Apparatus for methods of converting holographic radiant energy patterns into vibratory waves

Abstract

Abstract 1,164,432. Pattern read-out. M. S. COOK. 27 Jan., 1967 [29 Jan., 1966], No. 4081/66. Heading G4R. [Also in Divisions G2 and H4] A method of converting a significant radiant energy pattern, preferably a holographic pattern, into a characteristic sound includes the steps of forming a radiant energy pattern significant of an object 1, producing a corresponding recording pattern of electrostatic charge (or of magnetic dipoles) in a recording layer which is within the influence of an electric (or magnetic) field generating means, and then causing the field generating means to change the field so as to act upon the recording pattern and cause an associated diaphragm 5 to vibrate in a manner producing sound waves characteristic of said recording pattern. In apparatus for carrying out this method, the object 1 is illuminated by radiation from a laser 2, a shutter 4 being provided to interrupt the radiation if a continuous laser is used. A holographic interference pattern is recorded as a pattern of magnetic dipoles in a magnetically retentive layer on the surface of the diaphragm, or as a pattern of greater or lesser electrostatic charge on a photo conductive insulating layer 5C which is charged simultaneously with exposure. The layer 5C is spaced from a flexible sheet 5A by an electrically conductive layer 5B, made of e.g. gold, the members 5A- 5C forming the diaphragm 5. A change in electrical potential is applied to an electrode 7 after the charge pattern has been formed, thereby causing the diaphragm to vibrate. The sound waves so generated are detected by a microphone 10 and fed to a loud-speaker 12, the sound emitted being characteristic of the object 1.

Inventors

• 👤 Melvin Seymour Cook

Bibliographic Details