Abstract: A video projection system employing a concave video screen which provides for enhanced depth cueing. A method of designing a variety of shapes of video screen surfaces by varying certain parameters of a common master equation. Video screen surface shapes providing optimum viewing for specific applications.

Abstract: A method and system for producing false three-dimensional images for amusement may be used in haunted houses, fun houses, or similar attractions found at fairs, amusement parks, and/or tourist areas. The method includes forming specific color and geometric patterns on a substantially black background illuminated by ultraviolet light and then viewing the resultant images through the preferred stereoscopic lenses.

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: The invention features a volumetric display system including an optical relay, a motor, a support structure coupled to the motor, a projection screen disposed on the support structure, and a projection optic. During operation, the projection optic receives a light beam from the optical relay and projects the light beam onto the projection screen. Also, the motor rotates the support structure, the projection screen, and the projection optic about a rotation axis.

Abstract: A mirror surface angle adjusting device is provided which can be used at both left and right outer mirror devices of a vehicle. At a mirror driving unit, positional relationships between respective points (fulcrum of swinging A1 and A2, first adjusting points B1 and B2, second adjusting points C1 and C2, first mounting points D1 and D2, second mounting points E1 and E2, and third mounting points F1 and F2) are set such that the points have line symmetry with respect to 45° direction reference lines P1, P2. Accordingly, from a functional standpoint as well, there are no obstacles at a time of mounting, and as a result, a same type of mirror driving unit can be used at both a left door mirror device and a right door mirror device.

Abstract: A lightweight viewing assembly for viewing horizontally aligned or vertically arranged stereo images shown on planar panels, particularly those shown on display monitors of computer systems and TV sets is disclosed, which includes a pair of reflector units for directing the sight of each eye toward spaced apart stereo images, a spectacle unit for bearing the reflector units, and a pair of adapter units as an interface between the spectacle unit and the reflector units for directing the sight of each eye toward vertically spaced apart stereo images. Attachment means enables the reflector units and the adapter units to be firmly attached to the spectacle unit and flexibly movable for adjusting the sight of each eye to obtain the best stereoscopic visual quality.

Abstract: Apparatus for displaying an image suspended in space comprises an object (1) for display, a retroreflector (2) receiving light from the object, a beamsplitter (3) in a path for light from the object to the retroreflector, and a concave mirror (4) between the beamsplitter and the retroreflector. The beamsplitter makes an oblique angle to the direction (6) of propagation of the light such that it transmits some light. Light from the beamsplitter is reflected by the mirror to the retroreflector which reflects it back via the mirror to the beamsplitter. This retroreflected light is reflected by the beamsplitter to form a real image (5) suspended in space. The use of a concave mirror improves viewability over apparatus including a converging lens because unwanted reflections from the surfaces of the lens are eliminated.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for conveniently holding a viewing device (20) at the eye level of the user is provided, which allows the user to properly position the device (20) for ease of use without the need for continually holding the device (20), and also allows the device (20) to be pivoted to a retracted, non-use position. The apparatus (10) includes an attachment headband (16) which pivotally supports a pair of elongated, forwardly extending arms (12, 14); a tray (18) extends between and is secured to the arms (12, 14) and supports the device (20). The tray (18) is adjustable both vertically and in a fore and aft direction so that it can be precisely positioned for each individual user. A cap assembly (92) may be releasably secured to the apparatus (10) to cover the user's head and the device (20).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to various arrangements of optical and electronic components to form a high-resolution helmet mounted display (HMD) or other compact display device. In particular, the current invention is designed in such a way as to allow it to operate utilizing several different kinds of image generation device and to incorporate many different features including the option of “eye tracking”.

Abstract: A light scanning device has a tip structure which includes a light scanning part connected to a light source, and which is insertable into a body cavity and is formed so as to be water-tight. A controlling part controls the light scan through the tip structure, and the tip structure and the controlling part are also connected to each other in a water-tight manner by a slender tube through which a plurality of electrical cables pass. An electric connector is fixed with the proximal end portion of the tube in a water-tight manner, and is electrically connectable so as to be water-tight with and removable from this controlling part.

Abstract: In order to allow the user to see the surrounding area without obstructing the image so that he may use an operation unit or eat and drink while viewing the image while leaving an image viewing device mounted on the head, at least a part of the frame unit of the image viewing device has the property of allowing light of a specific wavelength to pass through it, and a light source for the light of said specific wavelength is mounted on, for example, containers as well as on the operation unit.

Abstract: A creative art kit is provided for producing and viewing stereoscopic images. The kit includes a pigmented medium that is adapted to be applied to a surface and which includes a luminescent material as a component thereof. The kit also includes a viewer through which a user may observe the images, and which has an optical element that is operative to disperse wavelengths of light passing therethrough at different dispersion angles depending on the spectral position of each wavelength. The kit may further be provided with various pigmented media, applicators, stencils, and instructions for producing and viewing the images. In addition, the present invention is directed to a method for producing and viewing stereoscopic images, which comprises the steps of applying a pigmented medium that includes a luminescent material to a surface in a selected design and viewing the surface and the design through a viewer.

Abstract: A semi-spherical system holding mechanism 8 such as to cover the head portion of the user is provided in the upper portion of a user holding mechanism 9 such as chair, sofa, or the like. A display apparatus 7 is fixed in the system holding mechanism 8. In the display apparatus 7, a video image displayed on a display panel 14 is enlarged by a lens 13, so that a virtual image is formed. The virtual images which are observed by the right and left eyes of the user are arranged at the same position in a space.

Abstract: A semi-spherical system holding mechanism 8 such as to cover the head portion of the user is provided in the upper portion of a user holding mechanisms 9 such as chair, sofa, or the like. A display apparatus 7 is fixed in the system holding mechanism 8. In the display apparatus 7, a video image displayed on a display panel 14 is enlarged by a lens 13, so that a virtual image is formed. The virtual images which are observed by the right and left eyes of the user are arranged at the same position in a space.

Abstract: Apparatus for displaying an image suspended in space comprises an object (1) for display, a retroreflector (2) receiving light from the object, a beamsplitter (3) in a path for light from the object to the retroreflector, and a converging lens (4) between the beamsplitter and the retroreflector. The beamsplitter makes an oblique angle to the direction (6) of propagation of the light such that it transmits some light and reflects the rest. Light from the beamsplitter passes through the lens to the retroreflector which reflects it back through the lens to the beamsplitter. This retroreflected light is reflected and/or transmitted by the beamsplitter to form a real image (5) suspended in space. The use of a lens between the beamsplitter and the retroreflector improves image resolution and viewing angle, reduces the area of retroreflector required, and allows low cost bead retroreflectors to be used in high resolution displays.

Abstract: A three-dimensional display system is disclosed which includes a display target that receives a projected image and that rotates about an axis to form a three-dimensional image from the projected image. The display target has front and back surfaces that meet at locations relative to the axis to form tapered edges. Scanning optics directs light to the display target to form the projected image. A controller controls operation of the display target and the scanning optics.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image recording/reproduction method, and an apparatus therefor. An opaque light control panel having a large number of fine light transmission portions at predetermined locations is placed between an object and a recording panel, and a large number of small images of the object are formed on the recording panel through the minute light transmission portions. The small images recorded on an picture display panel are reproduced to display the three-dimensional image of the object. An opaque panel having an opening is disposed around the object or between the object and the light control panel, and a conversion operation is carried out so as to reverse the small image of the opening formed on the recording panel point-symmetrically by 180 degrees with respect to a point, at which a line connecting the center of the opening of the opaque panel to each fine light transmission portion, being the point of symmetry. The cubic image is formed in front of the light control panel.

Abstract: A headset for operably disposing speakers and a visual display on the head of a wearer. The headset includes a beam extending over the vertex of the head for contacting the brow at one end and cooperating with a nape strap on the posterior end for adjusting the fit. Rigid arms extend from the posterior end adjacent the head to terminate in the vicinity of the ears. The arms include compressible compensators to substantially accommodate any size head therein. A visor is pivotally connected to the support beam adjacent the brow piece. The attachment of the visor to the support beam permits the visor to be disposed in a donning position away from the face or an operable position adjacent the face, without requiring a weight bearing surface on the face.

Abstract: The present invention is usable as a stereoscopic visual unit capable of obtaining fine stereoscopic effects and also usable as binoculars, by provided with a first housing 11 that has a pair of convex lenses 12 and 13 and disposed at a specified space and having mutually almost parallel optical axes; and a second housing 20 that has a supporting part 25 supported swingable to the first housing for keeping a pair of pictures to be stereoscopically viewed on the optical axis of each convex lens in its first swing position, and a pair of concave lenses 26 and 27 disposed on the optical axis of each convex lens, a specified distance apart from each convex lens in its second swing position.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for generating an autostereo image. The apparatus comprises at least one light source generating at least two views of an image, a parallax or "slit"-type barrier screen and at least one light-transmitting elements projecting the at least two different views provided by the light source at one or more apertures in the barrier screen. A viewer viewing the screen perceives an autostereo image as a result of the left and right eyes of the viewer seeing different views of the image. In one embodiment, the light source comprises at least one digital projector. In one embodiment, the light-transmitting elements comprise fiber optic strands. A first end of the strand is arranged to receive light projected by one of the light sources. A second end of the strand is arranged to project at a rear side of the barrier screen.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for displaying large, continuous, autostereoscopic images. The present invention overcomes the size limitation of typical autostereoscopic images by recording a continuous, autostereoscopic image onto separate sheets or segments of recording material, mounting the recorded segments to separate tiles, and then displaying the tiles to display a continuous, autostereoscopic image. Although the autostereoscopic image display of the present invention is comprised of separate segments, the present invention offers viewers of the display a unitary visual impression of a large, autostereoscopic image without apparent discontinuities.In one broad aspect, the present invention provides a system for easily displaying segments of recording material to form a large, continuous, autostereoscopic image. The display can be disassembled into components that are light, compact, easily transportable, and easily storable.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes at least one of a lenticular screen and a barrier screen, an image bearing member, and flexures coupled to the screen and the image bearing member that permit relative movement between the screen and the image bearing member. In one embodiment, an image retaining member is provided that includes a slot that receives the image bearing member. In this case, the flexures are coupled to the image bearing member via the image retaining member. A mechanism is provided to supply audio that is synchronized to the movement of the image bearing member relative to the screen. The audio is generated from audio data that is either stored on the image bearing member or on a separate storage medium. The audio data can be stored in magnetic form, optical form or as digital data in a semiconductor memory device. Accordingly, the observer is provided with audio that is synchronized with the image display.

Abstract: A audiovisual program image is displayed on a display panel, and the audiovisual program image is enlarged by a lens and then incident to the eye balls of a user, whereby the virtual image corresponding to the audiovisual program image is observed on the eye balls of the user. Further, a perception image to make the user perceive the distance to the virtual image corresponding to the audiovisual program image and the size of the virtual image is displayed at the surrounding portion of the display portion of the audiovisual program image on the display panel, and the perception image is also enlarged by the lens and then incident to the eye balls of the user, whereby the virtual image corresponding to the perception image can be observed on the eye balls of the user.

Abstract: A portable viewing apparatus having a plurality of associated pairs of left and right optical modules, each pair of which can be selectively used to provide a user with a different viewing effect when viewing objects such as video monitors. Exemplary viewing effects include uniform two-dimensional magnification over a variety of ranges and disanamorphic magnification for wide-screen and three-dimensional viewing of special programming material. The selected pair of optical modules are removably attachable to mounting shoes, and separate control assemblies are configured to allow the user to manually adjust the interocular spacing and convergence/divergence of the selected optical modules.

Abstract: A "master-slave" remote manipulation apparatus having six degrees of freedom. The apparatus includes a flexible parallelogram with two parallel arms hinged to a cross member with one degree of rotational freedom and to a frame with two degrees of rotational freedom; two parallel-hinged "master" and "slave" devices at the end of each respective arm; and five two-way linear motion transmitting devices between the "master" and "slave" devices.

Abstract: A 3-D photo attachment for the phototube of a light microscope which enables a 2-D camera port to be enhanced to take 3-D stereo pair photography both sequentially and simultaneously.

Abstract: An adjustable, head mountable stereoscopic viewer having a head band to mount the viewer to the user. A tilt bracket is pivotally joined on one end to the head band and at a pivot point on an opposite end to an optical assembly for adjustment of the assembly position to obtain maximum field of view. The optical assembly includes first (left) and second (right) mirror assemblies that receive and direct left and right stereo images from an image source, such as a poster, a TV image, etc., to the corresponding left and right eyes of the user. The left and right stereo images are displayed horizontally at the source, the right image preferably displayed above the left image. Each mirror assembly has two mirrors and an aperture, and functions in a similar manner to a periscope. Adjustment for a range of image sizes and distances is accomplished with a mirror adjustment, provided to vary the tilt of the mirror of one of the assemblies to adjust the overlap of the images.

Abstract: A collapsible stereoscopic viewer includes a generally rectangular housing formed of parallel sides and top and bottom surfaces all pivotally secured to form a collapsible rectangular. A pair of internal walls are similarly secured between the top and bottom surfaces to form two optical channels within the housing. A pair of lens supports are pivotally coupled to the housing interior and may be secured therein using a tab and slot attachment. Each lens support receives and supports a conventional eyepiece lens. A pair of front walls are pivotally secured within the housing interior and may be locked into a vertical position by a tab and slot arrangement. Each front wall defines an aperture aligned with one of the eyepieces. The housing further includes a pair of downwardly extending curved arms which support a pivotally coupled planar image plane movable between a vertical and horizontal position upon the arms.

Abstract: A left eye image is projected from a projector 1L, and a right eye image is projected from a projector 1R. The images projected from the projectors 1L and 1R pass through light transmitting portions 21 in light shading means 2a. Consequently, pairs of right and left eye images are formed on a dispersion panel 2b. The light shading means 2a is composed of a liquid crystal display panel, for example. The width of each of the light transmitting portions 21 is made so small that two or more pairs of right and left eye images can exist in each of predetermined regions of the dispersion panel 2b. Further, the position of each of the light shading portions 21 can be shifted in the transverse direction. Each of the pairs of right and left eye images formed on the dispersion panel 2b is introduced into the right and left eyes of a viewer upon being separated by a lens portion of a lenticular lens 2c. A sensor 10 detects the position of the viewer.

Abstract: A private stereoscopic display is provided which has only one stereoscopic viewing position and does not show pseudoscopic images in areas outside the viewing position. On top of the display there is provided a first lenticular lens sheet followed by a prism array sheet and in general by a second lenticular lens sheet. Lens stripes are provided for rows of pixels, consisting normally of two rows of pixels for the left and right image. Two separate side lobes of the light rays generated by the first lenticular lens sheet. The individual lens pixel array arrangement are separated by barriers from each other. Because of those barriers only the main lobe of the light emating from the display is maintained, so that because of the prism array sheet and the second lenticular lens sheet main lobes for the left image are focused in a left image viewing point, whereas main lobes for the right image are focused in a right image viewing point.

Abstract: The invention is a viewer for slides having three-dimensional and/or animation type lenticular images recorded thereon in image line sets. In detail, the invention includes a frame. The frame includes a slot for receiving the slide therein having an open end at the top or side of the frame and a closed off opposite end, the slot in a planer relationship with the front and rear walls. The front wall includes a lenticular lens mounted in a planner relation therein, the lens having an internal side forming a portion of the wall of the slot; the lens having a plurality of lenticules therein. The end opposite the open end of the slot is aligned with the lenticules of the lens and positioned within the frame such that a slide positioned in the slot in contact with the opposite end of the slot will have the center of the image line sets in substantial alignment with the center of the lenticules of the lenticular lens.

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 headset for operably disposing speakers and a visual display on the head of a wearer. The headset includes a beam extending over the vertex of the head for contacting the brow at one end and cooperating with a nape strap on the posterior end for adjusting the fit. Rigid arms extend from the posterior end adjacent the head to terminate in the vicinity of the ears. The arms include compressible compensators to substantially accommodate any size head therein. A visor is pivotally connected to the support beam adjacent the brow piece. The attachment of the visor to the support beam permits the visor to be disposed in a donning position away from the face or an operable position adjacent the face, without requiring a weight bearing surface on the face.

Abstract: A head-mounted display system for the viewing of video or other sources of imagery which comprises a mechanism allowing for a wide range of adjustments for presenting the display to the wearer. The head mounted display device is supported by a headband or other support structure with three independent adjustments giving the wearer a wide range of adjustment capability. One pivot adjustment is in a location in proximity with the ear, the other pivot adjustment is located in close proximity with the pupil of the eye, and a third adjustment allows for the display unit to be adjusted in or out from the wearers head so as to permit convenient use with glasses. The mechanism allows the display to be located within or outside the wearer's primary field of view by utilizing these multiple adjustment locations for the system. The display unit consists of viewing optics, fold mirrors, liquid crystal display devices, and a backlight unit.

Abstract: An image display unit is capable of displaying an environmental image at the periphery of an image on a display screen in order to create an image having heightened reality and to provide greater comfort to the eyes. The image display unit includes a liquid-crystal display for displaying a main image at a central portion of a visual field, a back light thereof, a slide for displaying an image at the periphery of a main central image, a back light thereof and a lens system for magnifying an image synthesized from the above-mentioned images. Displaying an environmental image at the periphery of an image on a display screen in accordance with an observer's preference, effectively raises the ambiance of the display and increases the comfort of viewing the display.

Abstract: A viewing device for use by an observer to ascertain the authenticity of an instrument of value having an image formed from an optically variable device. The viewing device includes a frame structure which permits viewing of the image in a fixed spatial orientation and a reflector carried by the frame structure for permitting the observer to see simultaneously the image in first and second colors without movement of the observer, the viewing device or the image.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for properly aligning, coupling and cropping two stereoscopically complementary pictures which are positioned one above the other. Alignment and holding apparatus includes a base for supporting two stereoscopically complementary pictures, a detachable joining strip with two areas of pressure sensitive adhesive for joining two pictures which is placed in a fixed planar shield with a pair of opposed guide flaps with one non stick surface for holding the joining strip, and a flat, flexible, transparent alignment sheet with grid markings which overlays the pictures and includes cut out areas for manually accessing the pictures for adjusting one picture relative to the other.

Abstract: A stereographic book includes a base portion, a plurality of pages having text and stereographic imagery thereon, and a fastener for coupling the plurality of pages to the base portion about a page pivotal axis. The stereographic book also includes a stereographic viewer having a viewer body and a lens system, and a coupling section formed integrally with the base portion and the viewer body for pivotably coupling the stereographic viewer to the base portion. The coupling section including an articulated section defining at least two pivotal axes which are generally parallel to the page pivotal axis to facilitate alignment and focal adjustment of the stereographic viewer relative to the plurality of pages.

Abstract: The optical viewing device for enhanced depth perception of images on a television screen comprises a hollow body of generally rectangular shape having a rectangular opening at the front, opaque sidewalls extending to the back of the device, and an open back. The sidewalls at the back opening are generally formed to provide a substantially light tight engagement with the face of a user. The front opening of the device is covered with one or two layers of mesh screen having the warp and weft diagonal to the rectangular opening at the front of the device. The optical viewing device is sized to locate the mesh screen three and one-half to four and one-half inches from the user's eyes for viewing a television screen at least eight feet from the user.

Abstract: A stereoviewer and package for facilitating the immediate observation of a stereo pair of photographs and enabling all people to adjust the focal length to their own least distance of distinct vision. A box-shaped main body case for accommodating stereoscopic photographs and a lid case attached to the main body case so as to be slidable thereon serves as a package which is opened and closed by the sliding operation of both cases. A holder portion is provided on the rear surface, for example, of the main body case so as to position and hold the stereoscopic photographs in a standing state, and binocular lenses are disposed on the front surface of the lid case so as to view the stereoscopic photographs therethrough. The rear surface of the main body case and the front surface of the lid case are inclined in such a manner that the side surfaces of the stereoviewer are in a shape of a trapezoid when the main body case is attached upside down to the lid case at the time of observation.

Abstract: A stereoscopic image viewing device which can be used to create the effect of a stereoscopic image from back to back stereoscopically complementary views of an image, is disclosed. Also disclosed is a portable device for providing a stereoscopic image from a card which contains complementary stereoscopic views of an image in a manner whereby the images can be arranged substantially back to back. In addition, a novel card containing two stereoscopically complementary images, is disclosed. This card, when used in combination with the stereoscopic image viewing device, creates the effect of a stereoscopic image.

Abstract: A stereoviewer for observing a stereo pair of photographs three-dimensionally through binocular lenses is shown and described. The stereoviewer comprises a box-shaped main body case having a space for accommodating stereoscopic photographs; a lid for covering the main body case; holder portions provided on one side surface of the box-shaped main body case so as to position and hold the stereoscopic photographs in a non-perpendicular standing state; and binocular lenses provided thereon are inclined in such a manner that the binocular lenses face the vertical center portion of the stereoscopic photographs. This stereoviewer also serves as a package and has a simple structure. The thickness of the binocular lenses are varied so that the focal distance is different between the upper portion and the lower portion of said binocular lenses and the binocular lenses are decentered outwardly in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: An optical amplifier is provided through which an incoming optical signal passes before entering an optical-to-electric transducer. The level of the optical signal output by the optical amplifier is controlled by a controller based on the electrical signal output by the transducer.

Abstract: Stereoscopic optical apparatus comprising a housing constructed to exclude spurious light sources, first and second optical devices having reflecting surfaces which together form a first pair of optical devices, and third and fourth optical devices having reflecting surfaces which together form a second pair of optical devices. The stereoscopic optical apparatus being such that the first optical device is positioned below the second optical device and the third optical device is positioned below the fourth optical device, the first and third optical devices are inclined a first way and the second and fourth optical devices are inclined a second way. One of the optical devices from the first and second pairs of optical devices being such as to form two optical devices which are level and have their optical center lines separated by a distance, "d", said pairs of optical devices providing left and right views of an object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing the sensation of 3-dimensional viewing are disclosed. Apparent 3-dimensional images are produced by simultaneously projecting at least two related images onto at least two associated projection screens, creating planes of images with each image plane having its own depth characteristic. Then at least two images are reflected or transmitted simultaneously by ghost glass to viewers who observe a composite image. The composite image provides viewers with the illusion of depth in the form of an apparent 3-dimensional image.

Abstract: An image viewing system is disclosed for viewing images recorded on a film record in a particular known angular relationship. The viewing system comprises a rotatable viewing head for selective viewing of portions of the film record as a function of the angular position of the viewing head. As the viewing head is rotated, the film record is adjusted to reflect a similar angular movement in the scenes of the film record. This arrangement corresponds to the dynamics involved if the user was to actually view the scenes of the film record.

Abstract: A stereoviewer for observing a stereo pair of photographs three-dimensionally through binocular lenses is shown and described. The stereoviewer comprises a box-shaped main body case having a space for accommodating stereoscopic photographs; a lid for covering the main body case; holder portions provided on one side surface of the box-shaped main body case so as to position and hold the stereoscopic photographs in a non-perpendicular standing state; and binocular lenses provided thereon are inclined in such a manner that the binocular lenses face the vertical center portion of the stereoscopic photographs. This stereoviewer also serves as a package and has a simple structure. The thickness of the binocular lenses are varied so that the focal distance is different between the upper portion and the lower portion of said binocular lenses and the binocular lenses are decentered outwardly in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for driving projecting lenses in a stereoscopic projector wherein a pair of projecting lenses are integrally driven so as to match (coincide) two images on a screen and simultaneously focus the images on the screen for producing a stereoscopic image, the apparatus comprising a driving device for moving the projecting lens holders forwardly and backwardly with respect to the screen, and inwardly and outwardly with respect to the optical axis of the screen, with maintaining the projecting lens holders in parallel to the optical axis of the screen so that images-matching and focusing on the screen can be accomplished, thereby avoiding any generation of keystoning phenomenon.

Abstract: A stereoscopic electronic viewer for a stereo image pair provided in a fixed medium includes a light source which passes light rays through the fixed images of the stereo image pair. The rays project onto a mirror which redirects the rays through a lens unit. The light rays from each image are associated with a particular lens in the lens unit which focuses the image onto an associated CCD image sensor. The two CCD image sensors have separate but synchronized electronics and provide a synchronized output which is fed to a stereo viewing device such as stereo goggles or a time-multiplexed polarized display. The electronic viewer is mechanically designed to manipulate the image produced on the display device to allow for panning and zooming of the stereoscopic image while maintaining the full resolution provided by the image sensor.

Abstract: A stereoscope includes a body having a base panel and a septum panel, wherein the front and rear edges of the base and septum panels each define at least one respective tab. A lens assembly having a lens panel that supports a pair of lenses defines multiple tab receiving slots, each positioned to receive a respective one of the tabs to support the septum panel in a pre-determined position with respect to the base panel and to hold the lens assembly on the body. A stereoscopic view panel has a pair of stereoscopic views fixedly positioned on the view panel. The view panel defines multiple tab receiving slots, each receiving a respective one of the tabs to secure the view panel to both the septum and base panels, with the septum panel precisely positioned between the stereoscopic views.