Abstract:
A parallax barrier includes a polarization modifying layer having aperture regions, for supplying light of a second polarization when receiving light of a first polarization, separated by barrier regions, for supplying light of a third polarization different from the second polarization when receiving light of the first polarization, and a polarizer selectively operable in a first mode and a second mode. At least one of the aperture regions and the barrier regions alters the polarization of light passing therethrough. The polarizer passes light of the second polarization and blocks light of the third polarization in the first mode and passes light of the third polarization in the second mode.
Abstract:
A stereoscopic display which enables plural persons to simultaneously observe stereoscopic images includes a color liquid crystal plate for displaying stereo-pairs composed of left and right eye perspectives in time-interlaced manner, a monochrome TV display disposed behind the color liquid crystal plate for displaying binary and inverted binary images of half face of each observer so as to be synchronized with the time-interlaced display of the color liquid crystal plate, and a large convex lens disposed between the color liquid crystal plate and the monochrome TV display so as to focus the observers' optical images on the screen of the monochrome TV display in geometrical agreement with the observers' face images displayed thereby. And an infrared TV camera is disposed so as to take observers' images by way of the large convex lens and input observers' face images to the monochrome TV display.
Abstract:
Apparatus and method for the display of autostereoscopic images, in which two or more perspective views are generated by a single transmissive display screen, is provided. A structured light source behind the screen directs light through different sets of display elements to correspondingly different viewing zones. In certain embodiments, the structured source comprises a patterned mask which prevents light from passing through a particular set of elements and reaching the wrong zone. The pattern of the mask may be programmed. Observer co-ordinate data permits the correct viewing zone to be co-located with each of the observer's corresponding eyes. A tapered lenticular structure can provide the means for adapting to changes in the observer's distance from the display. In further embodiments a holographic optical element (HOE) may be used instead of an array of conventional lens elements. The HOE typically incorporates the function of providing in conjunction with a suitably located light source the viewing zones required for respective sets of display elements. The display may also be used to provide conventional two-dimensional images at the display screen's full resolution.
Abstract:
Binocular parallax of a captured image is detected, and image pickup cameras are controlled so that their optic axes converge at an optimum point to ensure that the parallax of the captured image comes within the binocular fusing range of a viewer. Further, an optimum fixating point is calculated that enables the viewer to perceive the stereoscopic depth of the object over the widest possible range, and control is performed so that the fixating point is reproduced at a surface of a stereoscopic image display or at a designated distance from the surface. This suppresses the unnatural feel when the viewer views stereoscopic images.
Abstract:
Screen images for the right eye are displayed upside down on an image display device 10a, and screen images for the left eye are displayed inverted upside down and right-to-left on an image display device 10b. Light of the screen images for the right eye and for the left eye are polarized so that polarization directions of the light for the right eye and for the left eye are perpendicular to each other. Right half images of viewers' faces, picked up by an image sensing device 14, are displayed on liquid crystal display elements 11. The displayed images functions as light transmission images, and by observing them through a lens 11 having directivity characteristics, the screen images for the right eye and screen images for the left eye of images combined by a half mirror 15 are respectively seen by the right and the left eyes of the viewers.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a single-camera autostereoscopic picture-taking device implementing an array of cylindrical lenses, characterized in that it comprises in succession: a single inlet objective (L1, L2); said lens array (20), which has a focal length such that for an image area equal to the pitch (p) of the lenses making it up, the image of the entrance pupil of the telecentric objective (L1, L2) has a nominal width equal to said pitch; a transfer optical system (L3, L4) having magnification of less than unity; and an image sensor (22), the transfer optical system (L3, L4) directing the light rays that emerge from the lens array (20) onto the image sensor (22), the image (21) of the lens array (20) in the transfer optical system (L3, L4) being such that the pitch (p) of the lenses of the lens array (20) corresponds therein to an integer number of image points (pixels) of the image sensor (22).
Abstract:
Apparatus and method for the alignment of images in which, typically, two perspective views are provided. The observer's head location is detected and each of the views is presented to the respectively correct eye to provide a stereoscopic image. A retro-reflective marker worn by the observer removes the need for the observer to wear special viewing devices, whilst providing an infrared imaging system with a way to locate the observer's head. Image content may be driven by the observer's viewpoint. The two perspectives may be presented simultaneously using conventional display elements. A tapered lenticular structure provides a way to adapt to changes in the observer's distance from the display. Alternatively, each perspective image may be rapidly sequenced, either as two complete single images, or a sequence of suitably arranged compositions of the two. The infrared source used in the head tracking apparatus is modulated to aid image processing. The modulated source may also be used to synchronize a stereoscopic viewing device, switching views on a field sequential basis. Inter alia, the invention has applications in minimally invasive surgery, remote handling, virtual reality, teleconferencing and computer aided design and visualization.
Abstract:
A 3D projection display comprises an autostereoscopic image producing unit which directs light beams corresponding to respective 2D views in different directions towards a projection lens. The projection lens co-operates with the image producing unit to image the light beams at respective different regions in the aperture of the projection lens. A light-transmissive screen co-operates with the image producing unit and the projection lens to image the views at the screen. The screen may comprise a Fresnel lens, or where a magnified image of increased angular spread is required, a double lenticular screen angular amplifier.
Abstract:
Optical viewing system for producing a simulated three dimensional image. The system includes electronic equipment for displaying an image on a first electronic display device. Additional electronic equipment is provided for displaying an image on at least one second display device. The at least one second electronic display device is a substantially transparent display device, whereby an observer can view through transparent areas of the second electronic display device. The first and second electronic display devices are located at different, predetermined locations along an optical viewing path such that the image displayed by the first electronic display device is projected through the second electronic display device. The first electronic display device includes an image projector and the second electronic display device includes a controllable pixel display spaced therefrom. The controllable pixel display is comprised of a positive pixel display panel having a field of pixel elements which are controllably illuminated. The controllable pixel display is substantially transparent such that the image produced by the controllable pixel display is overlaid upon the image produced by the image projector. A recording system including at least two image recorder channels is also disclosed for producing a plurality of images for simulating a three dimensional scene.
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.