Display means for stereoscopic images

• US 4,959,641 A
• Filed: 09/28/1987
• Issued: 09/25/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/1986
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Martin L. Bass, Peter M. Rutherford
• Original Assignee: Martin L. Bass, Peter M. Rutherford
• Inventors: Bass, Martin L., Rutherford, Peter M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Moore, David K.
• Assistant Examiner(s): FATAHI YAR, MAHMOUD
• Application Number:
  US07/101,925
• Time in Patent Office: 1,093 Days
• Field of Search: 340/700, 340/784, 358/3, 358/88, 358/82, 358/92, 358/253, 350/130, 350/131, 40/454, 352/117, 352/118, 352/239, 353/32, 354/101
• US Class Current: 345/6
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 30/27 involving lenticular arrays
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 19/12 using special optical effects
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/189 Recording image signals; Reproducing recorded image signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/194 Transmission of image signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/221 using the relative movement between cameras and objects
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/239 using two 2D image sensors having a relative position equal to or related to the interocular distance H04N13/243 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/286 having separate monoscopic and stereoscopic modes
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/305 using lenticular lenses, e.g. arrangements of cylindrical lenses
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/324 Colour aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/334 using spectral multiplexing
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/337 using polarisation multiplexing
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/341 using temporal multiplexing
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/349 Multi-view displays for displaying three or more geometrical viewpoints without viewer tracking for viewing without the aid of special glasses using fly-eye lenses H04N13/307
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/398 Synchronisation thereof; Control thereof

Abstract

A stereoscopic display device in which a plurality of independently controllable and discrete light sources are provided in fixed relation to a lenticular screen. The light sources are adapted and arranged for the display of a pair of interlaced images such that the display device produces a three-dimensional image comprising a pair of spaced-apart images having parallax therebetween. A moving stereoscopic display which can be viewed by the naked eye can thus be achieved.

Claims

1. A stereoscopic display means comprising:

a display surface;

a plurality of discrete light sources arranged on the display surface in sets, at least two light sources being arranged in a set;

means for independently controlling each light source; and

a light-transmissive lenticular screen having two or more lenticles, said screen being disposed in fixed relation to the surface so as to enable the formation of a three dimensional image, each set of light sources being adapted and arranged in registration with a respective lenticle for the display of a pair of interlaced images and said three dimensional image comprising a pair of spaced apart images having parallax therebetween.

2. Display means as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lenticles comprise cylindrical lenses and are disposed in a parallel configuration.

3. Display means as claimed in claim 2, wherein each set of light sources is disposed in the focal plane of each cylindrical lens.

4. Display means as claimed in claim 1, wherein each set comprises four light sources.

5. Display means as claimed in claim 1, wherein each set of light sources has a transverse extent and each cylindrical lens has a common pitch, the transverse extent of each set being greater than the pitch of the cylindrical lens.

6. Display means as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light sources comprise illuminated liquid crystal elements.

7. Display means as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light sources comprise visible light emitting diodes.

8. Display means as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light sources comprises gas plasma elements.

9. Display means as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light sources comprise phosphor-coated regions of the surface.

10. Display means as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for independently controlling the light sources includes a power supply, a switching unit and respective conductors which are electrically connected to each light source.