perpendicular on a sectional plane perpendicular to that light beam and on a plane (YZ-plane) including the other of those two directions. Thus, an image display apparatus is realized in which at the time of reproduction, the component of a predetermined wavelength of the image light diffraction-reflected by the hologram optical element is focused at positions different in the optical axis direction between on the ZX-plane and on the YZ-plane, offering different image viewing characteristics between in the X- and Y-directions.

Abstract: A heads-up display that includes a scanner and a projection assembly. The scanner generates an image by sweeping a beam of electromagnetic energy, and the projection assembly directs the image into a predetermined viewing space having a region with a substantially uniform intensity profile. Such a heads-up display can often be made smaller than a conventional heads-up display, and can often generate an image having a higher quality than an image generated by a conventional display. Furthermore, one can often calibrate and recalibrate such a display without physically modifying or replacing a component of the display or of a vehicle incorporating the display.

Abstract: A high precision, high performance optical system and beam pathway design for laser-based distance measuring, or range-finding, devices includes an etched, or etched and filled, aiming reticle in the image plane which does not require daytime use illumination, and only minimal auxiliary illumination during nighttime operation, thereby conserving available battery power. In a preferred embodiment, a low power consuming back-lit liquid crystal display provides high contrast distance or other operational information to a user superimposed upon a black-appearing field stop thereby further providing operational power savings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for an electronic device (100) to incorporate two housing members (104, 106) to expose a first portion (112) of a display or screen (110) when closed. When the two members (104, 106) are moved to open the housing (102) the display or screen (110) is moved to a position angularly displaced from its former position with respect to the housing (102). A second portion (114) of the screen (110), larger than the first portion (112), is exposed and used for displaying text, images or other graphics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool or production machine in which the tool/machine has a display unit (4, 5) for visually displaying operating sequences and/or parameters of the tool/machine, whereby the display unit (4, 5) is provided in the form of a projection display (4). Compared to prior art display units or control panels, the inventive display unit provides a user of a machine tool or production machine with an improved ability to view and input information.

Abstract: A display device for a vehicle includes a transparent window with a light emission layer intended to separate the interior of the vehicle for emitting visible light when light is beamed onto the light emission layer, a light source for beaming light onto the window, a reflector mounted in a light path between the light source and the window to reflect the light generated by the light source and an adjustable image generator located between the light source and the reflector.

Abstract: In a joined optical member, let the adhesion strength between a surface coating layer and an eyepiece prism be A1, the adhesion strength between the surface coating layer and a deflector prism be A2, the adhesion strength between the surface coating layer and adhesive be A3, and the adhesion strength between, at one end, the adhesive and, at the other, the eyepiece prism and the deflector prism be A4, then A1 (A2)>S3 and simultaneously A4>A3. This makes removal of superfluous adhesive on the surface coating layer easy, and prevents scratches on the exterior surfaces. Even after removal of superfluous adhesive, the surface coating layer remains on the exterior surfaces of the eyepiece prism and the deflector prism. This prevents scratches on the exterior surfaces in actual use, and prevents degradation of optical performance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a holographic optical element (8), a viewfinder display (5, 6, 7) of a camera (1) using thereof, and a camera (1). The purpose of the present invention is to show various superimposed displays for various information with securing a bright viewfinder image. In the holographic optical element according to the present invention, a liquid crystal (13) whose orientation is changeable and a liquid crystal (14) whose orientation is fixed are arranged alternately with a striped shape between the transparent members (12a) (12b) on which the transparent electrodes (11a) (11b) are formed facing with each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holographic information display for a motor vehicle for projecting a virtual display element. A data processing device provides a hologram for the virtual display element to be projected. A control device in each case emits an individual control signal for a plurality of segments of the hologram. A plurality of optical phase delay cells which can be individually adjusted by the control device and are arranged on a face illuminated by the light beam, delay the fraction of the light beam incident thereon in each case in the phase in response to the respective individual control signal.

Abstract: As a result of the light from a plurality of point light sources located at an identical position being refracted at a surface of a color correction prism at the time of exposure, the chromatic aberration occurring as a result of the light (for example, image light) directed via a refractive surface of the optical system used at the time of reconstruction to the viewer's pupil being refracted at this refractive surface is corrected for. Moreover, at least two of another set of a plurality of point light sources are arranged at such positions as to provide angles of incidence commensurate with the deviation between them of the ratio between exposure wavelength and use wavelength.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for displaying information in a vehicle. The device includes a unit for creating a real image containing information relevant to a driver, to be reflected in a reflective viewing surface located directly above the field of vision actively used by the driver to survey the traffic situation, and thereby generating a virtual image. The device further includes a second reflecting surface provided behind or beside the driver's head, with the driver in his or her normal position, at essentially the same level as the viewing surface or higher, an end section of an optical path between the unit and the viewing surface in use extending between said second reflecting surface and the viewing surface. By the optical path extending at least partly in the upper part of the driver's cab, a relatively long (several meters) optical path can be obtained without the need for complex mirror systems.

Abstract: A simple reflecting layered structure is disclosed that is attached to, or incorporated into, an automobile windshield that allows a head-up-display (HUD) to be viewed through anti-glare, p-polarized sunglasses without double imaging and without substantial net alteration of the polarization state of light. The invention relies on the negligible reflection of p-polarized light at material interfaces oriented at the typical angles within an automobile HUD system. The reflecting structure consists of two polarization manipulating films sandwiching a s-polarized reflector. A suitable reflector could constitute the natural reflection off interfaces between the two films and a single medium of substantially different refractive index. One embodiment utilizes two stretched polymer half wave retardation films separated with an air gap. The optic axes of the films are essentially crossed oriented at approximately 45° to both s- and p-polarization axes.

Abstract: A machine-tool production machine is disclosed, with a workspace that can be viewed by an operator through a window or transparent pane, whereby the window or transparent pane can be used with a projection unit as a head-up display for displaying information for the operator. The device provides the operator with a simple, cost-effective and clear representation of information about the manufacturing and production processes as well as other processes running on the machine.

Abstract: A personal monitoring system to be worn by an individual in a hazardous situation comprises an enclosed face mask which includes a transparent shield over at least the eves a sensor module secured to the individual which includes a plurality of sensors, a microprocessor and an RF transmission means operable to transmit data obtained by the sensors. The face mask includes a heads-up display comprising a housing containing an electroluminescent display panel, an optical lens, a microprocessor, and an RF receiver operable to receive data from the sensor module. The housing is configured to allow the mounting of the display panel and optical lens in a spaced-apart arrangement so that the display panel is viewed through the lens. The system of the invention also includes a central Incident Commander Module comprising an RF transceiver and a display panel which can receive and display sensor data from a plurality of head-worn devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image display device in which a virtual image of an image display element is formed to display an image. The image display device includes a transmission type diffraction optical element (50) for diffracting exit lights from the image display element (20) and a reflection type optical element (70) having a positive optical power for reflecting the diffracted lights from the transmission type diffraction optical element (50). When the reflected lights reflected by the reflection type optical element (70) are incident again on the transmission type diffraction optical element (50), the transmission type diffraction optical element (50) diffracts the reflected lights with a diffraction efficiency lower than a diffraction efficiency for the exit lights from the image display element (20).

Abstract: A system for multi-modal cockpit interface during surface operation of an aircraft comprises a head tracking device, a processing element, and a full-color head worn display. The processing element is configured to receive head position information from the head tracking device, to receive current location information of the aircraft, and to render a virtual airport scene corresponding to the head position information and the current aircraft location. The full-color head worn display is configured to receive the virtual airport scene from the processing element and to display the virtual airport scene. The current location information may be received from one of a global positioning system or an inertial navigation system.

Abstract: An observation optical system has an entrance surface, a reflecting surface, and an exit surface. At least one of these surfaces is configured as a free-formed surface, to which a volume holographic optical element (HOE) is closely adhered. The observation optical system satisfies the following conditions: ?0.20<?x/Px<0.30 ?0.20<?y/Py<0.20 where ?x is the power of only the HOE in an x direction at the point of intersection of an axial principal ray with the surface of the HOE, ?y is the power of only the HOE in a y direction (parallel to the direction of decentration) at the point of intersection of the axial principal ray with the surface of the HOE, Px is the power of the whole of the observation optical system in the x direction, and Py is the power of the whole of the observation optical system in the y direction.

Abstract: A display is provided having first and second direct view modes of operation. The display comprises a liquid crystal display panel and a backlight which is illuminated during the first mode so that the displayed image is visible throughout an extended viewing region in front of the device. The display also comprises a holographic element and a front light source, which is switched on for the second direct view mode. The holographic element redirects light from the front light source into part of the extended viewing region so that an image displayed by the device is visible in only a restricted portion of the viewing region.

Abstract: A first HOE and a second HOE are respectively arranged on two opposite faces of an optical waveguide member. The first HOE diffracts light incident from the outside on the optical waveguide member such that the light is then totally reflected inside the optical waveguide member and is thereby directed to the second HOE. The second HOE diffracts, according to the diffraction efficiency thereof, part of the light incident thereon after being guided inside the optical waveguide member such that this part of the light is then emitted to the outside substantially parallel to the light incident on the optical waveguide member, and the second HOE simultaneously totally reflects the rest of the light incident thereon. The second HOE repeats such emission and total reflection. The first and second HOEs each have interference fringes with n different pitches (where n is a natural number equal to or greater than two) to diffract light of n different wavelengths at substantially equal angles.

Abstract: Variation of the wavelength of the light emitted from a light source is reduced by a wavelength variation reduction mechanism. Hence, wavelength deviation of the intensity peak of the light emitted from the light source from the diffraction-efficiency peak of a hologram optical element is reduced. Thus, even when a high-brightness light source is used, the light emitted therefrom can be diffracted with the hologram optical element efficiently. Moreover, the heat generated by the light source is efficiently rejected through the surface of a land portion of a flexible printed circuit, is then, via an insulating layer of the flexible printed circuit, efficiently absorbed through the surface of a heat absorbing member, and is then, via a shield conductor, led out of a casing, so as to be thereby expelled.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable electronic video display. The display is configured to be worn on the arm or wrist of a user, or stored in a pocket or backpack. The display is raised to eye level and the user looks through an eyepiece to view the video display. Control buttons are located on the display for generating point and click type commands. The display is meant to be used remotely from a computer. The computer would be worn or carried by the person or simply be free standing, some distance away. The computer is configured to convert video signal into a serial data stream and then transmit that stream via an RF signal. The display then receives that signal and converts it back into a video signal, displaying it on a miniature electronic video display. That image is then magnified through various optics to present a final image to the user. The point and click commands are separately transmitted back to the computer, where they are received and acted upon.

Abstract: Various embodiments involving structures and methods for illumination can be employed, for example, in projectors, head-mounted displays, helmet-mounted displays, back projection TVs, flat panel displays as well as other optical systems. Certain embodiments may include prism elements for illuminating, for example, a spatial light modulator. Light may be coupled to the prism in some cases using fiber optics or lightpipes. The optical system may also include a diffuser having scatter features arranged to scatter light appropriately to produce a desired luminance profile. Other embodiments are possible as well.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the design of optimized far field viewing devices that simultaneously produce bright far field holographic light patterns and achieve good see-through performance to present a well focused scene. A far field transmission hologram recorded on a transparent substrate has regions having high diffraction efficiency juxtaposed with regions having low diffraction efficiency. The high diffraction efficiency regions contribute to production of bright far field holographic light patterns, whereas the low diffraction efficiency regions contribute to see-through performance.