Target, Map Or Navigation Projection Patents (Class 353/11)
  • Patent number: 11486725
    Abstract: A method for providing guided navigation for personal transport devices is described. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a list of predetermined destinations associated with a geographic area, projecting directions to one or more of the destinations on a ground surface located in front of a personal transport device, and providing an option to a user of the personal transport device to select between at least two different destinations. A direction associated with each destination of the at least two destinations may be projected on the ground surface located in front of the personal transport device. The method also includes receiving an input from the user indicating a selection of one of the at least two different destinations and projecting directions to the selected destination on the ground surface located in front of the personal transport device to guide the user to the selected destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: David Cun, Matthew Staal, Peter Wendt
  • Patent number: 10740892
    Abstract: A measurement support apparatus includes an image acquisition unit; a scale image generation unit, the scale image representing a scale assigned at least one of gradations for measuring a length of the crack or line drawings and numerals for measuring a width of the crack; and an image display unit that displays the image of the structure and the scale image in a superimposed manner in a display area, in which the scale image generation unit generates a scale image in accordance with a distance between the image acquisition unit and the measurement surface and an orientation of the measurement surface, and the image display unit displays the generated scale image in the superimposed manner at a position according to a position of the crack in the image of the structure in a direction according to a direction of the crack in the image of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Shunichiro Nonaka, Masashi Kuranoshita
  • Patent number: 10315496
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sun protection for an occupant of a vehicle having at least one window. The method includes receiving, by a processor, an input from a source that identifies a selected location for sun protection on the at least one window; determining, by the processor, a coordinate location on the at least one window associated with the selected location; and outputting, by the processor, one or more control signals to a first image output system of a first projector to output a first image onto the at least one window at the coordinate location to provide sun protection for the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Alex M. Archer
  • Patent number: 10303941
    Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for identifying location of light sources from airborne aircraft. Light sources are ground based and may be low power lasers and other like devices. An aircraft equipped with a detecting module, such as a camera of a ground maneuver camera system, may defect light source output and associate this output with the relative position of the aircraft to the light source. This information may be analyzed together with aircraft location information (at the time of light source detection) to generate a light source location estimate. In some embodiments, other information, such as transmission from other aircraft and/or ground based nodes can be used. The estimate may be transmitted to a ground based node, such as a law enforcement unit. The data from multiple aircraft and/or ground based nodes may be aggregated to more precisely identify the light source location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Radhakrishna G. Sampigethaya
  • Patent number: 9842107
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products provide personalized feedback in a cloud-based environment. A client device routes image data to a server for analysis. The server analyzes the image data to recognize people of interest. Because the server performs image recognition, the client device is relieved of these intensive operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Dimitrios B. Dimitriadis, Horst J. Schroeter
  • Patent number: 9436068
    Abstract: A portable constant resolution visual system (CRVS) is disclosed. The CRVS includes a screen display having a uniform resolution screen curvature, a projector for generating images that are shown on the display screen, a mirror and a frame. The mirror may be positioned relative to the screen and the projector to reflect images generated by the projector onto the display screen. A throw distance is measured between the projector and the display screen and is based on a specific design eye point and a field of view (FOV). The frame supports the screen display, the projector, and the mirror. The frame may have a plurality of bars that define the throw distance between the projector and the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Eric L. Hauquitz, Scott P. Rothman
  • Patent number: 9292159
    Abstract: The general field of the invention is that of methods for displaying the steps of a mission or of a flight plan of an aircraft on a screen of a display device. The different steps of the method are displayed in a first graphical window comprising a time scale or “timeline”, the different steps being displayed opposite the schedule corresponding to their accomplishment. This window can be associated with a cartographic view of the flight plan. It can comprise a “magnifier” function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Yannick Le Roux, Alexiane Bailly
  • Patent number: 8970961
    Abstract: A multifunction optical element including an image generating module that generates an image, and couples the image into a multifunction glass that 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: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss AG
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Dobschal, Guenter Rudolph, Karsten Lindig
  • Patent number: 8970960
    Abstract: An augmented reality electronic head gear is disclosed. The head gear includes an electronic device compartment configured to receive and support an electronic device such as an iPhone®. The head gear further includes a reflective surface configured to reflect the display of the electronic device to the eyes of a user. The head set is configured to rest upon a user's head, keeping the user's hands free and able to interact with the surrounding environment, while the user's eyes view real-time images of the surrounding environment being augmented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn Yu
  • Patent number: 8913325
    Abstract: The invention provides a decentration optical system comprising at least five optical surfaces. The optical surfaces are each decentered with respect to an axial chief ray in the Y-Z plane in the XYZ coordinate space, and at least one surface is decentered in the X-Z plane orthogonal to the Y-Z plane. At least two of the multiple optical surfaces are rotationally asymmetric surfaces, and at least one of the at least two rotationally asymmetric surfaces is a rotationally asymmetric surface having an X odd-numbered degree term.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Koichi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8876294
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an optical scanning device including a light source element configured to radiate a light beam, an optical deflector configured to deflect the light beam two-dimensionally, and a target scanning surface that is transparent and having a two-dimensional image formed thereon by the light beam deflected from the optical deflector, and a projection optical system including a convex mirror and configured to enlarge and project the two-dimensional image on a target projection surface. The target projection surface includes a reflection surface of a half mirror. The half mirror is positioned outside of the image forming apparatus and configured to transmit a part of a light incident on the half mirror and reflect another part of the light incident on the half mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichiroh Saisho, Hiroyuki Satoh
  • Patent number: 8746895
    Abstract: Disclosed is an abstracted lighting control system abstracted based on the lighting canvas rather than the mapping of the location of the luminaires or lighting fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Nick Archdale
  • Patent number: 8736962
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss AG
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Dobschal, Guenter Rudolph, Karsten Lindig
  • Patent number: 8733938
    Abstract: A virtual-sunroof system for providing a virtual sunroof at an interior of a vehicle for viewing by a passenger of the vehicle. The system includes a virtual-sunroof imaging device configured and arranged at the vehicle to collect image information from an environment above the vehicle and create digital image data using the image information. The system also includes a virtual-sunroof projection device configured and arranged in the vehicle to be in communication with the virtual-sunroof imaging device for providing a virtual sunroof display. The virtual sunroof display provided (a) is viewable above a head of the passenger, (b) is formed using the image data, (c) represents accurately at the interior of the vehicle a rendition of the environment above the vehicle, and (d) has a size, shape, and location corresponding generally to a size, shape, and location that an actual conventional-type sunroof would have in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Anil K. Sachdev, Mark W. Verbrugge, Byron T Shaw
  • Patent number: 8467132
    Abstract: 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 extracted 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 in area has a Fresnel structure causing a folding of the beam path when the image is injected into the multifunction glass, said structure having an imaging property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss AG
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Dobschal, Guenter Rudolph, Karsten Lindig
  • Patent number: 8465154
    Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a vehicle dashboard using rear projection system. A vehicle dashboard using rear projection system of the present invention preferably includes: a screen that provides a visual image; a printed circuit board (PCB) that controls the provision of a graphic image to the screen; and an projection system projection system that is controlled by the printed circuit board, and is installed at a rear side of the printed circuit board and irradiates a light to the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Ju Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8456744
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss AG
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Dobschal, Guenter Rudolph, Karsten Lindig
  • Publication number: 20130107219
    Abstract: A relative navigation system projects a grid into space from a grid generator and an object, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle, may use the projected grid to aid in the landing of the object. Methods of adjusting the projected grid including stabilizing the projected grid and orienting the grid generator relative to the earth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: GE AVIATION SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Michael Steven Feldmann, Frank Saggio, III, John Robert Washburn
  • Patent number: 8384999
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Cerr Limited
    Inventors: David Nicholas Crosby, David Hayes, Philip Andrew Greenhalgh
  • Patent number: 8325027
    Abstract: A safety light apparatus includes a first light source to emit a first light beam and a first light modulator to modulate the first light beam to project a first light image resembling a left boundary of a bike lane. A second light source emits a second light beam, and a second light modulator modulates the second light beam to project a second light image resembling a right boundary of a bike lane. A housing supports the first and second light sources and the first and second light modulators. A mounting device is provided for mounting the housing to a bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Lightlane LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Kirby Tee, Evan Isaac Timerding Gant
  • Patent number: 8317329
    Abstract: A method to display an infotainment graphic upon a surface within a vehicle includes monitoring a source of infotainment content; determining the infotainment graphic based upon monitoring the source of infotainment content, and displaying the infotainment graphic upon the surface including a material reactive to display graphics in response to an excitation projector, wherein the excitation projector includes an ultraviolet projector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Seder, Joseph F. Szczerba, Dehua Cui
  • Patent number: 8277055
    Abstract: A system and method to display a plurality of different images at multiple distinct locations using a single image projector and an image propagation control means to control a propagation pathway from the projector to a display at each location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick F. Kuhlman, Andrew P. Harbach, Richard D. Parker, Dwadasi H. R. Sarma, Marian C. Hargis, Steven G. Skiver
  • Patent number: 8251521
    Abstract: A multipurpose projector is provided with a fiber bundle including a plurality of cores fixedly arranged on an input plane and an output plane, laser beam sources for emitting laser beams having directivities, an optical guide unit for modulating the laser beams emitted from the laser beam sources and guiding the modulated laser beams to the input plane of the fiber bundle, a projection lens for enlarging and projecting the laser beams emerging from the output plane of the fiber bundle to a display space, and a projection angle adjusting mechanism disposed on the side of the output plane of the fiber bundle for adjusting projection angles of the laser beams projected from the projection lens. Thus, the projector can have its projection space freely operated and enlarged to extend its application not only to image display, but also to illumination and decoration with colored light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuro Mizushima, Kazuhisa Yamamoto, Akira Kurozuka, Kakuya Yamamoto, Keiji Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 8200433
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a Synthetic Vision System (SVS) view combined with information from navigation charts. The operator of a vehicle is not required to mentally combine separate SVS view and navigation charts, increasing situational awareness and decreasing complexity. A synthetic terrain representation is generated, combined with navigation chart information, and displayed. Additionally, the combination may include an indicator indicating the intended path of the current planned course. The combination may be generated with less detailed navigation chart information when further away or more detailed navigation chart information when close, displaying more detail as landmarks are approached. The combination may include indicators representing one or more navigation aids based on information in the navigation charts. The combination may include text based on navigation chart information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan E. Siniff, Jason D. Marmur
  • Patent number: 8192028
    Abstract: A projector of an information display system in vehicles, in particular in aircraft, for projecting images comprising information for passengers and/or crew onto a projection area which is arranged in the vehicle, with the use of a projection lens that images the image contents onto the projection area, which images are generated by a light source and a projection means. An LED array comprising LEDs that can be switched on and off independently of each other is provided as a light source and as a projection means. To generate composite variable image contents the LEDs can be individually selected. Between the LED array and the projection lens a separation box comprising several chambers is arranged. The chambers of the separation box are associated with an LED such that the chambers associated with the switched-on LEDs are imaged on the projection area by the projection lens as parts of the compound image determined by the switched-on LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Detlef Heym, Carsten Vogel
  • Patent number: 8142030
    Abstract: A display system for a center stack of a vehicle is disclosed including a translucent material and a projection system. Dynamic graphical content derived from an input by a passenger of the vehicle via at least one of simulated controls and hard-tooled switches is projected onto the material by the projection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Upton Beall Bowden, Royce Duchante' Channey, Henry Lee Pope
  • Publication number: 20110157486
    Abstract: An escape guiding apparatus includes: a projecting section projecting an image on a floor by scanning a laser beam; a storage section storing escape guidance information for guiding a person who is escaping; and an image information generating section generating image information of the image to be projected based on the escape guidance information stored in the storage section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akihiro MURATA, Osamu KOBAYASHI, Hiroaki HOSOMI
  • Publication number: 20110019154
    Abstract: A target scene generator for testing an imaging ladar in a Hard Ware in the Loop arrangement, such as might be employed for testing an optical seeker on a guided missile, the generator comprising an array of pixel elements 10, a photodetector 20 for detecting incident light from a ladar a laser source 18 for generating pulses of light representing returned ladar pulses, and a reconfigurable fibre network 14 including an optical switch selectively coupling the laser 18 to the pixel elements, and a controller 22 which selectively reconfigures the fibre network, to present to selected pixel elements the pulses of light with selected time delay characteristics such that light emitted from the pixels represent light returned from a target illuminated by the ladar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: MBDA UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Martyn Robert Jennings, Lee Douglas Miller
  • Publication number: 20110007280
    Abstract: A lighting device (10) for a route guidance system comprises a body (12) adapted to be mounted to a surface; at least one light source (18) housed within the body; a corresponding at least one outlet (14, 16) in the body from which light may be emitted; and focusing means (20) operable to focus the light into a beam projecting from the outlet. In one embodiment the device comprises a pair of outlets (14, 16) in the body, the focusing means being operable to focus light from the at least one light source into a pair of beams, one beam projecting from each outlet. In a second embodiment, the focusing means of the device is operable to focus the beam onto an adjacent surface. The device may be adapted to project static and/or moving images onto said adjacent surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Kieran Patterson
  • Patent number: 7656585
    Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, an optical relay comprises a partially-reflective-coated Fresnel lens or similar low-profile lens such as a diffractive lens or a holographic lens having a first index of refraction and a filler medium having a second index of refraction and being disposed adjacent to the Fresnel lens. The optical relay enables the optical power of the Fresnel or similar low-profile lens embedded within the two layers to influence a beam that is reflected from the optical relay while allowing transmitted light to experience little or no influence from the embedded lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Microvision, Inc.
    Inventors: Karlton D. Powell, Mark O. Freeman, David Scott Wright
  • Patent number: 7643215
    Abstract: An external mounting type head up display device for a vehicle, which can be mounted irrespective of kind of vehicle, is disclosed. The head up display device includes a display unit to convert a signal into an image and output the image, an optical element decentered with respect to an optical axis of the display unit, the optical element magnifying the image and transmitting the image, and a combiner provided in front of a driver to provide the driver with the transmitted magnified image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sung Chul Shin, Young Woon Kim
  • Publication number: 20080180637
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for providing physical routes to target locations. The techniques include obtaining at least one target location from at least one user; determining at least one physical route to said at least one target location; and displaying said at least one determined physical route through a sequence of at least one sign display, wherein each sign display are configured to display a plurality of physical routes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Frederik C. Kjeldsen, Anthony Levas, Gopal S. Pingali, Claudio S. Pinhanez, Mark E. Podlaseck, Piyawadee Sukavitiya
  • Patent number: 7306341
    Abstract: In one aspect, a first sequence of patterns of light symbols that spatio-temporally encode two-dimensional position information in a first projection plane is projected onto a scene. A second sequence of patterns of light symbols that spatio-temporally encode two-dimensional position information in a second projection plane is projected onto the scene. Light patterns corresponding to the first and second sequences of patterns of light symbols reflected from the scene are captured at a capture plane. Captured light symbol sequence codes are determined from the captured light patterns. A correspondence mapping of the first projector plane and the second projector plane with respect to a reference coordinate system is generated based at least in part on correspondence between the captured light symbol sequence codes and the first and second sequences of light symbol patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Nelson Liang An Chang
  • Patent number: 6909543
    Abstract: An improved theater geometry which is capable of providing improved image resolution and improved image contrast over prior systems is achieved with a unique projection geometry and image re-mapping technique. The projected image is provided with a continuously variable image resolution and brightness over the surface of a preferably dome-shaped screen which is to receive the image, concentrating the resolution and the brightness of the image within the central field-of-view of viewers that are unidirectionally seated in the theater, and sacrificing resolution and brightness toward the outside edges of the viewers' field-of-view. The result is a more efficient use of available projector resolution and brightness, an increase in the number of quality seats available in the theater, and an enhanced image contrast due to reductions in the light which is scattering from image elements to the rear of the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Spitz, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward J. Lantz
  • Patent number: 6712477
    Abstract: A visual workstation for use by a viewer includes a dome having an open front end and a truncated spherical inner dome surface. A work surface is disposed in front of and adjacent the dome front end. The work surface defines a viewer area on a side of the work surface opposite the dome. The viewer area is sized and configured to receive the viewer and is positioned relative to the spherical inner dome surface such that the viewer, when located in the viewer area, may view the spherical inner dome surface. A projector is disposed between the viewer area and the dome. The projector is operative to project a truncated spherical projection onto the inner dome surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Elumens Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond L. Idaszak, Richard W. Zobel, Jr., D'nardo Colucci, Suresh Balu
  • Patent number: 6675075
    Abstract: A device for presenting data in a vehicle as a function of the direction of view of the driver. The device includes a computing device, arrangements for the optical and/or acoustical presentation, an arrangement for the recognition of the driver's direction of view and various data sources. The arrangement for the recognition of the driver's direction of view transmits to computing device the measured direction of view of the driver, so that computing device transmits this direction of view to arrangements for the optical and/or acoustical presentation, so that the presentation of data from the various data sources is made visible in the driver's field of view. This may lead to increased safety in street traffic, since distraction of the driver by the various data of the data sources is greatly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Engelsberg, Sven Bauer, Bernd Schmale, Holger Kussmann
  • Patent number: 6543899
    Abstract: Autostereoscopic images are produced by projecting a stereo pair of images onto a modified cube-corner retroreflective material. The cube-corner differs from that commonly available in that it has been altered to return the light to viewers eyes rather than directly back to the source of the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Edward Covannon, John A. Agostinelli, Jose M. Mir
  • Patent number: 6530667
    Abstract: A visual workstation for use by a viewer includes a dome having an open front end and a truncated spherical inner dome surface. A work surface is disposed in front of and adjacent the dome front end. The work surface defines a viewer area on a side of the work surface opposite the dome. The viewer area is sized and configured to receive the viewer and is positioned relative to the spherical inner dome surface such that the viewer, when located in the viewer area, may view the spherical inner dome surface. A projector is disposed between the viewer area and the dome. The projector is operative to project a truncated spherical projection onto the inner dome surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Elumens Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond L. Idaszak, Richard W. Zobel, Jr., D'nardo Colucci, Suresh Balu
  • Patent number: 6016606
    Abstract: A hand-holdable viewer having a viewing end and a viewing axis, along the latter of which a transparent display is disposed. The viewer includes a Global Positioning System receiver (GPS) and a microprocessor connected to the GPS. The viewer is also provided with a slide holder for receiving a map slide having a map image and a EEPROM containing information about the geographical extent of the map image. When a map slide is inserted into the slide holder, it is aligned with the display, and so one is superimposed on the other, when viewed through the viewing end. The microprocessor reads the EEPROM and checks the GPS to determine whether the current position of the device is within the geographical extent of the map image. If this is so, the current position appears on the display. The EEPROM may also contain information about waypoints and routes which have previously been downloaded from a personal computer, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Navitrak International Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. Oliver, Richard A. MacDonald, David C. Hill
  • Patent number: 5707128
    Abstract: An alignment system and method for maintaining the alignment of a target projector with another image projector in a simulator system. The target projector system includes a slewable fold mirror to move the target image in azimuth and elevation. A two position beam splitter is arranged so that in a projector operating mode, the beam splitter is positioned out of the target projector image light path, and in a projector maintenance mode, the beam splitter is positioned in the image light path. A photo-sensitive array is positioned relative to the beam splitter such that light from the display screen is redirected from the light path onto the array. During the maintenance mode, reference light points are generated on the display screen, and the target projector is precisely aligned by use of processing the images captured by the array to calculate an error signal representing the distance between the light point image and the center of the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics
    Inventor: Jon Dugdale
  • Patent number: 5418651
    Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a vehicle's display system in which the display surface of a display unit set deep in an opening structure of the instrument panel is prevented from being directly seen obliquely of the display window from side. In a vehicle's display system, a light control film (LCF) 7 is bonded to a half mirror 12 to cover its predetermined portion which spreads upwardly from the line thereof which is closest to the display surface of a display unit, to regulate light transmitting through the film obliquely from side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Tadashi Iino, Kunimitsu Aoki, Yoshiyuki Furuya
  • Patent number: 5339528
    Abstract: A transparency holder for use in a navigation device is disclosed. The transparency holder is positioned between a lens and a compass, and is adapted to receive a map transparency in one correct orientation only. The one orientation only feature is achieved by providing certain asymmetric features, such as off-center notches which engage complementary features in the navigation device. In the preferred embodiment, the transparency holder has integral upper and lower halves hinged together by a living hinge and sandwiching the map transparency therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Navimap Corporation
    Inventor: David C. Hill
  • Patent number: 5224860
    Abstract: A "hardware-in-the-loop" simulator (10) for training people in the use of a missile system to teach target acquisition, missile launch, and missile guidance under simulated battlefield conditions. A battlefield environment (E) including at least one target (T) movable therewithin is created by a simulation module (12). Missile system hardware (H) including the missile acquisition, tracking, and guidance portions is provided. An interface module (20) converts signals produced by the simulating module to an infrared image acceptable by the hardware. The resultant image represents a field-of-view (FOV), including the target, within the battlefield environment. An image module (32) produces a dynamic image representative of the missile's position in the field-of-view. This image is observable by the hardware which utilizes it to determine the position of the missile relative to the target. The hardware also determines if a missile guidance signal is to be sent to the missile to guide it to the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Electronics & Space Corp.
    Inventors: Gary S. Waldman, John R. Wootton, Gregory L. Hobson, David L. Holder
  • Patent number: 5024523
    Abstract: In apparatus for displaying map information, at least two maps of the same terrain but of different scale from one another are provided on a movable platform so that a portion of one of the images can be selected and displayed through an optical lens projection system of fixed magnification onto a projection screen and displaying through the optical lens projection system a portion of the selected portion of the one of the map images on the projection screen to examine the display of the other map image in that detail permitted by the scale of the other of the map images at the fixed magnification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Ambridge Limited
    Inventor: Hans G. Jerie
  • Patent number: 4941263
    Abstract: An optical system for aiding the driver of a vehicle in judging the proximity of the forward end of the vehicle to an object directly in front of the vehicle, particularly when parking close to a wall or barricade or when pulling up close to another vehicle stopped at an intersection. An illuminated target and a mirror mounted beneath opposite sides of the dashboard are used to reflect an image of the target off the interior surface of the windshield at a location so that the reflected image is in the normal field of view of the driver. A virtual image of the target is perceived by the driver to emanate from a position above the forward end of the vehicle. The driver may gradually advance the vehicle until the virtual image appears to the driver to be juxtaposed with the object at which time there will be a predetermined minimum safe distance between the forward end of the vehicle and the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Nissan Design International, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald P. Hirshberg
  • Patent number: 4594788
    Abstract: A movable film cartridge with at least one view superimposed by a protractor image on transparent film is further provided with a compass viewed through a prism at an edge of the field of view of the film containing a map or aerial view image. A double spool cartridge contains the film and moves the film from one spool to the other reversibly by a hand-turned knob or motor. The cartridge moves vertically within the light-tight casing housing the cartridge. An eyepiece with a sealed double flap opens for viewing with the eyepiece tightly sealed against the face of a user. A button operated by the user's nose or bridge of the nose turns the interior light on for light-tight viewing. Magnified viewing of the microphotographic film may be through a single lens in a wrist mounted embodiment or through a double viewing system for stereo vision with images recorded from two different perspectives separated by the distance between the eyes of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Inventor: Reuven A. Abergel
  • Patent number: 4437739
    Abstract: A portable display device for projecting on a built-in rear projection screen a road map, navigation chart and the like. The road map or navigation chart is in the form of one of a plurality of microfilm frames removably installed in a cut-out portion of a hollow drum in which is disposed a projection lamp. The drum is indexable in angular position and in longitudinal position such as to display an appropriate portion or frame of the microfilm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1984
    Assignee: Larry L. Ball
    Inventor: John R. Haskin
  • Patent number: 4422738
    Abstract: A hand-held navigational tool including one or more maps, preferably in the form of photograhic transparencies, releasably mounted upon a base for viewing through an opening in the base and rotatable about the center of the opening relative to course bearing indicia carried on a transparent graticule which is superposed with the viewed portion of the map. The viewer is carried on a member movably linearly in any direction in a plane parallel to that of the map to allow magnified viewing of a portion of the map while permitting visual excursion over the entire map. A compass, relative distance scales, map illumination means and selectively operable means for scribing a course line in the map holder or rotating the viewed portion of the map about a fixed point are all additional features which may be incorporated in the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1983
    Inventor: Daniel W. Steele
  • Patent number: 4408848
    Abstract: Line indicating apparatus is provided which is capable of suspending an elongated line indicator whereby it is movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to its linear axis, and is rotatable around a second axis which is angularly disposed with respect to the linear axis and the said direction of movement. A plurality of the basic apparatus may be arranged in a superimposed relationship, and the resultant plurality of superimposed line indicators may be individually moved and/or rotated to positions wherein they are angularly disposed with respect to each other. Preferably, the line indicators are movable and rotatable in closely adjacent fixed planes so that a substantially distortion-free image thereof may be produced and visually displayed.The line indicating apparatus is especially useful in navigational charting or plotting, and in navigational devices pertaining thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1983
    Inventor: Fred C. Gast
  • Patent number: 4239355
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanical translation linkage and lamp support apparatus for maintaining the projection light source inside a gimballed transparency displaced from the geometric center of the transparency and in a fixed spatial relation with the center of the transparency as the transparency rotates about any of its three mutually perpendicular axes. The translation apparatus employs only a mechanical linkage to ground and reacts to rotation of the support gimbal about either the X or Y axis to maintain the projection light source at the required position regardless of the attitude of the gimbal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1980
    Assignee: Vought Corporation
    Inventors: Hughie A. Brown, Jr., Joe L. Walker