Stereoscopic viewing system using a two dimensional lens system

A switching apparatus for use in a stereoscopic system for producing stereoscopic image paths of variable stereopsis from a single image path, said apparatus comprising:

• a) blocking means for blocking a portion of said single image path;
• b) means for moving said blocking means between first and second locations in said single image path in response to signals received from synchronization means in communication with imaging means, to alternately define on opposite sides of said blocking means first and second image path portions of said single image path, said first and second image path portions having first and second spaced apart centroids respectively;
• and
• c) means for adjustably controlling a range of movement of said blocking means to define adjustable sizes of said first and second image path portions and an adjustable distance between said first and second centroids.

A switching apparatus for use in a stereoscopic system for producing stereoscopic image paths of variable stereopsis from a single image path, said apparatus comprising:

• a) a movable member, having an opaque portion disposed in said single image path;
• b) a switching device cooperating with said movable member, for moving said movable member between first and second positions in response to signals received from a synchronizer in communication with an imaging apparatus, to move said opaque portion between first and second locations in said single image path, to alternately define on opposite sides of said opaque portion first and second image path portions of said single image path, said first and second image path portions having first and second spaced apart centroids respectively;
• and
• c) a limiter for adjustably controlling a range of movement of said opaque portion to define adjustable sizes of said first and second image path portions and an adjustable distance between said first and second centroids.

A switching apparatus for use in a stereoscopic system for producing stereoscopic image paths from a single image path, said apparatus comprising:

• a) a movable member, including
• i) an arm having first and second end portions;
• ii) an opaque portion disposed at said first end portion of said arm and disposed in said single image path;
• iii) a fulcrum on said arm between said opaque portion and said second end portion, such that said arm is rotatable;
• and
• b) a switching device cooperating with said movable member, for rotating said movable member alone an arc between first and second positions in response to signals received from a synchronizer in communication with an imaging apparatus, to move said opaque portion between first and second locations in said single image path, to alternately define on opposite sides of said opaque portion first and second image path portions of said single image path, said first and second image path portions having first and second spaced apart centroids respectively.