Reflected Line Of Sight Patents (Class 359/479)
  • Patent number: 11803059
    Abstract: A display placed in an optical pathway extending from an entrance pupil of a person's eye to a real-world scene beyond the eye. The display includes at least one 2-D added-image source that is addressable to produce a light pattern corresponding to a virtual object. The source is situated to direct the light pattern toward the person's eye to superimpose the virtual object on an image of the real-world scene as perceived by the eye via the optical pathway. An active-optical element is situated between the eye and the added-image source at a location that is optically conjugate to the entrance pupil and at which the active-optical element forms an intermediate image of the light pattern from the added-image source. The active-optical element has variable optical power and is addressable to change its optical power to produce a corresponding change in perceived distance at which the intermediate image is formed, as an added image to the real-world scene, relative to the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: THE ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
    Inventors: Hong Hua, Sheng Liu
  • Patent number: 11592684
    Abstract: A system and method for generating compact light-field displays through varying optical depths provides digital content in a more effective and efficient manner. The system includes a field-evolving cavity with a cavity exit pupil, a relay mechanism, and a system enclosure with an enclosure exit pupil. The field-evolving cavity modifies the light-field displays before outputting the light-field displays with the cavity exit pupil. More specifically, the field-evolving cavity includes at least one display panel, which initially generates the light-field displays, and at least one optical-tuning mechanism, which subsequently modifies the light-field displays to varying optical depths. The system enclosure houses the field-evolving cavity and the relay mechanism. The relay mechanism directs the light-field displays from the cavity exit pupil to the enclosure exit pupil, which outputs the light-field displays to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: BRELYON INC
    Inventor: Barmak Heshmat Dehkordi
  • Patent number: 11526024
    Abstract: A novel detachable holographic apparatus incorporates a dedicated upper shelf section that orients a portable electronic device's display screen to face downward after being inserted into the dedicated upper shelf section of the apparatus. The upper shelf section is created with a smartphone holder made of a rectangular center opening surrounded by a surrounding frame. The rectangular center opening allows the portable electronic device's display screen to project an image downward from the dedicated upper shelf section. The novel detachable holographic apparatus also incorporates a transparent display sheet or a one-way mirror sheet underneath the dedicated upper shelf section at a 45-degree angle relative to the surface of the portable electronic device's display screen, which in turn engender partial optical refractions and/or reflections of the image originating from the portable electronic device's display screen to form a hologram near the transparent display sheet or the one-way mirror sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: DoubleMe, Inc.
    Inventor: Heekwan Kim
  • Patent number: 11469496
    Abstract: This application discloses an apparatus for minimizing the optical effects of transmissive domes, and for using the dome surfaces to correct for other optical aberrations and distortions. Herein, the inner surface of the dome is designed to correct for unwanted optical effects of the outer surface of the dome and may also be used to correct for other anticipated effects in the overall optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Luminit LLC
    Inventor: Russell Kurtz
  • Patent number: 11415728
    Abstract: A holographic display can include a light source configured to output light; a parallax generator optically coupled to the light source; an optical volume, where the light is perceivable as a three dimensional image within the optical volume; optionally, a flip controller; and, optionally, a viewcone expander.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Looking Glass Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexis Hornstein, Lee Shiu Pong, Shawn Michael Frayne
  • Patent number: 11378831
    Abstract: A method for presenting image content in two operating modes, B1 for a viewing mode with a restricted viewing angle, and B2 for a viewing mode with an unrestricted viewing angle, comprising: providing a first image generator radiating image content into a restricted viewing angle; providing a second image generator radiating image content into an unrestricted viewing angle, wherein the second generator is in front of the first, and is partially transparent to light from the first, and deflects, on at least 50% of its surface, at least 90% of the light passed by it, by maximally 10°; switching on the first generator to start mode B1, wherein the second generator is switched to a transparent state and scatters only a negligible portion of light from the first generator, to retain the restricted viewing angle; and switching on the second generator to start mode B2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: siOPTICA GmbH
    Inventors: André Heber, Yannick Bourgin, Markus Klippstein
  • Patent number: 10890694
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing optical systems which utilize double Fresnel lenses on curved surfaces for use with display systems, such as silicon-based micro display systems (e.g., OLED micro displays) used with head mounted display (HMD) systems. The optical systems disclosed herein may implement multiplexing or blending to provide a smooth profile transition and reduce aberrations between zones or fields (e.g., small FOV angles, large FOV angles) of a Fresnel surface which is defined by multiple Fresnel patterns or functions. An optical system for a micro display is provided which utilizes double Fresnel lenses on curved surfaces to shorten the focal length while maintaining a good shape factor for moldability and aberration control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Valve Corporation
    Inventor: Joshua Mark Hudman
  • Patent number: 10818195
    Abstract: A learning method to be implemented by an electronic device including a processor and a display unit and cooperating with an imaging frame includes: storing a set of image data related to a virtual 3D image of an object, and a total score associated with the object; displaying, by the display unit, image parts respectively on display areas that surround a central area according to the set of image data, in a manner that the virtual 3D image of the object is reconstructed in the imaging frame when the imaging frame is placed on the display unit and corresponds to the central area in position; determining, by the processor, whether a time duration for which the display unit displays the image parts is not smaller than a predetermined time duration; and when affirmative, adding, by the processor, a learning score to the total score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: NATIONAL TAIWAN NORMAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Tzu-Chien Liu, Chao-Ling Chen
  • Patent number: 10732419
    Abstract: A head-up display device is configured to project a display light, which is to be reflected by a concave image forming reflection surface, onto a combiner having the image forming reflection surface a combiner to display a virtual image visible to an occupant. The combiner is located above an upper surface portion of the instrument panel. The projector is configured to project a display light in the form of a light beam. A light guide mirror has a light guide reflection surface and is configured to reflect the display light from the projector toward the image forming reflection surface. The light guide reflection surface is convex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takahiro Nambara
  • Patent number: 10264245
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a 3D imaging system that generates a three-dimensional (3D) spatial image of a source content, e.g., images or videos. The source content is a two-dimensional (2D) color-encoded content in which different portions of the source content are encoded with different colors based on a depth at which the corresponding portion is to be formed relative to the other portions in the 3D spatial image. The 3D imaging system includes an optical component, e.g., a Fresnel lens, to generate the 3D spatial image. In the aerial viewing configuration of the 3D imaging system, the 3D imaging system generates the 3D spatial image in a space between the optical component and a viewer. In the infinity viewing configuration of the 3D imaging system, the 3D imaging system generates the 3D spatial image in a space between the optical component and optical infinity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Inventor: Walter Joseph Funk
  • Patent number: 9848183
    Abstract: A display system is configured to display a stereoscopic three dimensional relief effect in aerial space from a two dimensional image source. The display system has a reflector, having a generalized cylindrical concave surface. The two dimensional image source is arranged between the first side and the second side facing the generalized cylindrical concave surface. The reflector reflects light from the two dimensional image source outward as an aerial image. The aerial image exhibits the stereoscopic three dimensional relief effect. A support structure is operably connected to the reflector and the two dimensional image source. The reflector and the two dimensional image source are adapted to be individually rotated and tilted relative to one another while their position is physically secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: Roger William Holden
  • Patent number: 9581798
    Abstract: Light sheet microscope for recording 3D images of a specimen, comprising a light sheet generator, an objective lens, an image detector and a wavefront encoder element or system positioned between the objective lens and the image detector for extending the depth of field of the objective lens. By doing so, the restriction on the distance between the collecting objective and the light sheet is relaxed, allowing the use of a light sheet scanning unit. The resulting light sheet microscope allows for a robust, aberration insensitive, fast 3D imaging without the need to move or perturb the specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignees: Fundacio Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, Universitat Politecnica De Catalunya
    Inventors: Pablo Loza Alvarez, Omar Eduardo Olarte Pataquiva, David Artigas Garcias
  • Patent number: 9046758
    Abstract: An omnidirectional-view three-dimensional display apparatus comprises a high-frame-rate projector (21), a rotatable reflector device and a cylindrical transmissive selective-diffusing screen (24). The optical axis of the high-frame-rate projector (21) is coincident with the rotating axis of the reflector device and the axis of the cylindrical selective-diffusing screen (24). The images projected by the high-frame-rate projector (21) are reflected by the reflector device to form images on the cylindrical transmissive selective-diffusing screen (24). The cylindrical transmissive selective-diffusing screen (24) can control the diffusing angle of the emergence ray, so that the left eye and the right eye of an observer can see a three-dimensional object's images in different view angles to achieve an omnidirectional-view three-dimensional display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Xu Liu, Xinxing Xia, Haifeng Li, Caijie Yan
  • Publication number: 20150062700
    Abstract: A volumetric-image forming system comprises an optical image-forming means 15 and a volumetric display apparatus 17, the optical image-forming means 15 having light-transmitting and plate-like first and second reflecting members 13 and 14 respectively provided with belt-like first and second reflecting surfaces 11 and 12, the first and second reflecting surfaces 11 and 12 being arranged perpendicular to a plate surface and in parallel at a constant pitch, the first and second reflecting surfaces further being arranged crossing one another, the volumetric display apparatus 17 being arranged in the back side of the optical image-forming means 15 and displaying a luminous volumetric image A in a resting or dynamic state inside a display apparatus 16 from electronic data, whereby a volumetric image A inside the display apparatus 16 is formed as a volumetric image B in a free space in the front side of the optical image-forming means 15.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: ASUKANET COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Makoto Otsubo
  • Publication number: 20150036214
    Abstract: A transparent component comprising glass or a glass-like material with an exterior surface. The exterior surface shows a reflection, which differs from the reflection of a background surface. The exterior surface as well as the background surface are partially or entirely reflective of incident light like a mirror and by the distance of the two surfaces from each other the reflection at the surfaces is reflected differently such that the reflection at the exterior surface appears at a different point than on the background surface. Thereby, a depth effect is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Tobias Heine
  • Publication number: 20150029585
    Abstract: A reflective imaging element that may be manufactured in a convenient method and obtain a high quality aerial picture is provided. A reflective imaging element of an embodiment includes a first reflective element and a second reflective element including a light receiving surface to receive light from a projected material and an emitting surface, parallel to the light receiving surface, to emit the light from the projected material. When a ratio of light contributing to imaging out of the light from the projected material is defined as a ratio of amount of light and an incident angle of the light from the projected material when the ratio of amount of light is highest to the light receiving surface is defined as a maximum incident angle, the maximum incident angle of the first reflective element and the maximum incident angle of the second reflective element are different from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Kentarou Imamura, Takahumi Shimatani
  • Publication number: 20140362439
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a display device for presenting images or sequences of images in the form of a Pepper's Ghost illusion, comprising a base body (1) with a retainer that has a positioning surface and in which a tablet PC can be positioned in a horizontal position, and two or more partially transparent mirrors (4) which are held against the base body (1) in an inclined position and are disposed parallel to one another so that light radiated by the screen of the tablet PC strikes a reflective surface of the partially transparent mirrors (4) and is proportionately reflected towards the front side in the direction of an observer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Till Schreier, Stephan Overkott
  • Patent number: 8905546
    Abstract: An optical system includes: a reflective imaging element; and a liquid crystal display panel disposed on a light-incident side of the reflective imaging element, the liquid crystal display panel having a display surface which is inclined with an angle of no less than 45° and no more than 75° relative to a plane defined by the reflective imaging element, a viewing angle dependence of a contrast ratio of the liquid crystal display panel taking a central value in a direction inclined by 10° or more in a direction of tilt of the display surface from a normal of the display surface, and causes an image displayed on the display surface of the liquid crystal display panel to form an image at a position of planar symmetry with respect to the reflective imaging element as a plane of symmetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takafumi Shimatani, Shigeto Yoshida, Kentarou Imamura
  • Publication number: 20140355114
    Abstract: A display extension for a device with a display includes a substantially transparent screen and positioning means adapted to position the substantially transparent screen at an acute angle relative to the display. The substantially transparent screen includes at least one zone of increased reflectivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Aivaras GRAUZINIS
  • Patent number: 8854629
    Abstract: A method of analysis of a sample, including the steps of: (a) splitting an input optical beam into a probe beam and reference beam; (b) utilizing the probe beam to interrogate a sample and obtaining a return sample beam there from; (c) manipulating the reference beam into a predetermined polarization state; (d) mixing the return sample beam and reference beam producing a series of mixed beams; and (e) analyzing the polarization components of the series of mixed beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Steven James Frisken, Daniel Royston Neill
  • Publication number: 20140177051
    Abstract: A holographic display system for producing three-dimensional virtual images that are similar those of a real object seen through a conventional glass window. A basic display element comprises a lens and an image element such as conventional display screen, film, slide, or photograph. For this embodiment, the distance between the image element and the lens is approximately equal to the focal length of the lens. This setup means that different viewing angles correspond to different physical locations on the image. The apparent magnification of the image element increases as the observer moves away from the lens, which simulates the reduction in viewing angle of a real window. Selecting a distance between the lens and display that is less than the focal length of the lens allows for more accurate representation nearby objects. Other embodiments use mirror or diverging lenses. Also a variety of configurations for producing, recording, and transmitting images are described that use single or multiple cameras.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Elaine Frances Kopko, William Leslie Kopko
  • Publication number: 20130314782
    Abstract: System and method for a visual display system with a two-way minor, which is between the observation zone and the image display device, positioned at an angle to reflect a backdrop surface that may be wider than the image display device or a backdrop with mirrored sides to extend the visual perception of the backdrop surface. A camera may be included with the visual display system for telepresence applications. The two-way mirror may extend into wall panels on the sides to form a room that appears to extend in depth by the reflection of the wall panels and a backdrop panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: TelePresence Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Peter McDuffie White
  • Patent number: 8591035
    Abstract: A display device includes a projector, a Fresnel lens converting a projected light from the projector into a nearly parallelized light, a screen with light reflectivity on which an image by the projected light from the projector is generated, and a retrotransmissive material forming another image of an image located on one side of an element plane in a position in a space on the other side of the element plane such that the image and the other image are symmetric with respect to the element plane. The retrotransmissive material forms an image by a light that has obliquely entered the element plane, such that a position from which the light has obliquely entered the element plane and a position in which the image is formed are symmetric with respect to the element plane, and thereby forms a real image of the image on the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kunio Yoneno
  • Patent number: 8434872
    Abstract: A multi-viewpoint floating image display device enabling observation from multiple viewpoints by combining mirror images of objects to be projected and spatially separated from one another as real images in a small region in space. The display device comprises a multi-viewpoint floating image display optical system having real mirror imaging optical systems each of which forms a real image of each of the objects in a plane-symmetric position symmetric to the object with respect to one geometrical plane which is the symmetry plane. All the real mirror imaging optical systems are so arranged that the angle formed by given symmetry planes is less than 180 degrees on the real image side with respect to the symmetry planes. The objects are so arranged as to correspond to the respective real mirror imaging optical systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: National Institute of Information and Communications Technology
    Inventor: Satoshi Maekawa
  • Publication number: 20130077163
    Abstract: A stereoscopic display device having a variety of uses is provided, allowing a distance between reflective means and a watcher to be reduced when a single two-dimensional image displayed on image displaying means is reflected by the reflective means to be viewed stereoscopically, so that a two-dimensional image with a small size can also be viewed stereoscopically. The reflective means has the two-dimensional image reflected and has a three-dimensional virtual image displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: QUASAR TECHNOLOGY INC
    Inventor: Yamada Shoji
  • Publication number: 20130050821
    Abstract: A reflective 3D display device and manufacturing method thereof This method includes following steps: providing a template with at least one concave parts-trap and at least one metallic microsphere, and tilting the template to form a first included angle, between the concave parts-trap and a horizontal plane, in a first direction, and a second included angle, between the concave parts-trap and the horizontal, in a second direction. When the metallic microspheres are disposed in the concave parts-trap, the metallic microspheres would self-organize to intrinsic potential minima, and then an adhesive layer and a gel are provided for removing which and fixing the relative positions between which respectively. A portion of each metallic microsphere is exposed form the gel, which is used to reflect light to 3D space, such that 3D images viewable with naked eye are achieved and the perspective phenomenon occurring in 3D images is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: NATIONAL CHANGHUA UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION
    Inventors: Ker-Win Wang, Jun-Fu Chuang
  • Patent number: 8042948
    Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems and methods for providing image projection and entertainment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Powell, Sam Ingraldi
  • Publication number: 20110188116
    Abstract: A device for generation of three-dimensional images in the observer's eye using at least one two-dimensional display and an optical system with an adjustable focal length. The display generates planar images corresponding to the different depths of the designed three dimensional (3D) image and the images are then directed to at least one mirror or lens with the adjustable focal length synchronized to the particular image. The optical system generates virtual images at different virtual planes in such a way that the eye receives a complete 3D virtual image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Nikolay Ledentsov Ledentsov
  • Publication number: 20110002038
    Abstract: A three-dimensional 3D image formation device includes a mounting box, an image source device, a plurality of transparent reflecting lenses and a top panel. Reflection principles are used for reflecting a plurality of image sources of the image source device onto the transparent reflecting lenses tilted at an angle of 45 degrees, such that a viewer can view a 3D image floating in the air from any angle, and the 3D image formation device gives a lively 3D perception of the image to enhance the value of the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: TENDRIL-TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: TSUNG-WU WANG
  • Publication number: 20100321638
    Abstract: An optical illusion device such as a drinking glass/cup for providing a multi-dimensional visual display. The device includes a body with tubular sidewalls extending from an opening at a first end to an opening at a second end. A base assembly is provided at the second end. The base assembly includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a sidewall that together form or define an inner chamber. A visual display assembly is provided with a mirror element with a convex reflective surface or mirror positioned within the chamber with the reflective surface facing the top wall of the base assembly. A primary image element is provided proximate to the reflective surface such that the primary image and mirror element can be observed via the opening in the body. A framing element is included proximate to the top wall of the base assembly including background images facing the reflective surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: Gary W. Schnuckle
  • Publication number: 20100321778
    Abstract: An optical illusion device such as a drinking glass/cup for providing a multi-dimensional visual display. The device includes a body with tubular sidewalls extending from an opening at a first end to an opening at a second end. A base assembly is provided at the second end. The base assembly includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a sidewall that together form or define an inner chamber. A visual display assembly is provided with a mirror element with a convex reflective surface or mirror positioned within the chamber with the reflective surface facing the top wall of the base assembly. A primary image element is provided proximate to the reflective surface such that the primary image and mirror element can be observed via the opening in the body. A framing element is included proximate to the top wall of the base assembly including background images facing the reflective surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: Gary W. Schnuckle
  • Publication number: 20100271698
    Abstract: A volumetric imaging apparatus has a volumetric image generator with a light source, a light modulator, and a display surface. The volumetric image generator is energizable to form, on the display surface, an image over a range of focal positions at the entrance pupil of an optical system. The optical system is disposed to direct light from the image to a one-dimensional pupil expander. A combiner surface is disposed in the path of output light from the pupil expander for displaying the volumetric image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: David Kessler
  • Publication number: 20100254001
    Abstract: A 3-dimensional image display device having wide viewing angles using Fresnel lenses is disclosed. According to an embodiment of the invention, the 3-dimensional image display device includes an image source providing part for providing an image source, a first Fresnel lens refracting and transmitting the image source that is incident from the image source providing part, and a second Fresnel lens for generating a 3-dimensional image by refracting and transmitting the image source transmitted from the first Fresnel lens. At least one of the first Fresnel lens and the second Fresnel lens is a curved type Fresnel lens surface. The present invention can maximize the display area for a 3-dimensional image and realize the 3-dimensional image having wide viewing angles without distortion on the left and right boundaries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: 3DIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sun-Joo Jang
  • Patent number: 7706068
    Abstract: The image three-dimensional recognition apparatus is an apparatus for making it possible for an observer to recognize a planar image as a three-dimensional image, and has a first mirror, a second mirror and a mirror fixing part. The mirrors have the mirror planes, respectively. The mirror fixing part fixes the mirrors, and has a base and two support members arranged on the base. The mirrors are fixed at a position sandwiched between the support members by attaching the side faces of the mirrors to the support members. The first mirror is located directly below the second mirror. The mirror plane of the second mirror is directed toward the planar image displayed in a screen of a display device, and is inclined obliquely downward. The mirror plane of the first mirror is directed toward the observer and is inclined obliquely upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Ito Takaaki
  • Patent number: 7651225
    Abstract: A three dimensional display apparatus includes a three dimensional shape reconstruction apparatus, a reflecting device, a controller and a projecting device. The three dimensional shape reconstruction apparatus reconstructs a target three dimensional shape. The reflecting device reflects projection light from above the three dimensional shape reconstruction apparatus, to side faces of the three dimensional shape reconstruction apparatus. The controller controls the three dimensional shape reconstruction apparatus based on three dimensional shape information. The projecting device projects a surface image of the top face of the target three dimensional shape onto the top face of the three dimensional shape reconstruction apparatus. The projecting device projects surface images of the side faces of the target three dimensional shape onto the side faces of the three dimensional shape reconstruction apparatus through the reflecting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Osamu Nishikawa
  • Publication number: 20090323024
    Abstract: An optical system that projects a real image to a location in free space and includes one or more features located along the optical path that enhance the viewability of the real image. The optical system includes a converging element for converging a portion of source light so as to form the real image. One viewability-enhancing features is the use of a broadband reflector-polarizer having high transmitting and reflecting efficiencies. Another viewability-enhancing features is the use of polarizing elements having substantially matched bandwidth responses and/or comprising an achromatic design. An additional viewability-enhancing feature is the use of a wide-view film to increase the viewing angle of the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: PC MIRAGE, LLC
    Inventor: Bruce D. Dike
  • Publication number: 20090323183
    Abstract: The image three-dimensional recognition apparatus is an apparatus for making it possible for an observer to recognize a planar image as a three-dimensional image, and has a first mirror, a second mirror and a mirror fixing part. The mirrors have the mirror planes, respectively. The mirror fixing part fixes the mirrors, and has a base and two support members arranged on the base. The mirrors are fixed at a position sandwiched between the support members by attaching the side faces of the mirrors to the support members. The first mirror is located directly below the second mirror. The mirror plane of the second mirror is directed toward the planar image displayed in a screen of a display device, and is inclined obliquely downward. The mirror plane of the first mirror is directed toward the observer and is inclined obliquely upward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Ito Takaaki
  • Publication number: 20090310217
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a 3-dimensional video display device using a single image source for background image and object image display, which uses a double Fresnel lens structure, multi-reflector, and half mirror part. In particular, the present invention relates to a 3-dimensional image device with which the problem in prior art of spatial size in obtaining a background image is resolved, and with which a background image of a large display and a 3-dimensional image having an enhanced sense of depth and a large image are displayed simultaneously using only a single image source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Sun-Joo Jang
  • Publication number: 20090290079
    Abstract: A multiple depth display provided for displaying images at different depths comprises a single display device (61), for displaying all of the images. An optical system (62, 63, 64) is disposed in front of the display device (61). The optical system comprises first and second spaced-apart partial reflectors (62, 63) and polarization optics (64) for providing first and second light paths for first and second images or sequences of images displayed by the device (61). The first light path (65) comprises partial transmission through the first reflector (62), partial reflection from the second reflector (63), partial reflection from the first reflector (62), and partial transmission through the second reflector (65) towards a viewing region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventors: Allan Evans, Alistair Curd, Thomas Wynne-Powell, Adrian Jacobs, Nathan Smith, Emma Walton, Gregory Gay
  • Patent number: 7614749
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing aerial images is disclosed employing a combination of plastic spherical mirrors, beamsplitter polarizing filters, and light sources. An object to be displayed is illuminated, and its image is partially reflected by the beamsplitter to a focusing mirror and reflected to an aerial position. A polarizer prevents ambient lights or images from degrading or interfering with the aerial images. A clock radio, a personal television display counter, as well as animated mannequin versions are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Provision Interactive Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Vrachan, Curtis L. Thornton
  • Publication number: 20090273835
    Abstract: A three-dimensional display apparatus includes a case, illuminators, a first mirror, a diffractive optical element and a second mirror. The case can contain an object for display, and includes a movable leaf operable to open and close the case. The illuminators are located around the case for emitting light onto the object. The first mirror is disposed in the case for carrying the weight of the displayed object and reflecting light reflected by the object. The diffractive optical element is located on the case and formed with cells each including portions of regularly changing thicknesses for diffracting the light reflected by the first mirror. The second mirror is located on the diffractive optical element for reflecting the light diffracted by the diffractive optical element, thus forming an image of the displayed object between itself and the diffractive optical element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Sheng-Hsiung CHANG, Chun-Nan Chen, Heng-Yau Pan, Tsair-Chun Liang, Hon Kuan, Tang-Jen Liu
  • Publication number: 20080144175
    Abstract: The present invention provides a display device that enhances spatial aspects of three-dimensional objects recorded and displayed on two-dimensional surfaces. A display device according to the invention comprises a pyramid-like part and display means (801). The pyramid-like part has semi-transparent, partly reflective facets (1501-1504). The display means provides images to be reflected on the facets (1501-1504) of the pyramid-like part. Methods are provided for recording and displaying picture angle recordings on a display device according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Allan Simonsen
  • Patent number: 7226167
    Abstract: An autostereoscopic optical apparatus (10) for viewing a stereoscopic image comprising a left image to be viewed by an observer (12) at a left viewing pupil (14l) and a right image to be viewed by the observer at a right viewing pupil (14r). A left image generation system (70l) forms a left curved intermediate image near the focal surface (22) of a curved mirror (24). A right image generation system (70r) forms a right intermediate image near the focal surface of the curved mirror. A center of curvature of the curved mirror is placed substantially optically midway between the exit pupil and the left optical system (110l) the exit pupil of the right optical system (110r). A beamsplitter is disposed between the focal surface and the center of curvature of the curved mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Joshua M. Cobb
  • Patent number: 7165842
    Abstract: An improved autostereoscopic display apparatus (10) forms left and right virtual images for pupil imaging by forming, through a beamsplitter (16), a real intermediate image near the focal surface of a curved mirror (24). A circular polarizer (90) is disposed at a position between viewing pupils (14l, 14r) and the beamsplitter (16), minimizing glare due to stray light reflection from the curved mirror surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Joshua M. Cobb, Mark E. Bridges, Allan M. Waugh, James E. Roddy
  • Patent number: 7016116
    Abstract: An image display system provides a viewer with an experience of three dimensional images by presenting a composite image source. The system includes first and second image sources, a beamcombiner, a lens and a reflective element. The reflective elements reflects the image of the second image source to the beamcombiner. The first and second image sources, the beamcombiner, and the single lens present a foreground image and a background image, with the background image presented at a greater distance from the viewer than the foreground image. The viewer perceives the foreground image and the background image as part of a scene having depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Eugene Dolgoff
  • Patent number: 6935747
    Abstract: An improved real image projection system comprises, in the primary configuration, a tilted mirror to eliminate ghost reflections, and a unique arrangement allowing the introduction of a second background image without a 50%/50% beamsplitter, while providing system transmission of approximately 50%. A secondary configuration incorporates an elliptical or aspheric curved mirror designed to simulate the surface of a spherical curve when light strikes the elliptical surface at an angle equal to the elliptical angle of the curved mirror. In a third configuration, a single curved mirror has two different optical surfaces of revolution, one on the convex surface and one on the concave surface. The concave surface is much like that of a Mangin lens, but it has an aspheric surface of revolution, optimized to reduce spherical aberrations over a larger area offset from the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Optical Products Development
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Westort, Douglas L. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6809891
    Abstract: An image display device has a luminous image source operably positioned within a housing for projecting a projected image. The housing has a lens aperture covered by a lens assembly. The lens assembly is spaced apart from the luminous image source so that the lens assembly functions to projecting the luminous image outside of the internal chamber and beyond the lens assembly to appear as the image bubble that includes the projected image. The lens assembly includes a first lens, a second lens adjacent the first lens, and a third lens adjacent the second lens. The first lens has a first focal length that is approximately one-half of a focal length of the second or third lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventors: Bradly A. Kerr, Kristopher L. Marcott, Jeffrey Hatcher, Scott Gaddie
  • Patent number: 6767099
    Abstract: A real image projection system is provided including a projection system housing with an aperture. This device provides a real image projected into a viewable volume of space relative to the aperture. An optical assembly and an object positioning device adjacent to the optic assembly provide the real image. The object positioning device may position an object adjacent to the optic assembly in dynamic or static fashion. The optical assembly receives the light rays reflected from the object and projects a real image of the object into the viewable volume of space. The invention provides environmental visual cues to promote perception of a three-dimensional image. The invention further includes a secondary mirror for use in reducing or minimizing the overall size of the system housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventors: Richard Perkins, Gary T. Yamron
  • Patent number: 6755532
    Abstract: A monocentric image generation system (100) for forming a curved image (110) using a spherical mirror (92), a beamsplitter (102) and a ball lens assembly (30) and, optionally, a field lens (112). An image source (94) provides a source image through an aperture stop location (96) at the center of curvature Cs of the spherical mirror (92). The beamsplitter (102) provides the resulting intermediate image (90) so that it is concentric with the ball lens assembly (30) in order to form the curved image (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Joshua M. Cobb
  • Patent number: 6733140
    Abstract: A real image projection system includes at least one curved reflector, positioned in a tilted configuration, wherein an optical axis of the reflector is not coincident with a viewing axis, and a beampath between a target source and the curved reflector neither passes through nor reflects off of a beamsplitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Optical Products Development Corp.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Westort, Douglas L. Robinson, Randolph J. Turner