A three-dimensional image visualization system, comprising: an integrated module comprising: a selectively transparent projection device configured tc receive input image light and project an image associated with the input image light toward an eye of a viewer from a projection device position in space relative to the eye of the viewer, the projection device being capable of assuming a substantially transparent state when no image is projected; and a zone plate diffraction patterning device comprising a diffraction waveguide element configured to divide the input image light into a plurality of modes, each of the plurality of modes directed at a different angle, wherein the projection device is formed by a high-resolution mini projector oriented at an angle approximately perpendicular to the visual axis of the eye and a waveguide comprising a substrate guided delay exit pupil expander device arranged to magnify and redirect the image from the mini projector and into the zone plate diffraction patterning device, wherein the integrated module is configured to allow at least a first mode of the plurality of modes to exit the integrated module toward the eye, the first mode having a simulated focal distance based in part on a selectable geometry of the zone plate diffraction patterning device, and wherein the integrated module is configured to trap at least a second mode of the plurality of modes within the diffraction waveguide element; and an occlusion mask device coupled to the selectively transparent projection device and configured to selectively block light traveling toward the eye from one or more positions opposite of the occlusion mask from the eye of the viewer in an occluding pattern correlated with the image projected by the selectively transparent projection device. a selectively transparent projection device configured tc receive input image light and project an image associated with the input image light toward an eye of a viewer from a projection device position in space relative to the eye of the viewer, the projection device being capable of assuming a substantially transparent state when no image is projected; and a zone plate diffraction patterning device comprising a diffraction waveguide element configured to divide the input image light into a plurality of modes, each of the plurality of modes directed at a different angle, wherein the projection device is formed by a high-resolution mini projector oriented at an angle approximately perpendicular to the visual axis of the eye and a waveguide comprising a substrate guided delay exit pupil expander device arranged to magnify and redirect the image from the mini projector and into the zone plate diffraction patterning device, wherein the integrated module is configured to allow at least a first mode of the plurality of modes to exit the integrated module toward the eye, the first mode having a simulated focal distance based in part on a selectable geometry of the zone plate diffraction patterning device, and wherein the integrated module is configured to trap at least a second mode of the plurality of modes within the diffraction waveguide element; and an occlusion mask device coupled to the selectively transparent projection device and configured to selectively block light traveling toward the eye from one or more positions opposite of the occlusion mask from the eye of the viewer in an occluding pattern correlated with the image projected by the selectively transparent projection device.