Abstract: An autostereoscopic display of the invention includes: an illumination source for producing light of a first polarization and light of a second polarization different from the first polarization; a spatial light modulator for modulating the light of the first polarization and the light of the second polarization from the illumination source; and an optical system for directing the light of the first polarization to a first viewing region and the light of the second polarization to a second viewing region, wherein the spatial light modulator includes: a first polarization adjusting member for transmitting the light of the first polarization and substantially preventing transmission of the light of the second polarization; a second polarization adjusting member for transmitting the light of the second polarization and substantially preventing transmission of the light of the first polarization; and first and second groups of picture elements optically aligned with the first and second polarization adjusting mem

Abstract: For providing a compact, light, and cheap image pickup apparatus capable of attaining both a stereoscopic image and a high-definition plane image by itself, a changeover optical unit is provided with both a function to attain a stereoscopic image by guiding beams captured through objective lenses to respective CCDs and a function to attain a plane image by splitting the beam captured through the objective lens into two beams and guiding the two beams to the CCDs whereby the stereoscopic image and the high-definition plane image can be attained by proper changeover between these functions.

Abstract: Stereoscopic effects can be created by binocular parallax. Known stereoscopic display systems show pseudoscopic effects in outer areas of the image viewing position and the viewing position is fixed. To avoid such pseudoscopic effects and/or to change the viewing position stereoscopic displays using parallax barriers with variable pitch length, moving barriers parallel to the display plane, and a polarizing device forming polarized light together with polarizing prisms are provided.

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 device for reproducing a stereoscopic image viewable within an increased observation area, the device including an image display device which displays a plurality of images of an object pixel by pixel from various perspectives, a polarization arrangement for producing a first polarized image associated with a right eye and a second polarized image associated with a left eye of an observer, a lens network spaced directly after the polarization arrangement which directs beams associated with each of the left and right polarized images to the respective left and right eye for representing the object pixel by pixel for observing the stereoscopic image, wherein the lens network and polarization arrangement are arranged such that the stereoscopic image can be perceived in a first region of the observation area without polarized spectacles, and in a second region outside the first region of the observation area, by means of polarized spectacles over the left and right eyes.

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: A stereoscopic image display method using a display, a phase shift member and a polarization optical element, two different types of vertically elongated stripe-shaped polarization plates having orthogonal optical axes, includes the steps of displaying, on the display, a single stripe image which is synthesized in such a manner that right and left parallax images from a parallax image source are divided into stripe pixels, and the stripe pixels of the right and left parallax images are arranged in a predetermined order, and controlling a direction of polarization of light transmitted through the phase shift member by controlling the electrical signal to be applied to the phase shift member in synchronism with the display operation of the stripe image.

Abstract: An improved stereoscopic image displaying system is disclosed. A pair of adjacent image displaying means generate a stereoscopic pair of images. A semitransparent mirror and two polarizing filters merge the two images in the same virtual space and impart distinctive polarization to light rays carrying the two images displayed. A louver type filter suppresses the residual view generated by one of the displaying means. The louvers will allow only the image reflected on said semitransparent mirror to pass. A second louver type filter compensates the attenuation that the first louver type filter has introduced, in such a way that the two combined images are of adequately similar intensity. A user wearing polarizing spectacles can see a clear stereoscopic image from a variety of angles.

Abstract: In synchronism with a vertical synchronizing signal of a display for temporarily alternatively displaying a right eye picture and a left eye picture cooperative with each other to provide binocular parallax information, a shifter is controlled to shift a first parallax barrier by half a pitch of stripe regions thereof to effect a switching between a state in which every other stripe region is transparent and the remaining stripe regions are all shading and a reversed state thereof so that the right eye picture and the left eye picture are independently observable by a right eye and a left eye of an observer, respectively, through the first parallax barrier and a second parallax barrier composed of a plurality of stripe regions of which every other one is transparent while the remaining ones are all shading.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method of viewing pairs of perspective images of 3-D objects (i.e. stereoscopic image pairs) displayed from a CRT display surface in a time-multiplexed or field-sequential manner, and more particularly to a universal method of generating control signals for synchronously changing the optical state of liquid crystal (LC) shutter panels through which the time-multiplexed perspective images can be sequentially viewed in a substantially flicker-free manner by the left and right eyes of a human viewer, independent of whether the images are displayed on NTSC, PAL, VGA or SVGA styled CRT display devices.

Abstract: Systems for three-dimensional viewing aimed at full-color flat-screen binocular stereoscopic viewing without the use of eyeglasses for the viewer. According to the invention, light emanating from a display presenting a left image and a right image is directed only to the appropriate left or right eyes of at least one viewer using various combinations of light polarizing layers and layers of light rotating means.

Abstract: The transmission type liquid crystal display device of this invention includes a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween. One of the substrates includes: scanning lines and signal lines crossing each other; switching elements formed at crossings of the scanning lines and the signal lines; an insulating film of a light-transmitting organic material which cover the scanning lines and the signal lines and the switching elements; and pixel electrodes formed on the insulating film. The insulating layer has at least a polarizing property. The other substrate also includes a layer having at least the polarizing property. At least one of the layers having the polarizing property formed on the substrates is arranged inside of the liquid crystal display device.

Abstract: A reconfigurable backlighting construction for use in portable computer-based systems having direct and projection viewing modes of operation. In the illustrative embodiments of the present invention, the backlighting construction is integrated with a LCD display panel, a micropolarization panel, and a touch-screen writing panel to provide several different types of portable computer-based systems including, for example, a portable notebook computer, a computer-driven image display device, and a portable pen-computing device. In general, each of these computer-based systems are capable of selectively displaying color video images on an actively driven display surface, or projecting such video images onto a wall surface or projection screen without the need for a bulky overhead projector, required by all prior art systems. These computer-based systems can be easily reconfigured for projection viewing without physical removal of the light guiding panel and its light diffusing structures.

Abstract: An autostereoscopic display has first and second spatial light modulators. Images from the spatial light modulators are combined by a beam combiner before being presented to a viewing region. The relative positions of the first and second spatial light modulators are controlled such that pixels of the second spatial light modulator are interspersed with pixels of the first spatial light modulator. Such an arrangement allows an effective doubling of resolution when the spatial light modulators are operated so as to produce a two dimensional image instead of a three dimensional images.

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: Methods for presenting stereoscopic hardcopy and ethereal displays, using chiral liquid crystal materials are presented. The methods include displays of polarization encoded mixed images, which allow low repetition rate stereoscopic displays, compatible with current broadcast and motion picture standards.

Abstract: Methods of recording and analyzing stereoscopic displays using chiral liquid crystal materials are presented. The methods include cameras that encode stereoscopic pictures in both the film and video formats.

Abstract: A reflection mirror of a projection display unit which displays a stereoscopic image through a light polarization glasses, reflects a linearly polarized light emitted from a projection source through a polarizing plate toward a screen. The reflection mirror includes: a glass substrate; a metal film provided on the glass substrate; a first dielectric film provided on the metal film; and a second dielectric film provided on the first dielectric film, wherein each of the first and second dielectric films includes a predetermined thickness and a predetermined refractive index so that a phase difference between a p-polarized light of a reflected light and a s-polarized light of the reflected light is within a range from -45 degree to 45 degree in case of an incident angle of the linearly polarized light being varied from 0 degree to 45 degree.

Abstract: Light filtering materials, preferably vertical strips of polarizing material, are disposed proximate to a suitably framed two-dimensional image to induce a sense of depth perception. In one embodiment, the image includes a frame disposed around its perimeter, and vertical strips of a polarizing material having a first axis of polarization are placed along the rightmost edge of the image and the leftmost outer edge of the frame, and vertical strips of a polarizing material having a second axis of polarization are disposed along the left edge of the image and along the right outermost edge of the frame.

Abstract: A polarel panel includes a sheet polarizer in intimate juxtaposition with a layer made up of regions of isotropic material interspersed with regions of liquid crystal material. In one embodiment, optical activity of the liquid crystal material rotates the electric vector of incoming linearly polarized light through 90.degree. in selected areas. In another embodiment, birefringence causes rotation of the electric vector of incoming linearly polarized light through 90.degree. in selected areas.

Abstract: An image display system comprises polarization spectacles having different polarization axes with or without .lambda./4-foils of both polarization lenses forward of the eyes of the person to be tested. The system of the invention further includes an image display device for generating light with a specific direction of polarization or a specific rotational direction of the circularly polarized light. The image display device comprises essentially at least one vectograph film and at least one image screen. This arrangement can so influence the light coming from the image screen that test figures or parts thereof can be seen by only one eye or by both eyes. If the image display system is to be used as a vision testing system and the test figures are to be changed, then there is a corresponding command of a drive circuit via a memory. The drive circuit drives the image screen in a suitable manner. A color display can be provided by making an appropriate modification to the image display device.

Abstract: An autostereoscopic image system involving a composite picture, a second filter containing horizontal alternately polarized and/or colored bands and a first filter containing vertical alternately polarized and/or colored bands. The first filter may be covered by a lenticular screen through which the image is perceived. The invention can bring about an improvement in the image depth and range of viewing angle of 3-D lenticular pictures.

Abstract: A method and device for displaying, on a single display surface, two different images. Each picture element on the display surface transmits information about the two displayed images. The viewer wears polarizing spectacles having cross polarized lens. The device uses polarizing filters and LCDs to rotate the polarized light and bring this polarized light in a predetermined angle so as to present an independent intensity to each eye of the viewer.

Abstract: The transfer of dichroic inks into stretched and oriented substrates to form stereoscopic polarizing images and the like can be improved by the use of coatings which enhance imbibition of the ink into the substrate. The coatings serve to hold the ink in situ for a sufficient period of time to permit absorption of the dye and transfer of rich colors while minimizing the problems of smearing and/or runoff of unabsorbed ink. The present invention is particularly use will in the adaptation of ink jet printing techniques to the formation of stereoscopic polarizing images.

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: An optical convergence apparatus (10, 310) having a projection screen (12) with a plurality of display areas (14) for displaying a like plurality of images (16). The images (16) are viewed by a plurality of lens assemblies (18) placed between the projection screen (12) and the user's eye (20). Prisms (322) are optionally provided between the lens assemblies (18) and the user's eye (20) for directing the images (16) to the user's eye (20). A stereoscopic pair (424) of the optical convergence apparatus (10, 310) is provided to enable stereoscopic reference cues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a projection type liquid crystal display. In a preferred aspect, the projection type liquid crystal display of the invention includes an optical source for generating light, a light dividing unit which divides the light into a first light having a first polarization direction and a second polarization direction and allows the first and second lights to come out in different directions from each other, a pair of reflective liquid crystal display elements formed of a first reflective liquid crystal display element and a second reflective liquid crystal display element with synchronization, a light synthesizing unit for receiving the first light which comes out of the first reflective liquid crystal display element and the second light which comes out of the second reflective liquid crystal display element and synthesizing the first and second lights into image light, and a screen.

Abstract: A method for detecting objects while eliminating unwanted background utilizes polarizing contrasts. A lens systems focuses light from the field of view through a beam splitter. One beam passes to a digitizer through a polarizer which polarizes the beam at one angle. The other beam is reflected to another polarizer, which is located at a 90.degree. angle relative to the first polarizer. The pixels from the polarized images are digitized. A processor compares the corresponding pixels, subtracting one from the other to find a polarizing contrast. A range that can be varied will display only those pixels which have polarizing contrasts within the selected range. The selection of the range will either include or eliminate the background while displaying man-made targets.

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 film projection system including one or more electro-optical light modulators used as part of, or in conjunction with, stereoscopic projection optics for the above-and-below film format employed for 35 mm theatrical cinema. The optical state of each modulator is voltage dependent, and the driving voltage therefor is generated in response to signals from a sensor positioned in the projector aperture. The sensor detects the presence or absence of index marks on the film. This arrangement insures that each subframe is maintained in a proper relationship with the optics' polarizers for preventing the projection of pseudostereoscopic motion pictures.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a three-dimensional image including two unmultiplexed images in stereoscopic relationship with each other. One of the images is of a material reflective of a given wavelength of left-handed (or right-handed) circularly polarized light, while the other of the images is of a material reflective of the given wavelength of right-handed (or left-handed) circularly polarized light. The materials include cholesteric liquid crystals.

Abstract: A full color stereoscopic hard copy is printed using a first group of color inks that reflect one handedness of circularly polarized light and a second group of color inks that reflect the opposite handedness of circularly polarized light. One image of a stereo pair is printed using the first group of inks and the other of the stereo pair is printed using the second group of inks.

Abstract: A method and system for creating a three dimensional viewing illusion in true color uses left and right images of a stereo pair which are designed to be viewed respectively by the left and right eyes of a viewer as a single three dimensional image. In synchrony therewith, light from a light source device is alternately shown to the right and left eyes of the viewer so that while the eyes do view both of the left and right stereo images, the contrast of the eye receiving both the light and the stereo image designed for the other eye is reduced. In the various embodiments, the light source device includes a left and a right light source. In one embodiment the light sources are collimated and suitably aimed at the respective eyes. Preferably, the position of the eyes are also tracked and the aiming of the sources is adjusted as the viewer moves. In another embodiment, the light sources are mounted adjacent the associated eye of the viewer on an object which is worn by the viewer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a three-dimensional image display device comprising two or more parallel elements, each element being formed from a transparent material, each element having a coating formed thereon, the coating including means for reflecting a portion of a beam of light having a selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of electric field vectors and means for passing the remaining portion of the beam of light. The coating may also include an absorbing means including a dielectric absorbing means for a photo responsive means including a dielectric sensitive means.

Abstract: A multi-mode stereoscopic imaging system is described. It is the first stereo system which is convertible back and forth from the auto stereo viewing mode without glasses to the binocular stereo viewing mode with glasses. It is based on micro-polarizer arrays and spatial multiplexing of images. The system consists of a stereo image component and an auto parallax barrier component. Both components use the properties of .mu.Pols. Switching from one mode to the other is accomplished manually, and electronically with the aid of a liquid crystal light valve. The system combines the benefits of auto-stereo imaging and the binocular stereo imaging of prior art techniques without their limitations.

Abstract: A binocular, stereoscopic helmet visor display is described, wherein a polarization x-prism is used to separate the left eye imagery from the right eye imagery when each channel has a unique polarization. Separate image sources generate the left and right eye imagery, and the respective left and right image light is passed through polarizers so that the respective left and right image light is of opposite polarizations. The polarized left and right image light is combined through a common optical relay and passed to the x-prism which separates the polarized light, sending the "p" polarized light out one channel to one eye, and the "s" polarized light out the other channel to the other eye. Once the channels are separated, the images are projected to the observer's eyes.

Abstract: A full color liquid crystal flat panel display having a step waveplate providing one-quarter and three-quarter wave phase retardation to alternating rows which provide left and right views. The result of right and left are circular polarized in opposite directions which two a viewer wearing circularly polarized glasses provides the left and right views to the appropriate eye such that the viewer is able to see full color three-dimensional images.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the optical viewing system produces a simulated, three dimensional image utilizing two video monitors and a half silvered mirror. The two dimensional image produced by one monitor is transmitted through the half silvered mirror while the second image from the second monitor is reflected from the half silvered mirror and overlaid onto the image of the first monitor. Since the screens of the monitors are located at different distances from the initial point of overlay of the two images, the images appear to the observer, in the optical viewing path, to be three dimensional.

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 full-spectrum stereoscopic display system with a tiled display image of alternating tiles from first and second full-spectrum images of a stereo pair of images is covered by an identically tiled polarized mask, with alternating tiles of said polarized mask being cross polarized. When viewed through cross polarized viewing glasses, separate views will appear for the left and right eyes of the viewer.