Plural Image Superposition Patents (Class 345/9)
  • Patent number: 7224326
    Abstract: A virtual reality (VR) system includes an image playback system that sends images to an image viewing device, such as a pair of display glasses. Each image has a 360-degree field of view. An user views a portion of the images. The portion of the image viewed is determined by a directional sensor mounted to the display glasses. The images are advanced according to a speed sensor attached to a moving device, such as a stationary bicycle. The VR system simultaneously coordinates the portion of the images viewed by the user by coordinating signals from the directional sensor and the speed sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Volo, LLC
    Inventor: Robert T. Sefton
  • Patent number: 7209135
    Abstract: The invention provides an image display apparatus that efficiently adjusts a video display even when a change takes place in an input signal. The image display apparatus includes a video input device that receives a video signal, a video display that displays an optical image based on an input signal S1 from the video input device, and a video signal adjusting device that adjusts the display setting of the video display based on a signal mode of the input signal S1. The image display apparatus further includes a determining device that causes the video display adjusting device to adjust the display setting of the video display. The determining device includes an apparatus startup detector unit that detects whether a startup of the image display apparatus creates a change in the input signal, and a signal change detector unit that detects the change in the input signal. The determining device determines whether to cause the video display adjusting device to adjust the display setting only when it is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shoichi Akaiwa, Shuichi Fujiwara, Miki Nagano
  • Patent number: 7196677
    Abstract: There are provided: a display surface (20) (mixed picture display part) for assigning a plurality of pieces of video information, respectively, to a plurality of a first divided area (S-I), a second divided area (S-II) and a third divided area (S-III), so as to display the plurality of the pieces of the video information on the display surface (20); a first picture separating mechanism disposed on the display surface (20) corresponding to the first divided area (S-I) of the plurality of the divided areas (S-I, S-II, S-III), and defining a predetermined polarizing direction; a second picture separating mechanism disposed on the display surface (20) corresponding to the second divided area (S-II) and the third divided area (S-III) of the plurality of the divided areas (S-I, S-II, S-III), and defining a predetermined polarizing direction different from the polarizing direction of the first picture separating mechanism; mirrors (optical means) (31, 32) disposed rightward and leftward relative to the display surfa
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Sato, Hidehiko Sekizawa
  • Patent number: 7193585
    Abstract: An image observation system includes a pair of image observation devices each having i) an image pickup device, ii) an image pickup optical system for directing light rays from an outside world to the image pickup device, iii) a display device for displaying an outside world image obtained by the image pickup system, and iv) a display optical system for directing light from the display device to an observing eye. The optical axis of the image pickup system and the optical axis of the display system are disposed coaxially, wherein the optical axes of the image pickup systems of the pair of image observation devices define a point of intersection, and wherein a focal plane being at a position conjugate with a surface of the image pickup device with respect to the image pickup optical system is disposed at a side of the intersection point of the optical axes of the image pickup systems, which side faces an observer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akinari Takagi
  • Patent number: 7190392
    Abstract: A telepresence server is for connection to a telecommunications network for providing access to a reality engine for a plurality of passive users. The reality engine can be controlled by an active user or a professional director through the network or by a local professional director. Active/passive mode displays can be used by the passive users in a passive mode and an active/passive mode display can be used by the active user in an active mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Francis J. Maguire, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7190331
    Abstract: A method for determining registration accuracy of an augmented reality system is provided. The method includes the steps of providing an input device for inputting a position of a user's touch; registering the input device with a workspace coordinate system of the augmented reality system; displaying a virtual object in a known position; recording a user's touch position in response to the user attempting to touch the virtual object; and calculating a registration error of the augmented reality system by comparing the user's touch position to the known position of the virtual object. The input device may be a passive device used in conjunction with a tracking system of the augmented reality system or an active device, such as a touch-sensitive device, coupled to the augmented reality system which outputs the user's touch position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Corporate Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Yakup Genc, Nassir Navab, Mihran Tuceryan, Erin McGarrity
  • Patent number: 7190496
    Abstract: Hologram production techniques can combine source data representing realistic information describing an environment with source data providing representational information describing a feature of the environment and/or some object interacting with the environment. The combined data is used to produce holograms, and particularly holographic stereograms including features that enhance the visualization of the environment depicted in hologram. A haptic interface can be used in conjunction with such holograms to further aid use of the hologram, and to provide an interface to secondary information provided by a computer and related to the images depicted in the hologram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Zebra Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Klug, Mark E. Holzbach, Craig Newswanger
  • Patent number: 7176850
    Abstract: The present invention provides a technology that enables projection images to be overlaid with embellishment effects without depending on the capabilities of the image supply apparatus. A projection display apparatus that projects images onto a screen responsive to given image data, comprises: an embellishment effect memory for storing embellishment effect data representing an embellishment effect image that can be used to embellish an arbitrary image; an image embellishment section that generates embellished image data by overlaying an original image represented by the given image data and the embellishment effect image; a light modulation unit that is driven responsive to the embellished image data pixel by pixel; and an optical system for projecting onto the screen the embellished image obtained by the light modulation unit. A projection display apparatus superimposes the embellishment effect on the projected image without having to rely on the capabilities of an image supply apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Takafumi Itoh, Shoichi Akaiwa, Kiyoshi Miyashita
  • Patent number: 7161561
    Abstract: In a display system capable of displaying images fed from a plurality of sensing devices on an indicator, horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals of the individual measuring devices are synchronized with one another and desired image signals are selected for on-screen presentation during each successive horizontal scanning period, whereby operator-selected multiple images are displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Furuno Electric Company Limited
    Inventor: Kenzo Kitayama
  • Patent number: 7158095
    Abstract: An optically transparent, ghost-free visual display system that superimposes a virtual image comprising graphical or textual information onto a field of vision. Embodiments of the visual display system utilize illumination and optical components that introduce a virtual image onto a field of vision while minimally obstructing and/or attenuating other objects within the field of vision. Embodiments of the visual display system can be used in numerous applications, including head-up displays (“HUDs”) for automotive, tracked and rail-mounted vehicles, marine, aerospace applications, see-through speech prompt displays, and see-through projection displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Big Buddy Performance, Inc.
    Inventors: Barton James Jenson, Kenneth Eugene Bean, II, David Paul George
  • Patent number: 7158099
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for producing a reduced-glare image. The method and system use at least two light sources located a selected distance apart from each other. An image acquisition device acquires a first image of an object using illumination from the first light source, but not the second. Then the image acquisition device acquires a second image of the object using illumination from the second light source, but not the first. The two images, having glare at different pixel locations, are then used to form a reduced-glare image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Viisage Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Denis K. Berube, Francis J. Cusack, Jr., Dennis C. Ehn
  • Patent number: 7138963
    Abstract: The invention is a method for displaying otherwise unseen objects and other data using augmented reality (the mixing of real view with computer generated imagery). The method uses a motorized camera mount that can report the position of a camera on that mount back to a computer. With knowledge of where the camera is looking, and the size of its field of view, the computer can precisely overlay computer-generated imagery onto the video image produced by the camera. The method may be used to present to a user such items as existing weather conditions, hazards, or other data, and presents this information to the user by combining the computer generated images with the user's real environment. These images are presented in such a way as to display relevant location and properties of the object to the system user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: MetaMersion, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew W. Hobgood, John Franklin Ebersole, Jr., John Franklin Ebersole
  • Patent number: 7130447
    Abstract: A system for tracking a gaze of an operator includes a head-mounted eye tracking assembly, a head-mounted head tracking assembly and a processing element. The head-mounted eye tracking assembly comprises a visor having an arcuate shape including a concave surface and an opposed convex surface. The visor is capable of being disposed such that at least a portion of the visor is located outside a field of view of the operator. The head-mounted head tracking sensor is capable of repeatedly determining a position of the head to thereby track movement of the head. In this regard, each position of the head is associated with a position of the at least one eye. Thus, the processing element can repeatedly determine the gaze of the operator, based upon each position of the head and the associated position of the eyes, thereby tracking the gaze of the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John H. Aughey, Michael V. Rohr, Steven D. Swaine, Carl J. Vorst
  • Patent number: 7126558
    Abstract: This invention includes a method and system for viewing data comprising detecting visual markers within view of a wearable camera worn by a human worker, and displaying data associated with at least one of those visual markers on a see-through wearable display worn by the operator. Another aspect of the invention provides a method and system for coordinating movement of human workers comprising detecting one or more visual markers within view of a camera worn by the worker, and determining the location of the worker from the stored location of the visual marker within view of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Accenture Global Services GmbH
    Inventor: Kelly L. Dempski
  • Patent number: 7119762
    Abstract: Alphanumeric images are displayed in common view in one color on a background of a different color using a liquid crystal projection device. The two colors are sufficiently similar so they are not distinguished by the unaided eye of the viewer. A color selective material in the form of glasses is provided to a subclass of the viewers in the audience to enable these viewers to distinguish the alphanumeric subtitles from the background. This material extinguishes either the alphanumeric images or the background, thereby either providing darkened letters on a light background or light letters on a darkened background. The projection and viewing apparatus can be utilized as a motion picture closed captioning system for a mixed audience of hearing impaired and non hearing impaired individuals to permit the hearing impaired to view the subtitles while those individuals not wearing such wavelength selective glasses would not see the subtitles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventors: Jeremy C. Price, David P. Shelton
  • Patent number: 7106274
    Abstract: A stereoscopic image display apparatus comprising an image display unit that displays combined images formed by combining three different pixels groups in a horizontal direction, which correspond to three different viewpoint images, respectively; a mask member with a plurality of aperture portions that guides light from each pixel group to a corresponding viewpoint; a lenticular lens array arranged between the image display unit and the mask member; and a switching control circuit that switches arrangement of the aperture portions in the mask member in synchronization with switching of the combined images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nishihara, Naosato Taniguchi, Toshiyuki Sudo, Hideki Morishima
  • Patent number: 7098872
    Abstract: A process and system for interactively displaying large (more than 1 million voxels) volumetric 3D images utilizing a sequence of helical slices of a 3D data set to generate a series of 2D images on a reflective surface of a light modulator. The series of 2D images generated on the light modulator are projected into a volumetric 3D-space display using an illumination light source and projection optics. Voxels in 3D space are illuminated for each 2D projected image, each voxel being located at its corresponding spatial location. A pulse from a wireless pulsed laser pointer forms a 3D bright voxel within the display volume. The pulse signal is synchronized with the rotating helix, and the orientation of the pointer and the phase of the pulse are controlled by the user to specify a 3D point in 3D space. A wireless receiver provides six degree-of-freedom (DOF) position of the spatial location of the pointer, as well as the phase signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Genex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Zheng J Geng
  • Patent number: 7091928
    Abstract: A new approach for visual man-machine interaction that mimics the human response to natural visual information by instructing the computer with eye and ocular appendages. The system may also be used to uniquely identify the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Arjuna Indraeswaran Rajasingham
  • Patent number: 7091931
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system of displaying stereoscopic images. The method comprises displaying at least one stereoscopic image on a set of display device, the stereoscopic image comprising a pair of two-dimensional plane images, and providing at least one input device indicator on the pair of two-dimensional plane images. The method also comprises moving the at least one input device indicator from a first location to a second location on the pair of two-dimensional plane images, and determining a location value indicative of the second location of the at least one input device indicator. The method comprises calculating center points for the two-dimensional plane images based on the determined location value, respectively, and moving the center points of the two-dimensional plane images to align with the calculated center points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Geo-Rae Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byoungyi Yoon
  • Patent number: 7091929
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying images are addressed to displaying differing images to the right and left eyes of a user. A right image is presented to the user's right eye by a right display, and a left image is presented to the user's left eye by a left display. When the user's brain processes the right and left images, it performs binocular summation on the two images, and perceives a composite image containing more information than either of the right and left images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Barry Bronson
  • Patent number: 7091930
    Abstract: A sensor unit (F) has at least a first and second sensor (10, 12) arranged along a sensor axis (14). A head adapter (16) provides support to mount at least one selected device about a user's cranium (18). A securing module (20) is attached to the sensor unit for mounting the sensor unit (F) to the head adapter (16). The sensor unit (F) is to be mounted above an ocular axis (22) formed between a pair of eyes (24) of the user (U) when the sensor unit (F) is attached to the head adapter element (16). When the sensor unit (F) is secured to the user (U) with the head adapter element (16), the sensor axis (14) is essentially perpendicular to the user's ocular axis (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy E. Ostromek, Joseph P. Estrera, Antonio V. Bacarella, Kenneth W. Sauter, Michael J. Iosue, Timothy B. Hogan
  • Patent number: 7085027
    Abstract: The light from the image forming element 2 is reflected by the PBS 8, and is incident on the ?/4 plate 7 so that this light is converted into circularly polarized light. Subsequently, the light is subjected to a reflection/diffraction effect and image focusing effect by the reflective type HOE 6. Then, this light again passes through the ?/4 plate 7, and is transmitted through the PBS 8. As a result, the light enters the eye of the user after being synthesized with light from the outside world. The system is devised so that the relationships of ?5<?1<5 and |?1??2|<3 are established between the angle of incidence ?1 (°) at which the principal rays emitted from the center of the display part of the image forming means are incident on the reflective type holographic optical element, and the reflection/diffraction angle ?2 (°) when this light is diffracted/reflected by the reflective type holographic optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Yumiko Ouchi, Kenji Hori
  • Patent number: 7081870
    Abstract: Images are displayed on a wearable display by generating an inner region display signal, and generating an outer region display signal using the inner region signal. The outer region display signal is generated by determining motion, brightness and color characteristics from the inner region display signal. The outer region is of substantially lower resolution than the inner region, and is outside the viewer's foveal field of view. The viewing experience is enhanced by the increase in the size of the image due to the presence of the outer region. Because the outer region is outside of the foveal field of view, the viewer of the image does not perceive the change in resolution of the outer region. An outer region may alternatively be created by distorting a source image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Barry Bronson
  • Patent number: 7079157
    Abstract: A graphics system comprises pixel calculation units and a sample buffer which stores a two-dimensional field of samples. Each pixel calculation unit selects positions in the two-dimensional field at which pixel values (e.g. red, green, blue) are computed. The pixel computation positions are selected to compensate for image distortions introduced by a display device and/or display surface. Non-uniformities in a viewer's perceived intensity distribution from a display surface (e.g. hot spots, overlap brightness) are corrected by appropriately scaling pixel values prior to transmission to display devices. Two or more sets of pixel calculation units driving two or more display devices adjust their respective pixel computation centers to align the edges of two or more displayed images. Physical barriers prevent light spillage at the interface between any two of the display images. Separate pixel computation positions may be used for distinct colors to compensate for color distortions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael F. Deering
  • Patent number: 7071931
    Abstract: An image capture device includes provision for projecting indicia onto an object surface. For a scanned beam image capture device, the image may be projected from the scan engine. The light source includes provision for modulating the intensity of its output. A controller modulates the output of the light source according to its position, forming a projected pattern. When the image capture device is an indicia reader such as a linear or 2D bar code scanner, the results of a decode attempt may be used to determine the contents of projected information. When a “no decode” is returned, the user may be prompted to scan again. When a decoded symbol includes directly useful data, all or a portion of the data may be projected. When the data refers to a look-up table, information from the look-up table may be projected. The device may additionally project finder patterns to aid aiming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Microvision, Inc.
    Inventors: Clarence T. Tegreene, John R. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7050078
    Abstract: Video images of objects in a real-world environment are taken from the perspective of a viewer. The user's field of view may be captured in the video images that are processed to select a segment of the video image or an object depicted in the video image. An image such as a computer-generated annotation or graphic overlay way be registered to the segment, and therefore track the segment from the user's field of view of the segment, without prior knowledge of the spatial relationship of the segment to the real-world environment according to a centroid for an interframe difference of the video image associated with the selected object. The image may be displayed in the user's field of view or in the video image. The computer-generated image tracks the movement of the segment with respect to the video image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Accenture Global Services GmbH
    Inventor: Kelly L. Dempski
  • Patent number: 7046238
    Abstract: The vertical selection circuit of the imaging apparatus selects a selection line, a first shutter line, and a second shutter line to divide a single frame into three parts at arbitrary ratios. A first output signal is generated during a period from the first shutter line to the second shutter line and a second output signal generated during a period from the second shutter line to the selection line. By mixing the two output signals described above, an image with a large dynamic range can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Keiji Mabuchi
  • Patent number: 7046215
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: BAE Systems plc
    Inventor: Christopher T Bartlett
  • Patent number: 7002534
    Abstract: A see-around type head mounted display device is disclosed, which includes a display panel displaying an image restored from an image record medium, and tilted bar prism optics (TBPO) internally reflecting the light emitted from the display panel in total, and generating an enlarged virtual image in front of an observer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Tae Soo Park
  • Patent number: 6992578
    Abstract: A display system has a display unit and a reflector which are disposed in an instrument panel of an automotive vehicle. The display unit emits an image that is reflected by the reflector, and the image is projected on a windshield of the vehicle via an opening of the instrument panel. The display system superposes the image on a foreground seen from the vehicle such that a diver of the vehicle can recognize the superposed image and the foreground via the windshield simultaneously. The display system includes a shutter device disposed between the display unit and the opening. The shutter device is transformable to pass indication beams of the emitted image through the opening in conformity with a size of the emitted image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kunimitsu Aoki, Go Nakamura, Yoshihide Takada
  • Patent number: 6989935
    Abstract: A head mounted display is disclosed that utilizes a single video display screen to transport images to both eyes. The image of this display screen is focused in order to reduce the splitting volume and then split by a plurality of reflective surfaces located near the focal point of the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Headplay, Inc.
    Inventors: László Domjan, Gábor Szarvas, Szabolcs Mike
  • Patent number: 6985296
    Abstract: A neutralizing sheet for an autostereoscopic image viewing system. The image viewing system includes a lenticular sheet covering a display screen. The neutralizing sheet including a pliable portion and is movable between a first position and a second position. The pliable portion has a refractive index similar to the lenticular sheet. When pressed into the lenticular sheet to define the first position, the pliable portion deforms to assume the shape of the lenticular sheet. Thus, refraction through the lenticular sheet is neutralized and viewing of planar images is enabled. In the second position, the neutralizing sheet is separated from the lenticular sheet and viewing of stereoscopic images is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: StereoGraphics Corporation
    Inventors: Lenny Lipton, William James McKee, Jr., Bruce A. Dorworth
  • Patent number: 6977630
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a visual mobility assist device which provides a conformal, augmented display to assist a moving body. When the moving body is a motor vehicle, for instance (although it can be substantially any other body), the present invention assists the driver in either lane keeping or collision avoidance, or both. The system can display objects such as lane boundaries, targets, other navigational and guidance elements or objects, or a variety of other indicators, in proper perspective, to assist the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Max Donath, Craig R. Shankwitz, Heon Min Lim, Bryan Newstrom, Alec Gorjestani, Sameer Pardy, Lee Alexander, Pi-Ming Cheng
  • Patent number: 6972738
    Abstract: An image display machine includes a first planar display to present a two-dimensional image. The two-dimensional image includes an object image. The display machine also includes an image transmitting panel which has a micro lens array. The image transmitting panel is placed in parallel to the first display. The micro lens array includes a plurality of lenses, and has an effective area greater than the object image. The image transmitting panel creates an imaging plane to show a real image of the two-dimensional image on the side opposite the first display. The display machine further includes a second display to present a background image. The second display is located between the imaging plane and the micro lens array. The second display has a transparent or semitransparent area. The display machine has a simple structure, but is able to display the two-dimensional image stereoscopically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventors: Masaru Ishikawa, Hiroshi Toriumi
  • Patent number: 6972734
    Abstract: This invention provides a mixed reality apparatus and mixed reality presentation method, which can present reality even when a plurality of players share a common mixed reality space. Virtual objects (41–47) are superposed to hide devices such as an HMD and the like that another player wears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshikazu Ohshima, Kiyohide Sato
  • Patent number: 6956543
    Abstract: There are provided: a display surface (20) (mixed picture display part) for assigning a plurality of pieces of video information, respectively, to a plurality of a first divided area (S-I), a second divided area (S-II) and a third divided area (S-III), so as to display the plurality of the pieces of the video information on the display surface (20); a first picture separating mechanism disposed on the display surface (20) corresponding to the first divided area (S-I) of the plurality of the divided areas (S-I, S-II, S-III), and defining a predetermined polarizing direction; a second picture separating mechanism disposed on the display surface (20) corresponding to the second divided area (S-II) and the third divided area (S-III) of the plurality of the divided areas (S-I, S-II, S-III), and defining a predetermined polarizing direction different from the polarizing direction of the first picture separating mechanism; mirrors (optical means) (31, 32) disposed rightward and leftward relative to the display surfa
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Sato, Hidehiko Sekizawa
  • Patent number: 6943754
    Abstract: A system for tracking a gaze of an operator includes a head-mounted eye tracking assembly, a head-mounted head tracking assembly and a processing element. The head-mounted eye tracking assembly comprises a visor having an arcuate shape including a concave surface and an opposed convex surface. The visor is capable of being disposed such that at least a portion of the visor is located outside a field of view of the operator. The head-mounted head tracking sensor is capable of repeatedly determining a position of the head to thereby track movement of the head. In this regard, each position of the head is associated with a position of the at least one eye. Thus, the processing element can repeatedly determine the gaze of the operator, based upon each position of the head and the associated position of the eyes, thereby tracking the gaze of the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John H. Aughey, Michael V. Rohr, Steven D. Swaine, Carl J. Vorst
  • Patent number: 6940492
    Abstract: A system and method for viewing, entering, and editing information through a transparent screen are described. The invention allows a user to interactively view, enter, and edit information on a transparent window. In one embodiment, the window display device includes a transparent media configured for allowing the user to see through the transparent media; a display module coupled to the transparent media wherein the display module is configured for displaying information to the user; and an input module coupled to the transparent media wherein the input module is configured for receiving an input from the user, wherein the user is capable of viewing through the transparent media while viewing the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Maritzen, Harold Aaron Ludtke
  • Patent number: 6940529
    Abstract: A graphics system comprises pixel calculation units and a sample buffer which stores a two-dimensional field of samples. Each pixel calculation unit selects positions in the two-dimensional field at which pixel values (e.g. red, green, blue) are computed. The pixel computation positions are selected to compensate for image distortions introduced by a display device and/or display surface. Non-uniformities in a viewer's perceived intensity distribution from a display surface (e.g. hot spots, overlap brightness) are corrected by appropriately scaling pixel values prior to transmission to display devices. Two or more sets of pixel calculation units driving two or more display devices adjust their respective pixel computation centers to align the edges of two or more displayed images. Physical barriers prevent light spillage at the interface between any two of the display images. Separate pixel computation positions may be used for distinct colors to compensate for color distortions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael F. Deering
  • Patent number: 6937221
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes first and second IR or other light sources that produce light at respective first and second non-visible wavelengths. The light is modulated according to a desired image. The modulated light is then applied to a wavelength selective phosphor that converts each component of the light to a respective visible wavelength. In one embodiment, the image source is a scanned light beam display that scans an IR light beam onto a screen that carries the phosphor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Microvision, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Lippert, Clarence T. Tegreene
  • Patent number: 6919866
    Abstract: A vehicular navigation system which utilizes an optical arrangement installed in eyeglasses or on the vehicle window or windshield so as to impart improved guiding directions to the vehicle. The navigation system enables a user to display their positional coordinates through the intermediary of a global positioning system (GPS) which communicates with a computer of the system. An additional element to current GPS (Global Positioning Systems), which utilizes an optical system located either on the windshield of a vehicle, such as an automobile or truck, or on the eyeglasses of a driver, or possibly on the windshield of an aircraft, which mimics an arrow pointing in the direction in the driver should be traveling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dimitri Kanevsky, Alexander Zlatsin
  • Patent number: 6919867
    Abstract: A videoscope system comprises a pair of imaging cameras for capturing a stereoscopic view of a workspace, and a tracking camera for capturing a field of view including a marker structure, and a display for displaying the stereoscopic view of the workspace captured by the pair of imaging cameras and augmented with a computer graphic according to a position and orientation of the imaging cameras relative to the workspace. The videoscope system further comprises a processor for determining the position and orientation of the imaging cameras relative to the workspace based on the location of the marker structure in the field of view captured by the tracking camera, and an articulated support apparatus adapted to support a videoscope head comprising at least the imaging cameras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Corporate Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Sauer
  • Patent number: 6914726
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ichiro Kasai
  • Patent number: 6909407
    Abstract: A device for displaying pictograms in a vehicle wherein the device comprises a control unit and a display unit, in particular an LCD display unit, the control unit controlling the display unit, and a method for operating the device, wherein a) the display unit is divided into symbol fields (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) which are arranged one next to the other in a row, the control unit only ever displaying one pictogram in each symbol field simultaneously, b) the control unit always displays in a specific symbol field (2) each new pictogram which is to be displayed in the symbol fields (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) which are arranged one next to the other in a row, and displaces by one symbol field the pictograms which have already been displayed, without changing their order, c) a control element (13) is provided with which a coherent section of the pictograms which are arranged one next to the other in a row can be displayed in the symbol fields of the display unit if more pictograms are to be displayed simultaneously than symbol fie
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventors: Stefan Schradi, Rainer Lemke, Jürgen Adams, Michael Klostermeier, Josef Spaderna
  • Patent number: 6907282
    Abstract: A method for converting a source intensity map into a target intensity map having a geometry compatible with a desired multi-leaf collimator configuration. The source intensity map and the target intensity map each have a geometry defining sampling points of cells within the maps. The method includes defining a field on an object for radiation delivery. The field includes a plurality of cells defining the source intensity map, each of the cells having a treatment intensity level. An intermediate intensity map geometry is created such that the intermediate map contains sampling points of the source intensity map and the target intensity map. The method further includes defining treatment intensity levels for cells of the intermediate map and calculating treatment intensity levels for cells of the target intensity map based on the intensity level of the intermediate map cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Ramon Alfredo Carvalho Siochi
  • Patent number: 6903707
    Abstract: The invention is a method for displaying otherwise unseen objects and other data using augmented reality (the mixing of real view with computer generated imagery). The method uses a motorized camera mount that can report the position of a camera on that mount back to a computer. With knowledge of where the camera is looking, and the size of its field of view, the computer can precisely overlay computer-generated imagery onto the video image produced by the camera. The method may be used to present to a user such items as existing weather conditions, hazards, or other data, and presents this information to the user by combining the computer generated images with the user's real environment. These images are presented in such a way as to display relevant location and properties of the object to the system user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Information Decision Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew W. Hobgood, John F. Ebersole, Jr., John F. Walker, John F. Ebersole
  • Patent number: 6891518
    Abstract: A head-mounted display system includes an imaging camera for capturing a view of a workspace located below the head-mounted display system, the imaging camera positioned at a downward pitch angle for capturing an image of the workspace. The system further includes a tracking camera aligned in substantially the same yaw as the imaging camera, the tracking camera for capturing a tracking image including a marker structure, and a display which displays a view of the workspace captured by the imaging camera augmented by a virtual image generated by a processor and registered according to the tracking image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Corporate Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Sauer, Ali R. Bani-Hashemi
  • Patent number: 6882479
    Abstract: A wearable display system having a display panel to output a signal processed in a predetermined way. The system includes at least one waveguide to guide propagation of at least one signal output from at least one display panel, a plurality of gratings to diffract the at least one signal propagating through the at least one waveguide, and at least one magnifying lens to magnify the at least one signal diffracted by the gratings. A lightweight and compact wearable display system is realized by minimizing the number of optical components, and the complexity and cost of manufacturing the display system is reduced. In addition, the display system is produced on a large scale by incorporating a waveguide, gratings and an eyepiece into one single body, and further, chromatic aberration is removed by conjugate gratings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-ran Song, Seok-ho Song
  • Patent number: 6862006
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus and an image processing method are provided which are capable of changing display from a virtual space image to a real space image or vice versa, or combining them based on the movement speed of the user's point of gaze while the user is moving in a virtual space. An image processing program and a medium recording the same are also provided. In the image processing apparatus, when the movement of a head mounted display (HMD) in the virtual space is detected (Step S111), the movement speed is calculated (Step S112) and it is determined whether the movement speed is equal to or greater than akm/h. When the movement speed is slower than akm/h, an updated virtual space image reflecting the movement of the HMD is created for display (Steps S114 and S118). When the movement speed is equal to or greater than akm/h, the real image then being taken is displayed as it is (Steps S115 and S118).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shigemi Sato, Akira Kubota
  • Patent number: 6853357
    Abstract: There are provided an image display apparatus and an image display method, which are capable of clearly indicating to an observer subtle differences between two images of the same subject obtained at different times, without the need for complex image processing, and a storage medium storing a program for implementing the image display method. Two images of the same subject obtained at different times are inputted. A stereo display device displays the two inputted images in a manner enabling an observer to fuse the two inputted images together for stereoscopic viewing. A control means controls the stereo display device to display the two inputted images such that the two images are projected separately into the left and right eyes of the observer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hitoshi Inoue, Shigeru Sanada