US4274092A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Display system for microscopic optical instruments
Assignee: United States Department of the Air Force
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Filing: 1979-11-07
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Granted: 1981-06-16
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Expires: 1999-11-07
Abstract
Abstract A display system for use with a microscopic optical instrument having at least one eyepiece. The display system has a display unit operably attached to the eyepiece and incorporates therein a LED display which provides direct visual feedback to an individual who views imagery through the optical instrument. The LED display is interfaced to a computer which provides intelligent control of the display system when activated by the operator of the optical instrument. When not activated, the display system allows normal viewing through the optical instrument to take place.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard S. Vonusa
- 👤 Jeffrey P. Woodard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 10:00
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09G; G09G3/00; G09G3/04; G09G3/06; G09G3/12; G09G3/14; G02; G02B; G02B21/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
223 words
In an optical viewing instrument having at least one eyepiece incorporated therein and said eyepiece having a surrounding side wall and an opening at an end thereof for viewing imagery in optical alignment therewith, the improvement therein being in the form of a display system, said display system comprising an aperture located in said side wall of said eyepiece, a hollow housing having a pair of open ends, said housing being connected adjacent one of said open ends thereof to said side wall of said eyepiece and in optical alignment with said aperture, a display means operably connected to the other of said open ends of said housing for providing a beam of radiant energy containing information, focusing means located within said housing and in optical alignment with said beam of radiation containing information for directing said beam through said aperture in said eyepiece, directing means located within said eyepiece adjacent said aperture and in optical alignment with said beam of radiant energy for directing both said imagery and said beam through said opening in said eyepiece to an observer using said optical instrument, said information from said display means being superimposed over said imagery, whereby said observer can utilize said optical instrument for viewing both said imagery located in optical alignment with said optical instrument and said information from said display means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
223 words
In an optical viewing instrument having at least one eyepiece incorporated therein and said eyepiece having a surrounding side wall and an opening at an end thereof for viewing imagery in optical alignment therewith, the improvement therein being in the form of a display system, said display system comprising an aperture located in said side wall of said eyepiece, a hollow housing having a pair of open ends, said housing being connected adjacent one of said open ends thereof to said side wall of said eyepiece and in optical alignment with said aperture, a display means operably connected to the other of said open ends of said housing for providing a beam of radiant energy containing information, focusing means located within said housing and in optical alignment with said beam of radiation containing information for directing said beam through said aperture in said eyepiece, directing means located within said eyepiece adjacent said aperture and in optical alignment with said beam of radiant energy for directing both said imagery and said beam through said opening in said eyepiece to an observer using said optical instrument, said information from said display means being superimposed over said imagery, whereby said observer can utilize said optical instrument for viewing both said imagery located in optical alignment with said optical instrument and said information from said display means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
In an optical viewing instrument as defined in claim 1 wherein said display means is in the form of a light emitting diode.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
In an optical viewing instrument as defined in claim 2 wherein said directing means in said eyepiece is in the form of a beam splitter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
In an optical viewing instrument as defined in claim 3 wherein said directing means in said housing is in the form of at least one focusing lens.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
In an optical viewing instrument as defined in claim 4 wherein said directing means further comprises a mirror.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
In an optical viewing instrument as defined in claim 1 having a pair of eyepieces wherein said feedback display system further comprises a filter in the other of said eyepieces.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
In an optical viewing instrument as defined in claim 1 wherein said information providing means is in the form of a computer and control electronics interconnecting said computer to said display means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
In an optical viewing instrument as defined in claim 3 wherein said housing is removably secured to said side wall of said eyepiece.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-06-15 | 1984-12-15 | 1985-06-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-06-15 | 1988-12-15 | 1989-06-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-06-15 | 1992-12-15 | 1993-06-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |