Apparatus for displaying an image

• US 5,764,411 A
• Filed: 08/09/1993
• Issued: 06/09/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 06/07/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Thorn EMI Plc (Universal Music Group NV)
• Original Assignee: Thorn EMI Plc (Universal Music Group NV)
• Inventors: Shanks, Ian Alexander
• Primary Examiner(s): Shafer, Ricky D.
• Application Number:
  US08/103,165
• Time in Patent Office: 1,765 Days
• Field of Search: 359/483, 359/490, 359/494, 359/495, 359/496, 359/497, 359/529, 359/530, 359/546, 359/459, 359/465, 359/462, 359/37, 359/491, 359/492, 358/88
• US Class Current: 359/485.02
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 30/56 by projecting aerial or floating images

Abstract

An imaging system for the generation of an apparent three-dimensional (3-D) image suspended in space for direct vieiwing includes a beamsplitter and a retroreflector. The optical property of reflecting light back along its original path enable the system to generate such an apparent 3-D image based on the perception of depth cues present in the original scene for viewing.

Claims

1. Apparatus for displaying a real image of an object or original image, the real image being suspended in space, the apparatus comprising:

at least one array of corner-cube retroreflectors and at least one circularly polarization selective beamsplitter, the beamsplitter directing light from the object or original image towards the at least one array of retroreflectors, and directing the light reflected from the array of retoreflectors to form said real image.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the retroreflector is in the form of a material having an array of corner cubes formed as protrusions or depressions on a major surface of the material.