Importance

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Abstract

An optical stereoscopic system is disclosed that permits viewing of adjacent stereoscopic images and that is particularly suited for room viewing, permitting the observer to move about the room, and/or several or more observers to view the display from various positions about the room. The system comprises a pair of light-polarized stereoscopic images which are displayed in adjacent array, i.e., laterally or vertically side-by-side. Each observer is provided with eyepieces to view the display. The eyepieces are binocular and each eyepiece includes a polarized filter and a prism which deviates the line of sight for its respective eye a sufficient degree that both stereoscopic images are fused in the fovea of the eye. Preferred embodiments provide interchangeable prisms, particularly interchangeable Fresnel prisms to permit changing of the diopter of the viewing prisms in the eyepieces. Fresnel prisms are particularly preferred since they provide lightness and reduced bulk and their use in eyepieces provides a tolerance to surface scratches and defects, thus providing a tolerance for wear and abuse of plastic prisms. With the Fresnel prism, a very preferred embodiment includes a laminated polarizing filter and Fresnel prism, as a single unit.

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First Claim