A head-mounted display (HMD) system includes an optical arrangement; a first image panel, wherein the optical arrangement directs image light from the first image panel along a first optical pathway; a second image panel, wherein the optical arrangement directs image light from the second image panel along a second optical pathway different from the first optical pathway; and a central image panel located between the first image panel and the second image panel, the central image panel including a first portion and a second portion. The optical arrangement directs light from the first portion and the second portion of the central image panel along different optical pathways. The optical arrangement is configured such that light from the first image panel and the first portion of central image panel are emitted from the HMD system in a combined fashion in a first eye direction, and light from the second image panel and the second portion of the central image panel are emitted from the HMD system in a combined fashion in a second eye direction different from the first eye direction.

Stereoscopic systems, using active and passive three dimensional (3D) projection for creating and displaying interactive, real-time virtual stage sets, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system uses a plurality of projectors displaying on a plurality of on-set screens, along with at least one computer processor for controlling the projectors and for maintaining, uploading, and streaming various stage set virtual imagery. The system is designed to be fully customizable for use with live stage productions, concerts, entertainment attractions, and similar events. Further, methods for innovatively using stereoscopic 3D projection technology, including both passive and active 3D visuals, in order to create an interactive, virtual environment for stage performers in real-time, are disclosed. At the core, the methods and systems apply an innovative architecture and structure for strategically placing front and rear stage projection 3D screens in conjunction with precise placement of a plurality of high lumen powered projectors.

A method for manufacturing a polarizing lens that includes a polarizing polyvinyl alcohol film arranged between two pieces of a lens base material. The method includes subjecting the polarizing lens to edging processing to prepare a polarizing lens where the polarizing polyvinyl alcohol film is exposed at least at a part of an edge surface of the lens, and applying hydrophobization treatment to the polarizing polyvinyl alcohol film exposed at the edge surface of the lens.

Polarizing beam splitters and systems incorporating such beam splitters are described. More specifically, polarizing beam splitters and systems with such beam splitters that incorporate multilayer optical films and reflect imaged light towards a viewer or viewing screen with high effective resolution are described.

An imaging directional backlight apparatus including a waveguide, a light source array, for providing large area directed illumination from localized light sources. The waveguide may include a stepped structure, in which the steps may further include extraction features optically hidden to guided light, propagating in a first forward direction. Returning light propagating in a second backward direction may be refracted, diffracted, or reflected by the features to provide discrete illumination beams exiting from the top surface of the waveguide. A rear reflector is arranged to receive light transmitted by the features and to provide polarization recirculation. Viewing windows are formed through imaging individual light sources and hence defines the relative positions of system elements and ray paths. Retarder stack arrangements are provided to increase the efficiency of polarization recirculation, reduce the visibility to damage and to reduce color changes with viewing angle.

A display device includes a display panel, parallax barrier, and a backlight. The parallax barrier includes a liquid crystal layer, a first electrode layer, and a second electrode layer. The first electrode layer is disposed while corresponding to a plurality of pixels, and the first electrode layer includes 2N divided electrode layers divided from each other in a unit region corresponding to one pixel set. A first voltage applied to at least one of the divided electrode layers located at an end of the light shielding part is lower than a second voltage applied to at least one of the divided electrode layers located at a position except for the end of the light shielding part.

A stereoscopic light recycling device is provided. A beam splitter is constructed of substantially orthogonally polarizing material on which divergent image light is received and is positioned at an angle to a source of the divergent image light. A phase shifting optic includes a reflective surface coated by a phase shifting film and is positioned at an angle non-perpendicular to at least a portion of the image light from the beam splitter. The angle of the phase shifting optic is dependent on the angle of the beam splitter.

An image display system is provided. The image display system includes a display device; a reflecting unit; a first polarizer disposed between the display device and the reflecting unit; and a second polarizer, wherein the reflecting unit is located between the first polarizer and the second polarizer; wherein a first angle from an absorption axis of the first polarizer to an absorption axis of the second polarizer in counterclockwise direction is between 010 degrees.

A varifocal block includes, in optical series, a switchable half waveplate (SHWP) and a plurality of liquid crystal (LC) lenses. The SHWP outputs circularly polarized light, and a handedness of the circularly polarized light is controlled by the SHWP being in an active state or a non-active state. Each LC lens of the plurality of LC lenses has a plurality of optical states, the plurality of optical states including an additive state that adds optical power to the LC lens and a subtractive state that removes optical power from the LC lens. The plurality of optical states of each of the plurality of the LC lenses compounded in optical series provides a range of adjustment of optical power for the varifocal block.

According to an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus for generating image data is provided. The apparatus includes a communication unit for receiving information related to a display orientation of an image on a display unit of an image display device; and an image generation unit for generating image data according to the information.