Patent ID: 8243127

Claim:
A 3D/2D image switchable apparatus for forming a plurality of perspective views of a 3-dimensional image and/or 2-dimensional images of an object or scene in a field of view in 3D and 2D operation modes respectively, comprising: a display component for generating 2-dimensional patterns, the display component having a data input for updating 2-dimensional patterns, a synchronization input, and a display surface displaying 2-dimensional patterns; a switchable optical imaging system for transforming optical beams emanating from the display surface and for projecting transformed optical beams in the field of view to thereby divide the field of view into one or more adjustable viewing zones, including: a first matrix of converging micro-lenses, with each micro-lens being optically coupled to one respective area of the display surface along a respective optical axis; a second matrix of converging micro-lenses optically coupled to the micro-lenses of the first matrix; a third matrix of converging micro-lenses coaxially aligned and rigidly jointed to the micro-lenses of the second matrix such that the second and third matrices in combination define a complex of matrices; a displacement mechanism for axially moving the first matrix or the complex of matrices relative to each other and for transversely moving the first matrix or the complex of matrices relative to each other, the displacement mechanism having at least first and second control inputs; a sensor system for sensing the relative position of the first matrix and the complex of matrices in axial and transversal directions, the sensor system having at least first and second data outputs; and a controller for switching operation modes, controlling working parameters of the matrix or matrices movement in each operation mode and for synchronizing the generation of 2-dimensional patterns by the display component with the matrix or matrices movement, the controller having (i) at least first and second data inputs, the first and second data inputs of the controller being connected respectively to the first and second data output of the sensor system, (ii) a synchronization output being connected to the synchronization input of the display component, and (iii) at least first and second control outputs, the first and second control outputs of the controller being connected respectively to the first and second control inputs of the displacement mechanism.