Heads-up Display Patents (Class 349/11)
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Patent number: 8796911Abstract: There is a problem in a dual emission device emitting light out of both surfaces that an image on the surface and an image on the rear surface are different from each other (either image is mirror-reversed). A dual emission device is disclosed in which either light emitted from the light-emitting device is reflected by glass including a semi-transmissive film to display on glass an image same as another image obtained also from the light-emitting device, and simultaneously, external information can be viewed through the glass. A mirror can be arranged between the dual emission device and the glass including a semitransparent film.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junichiro Sakata, Takahiro Ibe, Hisao Ikeda
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Patent number: 8780014Abstract: A head-mounted display apparatus includes a head-mounted display, the head-mounted display including a plurality of independently controllable switchable viewing areas that can each be independently switched between a transparent state and an information state. The transparent state enables a user of the head-mounted display to see the scene outside the head-mounted display through the independently controllable switchable viewing areas. The information state is opaque and displays information in the independently controllable switchable viewing areas visible to a user of the head-mounted display. Circuitry produces a control signal for controlling the states of the independently controllable switchable viewing areas and a controller responsive to the control signal independently switches each of the independently controllable viewing areas between the transparent state and the information state.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2010Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: John N. Border, Ronald S. Cok, Elena A. Fedorovskaya, Sen Wang
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Patent number: 8773599Abstract: A near-to-eye optical system includes an optically transmissive substrate having a see-through display region and a repeating pattern of diffraction elements. The repeating pattern of diffraction elements is disposed across the see-through display region of the optically transmissive substrate and organized into a reflective diffraction grating that bends and focuses computer generated image (“CGI”) light impingent upon the reflective diffraction grating. The see-through display region is at least partially transmissive to external ambient light impingent upon an exterior side of the optically transmissive substrate and at least partially reflective to the CGI light impingent upon an interior side of the optically transmissive substrate opposite the exterior side.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2011Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Ehsan Saeedi, Babak Amirparviz, Xiaoyu Miao
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Patent number: 8766879Abstract: A display image to be projected onto a projection surface is formed on an imaging surface of a screen member at time of projecting the display image onto the projection surface. A projector is adapted to project a light, which forms the display image on the imaging surface. The imaging surface is formed as a convex surface that limits a curvature of field of the virtual image.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Takayuki Fujikawa, Kazuto Fukasawa, Hideaki Imahori
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Patent number: 8736962Abstract: A display device including a holding device that can be placed on the head of a user, an image generating module fixed to the holding device and generating an image, and a multifunction glass that is fixed to the holding device and has a coupling in area and a coupling out area. The image produced is coupled into the multifunction glass via the coupling in area, guided in the multifunction glass to the coupling in area, and coupled out via the coupling out area, in such a way that the user can perceive the coupled out image superimposed on the surroundings when the holding device is placed on the head of the user. The coupling out area has a Fresnel structure which receives light from the coupling-in-area via a folded beam path and couples the image out of the multifunction optical element. The coupling out element has an imaging property.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2013Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Carl Zeiss AGInventors: Hans-Juergen Dobschal, Guenter Rudolph, Karsten Lindig
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Publication number: 20140132852Abstract: A display device with a liquid crystal display and a method for protecting the liquid crystal display are provided. The display device includes a liquid crystal display for displaying an image, a sensor system for detecting the illuminance of an incident optical radiation and for determining the current position of the Sun relative to the liquid crystal display, an adjustable shading device for protecting the liquid crystal display from the incident optical radiation, and a control unit. The control unit checks if the illuminance detected by the sensor system exceeds a predefined threshold value and if the current position of the Sun is in a predefined angle range, and controls the shading device according to a result of the check such that the shading device interrupts a beam path of a part of the optical radiation incident on the liquid crystal display.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2012Publication date: May 15, 2014Inventor: Wolfgang-Peter Pawusch
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Publication number: 20140104505Abstract: An image augmenting window and method of operation. An image augmenting window has at least one selectably transmissive internally focused intermediate image lens with a first portion that receives light and focuses it into a focused image on an internal focal plane. An output optical structure refracts the focused image out as a projected image. A selectably transmissive shutter located in the internal focal plane selectably blocks at least a portion of light passing through the lens. At least one controllable light source has a respective light source lens that is separate from and positioned adjacent to a lateral side of a respective selectably transmissive internally focused intermediate image lens and that emits an afocal projection of respective projected light. A controller independently controls each shutter and each controllable light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: BLACKBERRY LIMITEDInventor: Jens KOENIG
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Patent number: 8686924Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting an action associated with a power state transition of a head-mounted display (HMD) in the form of eyeglasses are disclosed. A signal may be received from a sensor on a nose bridge of the eyeglasses indicating if the HMD is in use. Based on the received signal, a first power state for the HMD may be determined. Responsive to the determined first power state, an action associated with a power state transition of the HMD from an existing power state to the first power state may be selected. The action may be selected from among a plurality of actions associated with a plurality of state transitions. Also, the action may be a sequence of functions performed by the HMD including modifying an operating state of a primary processing component of the HMD and a detector of the HMD configured to image an environment.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Max Braun, Ryan Geiss, Harvey Ho, Thad Eugene Starner, Gabriel Taubman
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Patent number: 8681184Abstract: A display unit for binocular representation of a multicolor image including a control unit triggering an imaging element such that the imaging element generates in a temporal successive manner the image to be displayed for a first beam path and a second beam path as a first image and second image, respectively. The images are generated in a pre-distorted manner, opposite of the chromatic aberration of the respective beam path, such that the chromatic aberration generated in the respective beam path is compensated when the first and second image is displayed. The display unit includes a switching module which operates in temporal synchrony with the first and second image being generated, such that a user can see the first image only via the first beam path and the second image only via the second beam path.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2008Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Carl Zeiss AGInventors: Markus Seesselberg, Johannes Ruoff
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Publication number: 20140063359Abstract: The present invention relates to a sectional dynamic-driving backlight module and a head-up display device thereof. The sectional dynamic-driving backlight module comprises an optical-directional lens unit and an optical-homogenizing unit. The optical-directional lens unit is provided for converging the light beams emitted by the light source assemblies in the backlight module into light beams with a smaller divergent angle, and the optical-homogenizing unit is used for further homogenizing the light beams, so as to make all display regions of the LCD show a uniform illumination. Therefore, all images showed on an eyebox of the driver are distinct. Besides, each of the light source assemblies consist a red-light LED chip, a green-light LED chip, a blue-light LED chip, and a white-light LED chip, and these LED chips may be controlled by a controlling PCB for lighting respectively or simultaneously, so as to achieve a sectional dynamic display.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Inventor: Cheng-Huan Chen
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Patent number: 8659737Abstract: The instant invention relates to mesogenic media exhibiting a blue phase, comprising two or more components selected from the following components, components A to C, component A comprising one or more compounds selected from the group of compounds of formula I-T component B consisting of one or more compounds selected from the group of compounds of formula I-N component C consisting of one or more compounds selected from the group of compounds of formula I-E wherein the parameters are as specified in the text, preferably stabilized by a polymer, and their use in electro-optical light modulation elements and their respective use in displays, as well as to such displays.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Merck Patent GmbHInventors: Michael Wittek, Norihiko Tanaka, Mila Fischer, Erdal Durmaz
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Patent number: 8649098Abstract: A collimating image-forming apparatus comprising a first linear polarizer is disclosed. A first quarterwave plate is disposed adjacent the first polarizer and has its fast and slow axes at substantially 45° to the plane of polarization of the first polarizer. The apparatus further comprises a beam-splitting curved mirror having a convex surface adjacent the first polarizer and facing towards the first quarter-wave plate, a second quarter-wave plate adjacent the concave side of the curved mirror, the second quarterwave plate having its having its fast and slow axes oriented with respect to the corresponding axes of the first quarter-wave plate at angles substantially equal to a first integral multiple of 90°, and a reflective-transmissive polarizing member adjacent the second quarter-wave plate.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2011Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Optical Resolutions, Inc.Inventors: Frank Ruhle, Paul Weissman
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Patent number: 8605009Abstract: A system and method for displaying information within a vehicle is described. The system includes at least one sensing device detecting a set of data associated with the vehicle, driver, or surroundings, which is processed using a processing unit for identifying a set of information to be displayed. The system also includes a set of display devices coupled to the vehicle. A router selects one or more display devices for displaying the display element based on a set of conditions. A display control unit generates an appropriate display element for the set of information identified and the selected display.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Anthony Gerald King, Brian Bennie, Jeffrey Thomas Remillard
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Patent number: 8556414Abstract: A display apparatus includes: an eyeglass-type frame worn by a head of a viewer; and an image display apparatus attached to the frame, wherein the image display apparatus includes an image formation device, and an optical device on which light that exits from the image formation device is incident, through which the light is guided, and out of which the light exits, the frame is formed of a front portion, two temple portions extending from both ends of the front portion, a nose pad, and an attachment member, the attachment member is attached to a central section of the front portion, the optical device is attached to the attachment member, and the nose pad is so attached to the attachment member that the nose pad is movable upward and downward.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2012Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Takaaki Yoshida
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Publication number: 20130249787Abstract: According to an illustrative embodiment, a head-mounted display is provided. The head-mounted display includes a casing having an opening portion; and a movable member movable between a first position in which the movable member covers the opening portion, and a second position in which the movable member does not cover the opening portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventor: Toshiyasu Morimoto
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Publication number: 20130250189Abstract: Provided is a display room mirror which is configured such that a display module, which includes: one or more light emitting units formed on a printed circuit board; a resin layer is formed on the light emitting units so that the light emitting units are embedded in the resin layer; a liquid crystal panel formed on the resin layer, is disposed on a rear surface the room mirror, thereby reducing an entire thickness and improving a degree of freedom in design.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventors: Hae Min CHOE, Geon Ho ROH, Sung Gon JUN
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Patent number: 8537075Abstract: An environmental-light filter removably coupled to an optical see-through head-mounted display (HMD) device is disclosed. The environmental-light filter couples to the HMD device between a display component and a real-world scene. Coupling features are provided to allow the filter to be easily and removably attached to the HMD device when desired by a user. The filter increases the primacy of a provided augmented-reality image with respect to a real-world scene and reduces brightness and power consumption requirements for presenting the augmented-reality image. A plurality of filters of varied light transmissivity may be provided from which to select a desired filter based on environmental lighting conditions and user preference. The light transmissivity of the filter may be about 70% light transmissive to substantially or completely opaque.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2012Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Inventors: Robert Crocco, Ben Sugden, Kathryn Stone-Perez
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Patent number: 8500287Abstract: A projection unit comprising a coherent light source such as a laser diode and a beam shaping element forming a light beam which is directed towards a display, characterized in that it comprises a laser speckle suppression device which is positioned between the laser source and the display and wherein the laser speckle suppression device is a diffusing element actuated randomly by a piezoelectric vibrating structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2009Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Hassan Moussa
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Publication number: 20130194518Abstract: The invention relates to a head-up display device, including a projector for generating a light beam carrying information to be displayed, a combiner having a display position for displaying the information in the field of vision of a user, and an optical system defining an optical path between the projector and the combiner when the latter is in the display position thereof, for directing the light beam onto the combiner. The optical system includes a first and a second deflecting mirror. The first mirror is arranged for receiving the light beam from the projector and for sending said light beam to the second mirror, the latter being arranged for sending the light beam over the optical path toward the combiner. An actuation system is provided for adjusting the length of the optical path between the projector and the combiner by positioning the first and second deflecting mirrors.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 4, 2011Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Hassan Moussa, Claude Simon, Alain Guidi
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Patent number: 8493662Abstract: A waveguide 60 formed of material 62 allows propagation of image bearing light along a light pathway 64 by total internal reflection of the image bearing light. The layer of material 62 is a light transparent material arranged to allow an observer, not illustrated, to look through the layer of material 62 whilst also arranged to carry image bearing light. A grating element 66 carried within the layer of material 62 is arranged such that impinging image bearing light following the light pathway 64 is either diffracted out of the layer of material 62 as a pupil of image bearing light 68a to 68n or is reflected by either surface 70 or surface 72. The efficiency of the grating element 66 is varied along the length of the layer of material 62 to achieve the desired pupils of image bearing light 68a to 68n along the length of the layer of material 62. This results in a more even brightness of pupils of image bearing light 68a to 68n, as perceived by the observer looking through the layer of material 62.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2009Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS plcInventor: Louahab Noui
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Publication number: 20130182197Abstract: The present invention relates to a display, in particular Head-Up-Display of a vehicle, comprising an image forming unit for generating an image, an illumination means for illuminating the image forming unit and a deflecting unit for providing a user with a virtual image of the image generated by the image forming unit, wherein the image forming unit comprises a reflective LCoS—(Liquid Crystal on Silicon) display and the deflecting unit comprises a partially transmissive combiner.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2011Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: Johnson Controls GMNBHInventors: Bernd Ludewig, Sebastien Hervy
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Patent number: 8482683Abstract: A vehicle inside mirror device for displaying an image, which can obtain an enhanced mirror function of a prismatic glass caused by a black film provided at a rear side of a prismatic glass and has a relatively simple structure made by forming directly a transflective layer on a rear surface of a prismatic glass without using a substrate. The vehicle inside mirror device comprises a housing mounted in a passenger compartment of a vehicle; a prismatic glass provided on a front side of the housing and having a transparent transflective layer formed on a rear surface thereof; a black film provided at a rear side of the prismatic glass and having an opening formed on one side thereof; a liquid crystal display (LCD) module provided at a rear side of the opening of the black film; and a control circuit unit installed at a rear side of the LCD module.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.Inventors: Hyok-Joo Hwang, Jin Gee Choi, Soo Jin Lim
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Patent number: 8474976Abstract: A pair of spectacles that can automatically change its power so that a fixation region of interest (ROI) of the user is always in focus. The automatic accommodative spectacle device includes focusing elements, sensors, line of sight detector, focus engine, focusing element controller, and power supply. The line of sight detector determines the line of sight for the left and right eyes of the user using data from the sensors. The focus engine uses the lines of sight for left and right eyes to determine the user's fixation ROI. The fixation ROI is used to determine powers for the focusing elements in order to bring the fixation ROI into focus. The focusing element controller carries out the needed optical power adjustment to apply to the focusing elements. Optional light sources may be provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Inventors: Thang Duong, Yibin Tian
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Patent number: 8471967Abstract: An eyepiece for a head mounted display includes an illumination module, an end reflector, a viewing region, and a polarization rotator. The illumination module includes an image source for launching computer generated image (“CGI”) light along a forward propagating path. The end reflector is disposed at an opposite end of the eyepiece from the illumination module to reflect the CGI back along a reverse propagation path. The viewing region is disposed between the illumination module and the end reflector. The viewing region includes a polarizing beam splitter (“PBS) and non-polarizing beam splitter (“non-PBS”) disposed between the PBS and the end reflector. The viewing region redirects the CGI light from the reverse propagation path out of an eye-ward side of the eyepiece. The polarization rotator is disposed in the forward and reverse propagation paths of the CGI light between the viewing region and the end reflector.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Xiaoyu Miao, Babak Amirparviz
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Patent number: 8456744Abstract: A beam combiner for combining a first beam cluster with a second beam cluster that is not parallel to the first, to form a common beam cluster. The beam combiner includes a transparent body for the first beam cluster, which has a superimposition region that is encountered by the first beam cluster as it passes through the body. The superimposition region is split into a first section and a second section. Only the first section formed from interspaced reflective and/or refractive deflection elements causes a deflection of the second beam cluster by reflection and/or refraction, such that the first beam cluster forms the common beam cluster with the deflected second beam cluster once it has left the body.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2010Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Carl Zeiss AGInventors: Hans-Juergen Dobschal, Guenter Rudolph, Karsten Lindig
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Patent number: 8437087Abstract: The observation optical system introduces light from a first display element and light from a second display element to an exit pupil to present an enlarged combined image of first and second original images. The optical system includes a first optical element allowing the light from the first display element to enter thereinto, a second optical element allowing the light from the second display element to enter thereinto, and a third optical element. The optical system introduces a first light component from a first display area in the second display element to the exit pupil through the second optical element and at least the first optical element, and introduces a second light component from a second display area in the second display element to the exit pupil through the second and third optical elements, not through the first optical element.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2010Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masakazu Tohara, Shoichi Yamazaki, Kazutaka Inoguchi, Kenichi Saito, Motomi Tsuyuki
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Patent number: 8436952Abstract: A head-up display including a hybrid illumination system is provided. A light mixing unit provides a substantially homogenous light source to a reflective display unit. A concentrating optics unit collects ambient light and directs it towards the light mixing unit. At the same time, an electrically-powered light source emits light which is directed towards the light mixing unit. One or more optical elements direct the ambient light and the light source light into the light mixing unit for homogenization. A condensing unit receives the homogenized light mixture and outputs the condensed light to a polarizing beam splitter. A reflective display modulates the light from the polarizing beam splitter with information from a source of electrical information signals back towards the polarizing beam splitter. A projection unit projects the modulated light to create an image on a windshield.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2010Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company LimitedInventor: Lo Ming Fok
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Publication number: 20130100362Abstract: A near-to-eye optical system includes an optically transmissive substrate having a see-through display region and a repeating pattern of diffraction elements. The repeating pattern of diffraction elements is disposed across the see-through display region of the optically transmissive substrate and organized into a reflective diffraction grating that bends and focuses computer generated image (“CGI”) light impingent upon the reflective diffraction grating. The see-through display region is at least partially transmissive to external ambient light impingent upon an exterior side of the optically transmissive substrate and at least partially reflective to the CGI light impingent upon an interior side of the optically transmissive substrate opposite the exterior side.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: GOOGLE INC.Inventors: Ehsan Saeedi, Babak Amirparviz, Xiaoyu Miao
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Patent number: 8427725Abstract: The present invention relates to a light modulating device, comprising a SLM and a pixelated optical element, in which a group of at least two adjacent pixels of the SLM in combination with a corresponding group of pixels in the pixelated optical element form a macropixel, the pixelated optical element being of a type such that its pixels comprise a fixed content, each macropixel being used to represent a numerical value which is manifested physically by the states of the pixels of the SLM and the content of the pixels of the pixelated optical element which form the macropixel.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2008Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Seereal Technologies S.A.Inventors: Gerald Futterer, Bo Kroll, Steffen Buschbeck
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Patent number: 8416153Abstract: A head mount display includes: an image display unit at which an image is displayed; an arm that supports the image display unit while allowing an orientation of the image display unit to be adjusted; a mounting unit that supports the arm and is used to attach the head mount display to a user; and a protective member extending from the arm to range on an outer side relative to the image display unit to protect the image display unit. The image display unit is positioned between the head of the user, to which the mounting unit is attached, and the protective member.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2008Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Yuki Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 8412413Abstract: A vehicle windshield display system for detecting obstruction of a vehicle operator's field of view by a windshield display. The system provides closed-loop feedback to perform a visual check of what is actually being displayed on a windshield display in order to avoid obstructing an operator's field of view. The system includes a windshield display configured to be installed into a vehicle and configured to display a graphic in a field of view of an operator of the vehicle, a camera configured to determine an image of the graphic displayed by the windshield display, and a controller configured to determine if the image indicates that field of view is obstructed. The camera is used to monitor the windshield display and provide feedback to the controller so that appropriate adjustments to the graphic being displayed can be made.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Kris R. Stark, Dwadasi H. R. Sarma, Frederick F. Kuhlman, Mark R. Vincen
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Patent number: 8396339Abstract: A virtual image display device with an optical waveguide to guide, by internal total reflection, parallel pencil groups meeting a condition of internal total reflection, a first reflection volume hologram grating to diffract and reflect the parallel pencil groups incident upon the optical waveguide from outside and traveling in different directions as they are so as to meet the condition of internal total reflection inside the optical waveguide and a second reflection volume hologram grating to project the parallel pencil groups guided by internal total reflection inside the optical waveguide as they are from the optical waveguide by diffraction and reflection thereof so as to depart from the condition of internal total reflection inside the optical waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2012Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Mukawa, Katsuyuki Akutsu
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Patent number: 8390535Abstract: A stereo image display device includes an image display unit for displaying a parallactic image having a right-eye image and a left-eye image on a display plane, a parallactic image selecting unit for making only the right-eye image of the parallactic image reach the right eye of a viewer and making only the left-eye image of the parallactic image reach the left eye of the viewer to thereby make the viewer view a stereo image, an eye fatigue degree detecting unit for detecting the eye fatigue degree of the viewer, and an eye fatigue relaxation processing unit for carrying out eye fatigue relaxation processing for relaxing the eye fatigue of the viewer.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Shigemi Sato
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Patent number: 8390533Abstract: A beam-scan display apparatus (10) displays an image by scanning a beam on a retina of a user, the beam-scan display apparatus (10) includes a case (11) housing (i) a light source (101) emitting a beam for drawing each of pixels constituting the image, and (ii) a scan unit (103) two-dimensionally scanning the beam emitted from the light source (101). Further, the beam-scan apparatus includes a contact lens (12) having a deflection unit (104) deflecting, toward the retina of an eye of the user wearing the case (11), the beam scanned by the scan unit (103), wherein the contact lens (12) is separate from the case (11).Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2008Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Kakuya Yamamoto
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Patent number: 8384999Abstract: An optical module for head mounted displays and other applications comprises: an optical substrate and optical superstrate having inter-engaging ridged surfaces. A reflective layer is formed on at least one of the surfaces. An index matching material may be located between the surfaces. A region that receives a projected image, from a projector, directs rays launched from the projector onto the ridged surfaces, so that in use a viewer perceives an augmented image. The augmented image comprising reflected rays from the projector and transmitted rays from an object located on an opposite side of the module to that of the viewer.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2012Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Cerr LimitedInventors: David Nicholas Crosby, David Hayes, Philip Andrew Greenhalgh
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Patent number: 8376548Abstract: A near-eye display projects virtual images from an image generator to an eyebox within which the virtual images can be seen by a viewer. A first optical path conveys image-bearing light from the image generator to a selectively reflective powered optic and a second optical path conveys the image-bearing light along a line of sight from the selectively reflective powered optic to the eyebox. First and second selectively reflective surfaces fold the first optical path with respect to the second optical path to locate the image generator out of the line of sight to the eyebox. The image generator is effectively inclined to the line of sight to the eyebox for reducing a thickness of the near-eye display. The selectively reflective powered optic is oriented normal to local overlapping portions of the first and second optical paths at the selectively reflective powered optic.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Vuzix CorporationInventor: Robert J. Schultz
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Patent number: 8379043Abstract: An apparatus and method allows a driver to read a map, directions or text while driving a car without taking their eyes away from the road. An electronic display device may be mounted to, or made integrally with, a dashboard of an automobile. The electronic display device may be programmed to display inverted (mirror image) information thereupon. When the electronic display is disposed on the automobile's dashboard, the windshield may reflect the inverted image as a normal scene for the driver to visualize. Since the image is displayed on the windshield, the driver can see the image without having to take their eyes off the road.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2012Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Inventor: David Lester Paige
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Patent number: 8362972Abstract: A headphone (3) has LEDs indicating whether a head-mounted display is used for the left eye or for the right eye. In the case shown in the attached figure, the LED of L showing that the display is used for the left eye is lit. Whether the head-mounted display is used for the left eye or for the right eye is indicated by the LEDs, and depending on whether it is used for the left eye or for the right eye, audio outputted from the headphone (3) is switched over between the left and the right. Independent of whether the head-mounted display is used for the left eye or for the right eye, audio for the right ear is outputted for the right ear and audio for the left ear is outputted for the left ear.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2008Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Yoshiaki Miyakawa, Shigeru Kato
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Publication number: 20130016292Abstract: An eyepiece for a head mounted display includes an illumination module, an end reflector, a viewing region, and a polarization rotator. The illumination module includes an image source for launching computer generated image (“CGI”) light along a forward propagating path. The end reflector is disposed at an opposite end of the eyepiece from the illumination module to reflect the CGI back along a reverse propagation path. The viewing region is disposed between the illumination module and the end reflector. The viewing region includes a polarizing beam splitter (“PBS) and non-polarizing beam splitter (“non-PBS”) disposed between the PBS and the end reflector. The viewing region redirects the CGI light from the reverse propagation path out of an eye-ward side of the eyepiece. The polarization rotator is disposed in the forward and reverse propagation paths of the CGI light between the viewing region and the end reflector.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: Google Inc.Inventors: Xiaoyu Miao, Babak Amirparviz
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Patent number: 8355086Abstract: An information display 100 according to the present invention, comprising a housing 60 having an opening 65, a display member 10 accommodated within the housing 60, a translucent protective member 70 covering the opening 65 of the housing 60 and allowing a display provided by the display member 10 to be visible, and a magnet 80 disposed within the housing 60.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2008Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kohji Hisakawa
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Patent number: 8355610Abstract: A primary waveguide and a coupling waveguide are arranged so a user can view light from a forward scene through the primary waveguide. An image source generates an image which is diffractively coupled into the primary waveguide and internally reflected to an exit area for diffraction towards the user. Light from the forward looking scene is diffracted into the primary waveguide to be internally reflected and coupled to a image intensifier tube assembly. The image intensifier tube assembly enhances light from the forward looking scene and drives the image source such that an image of the enhanced light is overlaid on light from a forward scene at exit area.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2008Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Bae Systems PLCInventor: Michael David Simmonds
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Patent number: 8339526Abstract: An inventive rearview assembly for a vehicle may comprise a mirror element and a display including a light management subassembly. The subassembly may comprise an LCD placed behind a transflective layer of the mirror element. Despite a low transmittance through the transflective layer, the inventive display is capable of generating a viewable display image having an intensity of at least 250 cd/m2 and up to 3500 cd/m2. The display includes a novel backlighting subassembly and novel optical components including a magnifying system, a depolarizer, a reflector, and a reflective polarizer. The display may be configured to display an image having edges contoured to correspond to the edges of the mirror element.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2007Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Mark W. Newton, Ethan J. Lee, William L. Tonar, Darin D. Tuttle, David J. Cammenga, John S. Anderson, John B. Ostreko, Christian M. Kemperman, David A. Blaker
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Patent number: 8331001Abstract: The welding filter device includes a light sensor, a microprocessor, a liquid crystal display, and a user interface. The light sensor senses light to generate a welding signal and a light source intensity signal. The microprocessor comprises a determining module, a control module, a regulating module, and a storage module. The determining module receives the welding signal and determines whether to activate a welding mechanism. The control module receives the light source intensity signal and outputs a control signal. The liquid crystal display presents a first display status according to the control signal. The user interface is used to generate a setting signal; wherein when the liquid crystal display presents the first display status, the regulating module receives the setting signal to regulate the settings so that the liquid crystal display presents a second display status. Furthermore, a method for controlling the welding filter device is also disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2011Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Arcmask Optech Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chien-Hsing Hsieh, Edward Martin, Chia-Hung Chen
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Patent number: 8305690Abstract: A collimating image-forming apparatus comprising a first linear polarizer is disclosed. A first quarterwave plate (14) is disposed adjacent the first polarizer (12) and has its fast and slow axes at substantially 45° to the plane of polarization of the first polarizer. The apparatus further comprises a beam-splitting curved mirror (16) having a convex surface adjacent the first polarizer and facing towards the first quarter-wave plate, a second quarter-wave plate (22) adjacent the concave side of the curved mirror, the second quarterwave plate having its having its fast and slow axes oriented with respect to the corresponding axes of the first quarter-wave plate at angles substantially equal to a first integral multiple of 90°, and a reflective-transmissive polarizing member (24) adjacent the second quarter-wave plate.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2004Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Optical Resolutions, Inc.Inventors: Frank Ruhle, Paul Weissman
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Patent number: 8259239Abstract: An image display system and associated method for image displaying The system includes an image source configured to generate image light, projection optics configured to project the image light, and a polarizing beam splitter optically coupled to the projection optics and configured to propagate into a first optical path first polarized light having a first polarization and to propagate into a second optical path second polarized light having a second polarization The system includes a quarter wave converter disposed in the first optical path and configured to rotate the first polarization by a quarter phase as the first polarized light first passes through the quarter wave converter, and includes a reflective screen disposed in the first optical path and configured to reflect rotated first polarized light from the quarter wave converter back through the quarter wave converter for further quarter phase rotation.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2008Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: The Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of The University of ArizonaInventor: Hong Hua
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Publication number: 20120218481Abstract: There is provided a wearable display comprising at least one Switchable Bragg Grating (SBG) device recorded in at least one Holographic Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (HPDLC) layer. Each HPDLC layer is sandwiched between first and second transparent plates to which transparent electrodes have been applied. Each SBG device is characterised in that it provides a grating in a separate switchable region and is clear elsewhere. Each SBG device has a diffracting state and a non diffracting state. The transparent plates and HPDLC layers form a laminar structure which functions as a light guide. In one embodiment of the invention the display magnifies and forms a virtual image of information provided by an external image generator. In one embodiment of the invention the display and forms a virtual image of an image of information encoded in the SBG device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2010Publication date: August 30, 2012Inventors: Milan Momcilo Popovich, Jonathan David Waldern
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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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Patent number: 8213755Abstract: A virtual image display device with an optical waveguide to guide, by internal total reflection, parallel pencil groups meeting a condition of internal total reflection, a first reflection volume hologram grating to diffract and reflect the parallel pencil groups incident upon the optical waveguide from outside and traveling in different directions as they are so as to meet the condition of internal total reflection inside the optical waveguide and a second reflection volume hologram grating to project the parallel pencil groups guided by internal total reflection inside the optical waveguide as they are from the optical waveguide by diffraction and reflection thereof so as to depart from the condition of internal total reflection inside the optical waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2011Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Mukawa, Katsuyuki Akutsu
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Publication number: 20120162549Abstract: This invention concerns an ergonomic optical see-through head mounted display device with an eyeglass appearance. The see-through head-mounted display device consists of a transparent, freeform waveguide prism for viewing a displayed virtual image, a see-through compensation lens for enabling proper viewing of a real-world scene when combined together with the prism, and a miniature image display unit for supplying display content. The freeform waveguide prism, containing multiple freeform refractive and reflective surfaces, guides light originated from the miniature display unit toward a user's pupil and enables a user to view a magnified image of the displayed content. A see-through compensation lens, containing multiple freeform refractive surfaces, enables proper viewing of the surrounding environment, through the combined waveguide and lens.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventors: Chunyu Gao, Hong Hua, Yuxiang Lin
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Patent number: 8203659Abstract: A combination of an LCD display and a gaming machine includes an LCD comprising a touchscreen, a liquid crystal panel, a backlight module, printed circuit boards, and a rear cover having an opening wherein the backlight module comprises, from front to rear, four optical films each having three openings, three barrier films, a light guide having three openings, two light sources on top and bottom edges of the light guide respectively, a reflecting film having three openings, and a frame plate having three openings, the barrier films functions as a visual barrier or a transparent member by adjusting voltage applied thereto, and the openings are aligned one another; a plurality of revolving wheels disposed behind the LCD, each wheel comprising a plurality of symbols arranged annually thereon. One pattern including the symbols of the wheels behind the openings is illuminated by the light source.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2010Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Litemax Electronics Inc.Inventor: Kun-Liang Chou