Rotatable Heads-up Device Or Combiner Patents (Class 359/632)
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Patent number: 8477426Abstract: A display device for a motor vehicle includes a projection module for generating an image for projection in a normal direction of looking of a user long an optical path. The display device comprises a reflection element capable of being moved between a first rest position and a second display position. The reflection element in its display position is provided in the normal direction of looking of the user. When the reflection element moves between its first rest position and its second display position, it is subjected to rotary movement about a fixed axis of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Benoit Box, Jean-Luc Croy, Sebastien Hervy, Pierre Bascoul, Philippe Fedorawiez, Giany Pitte, Olivier Luneau, Georges Prigent, Pascal Choquart
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Patent number: 8477424Abstract: A method for producing a single-layer diffractive combiner for a head-up display having a projection unit with n light sources of ?i wavelength(s), where i=1 to n sending light towards the combiner at an angle ?p. The method includes forming interference fringes for each ?i wavelength on a photosensitive layer with an interference of two light beams from a single laser source of wavelength ?e, where the forming step is repeated n times, and each time the forming step is repeated an angle ?i between the two beams is determined according to ?i=arcsin ((?e/?i)*sin(?p)), one of the interfering beams being divergent and having a spherical wave front and the other being a plane wave, the interference of the beams generating a diffractive network with an adjustable pitch and curved contour fringe lines.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2009Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignees: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hassan Moussa, Laurent Tupinier, Idriss El Hafidi, Mandiaye Ndao
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Patent number: 8461970Abstract: A motor vehicle has a first display and a first camera. An environmental image of the part of the environment of the vehicle lying behind the motor vehicle can be recorded using the first camera and the environmental image recorded using the first camera can be completely or partially displayed on the first display. The first display is disposed inside the motor vehicle such that the recorded environmental image, or a part of the recorded environmental image, may be perceivable as a virtual image behind a side pane of the motor vehicle for a driver of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2008Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Daniel Birkemeyer, Michael Engler, Jürgen Wolf
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Patent number: 8446676Abstract: Provided is a head-mounted display element, including: a first casing (11) which incorporates therein at least a display element (21), and has a light projection window (11a) for projecting image light from the display element (21); a second casing (12) which incorporates therein an eyepiece optical system (31) with a refractive power, and has a light receiving window (12a) for receiving incident image light projected through the light projection window (11a) and an eyepiece window (12b) for emitting the image light that has passed through the eyepiece optical system (31); and a coupling portion (13) for coupling the second casing (12) to the first casing (11) so as to make adjustable a length of an optical path between the light projection window (11a) and the light receiving window (12a).Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2011Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Ryohei Sugihara, Yoichi Iba, Seiji Tatsuta
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Publication number: 20130114146Abstract: A steerable near-to-eye display is provided and may include, but is not limited to, a first curved support arm configured to rotate about a first axis, a second curved support arm configured to rotate about a second axis, and an ocular assembly coupled to at least one of the first curved support arm and the second curved support arm, the ocular assembly configured to display an image and configured to substantially maintain a position where the first curved support arm crosses the second curved support arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventor: Brent D. Larson
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Publication number: 20130100534Abstract: An adjustable visual optical element is provided, which may be supported, for example, by an eyeglass. The optical element is preferably adjustable in each of the X, Y, and Z axes to allow the wearer to optimize projection of the optical element. A view axis of the display is preferably also angularly adjustable with respect to a wearer's straight ahead normal line of sight. Source electronics may be carried onboard the eyeglasses, or may be connectable to the eyeglasses via either a hardwire, optical guide, or radiofrequency link.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: Oakley, Inc.Inventor: Oakley, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130100535Abstract: A combiner positioning system for a head-up display includes a carrier and a camwheel. The carrier supports a combiner for the head-up display, and the combiner is movable between a stowed position and a display position. The camwheel is rotatable about a camwheel axis. The rotation of the camwheel about the camwheel axis engages the carrier and moves the combiner between the stowed position and the display position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: Jabil Circuit, Inc.Inventor: Jabil Circuit, Inc.
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Patent number: 8427751Abstract: A combiner positioning system for a head-up display (HUD) is provided. The positioning system includes a combiner holder, a pair of control discs, a pair of levers and a driving unit. The combiner holder is connected to the combiner, the levers are connected to the combiner holder and the control discs, and the driving unit is connected to the control discs. When the driving unit drives the control discs to rotate, the levers moves the combiner holder and the combiner. The positioning system enables the combiner's first movement from parking position (storage position) to operating position (display position) and a second movement for angular fine adjustment of the combiner is also enabled after reaching the operating position.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2011Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Lite-On It CorporationInventors: Horst Rumpf, Christian Hopf, Alexander Noel
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Patent number: 8368341Abstract: A head up display device for a vehicle includes a display; an optical system having a reflecting mirror; a stepping motor; and a control system having a determining device, a micro-step control device, and a forcible control device. The determining device determines whether an adjustment command for micro-step control is given. The micro-step control device performs the micro-step control as long as the determining device determines that the command for the micro-step control is given. The forcible control device forcibly controls a drive signal such that an electrical angle changes to a stabilizing point. When determination made by the determining device switches from determination that the command is given to determination that the command is not given, the forcible control device forcibly controls the drive signal, provided that the electrical angle as of the time of the determination that the command is not given is shifted from the stabilizing point.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2011Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Tatsuya Sasaki, Hideyuki Nakane, Kazuhide Ohta
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Patent number: 8269692Abstract: An image display apparatus includes: a left-eye light source (101) that outputs a left-eye image constituting an original image in whole or in part; a left-eye deflection unit (104) that deflects, toward a left eye of the user, the left-eye image outputted by the left-eye light source (101); a right-eye light source (110) that outputs a right-eye image constituting the original image in whole or in part; a right-eye deflection unit (107) that deflects, toward a right eye of the user, the right-eye image outputted by the right-eye light source (110); and a control unit (105, 111) that controls the left-eye light source (101) and the right-eye light source (110) such that the left-eye image and the right-eye image are outputted which are different from each other in at least one of pixel position, image shape, image size, image resolution, and display frame rate so that the user can recognize the original image from the left-eye image and the right-eye image by an image fusion effect.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Keiji Sugiyama, Kakuya Yamamoto, Akira Kurozuka
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Patent number: 8237626Abstract: A head-mounted device mounted on a wearer's head has a first pressing unit to press against the wearer's head from a position of his/her medulla, a second pressing unit to press against the wearer's head in an opposite direction to a pressing direction of the first pressing unit, and a mounting unit to mount the head-mounted device on the wearer's head by adjusting at least one of the first pressing unit and the second pressing unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2008Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshiki Ishino, Takaaki Nakabayashi, Yoshihiro Saito, Toshiyuki Okuma
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Publication number: 20120176683Abstract: A combiner positioning system for a head-up display (HUD) is provided. The positioning system includes a combiner holder, a pair of control discs, a pair of levers and a driving unit. The combiner holder is connected to the combiner, the levers are connected to the combiner holder and the control discs, and the driving unit is connected to the control discs. When the driving unit drives the control discs to rotate, the levers moves the combiner holder and the combiner. The positioning system enables the combiner's first movement from parking position (storage position) to operating position (display position) and a second movement for angular fine adjustment of the combiner is also enabled after reaching the operating position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: LITE-ON IT CORPORATIONInventors: Horst Rumpf, Christian Hopf, Alexander Noel
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Patent number: 8159752Abstract: Head-up display scenery alignment system, the head-up display being mounted in an aircraft and including an image projector and a combiner. The combiner is optically located between a user and a scenery of interest, optically transmitting a scene image of the scenery of interest to the user. The image projector projects an image toward the combiner, and the combiner reflects the image toward the user. The aircraft includes a heading angle sensor, determining the heading angle of the aircraft. The HUD scenery alignment system includes a moving mechanism coupled with the combiner; and a processor coupled with the heading angle sensor, with the moving mechanism and with the projector. The processor receives heading angle information from the heading angle sensor, and the processor determines the deviation of the heading of the aircraft from the longitudinal axis of the aircraft according to the heading angle information.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2009Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignees: Elbit Systems Ltd., Elbit Systems Electro-Optics ELOP Ltd.Inventors: Hagai Wertheim, Guy Kaufman, Erikos Amarilio
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Publication number: 20120033307Abstract: A display device includes a light flux generation unit 115 to generate light flux 112 containing image information, a reflection plate 163 to reflect the light flux toward one eye 105 of an occupant 100, a head detection unit 612 to detect a head 101 of the occupant 100 by utilizing at least two pairs of distance sensors, a control unit 620 to determine the position of the head 101 of the occupant 100 as receiving output from the head detection unit 612 and to control a direction or a position of the reflection plate 163, and a drive unit 164 to drive the reflection plate 163 as receiving output from the control unit 620.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Hiroaki Nakamura, Akihisa Moriya
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Patent number: 8081387Abstract: The invention relates to a display device, particularly for an automotive vehicle, that comprises an unfolding member (1), the display device including a mounting member (10) for attaching the unfolding member in at least a first inactive position and in at least a second unfolded position, the display device being adapted so that the unfolding member follows an unfolding movement between the first and second positions thereof, the movement of the unfolding member including at least partially a translation portion and a rotation portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2008Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbHInventors: Laurent Montarou, Olivier Luneau, Robert Arnould
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Patent number: 8077396Abstract: A display unit for mounting in a vehicle is provided. The display unit includes an image generator. The display unit further includes a semi-reflective member. The semi-reflective member is configured to move from a non-operational position to an operation position. The semi-reflective member is positioned to reflect light from the image generator in an operational position.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2007Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Jean-Luc Croy, Phillipe Fedorawiez, Jean-Marie Bariller, Christophe Guedet
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Publication number: 20110255174Abstract: A head-up display or helmet-mounted display device includes at least one image source configured to emit a first image in at least two different spectral bands. A relay optics includes at least one first optical element for reflecting the two spectral bands and a semi-reflecting second optical element. The relay optics and the semi-reflecting second optical element are arranged so as to give, from the first image emitted by the image source, a second image at infinity.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: THALESInventor: Laurent Bignolles
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Patent number: 7984994Abstract: A projection optical system including a projection lens, a first mirror that reflects a light from the projection lens, and a second mirror that widens an angle of a light from the first mirror by reflecting the light projects a light modulated according to an image signal from an optical engine unit. A third mirror reflects a light from the projection optical system. A screen transmits a light from the third mirror. An optical axis of the projection lens substantially matches an optical axis of the second mirror, and the light from the optical engine unit is shifted to a specific side from the optical axis of the projection lens.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2010Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Eiji Morikuni, Masatoshi Yonekubo, Toshihiko Sakai, Shunji Kamijima
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Patent number: 7982765Abstract: According to an embodiment, an image capture apparatus comprises a light emitter, a beam scanner aligned to receive emitted light and operable to scan the light in a two-dimensional pattern, imaging optics aligned to receive the scanned two-dimensional pattern and image the pattern onto an object, and to collect light scattered from the object, a detector to receive scattered light from the imaging optics, an electronic controller c operable to receive an electrical signal from the detector corresponding to the received scattered light, and an actuator operable to modify the relative alignment between the beam scanner and the imaging optics to change an imaged location on the object. According to an embodiment, a method for capturing an image comprises scanning a beam of light through imaging optics onto a location on a surface, detecting light scattered by the surface, and steering the beam scanner relative to the imaging optics to change the trajectory of the scanned pattern.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: John R. Lewis, Clarence T. Tegreene
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Patent number: 7869129Abstract: The invention relates to a retractable display device for a motor vehicle comprising a light source (8) for generating a displayable information and a retractable blade (1) for reflecting information towards the vehicle user. Said blade (1) is mounted on a movable support (2) displaceable between a rest position and at least one display position in such a way that said blade (1) is retracted when the movable support (2) is in the rest position and the blade is unfolded when said movable support (2) is in the display position.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2006Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SAInventor: Etienne Lebreton
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Patent number: 7841728Abstract: An image display apparatus 100 that displays an image using a light modulated according to an image signal includes a projection optical system 90 that includes a projection lens 20, a first mirror 30 that reflects a light from the projection lens 20, and a second mirror 40 that widens an angle of a light from the first mirror 30 by reflecting the light, and projects the light modulated according to the image signal from an optical engine unit 10; a third mirror 50 that reflects a light from the projection optical system 90; and a screen 50 that transmits a light from the third mirror 50. The projection lens 20 and the second mirror 40 are arranged in such a manner that an optical axis of the projection lens 20 substantially matches an optical axis of the second mirror 40, and shift the light from the optical engine unit 10 to a specific side from the optical axis of the projection lens 20.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2006Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Eiji Morikuni, Masatoshi Yonekubo, Toshihiko Sakai, Shunji Kamijima
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Patent number: 7825996Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which projects light onto a retina of a viewer, to thereby allow the viewer to perceive a display object via a virtual image. The apparatus includes: an emitter emitting light; a modulator modulating the light; a display unit outputting the modulated light to the retina of the viewer through an exit of the display unit, to thereby display in an image display region an image representative of the display object in the form of a virtual image; and a controller controlling the emitter and the modulator so that the image is displayed in the image display region. The controller detects a relative motion of the viewer with respect to a position of the viewer, and performs at least one of control of a display/non-display status of the image, and control of a display position of the image, in accordance with the detected relative motion.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2006Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shoji Yamada, Yasufumi Mase
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Patent number: 7806533Abstract: An optical system comprises a first image capture device for capturing an image of an observation area, a first display device, a semi-reflecting plate, a concave mirror disposed facing the first display device, and a second display device for displaying a background image. A light beam is scattered by the first display device through the semi-reflecting plate and then reflected by the mirror and the semi-reflecting plate in order to display an aerial image between the semi-reflecting plate and the observation area. A projector projects a light beam toward one of the display devices. The first image capture device is adapted to capture the image of the observation area via said one display device. A alternating control device alternates capture of an image of the observation area by the first image capture device and projection of the light beam projected by the projector.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2007Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: France TelecomInventors: Olivier Boute, Olivier Gachignard
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Patent number: 7791810Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, time averaged Moiré patterns may be utilized in a scanned beam display having a Gaussian beam profile or the like in order to tailor uniformity of the image by controlling both the near field and far field regions of the display to result in a stable and uniform scanned beam display image. Consideration is made regarding the light source parameters of focus numerical aperture, profile, shape, and/or wavelength to achieve higher uniformity and stability without resulting in significant visible coherent artifacts such as tiled intensity patterns and/or Moiré.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventor: Karlton D. Powell
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Patent number: 7762703Abstract: A heads-up display comprises a monochrome display device for generating an image and an optical device for generating a virtual image from the image of the display device. The monochrome display device comprises a display and a backlight for illuminating the display from its backside. The backlight comprises a first light source emitting light of a first color, a second light source emitting light of a second color, a first light guide coupled to the first light source, and a second light guide coupled to the second light source. The first and second light guides are disposed in such close juxtaposition behind the display so that they illuminate together the entire backside of the display and illuminate a first region of the display associated with the first light guide with the first color and a second region of the display associated with the second light guide with the second color.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2007Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Aiko Böhme, Peter Brandt, Heiko Charle
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Patent number: 7755837Abstract: An image display apparatus is disclosed in which the position of an exit pupil can follow the movement of a pupil of an observer even with a small size. The apparatus includes an image-forming element which forms an image, an ocular unit which causes light from the image-forming element to form an exit pupil, and an optical element which reflects the light from the image-forming element toward the ocular unit. The optical element has an optical power and is rotated about a focal point of the ocular unit on the side closer to the image-forming element to move the exit pupil.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Akira Yamamoto
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Publication number: 20100060990Abstract: Head-up display scenery alignment system, the head-up display being mounted in an aircraft and including an image projector and a combiner. The combiner is optically located between a user and a scenery of interest, optically transmitting a scene image of the scenery of interest to the user. The image projector projects an image toward the combiner, and the combiner reflects the image toward the user. The aircraft includes a heading angle sensor, determining the heading angle of the aircraft. The HUD scenery alignment system includes a moving mechanism coupled with the combiner; and a processor coupled with the heading angle sensor, with the moving mechanism and with the projector. The processor receives heading angle information from the heading angle sensor, and the processor determines the deviation of the heading of the aircraft from the longitudinal axis of the aircraft according to the heading angle information.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2009Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicants: ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD, ELBIT SYSTEMS ELECTRO-OPTICS ELOP LTD.Inventors: Hagai WERTHEIM, Guy KAUFMAN, Erikos AMARILIO
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Patent number: 7675683Abstract: A system for displaying data includes a display unit and a transmitting unit. A display unit has a housing that defines an ambient light window and a viewing window. A data display is positioned inside the housing, and optics are included for guiding light from the ambient light window through the display and out the viewing window.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2005Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Motion Research CorporationInventors: Dominic Dobson, David Andrew Weber, David Joseph Perry, John David Patton, Matthew A. Rhoades, Keith Bryant Payea, Peter Purdy
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Publication number: 20100053758Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, an optical relay for a head up display, the optical relay comprises a glare trap having angularly selectivity by being capable of reflecting light having an angle of incidence greater than a first angle, and being capable of transmitting light having an angle of incidence less than a second angle, and a first optic arranged to receive light reflected off the glare trap at an angle of incidence greater than the first angle, and to direct light through the glare trap at an angle of incidence less than the second angle to exit the glare trap.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: MICROVISION, INC.Inventors: Nenad Nestorovic, Joel E. Hegland
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Publication number: 20100046082Abstract: A display unit for mounting in a vehicle is provided. The display unit includes an image generator. The display unit further includes a semi-reflective member. The semi-reflective member is configured to move from a non-operational position to an operation position. The semi-reflective member is positioned to reflect light from the image generator in an operational position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2007Publication date: February 25, 2010Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Jean-Luc Croy, Phillipe Fedorawiez, Jean-Marie Bariller, Christophe Guedet
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Patent number: 7659868Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a head-up display apparatus and a cover-mirror unit used for the same. A movable member 3? of the cover-mirror unit stands up along a flat inner wall 1a1 of a housing 1a when the head-up display apparatus is in use, and lie down to cover an opening of the housing 1a when the head-up display apparatus is not in use for carrying out an up/down operation. In particular, through the down operation, by a link mechanism, a bottom end of the movable member is gradually moved upward by following the inner wall 1a1 of the housing 1a. Therefore, though the movable member 3? stands up along the inner wall 1a1 of the housing 1a when the head-up display apparatus is in use, the movable member 3? never interferes with the inner wall 1a1 through the up/down operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Hitoshi Kumon, Kunimitsu Aoki, Yoshiyuki Furuya, Hideaki Kabeyama, Go Nakamura
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Patent number: 7639208Abstract: An optical system, apparatus and method are capable of mutual occlusions. The core of the system is a spatial light modulator (SLM) which allows users to block or pass certain parts of a scene which is viewed through the head worn display. An objective lens images the scene onto the SLM and the modulated image is mapped back to the original scene via an eyepiece. The invention combines computer-generated imagery with the modulated version of the scene to form the final image a user would see. The invention is a breakthrough in display hardware from a mobility (i.e. compactness), resolution, and speed, and is specifically, related to virtual objects being able to occlude real objects and real objects being able to occlude virtual objects.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2005Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Yonggang Ha, Jannick Rolland, Ozan Cakmakci
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Patent number: 7623294Abstract: A head-up display apparatus includes a display unit outputting display light, a mirror for reflecting the display light toward an eye point, a mirror holder to be turned up/down for receiving and holding the mirror, a holder top cover extending toward the eye point when the mirror holder is turned up, and a holder rear cover so as to be placed at an opposite side of the eye point when the mirror holder is turned up. The holder rear cover has a surface shape to become in the same outline as that of the instrument panel when the holder rear cover covers totally an opening provided at the instrument panel in case that the mirror holder is turned down. The holder rear cover is continued to the holder top cover with an acute angle.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2005Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Takeshi Harada, Yoshiyuki Furuya, Hideaki Kageyama
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Patent number: 7570429Abstract: A Head up display (HUD) calibration assembly is designed for coupling a HUD system with the inner walls of a vehicle, and adjusting the orientation of the HUD system. The HUD calibration assembly includes a mounting tray for coupling with a HUD projector and with a HUD combiner deployment mechanism. The mounting tray includes a plurality of adjustment interface planes, each of which includes a locking screw opening, and a plurality of adjustment assemblies, each coupled with the vehicle in a respective separate anchoring location, locking the mounting tray at the desired position and orientation.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Elbit Systems Electro-Optics Elop Ltd.Inventors: Eyal Maliah, Shahar Hertz, Anatoly Gelman
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Publication number: 20090174946Abstract: A HMD including a display substrate and an optics module disposed in a housing for generating an image and projecting a beam of the image on the display substrate, wherein a position of the beam from the optics module with respect to the display substrate is adjustable so as to adjust a virtual distance at which the image is seen.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2009Publication date: July 9, 2009Inventors: Roni Raviv, Liran Ganor
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Publication number: 20090103183Abstract: A vehicular interior rearview mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having one of (a) a variable reflectance reflective element and (b) a prismatic reflective element. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes an information display disposed behind and viewable through the reflective element. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a video camera having, when the interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the vehicle, a field of view that encompasses one of (i) the windshield of the vehicle and (ii) the driver of the vehicle. The interior rearview mirror assembly may include other electrical accessories such as, for example, a light, a rolling code garage door opener, and a microphone.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2008Publication date: April 23, 2009Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Roger L. Veldman, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 7499218Abstract: An illumination system including at least one first light source, a prism and a light uniforming device is provided. The first light source is capable of providing a first beam. The prism is disposed on a transmission path of the first beam, and has four first facets. Two of the first facets are opposite to each other, and the other two first facets are opposite to each other. The first beam passes through one of the first facets and is totally internally reflected by another first facet opposite to the one of the first facets. The light uniforming device is disposed on the transmission path of the first beam from the another first facet. The cost of the illumination system is lower, and the illumination system has high flexibility of the light source design and can provide illumination with high brightness.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Young Optics Inc.Inventors: Cheng-Shun Liao, S-Wei Chen, Sung-Nan Chen, Chao-Shun Chen, Mei-Ling Chen
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Patent number: 7492330Abstract: A cap with a display device includes a display element suspended in a position below a visor of the cap and in front of the forehead of a wearer and above the eyes of the wearer so as to allow a display surface of the display element to be directed ahead of the wearer, and a concave mirror suspended in a position below the visor and ahead of the display element from the wearer so as to allow a reflective surface of the concave mirror to be directed to the eyes of the wearer. The cap with a display device enables the wearer to observe an enlarged virtual image derived from an image displayed on the display element.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2004Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Inventor: Yoshiaki Hata
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Publication number: 20080212196Abstract: A display device for a vehicle is provided, by which a driver of the vehicle is free from a trouble of adjusting a display position of the virtual image without cost-up of the device. When the support start detecting means detects a support start timing of adjusting a reflection angle, for example, a timing of an operation of an operation switch or a start of an operation, the rotation control means controls the rotating means so that the reflecting member having a reflection angle indicated by the reflection angle data stored in the reflection angle data storing means is (a) rotated within an adjustment supporting range on a condition that the reflecting member is reflecting the display light from the display source and (b) returned to a reflection angle indicated by the reflection angle data.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2007Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicants: Yazaki Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takeyoshi Watanabe, Daisuke Satsukawa, Tetsuya Sugiyama, Masahiro Takamatsu, Koji Nomura, Hitoshi Kumon
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Patent number: 7327521Abstract: The invention includes a first incidence plane, a second incidence plane, a third incidence plane, a first synthesis plane and a second synthesis plane that are interiorly orthogonal to each other. The first synthesis plane reflects light of a first color component that enters the first incidence plane, and transmits light of a second color component that enters the second incidence plane, having the first color component and the second color component, at least a portion of which has the same color component, and light of a third color component that enters the third incidence plane. The second synthesis plane reflects the light of the third color component that enters the third incidence plane, and transmits the light of the first color component that enters the first incidence plane and the light of the second color component that enters the second incidence plane.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2005Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventor: Naoaki Tani
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Patent number: 7280282Abstract: In a head-up display apparatus for a vehicle, an aspherical surface of a reflection mirror compensates a distorted projected image caused by non-planarity of a windshield at a predetermined projection area thereon. When moving an eye point of a vehicle driver, an adjustment mechanism moves a stopper pushing the reflection mirror to adjust a reflecting angle so that the reflection mirror reflects light beams to the projection area and the projection area reflects the light beams toward the eye range. During the angle adjustment, an urging member and the stopper hold the reflection mirror.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2006Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Hideaki Kageyama, Go Nakamura, Yoshiyuki Furuya
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Patent number: 7252389Abstract: A projection optical system is disclosed with which undistorted images can be obtained at any image position within a specification range, and whose projection angle can be changed. The projection optical system includes a plurality of optical elements and a first optical system constituted by at least one of the plurality of optical elements having the ability to form an image with light onto a predetermined surface different from the projection surface. A projection image of the original image can be moved by rotating a first optical element of the plurality of optical elements substantially around a center of an exit pupil position of the first optical system as the rotation center.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koshi Hatakeyama, Toshihiro Sunaga
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Patent number: 7230765Abstract: To provide an image display device of the type that presents images in a certain part of the field of vision in which the image display device can be used for prolonged periods of time. An image display device 1 includes a main body 10 having a shape of a glasses frame, a right-eye display device 20R and a left-eye display device 20L. Each of the right-eye display device 20R and the left-eye display device 20L is for displaying a predetermined image and is provided in such a manner that it is not very clearly visible for a user when the user wearing the main body 10 on his or her head looks straight ahead and that it becomes clearly visible for the user only when the user moves his or her forward-looking eyes away. The user can get a forward field of vision and can see the images displayed on the right-eye display device 20R and the left-eye display device 20L when he or she looks at 45 degrees down.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2003Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Scalar CorporationInventor: Masao Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7046215Abstract: A head tracker system for determining a user's head orientation relative to a datum (22) comprises: a head mounting (2) for attachment to the user's head; an optical sensor (12) which in use is located in fixed relation with a known fixed point relative to the head mounting (2) and a plurality of distinguishable markings (18a–18j) each of which when in use is located in fixed relation with a respective known point which is fixed relative to the datum (22). The head tracker further comprises an optical correlator (26) for optically correlating the optical image from the optical sensor (12) with an optical image representative of at least one of said markings (18a–18j); and means (28) for determining the orientation of the head mounting using the output from the optical correlator when it detects that there is correlation between the images.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2000Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: BAE Systems plcInventor: Christopher T Bartlett
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Patent number: 6945648Abstract: An HMD device is provided, comprising a frame, which is mountable on the head of a user, an image-generating device mounted on said frame and comprising projection optics, a connecting device and glasses for correcting an eye deficiency of the user, said glasses not having sides and said glasses being releasably connectable with said frame by said connecting device, said glasses being arranged following said projection optics when the glasses are connected with the frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2004Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Carl-Zeiss-StiftungInventors: Achim Schindler, Birgit Rottenkolber
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Patent number: 6930836Abstract: A head-up display device having an excellent appearance, which has a simple structure and an excellent design upon both nonuse and use, is provided. A cover having a shape equivalent to that of an aperture formed on an upper surface of a housing is attached on an upper surface of a retractable reflector. The cover slides on the upper surface of the reflector cooperating with a retractable motion of the reflector, thereby performing the opening and closing action of the aperture. When the reflector takes its falling-down posture, the reflector and its rotation shaft can be shielded from an eye range and the number of the parting lines can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2004Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Takeshi Harada, Yoshiyuki Furuya, Hideaki Kageyama
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Patent number: 6919992Abstract: The present invention relates to a color separating-combining optical system of a configuration having a separating optical system which separates light from a light source into a plurality of color spectrums; a combining optical system which combines light spectrums from a plurality of image display elements illuminated by the respective color spectrums; a filter which transmits a color spectrum of a specific wavelength band out of the plurality of color spectrums separated by the separating optical system; and a plurality of polarizing elements each disposed on the light entrance side of the plurality of image display elements, the polarizing elements being adapted to analyze the corresponding color spectrums incident to the respective image display elements. The color separating-combining optical system is further characterized in that the filter is placed apart from the polarizing element corresponding to the color spectrum transmitted by the filter.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takehiro Koyama
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Patent number: 6914726Abstract: A viewing optical system of an optical apparatus has an objective system for forming an image of an object and an eyepiece system for enlarging and directing the image to the pupil. The viewing optical system also has a hologram combiner comprising holograms of the volume type, phase type, and reflective type and having optical power for constructing a surface which is optically equivalent to the image surface at a different position than the image when viewed from the pupil. The system also includes an information display means for displaying information at the position of the equivalent surface, wherein the hologram combiner transmits light from the image and reflects light from the information display means so as to allow viewing of an image together with the information display overlaid onto the image.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1999Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ichiro Kasai
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Patent number: 6847489Abstract: A head-mounted display comprises monocular or binocular display chambers. Each display chamber is equipped with an optical engine that displays images. The mechanism of the optical engine is as follows: cast rays from a light source onto an LCoS device through a first polarizer, and an image is formed with rays, which reflect off the bottom of the LCoS device. The reflective rays penetrate the first polarizer and a film-coated beam splitter. With a concave mirror, the image is magnified and projected onto the surface of the beam splitter. Finally, the magnified image is formed in a viewer's eyeballs by means of the beam splitter.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2004Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: Oculon Optoelectronics Inc.Inventor: Shih-Ping Wu
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Patent number: 6822623Abstract: A head mounted display (HMD) that is worn on a user's head to display an image. The head mounted display includes a display body to display the image, a frame to support the display body, the frame being worn on the user's head, and an adjusting portion to rotatably connect the display body with the frame, wherein the user adjusts a focal point of the image in accordance with a vertical position of the user's eyes by rotating the display body relative to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2001Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Aqpics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sung-ha Kim, Chi-wang Son