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US4470044A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Momentary visual image apparatus
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1981-05-15
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Granted: 1984-09-04
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Expires: 2001-05-15
Abstract
Abstract A modulated array of lights for the creation of momentarily perceptible visual images when scanned asynchronously by the human eye during characteristic saccadic eye movements between points of eye fixation is described in the disclosure. The array and modulation style are chosen to provide an image that matches the span of the human eye/brain combination for recognition of tachistroscopically presented lines of text, other symbols, and pictoral images, and to achieve an illusory effect wherein the momentary image appears dissociated from the array of lights and appears superimposed on the scene of eye fixation just prior to initiating the saccadic movement. A preferred embodiment using light emitting diodes and large scale integrated logic circuitry is described for generation of words, phrases up to 32 characters long, and simple pictures.
Inventors
- 👤 Bill Bell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 06:57
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09G; G09G3/00; G09G3/005; G09F; G09F19/00; G09F19/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
A device for presenting a two-dimensional image to an observer subject to saccadic eye movements characterized by variations in brightness across the image, comprising a fixed, one-dimensional light source comprising an array of light source areas and capable of delivering light of selectable brightness at each one of a plurality of positions along the light source, and a modulator for modulating the light source in accordance with said variations in brightness, over a time-period lasting between about 5 milliseconds and about 25 milliseconds for each displaying of said image.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
89 words
A device for presenting a two-dimensional image to an observer subject to saccadic eye movements characterized by variations in brightness across the image, comprising a fixed, one-dimensional light source comprising an array of light source areas and capable of delivering light of selectable brightness at each one of a plurality of positions along the light source, and a modulator for modulating the light source in accordance with said variations in brightness, over a time-period lasting between about 5 milliseconds and about 25 milliseconds for each displaying of said image.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said image comprises a matrix of columns of said positions, and said modulator modulates said light source in accordance with a succession of frames, each frame corresponding to one of said columns.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
49 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said modulator comprises a memory for storing information corresponding to said variations in the value of said brightness, and timing circuitry for delivering a succession of instructions to said light source to cause said intensity to vary in accordance with said stored information.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said light source comprises a plurality of discrete light-delivering elements corresponding to said plurality of positions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device of claim 4 wherein said elements comprise light emitting diodes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said light source comprises a continuum of light delivering means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
52 words
The device of claim 6 wherein said modulator comprises a mechanical modulator having first portions arranged to pass light having a first value of said parameter and second portions arranged to pass light having a second value of said parameter, said modulating comprising moving said mechanical modulator relative to said light source.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 7 wherein said mechanical modulator is a rotating disc.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 7 wherein said mechanical modulator is a rotating cylinder surrounding said light source.
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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) | 1987-09-04 | 1988-03-05 | 1988-09-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-09-04 | 1992-03-05 | 1992-09-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-09-04 | 1996-03-05 | 1996-09-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |