Abstract: A projection-type three-dimensional image display apparatus includes a projector, a screen and an image former. The projector projects a plurality of element images containing parallax information to a two-dimensional plane. An image is formed on the screen, of a light transmittance that is electrically controlled by the projector. An image former forms a three-dimensional image having a vertical parallax and a horizontal parallax in a space in front of the screen from the projection image.

Abstract: A three-dimensional display system provides a projection screen having a predetermined angularly-responsive reflective surface function. Three-dimensional images are respectively modulated in coordination with the predetermined angularly-responsive reflective surface function to define a programmable mirror with a programmable deflection angle.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention involve novel three-dimensional display systems. Multi-view-window-based display systems are used to generate floating three-dimensional displays. In embodiments, an optical focusing element is positioned at a distance that is greater than or equal to the focal length of the optical focusing element from the viewing windows to form projected viewing windows through which a user can see a floating 3D image. In alternative embodiments, an optical focusing element is positioned at a distance that is less than the focal length of the optical focusing element from the viewing windows to form a rear-projection-like three-dimensional display system. In embodiments, a retro-reflective light diffusion screen is used in the multi-view-window-based display systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying three-dimensional (3D) images are described. In particular, the systems can include a display block made from a transparent material with optical elements three-dimensional disposed therein. Each optical element becomes luminous when illuminated by a light ray. The systems can also include a computing device configured to generate two-dimensional (2D) images formatted to create 3D images when projected on the display block, by a video projector coupled to the computing device. The video projector is configured to project the 2D images on the block to create the 3D images by causing a set of the passive optical elements to become luminous. Various other systems and methods are described for displaying 3D images.

Abstract: A multi-view autostereoscopic projection system using a single projection lens unit. The projection type autostereoscopic system includes: a source of graphic signals representing at least three perspective views of a 3-D object on at least three parts of a frame, the at least three perspective views being directly or reflectively projected vertically or horizontally in a predetermined order, an image projector connected to the source of graphic signals, an image screen disposed across from the image projector, and first and second parallel plane mirrors installed between a projection lens of the image projector and the image screen to be substantially parallel to a projection axis at the same distance from the projection axis such that the first and second parallel plane mirrors are separated from each other by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A three dimensional display apparatus includes a three dimensional shape reconstruction apparatus, a reflecting device, a controller and a projecting device. The three dimensional shape reconstruction apparatus reconstructs a target three dimensional shape. The reflecting device reflects projection light from above the three dimensional shape reconstruction apparatus, to side faces of the three dimensional shape reconstruction apparatus. The controller controls the three dimensional shape reconstruction apparatus based on three dimensional shape information. The projecting device projects a surface image of the top face of the target three dimensional shape onto the top face of the three dimensional shape reconstruction apparatus. The projecting device projects surface images of the side faces of the target three dimensional shape onto the side faces of the three dimensional shape reconstruction apparatus through the reflecting devices.

Abstract: A stereoscopic projection system is capable of minimizing a distance between viewing zones without reducing a distance between image projectors. In the stereoscopic projection system, a projector array having a plurality of image projectors are arranged substantially along an arrangement direction perpendicular to a connecting line between a left eye and a right eye of a viewer, and a directional screen has a first characteristic axis aligned at an angle with respect to the arrangement direction of the projector array, and a second characteristic axis perpendicular to the first characteristic axis. Therefore, the directional screen causes a plurality of images projected from the projector array to be relatively widened along the first characteristic axis and relatively narrowed along the second characteristic axis.

Abstract: A projection-type 3-D image display includes a light source, a single display element, an image shift member, a projection lens unit, and a screen unit. The display element produces an image using light emitted from the light source. The image shift member time-sequentially shifts the image. The projection lens unit enlarges and projects the time sequentially shifted image. The screen unit includes an image separation unit. The image separation unit separates the time sequentially shifted image into images for a left eye and images for a right eye. The projection-type 3-D image display can realize a 3-D image using a single projector by having the image shift member to sequentially shift the images produced by the display element.

Abstract: This invention provides a stereoscopic-vision image processing apparatus, a stereoscopic-vision image providing method, and an image display method that are capable of managing specification of display unit on which a stereoscopic-vision image is desired to be displayed as accessory information (assumed display information). The assumed display information includes a type and a display size of the display unit on which a stereoscopic-vision image is desired to be displayed. This allows an appropriate stereoscopic-vision image to be obtained by specifying a type or a display size of the display unit that is desired to be displayed with them being combined with the stereoscopic-vision image and scaling the stereoscopic-vision image up or down, in display of a stereoscopic image, in accordance with the type or the display size of the display unit.

Abstract: An aerial display system comprising inexpensive optical elements and a highly brightened LCD display or similar video image display types provides floating images in an expensive enclosure. In the aerial display system, either an anti-reflective acrylic plastic layer or a circular polarizer is disposed proximate and parallel to a beam splitter so that the focal point of the floating image is proximate to the plastic layer or polarizer. This image position yields both a wider filed of view and wider perceived field of view. The aerial projection system includes a plastic spherical mirror of low cost, which includes a plastic part of at least the following descriptions: mirror surface supported by wall structures of sufficient sphericity, of a plastic material formulation, having excellent optical grade finish, a reflective metal coating, and a protective overcoat.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image display device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device uses a curved transmissive screen and reflectors to minimize the space associated with the device when increasing the size of the three-dimensional image. By placing a physically driven background screen over the projected image and screen, excessively diffused reflection of the Fresnel lenses is eliminated. High-resolution real-time video images are provided as three-dimensional images by realizing three-dimensional images with enhanced perspective as if they are floating in space. According to one embodiment of the invention, a distortion of the three-dimensional image is minimized.

Abstract: An information processing method and apparatus enables one or more further users to share a mixed reality space image including a virtual object superimposed in a space where a first user exists. A first stereo image is acquired based on a stereo video captured by a first stereo capturing section mounted on the first user and a virtual object image created based on the position and orientation of the first stereo capturing section. A second stereo image is acquired based on a stereo video captured by a second stereo capturing section provided in the space where the first user exists and a virtual object image created based on the position and orientation of the second stereo capturing section. An image is selected from the first stereo image and the second stereo image according to an instruction of the further user. The selected image is presented to the further user.

Abstract: The invention relates to stereo projection systems for displaying stereopaired images on mirror-spherical or parabolic screens and for collectively watching a stereo effect without using stereo spectacles. Said invention makes it possible to continuously dynamically superimpose the projections of the left and right picture frames of a steropair with the user's left and right eyes, respectively. Such impositions are carried out simultaneously and independently for each viewer.

Abstract: A display apparatus is provided which can display different text/image information depending on the viewing angle and the viewer, display a high reality three-dimensional image viewable from any direction and realize stereoscopic viewing without glasses or the like. The display apparatus includes a display unit having a view angle-limiting filter on its surface, a rotary mechanism to rotate the display unit and a control unit which implements control so that when the display unit, rotated by the rotary mechanism, is faced to each of plural directions, the display unit displays a different text/image content associated with the direction.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sub-pixel rendering method includes receiving 3D image data associated with pixel intensity values of N two-dimensional images having multiple sets of corresponding pixels. Each set of corresponding pixels includes N pixels (one pixel from each of N images) and each pixel has a green sub-pixel, a red sub-pixel and a blue sub-pixel. The method further includes mapping, for each selected set, N green sub-pixels, N red sub-pixels and N blue sub-pixels to M sub-pixels on a display to form a stereogram of the scene. The above mapping includes mapping N green sub-pixels from N images to N green sub-pixels on the display, mapping N red sub-pixels from N images to L red sub-pixels on the display, and mapping N blue sub-pixels from N images to K blue sub-pixels on the display, where L does not exceed N and K is lower than N.

Abstract: A projection system includes an image projection apparatus window and a transparent holographic screen deflecting light from the image projection apparatus into discrete, mutually spaced directions so that an area which is free from images is formed between identical images. Projected, mutually spaced holographic frames of the image is visualized by the holographic screen that includes a film layer which is partially illuminated multiple times at different pick-up angles to the same object of an image, so that the film layer has hologram images of the same object at mutually different pick-up angles. The transparent screen may include many holographic film layers, in which each film layer is illuminated once at different pick-up angles to the same object, so that each film layer has one hologram image of the object at a different pick-up angle.

Abstract: A system (and its methods of use) for collecting and displaying images so as to create a visual effect and, more particularly but not by way of limitation, a three-dimensional visual effect.

Abstract: There is provided an optical device including a light-transmitting substrate having at least two major surfaces and edges, optical means for coupling light into the substrate by total internal reflection and at least one partially reflecting surface located in the substrate.

Abstract: The three-dimensional system discloses screens (12, 16) that produce magnified three-dimensional images (6) that can be projected before large audiences who can view said images without special glasses or viewing aids. The screens disclosed therein are active optical systems which, together with the projection optics, serve to reconstruct and present to the audience the same light waves as though the three-dimensional scene actually exists. The present invention discloses improved screens for this system as well as methods of manufacturing said improved screens.

Abstract: Three dimensional (3D) image projection is described. In one aspect, each projector of multiple projectors generate a respective composite of an image. With respect to any particular projector, the projector's corresponding composite image encapsulates multiple vertical slices of the image. Each vertical slice in the composite image represents a particular portion of the image for projection by the projector onto a specific area of multiple areas on a screen. The size of the specific area is a function of a width of a viewpoint of multiple viewpoints, wherein the viewpoint is linearly positioned with the specific area on the screen and the projector.

Abstract: A 3-D display may comprise a rotating optical diffuser for displaying 3-D parallax images in specific substantially unidirectional viewing zones as the rotating optical diffuser rotates; and a projector for projecting images through the rotating optical diffuser.

Abstract: A projection-type 3-D image display device includes a single display element, a polarization conversion switch, a first image shifter, a second image shifter, a projection lens unit, a mirrored light tunnel, and a screen unit. The screen unit includes an image separation unit. The single display element emits light polarized in a first polarization direction according to an input image. The polarization conversion switch time-sequentially converts the first polarization direction of the light emitted by the display element into a second polarization direction. The first image shifter transmits the light having the first polarization direction to form a first image and refracts the light having the second polarization direction to form a second image. The second image shifter faces the first image shifter and is arranged apart from the first image shifter by a predetermined interval. The projection lens unit enlarges and projects the first and second images.

Abstract: A stereoscopic display device is provided. The stereoscopic display device includes an optical waveguide member and a first main surface and a second main surface. The first and second main surfaces face each other. A first light path changing member is provided on at least one of the first and second main surfaces, and is operative to change the path of light guided by the optical waveguide member. A second light path changing member is provided on at least one of the first and second main surfaces, and is operative to change the path of the light guided by the optical waveguide member. A reflector body is disposed so as to face the second main surface and reflects the light emitted from the second light path changing member to the first main surface.

Abstract: An autostereoscopic viewer is employed to produce aberration corrected images to simulate a virtual presence by employing pairs of projector optical components coupled with an image corrector plate and a field lens. Images are designed with magnifications and optical qualities and positioned at predetermined eyezones having controlled directional properties. The viewer's eyes are positioned in these eyezones. The size of these zones is related to the aperture of the projection lenses, the magnification produced by the Fresnel(s), and the optical properties and position of the image corrector plate.

Abstract: A virtual image display apparatus comprises a pair of optical projection systems, each having a display device, a light source and a projection lens. The images formed on the display device are projected to an image location optical system, which comprises a light collecting lens and an optical diffusion device. The light rays from the optical projection systems are reflected at a translucent reflecting means, so that the light rays are respectively collected at right and left eyes of an observing person. As a result, the images can be recognized by the person as a virtual image in the distance. Since the optical diffusion device diffuses the light rays, in such a way that the light rays to one of observing eyes may not reach the other observing eye, so that the image information of the respective light rays can be recognized by the observing person, without causing a cross-talk.

Abstract: A display device for selectively displaying any one of 2D and 3D images with a capacity of displaying the 3D image with the same resolution as that of the 2D image. The display device includes a light source radiating white colored light, and an image display unit receiving the light from the light source to display the desired images. A beam splitter is placed between the light source and the image display unit to split the light radiated from the light source in the directions of left and right eyes of the user, and feed the split light rays to the image display unit. An optical shutter is provided at any one of front and rear surfaces of the beam splitter. The optical shutter has a plurality of shutter members with variable light transmittance to control the light transmission such that at least one of the two-directional light rays split at the beam splitter reaches the user.

Abstract: A 3-D observation apparatus and 3-D observation system, as well as another observation apparatus, are provided such that it is possible to make observations while substantially in the same posture, without glasses, of either a plurality of 3-D images, or of a 2-D image and a 3-D image. Bright images are provided, there is great freedom in the position at which observations can be made, no distortion of the images is created even if the observer changes his position, and observations can be made with a comfortable observation posture.

Abstract: A display apparatus comprises a screen which can rotate and provides a part for controlling view angle, a mirror group which comprises a plurality of mirrors arrayed in a ring form along a surface of a circular cone which sets a central axis as an axis of rotation of the screen, and a plurality of electronic projectors arranged at positions where oppose to mirror faces of the mirrors comprising the mirror group and project different image divisions representing different sides of an object to the different mirror faces, wherein each of the electronic projectors is arranged so as to project the image division to the mirror group, and each of the mirrors is arranged on optical path of optical system which the image division projected from the electronic projector is reflected on the mirror face and is projected to the screen.

Abstract: An image display device includes a display portion, an image transmission panel, a stereo frame and a video signal supply portion. The display portion has an image display surface for displaying an image inclusive of a stereo image. The image transmission panel is disposed in a space on a side opposite to the display portion so as to be separated from and parallel to the image display surface. The image transmission panel forms the image displayed on the image display surface. The stereo frame is disposed on a part of an image-forming plane where the image is formed. The video signal supply portion supplies a video signal to the display portion so that the stereo image formed on the image-forming plane moves between an inside space of the stereo frame and an outside space of the stereo frame.

Abstract: A visual image system is constructed as including: a three-dimensional visual image reproducer for transmitting a three-dimensional video signal; a parallax quantity detecting section for detecting a parallax quantity in the three-dimensional video signal from the three-dimensional visual image reproducer; a fatigue measure estimating section for estimating the degree of fatigue based on the detected parallax quantity and outputting an image switching signal correspondingly to a fatigue measure estimating quantity; a 3D/2D image switching section for providing an output by switching between three-dimensional and two-dimensional images based on the image switching signal; and an image display section for displaying a three-dimensional image or a two-dimensional image. The visual image system thereby fulfills the capability of suitably controlling the degree of three-dimensionality of stereoscopic images by inferring from the inputted video signal the degree of effects likely to be produced on the observer.

Abstract: An apparatus for showing images. The apparatus includes a screen. The apparatus includes a mechanism for displaying a distinct and separate image for each of a number of different observers simultaneously on the screen. A method for showing images.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to a system (and its methods of use) for collecting and displaying images so as to create a visual effect and, more particularly but not by way of limitation, a three-dimensional visual effect.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus to enhance viewable video content from a luminous display generator to provide a depth of field and substantially a three-dimensional effect on viewable video content of a two-dimensional format. The apparatus may be packaged in a consumer format similar to a modern television unit with a cathode ray tube, and in other technical formats, such as, a plasma display, liquid crystal display, or other flat-panel displays. The optics of the apparatus includes a Fresnel lens applied directly in front of the luminous display generator at a lens application distance calculated from the physical dimensions and (optionally) the radius of curvature of the display surface of the luminous display generator.

Abstract: A stereoscopic image display apparatus capable of presenting a stereoscopic image of a desired planer image includes an input operating unit for designating an image of a desired portion of the planer image, and a stereoscopic display control unit for displaying, on a stereoscopic display screen, stereo-pair images corresponding to the image of the designated portion by the input operating unit. The stereo-pair images are prepared in advance corresponding to the image of the designated portion. Alternatively, the stereo-pair images may be automatically generated for the partial image.

Abstract: A screen for a projection display system. The screen has a Fresnel lens for converting incoming light into parallel light and a Lenticular lens disposed on a surface of the Fresnel lens to change a path of the parallel light from the Fresnel lens, providing a three-dimensional image to a user. The Lenticular lens includes plural pixel lenses corresponding to pixels of the screen. Each of the pixel lenses has a central diffusing portion formed on a light-outgoing portion and a peripheral diffusing portion formed on a peripheral portion of the central diffusing portion.

Abstract: The present invention employs a beam dividing prism corresponding to a size of a single pixel on a screen in order to create a plurality of viewing zones for multi-viewer, in which a prism panel having an 1-dimensional or 2-dimensional arrangement of a prism cell for dispersing beam in various directions is coupled to the 3-dimensional image projection screen in order to increase the number of the viewing zones, and in which the number and position of the available viewing zones are determined by the number and a relative position of disperse surfaces in the prism cell. By using the present invention, the desired number of the viewing zones can be created by selectively adopting the prism cells, so realizing the 3-dimensional image display system for multi-viewer.

Abstract: An enlarged computer graphic image of borehole data is displayed on a concave three-dimensional surface, preferably a semi-cylindrical shape. Thus providing an enlarged image of a borehole surface where the data is spatially correct in three-dimensions, and which increases the ease with which interpreters can locate geological features such as surfaces, faults, and fractures.

Abstract: A method for reproducing an integral, panoramogramic or full spatial image for viewing using a decoding screen as a 3-D picture comprising representing the image as an array of image points with a density corresponding to high resolution ink printing.

Abstract: A visual image system is constructed as including: a three-dimensional visual image reproducer for transmitting a three-dimensional video signal; a parallax quantity detecting section for detecting a parallax quantity in the three-dimensional video signal from the three-dimensional visual image reproducer; a fatigue measure estimating section for estimating the degree of fatigue based on the detected parallax quantity and outputting an image switching signal correspondingly to a fatigue measure estimating quantity; a 3D/2D image switching section for providing an output by switching between three-dimensional and two-dimensional images based on the image switching signal; and an image display section for displaying a three-dimensional image or a two-dimensional image. The visual image system thereby fulfills the capability of suitably controlling the degree of three-dimensionality of stereoscopic images by inferring from the inputted video signal the degree of effects likely to be produced on the observer.

Abstract: A self-illuminating video screen system employing a concave display surface which provides for enhanced depth cueing. A method of designing a variety of shapes of self-illuminating video screen display surfaces by varying certain parameters of a common master equation. Self-illuminating video screen systems having display surface shapes providing optimum viewing for specific applications.

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 system for localizing objects has two or more measurement units. Calibration methods provide transformations to a common reference frame by locating calibration features in local reference frames of the measurement units. A calibration target spanning measurement fields of the measurement units may be used. The measurement units may have overlapping measurement fields. The measurement units may comprise stereo vision units or other units capable of locating objects or object features.

Abstract: A hologram screen 1 for displaying an image by diffracting and scattering image light 31 projected from an image projection apparatus 2. An upward/downward light scattering device 13 for scattering light incident from at least one upward/downward specific angle range spreading obliquely upward or obliquely downward is placed on the image projection apparatus side of a hologram device 12 in the hologram screen 1, and a leftward/rightward light scattering device 14 for scattering light incident from a leftward/rightward specific angle range spreading obliquely leftward and obliquely rightward is placed between the hologram device 12 and the upward/downward light scattering device 13 or on the image projection apparatus side of the upward/downward light scattering device 13.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for generating consistent parameterizations for a set of meshes each of which includes data points representative of a corresponding surface. The consistent parameterizations preferably share the same base domain, and are generated using a net tracing algorithm. The net tracing algorithm involves determining for each of the meshes a net of paths having a connectivity substantially the same as that of the base domain. In an illustrative embodiment, the net tracing algorithm as applied to a given one of the meshes includes determining, for each edge in the base domain, a tentative path for use in the net of paths corresponding to the mesh. The tentative paths are then prioritized based on length, and selected ones of the tentative paths are used to construct a spanning tree of the base domain.

Abstract: A virtual assembly design environment that simulates axial and planar constrained motion for multiple parts in any combination and application order. Dynamic simulation methods are used to simulate object behavior in the design environment using physical laws and collision detection algorithms. The physical properties, e.g., mass properties, of parts in an assembly are created in a separate CAD system. In one embodiment, physical property information is transferred from the CAD system to the virtual reality environment where it is used in dynamic simulations. The parts behave realistically in a user's hand, constrained on the base part, or moving freely in space. A swept volume can be generated directly in the CAD system. Real-time bi-directional data transfer between a VR environment and the CAD system is also provided. As a result, the user can perform parametric design modifications in the virtual environment by the use of a CAD system.

Abstract: An enlarged computer graphic image of seismic data is displayed on a concave three-dimensional surface having a shape corresponding to the shape of selected data extracted from a three-dimensional seismic volume. Thus providing an enlarged image of a seismic surface where the data is spatially correct in three-dimensions, and which increases the ease with which interpreters can locate geological features such as horizons, faults, and channels. An auxiliary paddle screen is provided to display an interactive video image for exploring the volume within the hybrid screen.

Abstract: A display system has a directional reflection screen with a triangularly-shaped mirror sheet as horizontal focusing for observers and stereoscopic image projecting means. The directional reflection screen has a triangularly-shaped mirror sheet with included angles at least some of which are non-right angles. This enables a plurality of observers to simultaneously obtain a stereoscopic view using a binocular parallax without wearing special glasses and without having to position themselves in a very limited number of positions relative to the screen. Vertical diffusion can also be provided by using a lens sheet. The screen can be made concave in the horizontal or vertical directions, or both.

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: Light from a light source 23 is processed on the image display element 30 by an image signal outputted from an image control section 19 to be projected on the screen of a predetermined curved surface shape. When the light from the light source is processed by the image signal, the image control section 19 processes an aberration shape of a projected image so as to coincide with the shape of a projection curved surface of the screen. Thus, a desired image can be clearly projected on the screen having the curved surface shape.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating tool paths for cutting a physical part. The present invention includes storing geometric data indicative of the geometric configuration of the part. A plurality of planes are used to slice the geometric data. Micro features of the part are recognized based upon the sliced geometric data. Macro features of the part are determined based upon groupings of the recognized micro features. Tool path data is generated based upon the determined macro features of the part. Thereupon, the tool path data is used for cutting the physical part.