Solid state 360 degree viewing system having a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen that encircles the rotating real image in space and functions as a multi-color filter system

Claim 2

A 360° viewing system, comprising: an optical system for continuously projecting a real image in space; means for rotating the real image in space at a given number of revolutions per minute; a field sequential color generation system encircling the real image in space, the field sequential color generation system comprising a plurality of red filters, green filters and blue filters, the red filters being sequentially activated during a red cycle to define a viewing window through which the real image in space can be viewed, the green filters being sequentially activated during a green cycle to similarly define a viewing window, and the blue filters being sequentially activated during a blue cycle to define a viewing window, wherein the red, green and blue cycles alternately occur to continuously redefine the viewing window about the color generation system in synchronization with rotation of the real image in space such that the real image in space can be continuously viewed in color through the color generation system; and means for synchronizing the red, green and blue cycles with the rotation of the real image in space.

Claim 3

A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the red, green and blue cycles each occur every third rotation of the real image in space.

Claim 4

A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the real image in space is rotated at at least 2700 revolutions per minute.

Claim 5

A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the optical system includes means for creating a black and white image to be projected as the real image in space.

Claim 6

A system as set forth in claim 4, wherein the means for creating a black and white image includes a stationary cathode ray tube, and wherein the image created thereon is rotated electronically.

Claim 7

A system as set forth in claim 4, wherein the means for creating a black and white image is positioned within a housing.

Claim 8

A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the field sequential color generation system continuously blanks out a backside reversed view of the rotating real image in space.

Claim 9

A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the field sequential color generation system is positioned within a reduced glare transparent encasement.

Claim 10

A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the field sequential color generation system includes a plurality of normally opaque liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, each adapted to change from opaque to a red, green or blue filter, wherein the LCD panels are arranged such that any three consecutive LCD panels will include a red filter, a green filter and a blue filter.

Claim 11

A system as set forth in claim 9, wherein the LCD panels are arranged about the color generation system in the same direction that the real image in space rotates, in a repeating pattern of a red panel, followed by a green panel, which is followed by a blue panel, and so forth.

Claim 12

A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the optical system includes facing first and second concave mirrored surfaces.

Claim 13

A system as set forth in claim 11, wherein the first and second mirrored surfaces are provided by a pair of parabolic mirrors disposed above a stationary cathode ray tube.

Claim 14

A system as set forth in claim 12, wherein the real image in space is projected above the pair of parabolic mirrors.

Claim 15

A system as set forth in claim 12, wherein a partially opaque plate is disposed between the cathode ray tube and the real image in space such that the cathode ray tube is not visible when viewing the real image in space.

Claim 16

A system as set forth in claim 14, wherein the opaque plate is positioned between the pair of parabolic mirrors and includes a transparent outer rim through which the first and second mirrored surfaces reflect light to create the real image in space.

Claim 17

A 360° viewing apparatus, comprising: means for creating an image; a pair of facing parabolic mirrors configured for projecting the image to create a real image in space; means for rotating the real image in space; and means for causing the real image in space to be viewed intermittently each revolution thereof by any one viewer about the 360° viewing system, such that all viewers will see the same real image in space substantially simultaneously and continuously.

Claim 18

A 360° viewing apparatus, comprising: means for creating an image; a pair of facing parabolic mirrors configured for projecting the image to create a real image in space; means for rotating the real image in space; and means for causing the real image in space to be viewed intermittently each revolution thereof by any one viewer about the 360° viewing system, such that all viewers will see the same real image in space substantially simultaneously and continuously.

Claim 19

An apparatus as set forth in claim 16, wherein the means for creating an image includes a cathode ray tube situated adjacent to at least one of the parabolic mirrors.

Claim 20

An apparatus as set forth in claim 17, wherein the cathode ray tube is stationary and the image provided thereon is rotated electronically.

Claim 21

An apparatus as set forth in claim 18, wherein the real image in space is rotated at a rate of at least 2700 revolutions per minute.

Claim 22

An apparatus as set forth in claim 19, wherein a partially opaque plate is disposed between the cathode ray tube and the real image in space such that the cathode ray tube is not directly visible when viewing the real image in space.

Claim 23

An apparatus as set forth in claim 16, wherein the means for causing the real image in space to be viewed intermittently includes a normally opaque liquid crystal display (LCD) screen which encircles the real image in space, wherein the LCD screen presents a transparent viewing window through which the real image in space can be viewed, wherein the viewing window is continuously redefined about the LCD screen in synchronization with rotation of the real image in space such that the viewing window is continually aligned with the real image in space.

Claim 24

An apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein the LCD screen is positioned within a reduced-glare transparent encasement.

Claim 25

An apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein the LCD screen includes a plurality of normally opaque LCD panels adapted to change from opaque to red filters, green filters and blue filters.

Claim 26

An apparatus as set forth in claim 23, wherein the creating means provides a black and white image, and wherein the red, green and blue filters cause the real image in space to be viewed in color.

Claim 27

An apparatus as set forth in claim 24, wherein the red filters are sequentially activated during a red cycle to define the viewing window, the green filters are sequentially activated during a green cycle to define the viewing window, and the blue filters are sequentially activated during a blue cycle to define the viewing window, wherein each cycle corresponds to at least one rotation of the real image in space, and wherein the red, green and blue cycles occur alternately to continuously redefine the viewing window about the LCD screen in synchronization with the rotation of the real image in space.

Claim 28

A 360° viewing apparatus, comprising: a cathode ray tube for creating an image; an electronic image rotation system for electronically rotating the image on the cathode ray tube, the image rotation system including: a color processor circuit for separating red, green and blue signals contained in a composite video input signal, analog to digital conversion means for converting the red, green and blue signals from an analog to a digital format, random access memory means for storing digital red, green and blue image data, an output address generation circuit which selects data stored in the random access memory means according to an algorithm that creates a rotated video output signal from the stored image data such that an image recreated from the rotated video output signal will appear rotated from a stored image, and digital to analog conversion means for converting the digital red, green and blue image data to an analog format for input to the cathode ray tube; and an optical system for continuously projecting the image created on the cathode ray tube to form a real image in space, wherein rotation of the image on the cathode ray tube causes the real image in space to rotate in synchronization therewith and wherein the image rotation system electronically rotates the image on the cathode ray tube at a given number of revolutions per minute, such that a plurality of viewers surrounding the viewing apparatus will each see the real image in space a number of times every minute corresponding to the given number of revolutions per minute, the given number of revolutions per minute being sufficient to permit all viewers to see the same image substantially simultaneously and continuously.

Claim 29

A 360° viewing apparatus, comprising: a cathode ray tube for creating an image; an electronic image rotation system for electronically rotating the image on the cathode ray tube, the image rotation system including: a color processor circuit for separating red, green and blue signals contained in a composite video input signal, analog to digital conversion means for converting the red, green and blue signals from an analog to a digital format, random access memory means for storing digital red, green and blue image data, an output address generation circuit which selects data stored in the random access memory means according to an algorithm that creates a rotated video output signal from the stored image data such that an image recreated from the rotated video output signal will appear rotated from a stored image, and digital to analog conversion means for converting the digital red, green and blue image data to an analog format for input to the cathode ray tube; and an optical system for continuously projecting the image created on the cathode ray tube to form a real image in space, wherein rotation of the image on the cathode ray tube causes the real image in space to rotate in synchronization therewith and wherein the image rotation system electronically rotates the image on the cathode ray tube at a given number of revolutions per minute, such that a plurality of viewers surrounding the viewing apparatus will each see the real image in space a number of times every minute corresponding to the given number of revolutions per minute, the given number of revolutions per minute being sufficient to permit all viewers to see the same image substantially simultaneously and continuously.

Claim 30

An apparatus as set forth in claim 26, wherein the output address generation circuit selects stored data according to an algorithm that creates a video output signal from the stored data, such that an image recreated from the video output signal will be distorted so that the foreground of the recreated image will be narrower than the background.

Claim 31

An apparatus as set forth in claim 26, wherein the given number of revolutions per minute is at least 2700.

Claim 32

An apparatus as set forth in claim 26, wherein the image rotation system further includes an input address generation circuit which selects a location for storing the digital red, green and blue image data within the random access memory means.

Claim 33

An apparatus as set forth in claim 29, further including a separator circuit for separating the composite video input signal into horizontal and vertical synchronization pulses for the input address generation circuit.

Claim 34

An apparatus as set forth in claim 29, wherein the random access memory means provides first and second buffers which are alternately used to receive the video input signal and create the rotated video output signal.

Claim 35

An apparatus as set forth in claim 31, wherein the input address generation circuit resets to select a location in either the first or the second buffer at the beginning of each video frame, every other vertical synchronization pulse.

Claim 36

An apparatus as set forth in claim 26, wherein the optical system includes a normally opaque liquid crystal display (LCD) screen which encircles the real image in space, wherein the LCD screen presents a transparent viewing window through which the real image in space can be viewed, wherein the viewing window is continuously redefined around the LCD screen in synchronization with rotation of the real image in space.

Claim 37

An apparatus as set forth in claim 33, wherein the LCD screen includes a plurality of normally opaque LCD panels each adapted to change from opaque to a red filter, a green filter or a blue filter.

Claim 38

An apparatus as set forth in claim 34, wherein a black and white image is created by the cathode ray tube and wherein the red, green and blue filters cause a black and white real image in space to be viewed in color.

Claim 39

An apparatus as set forth in claim 34, wherein the red filters are sequentially activated during a red cycle to define the viewing window, the green filters are sequentially activated during a green cycle to define the viewing window, and the blue filters are sequentially activated during a blue cycle to define the viewing window, wherein each cycle corresponds to at least one rotation of the real image in space, and wherein the red, green and blue cycles occur alternately to continuously redefine the viewing window about the LCD screen in synchronization with the rotation of the real image in space.

Claim 40

An apparatus as set forth in claim 26, wherein the optical system includes first and second concave mirrored surfaces, the second mirrored surface being spaced from the first mirrored surface on the concave side thereof and being concave toward the first mirrored surface, wherein the first mirrored surface includes an aperture for projecting the real image therethrough, and wherein the second mirrored surface includes an aperture through which the image is directed from the cathode ray tube to the first mirrored surface.

Claim 41

An apparatus as set forth in claim 37, wherein the first and second mirrored surfaces are provided by a pair of facing parabolic mirrors disposed above the cathode ray tube.

Claim 42

An apparatus as set forth in claim 37, including a partially opaque plate disposed between the cathode ray tube and the aperture in the first mirrored surface, such that the cathode ray tube is not directly visible when viewing the real image in space.

Claim 43

An apparatus as set forth in claim 34, wherein the LCD panels are arranged such that any three consecutive LCD panels include a red filter panel, a green filter panel and a blue filter panel.

Claim 44

An apparatus as set forth in claim 40, wherein the LCD panels are arranged about the LCD screen in the same direction that the real image rotates, in a repeating pattern of a red filter panel, followed by a green filter panel, which is followed by a blue filter panel.

Claim 45

A 360° viewing apparatus, comprising: a cathode ray tube (CRT) for creating an image; first and second facing concave mirrored surfaces for projecting a real image in space that corresponds to the image created by the CRT; means for rotating the real image in space; a field sequential color generation system encircling the real image in space, the field sequential color generation system comprising a plurality of red filters, green filters and blue filters, the red filters being sequentially activated during a red cycle to define a viewing window through which the real image in space can be viewed, the green filters being sequentially activated during a green cycle to similarly define a viewing window, and the blue filters being sequentially activated during a blue cycle to define a viewing window, wherein the red, green and blue cycles alternately occur to continuously redefine the viewing window about the color generation system in synchronization with rotation of the real image in space such that the real image in space can be continuously viewed in color through the color generation system; and means for synchronizing the red, green and blue cycles with the rotation of the real image in space.

Claim 46

A 360° viewing apparatus, comprising: a cathode ray tube (CRT) for creating an image; first and second facing concave mirrored surfaces for projecting a real image in space that corresponds to the image created by the CRT; means for rotating the real image in space; a field sequential color generation system encircling the real image in space, the field sequential color generation system comprising a plurality of red filters, green filters and blue filters, the red filters being sequentially activated during a red cycle to define a viewing window through which the real image in space can be viewed, the green filters being sequentially activated during a green cycle to similarly define a viewing window, and the blue filters being sequentially activated during a blue cycle to define a viewing window, wherein the red, green and blue cycles alternately occur to continuously redefine the viewing window about the color generation system in synchronization with rotation of the real image in space such that the real image in space can be continuously viewed in color through the color generation system; and means for synchronizing the red, green and blue cycles with the rotation of the real image in space.

Claim 47

An apparatus as set forth in claim 42, wherein the real image in space is rotated at least 2700 revolutions per minute.

Claim 48

An apparatus as set forth in claim 42, wherein the field sequential color generation system is positioned within a transparent encasement which is adapted to reduce glare.

Claim 49

An apparatus as set forth in claim 42, wherein the first mirrored surface includes an aperture for projecting the real image in space therethrough, and wherein the second mirrored surface includes an aperture through which the image is directed from the CRT to the first mirrored surface.

Claim 50

An apparatus as set forth in claim 45, wherein the first and second mirrored surfaces are provided by a pair of parabolic mirrors disposed above the CRT.

Claim 51

An apparatus as set forth in claim 46, including a partially opaque plate disposed between the CRT and the aperture in the first mirrored surface, such that the CRT is not directly visible when viewing the real image in space.

Claim 52

An apparatus as set forth in claim 47, wherein the partially opaque plate includes a transparent outer rim through which the first and second mirrored surfaces reflect light to create the real image in space.

Claim 53

An apparatus as set forth in claim 42, wherein the real image in space is electronically rotated without moving mechanical parts.

Claim 54

An apparatus as set forth in claim 42, wherein the field sequential color generation system continuously blanks out a backside reversed view of the rotating real image in space.

Claim 55

An apparatus as set forth in claim 42, wherein the real image in space is rotated at a given number of revolutions per minute, and wherein the red, green and blue cycles each occur every third revolution.

Claim 56

An apparatus as set forth in claim 42, wherein the field sequential color generation system includes a plurality of normally opaque liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, each adapted to change from an opaque state to a colored transparent state.

Claim 57

An apparatus as set forth in claim 52, wherein the LCD panels are arranged such that any three consecutive LCD panels will include a red filter, a green filter and a blue filter.

Claim 58

An apparatus as set forth in claim 42, wherein the means for rotating the real image in space includes an electronic image rotation system for electronically rotating the image on the cathode ray tube, the image rotation system including: a color processor circuit for separating red, green and blue signals contained in a composite video input signal; analog to digital conversion means for converting the red, green and blue signals from an analog to a digital format; random access memory means for storing digital red, green and blue image data; an output address generation circuit which selects data stored in the random access memory means according to an algorithm that creates a rotated video output signal from the stored image data such that an image recreated from the rotated video output signal will appear rotated from a stored image; and digital to analog conversion means for converting the digital red, green and blue image data to an analog format for input to the cathode ray tube.

Claim 61

A method as set forth in claim 55, wherein the image rotates at a rate of at least 2700 revolutions per minute.

Claim 62

A method as set forth in claim 55, wherein the step of projecting the image includes the steps of reflecting the image from a concave first mirrored surface and onto a facing concave second mirrored surface, and reflecting the image from the second mirrored surface to project a real image in space through an aperture in the first mirrored surface.

Claim 63

A method as set forth in claim 55, wherein the step of presenting a window includes: sequentially changing a plurality of filter panels from opaque to red filters during a red cycle to define the window; sequentially changing a plurality of filter panels from opaque to green filters during a green cycle to define the window; and sequentially changing a plurality of filter panels from opaque to blue filters during a blue cycle to define the window; wherein only one color cycle occurs at a time, with the red, green and blue cycles alternately occurring to continuously redefine the window about the shutter system in synchronization with rotation of the real image in space.

Claim 64

A method as set forth in claim 58, wherein the red, green and blue cycles each occur every third revolution of the real image in space.

Claim 65

A method as set forth in claim 58, wherein the step of providing an image includes creating a black and white image on a cathode ray tube which, together with the red, green and blue panels, causes the real image in space to be viewed in color.

Claim 66

A method as set forth in claim 55, wherein the step of providing the image includes creating the image on a cathode ray tube (CRT) and electronically rotating the image thereon.

Claim 67

A method as set forth in claim 61, wherein the step of electronically rotating the image includes: separating red, green and blue signals contained in a composite video input signal; converting the red, green and blue signals from an analog to a digital format; storing the digital red, green and blue signals in a random access memory; selecting signal data stored in the random access memory according to an algorithm that creates a rotated video output signal from the stored signal data such that an image recreated from the rotated video output signal will appear to be rotated in comparison with a stored image; converting stored red, green and blue signal data from a digital to an analog format; and inputting analog red, green and blue signal data and the rotated video output signal to the CRT.

Claim 68

A method as set forth in claim 62, wherein the step of storing the signals in a random access memory includes: creating first and second buffers in the random access memory; storing the digital red, green and blue signals in the first buffer while creating the rotated video output signal in the second buffer; and storing the digital signals in the second buffer while creating the rotated video output signal in the first buffer after the first buffer has been used for storage and the second buffer has been used for creating a rotated output signal, whereby the buffers are interchangeably used and the first and second buffers alternate in this manner continuously.

Claim 69

A method as set forth in claim 62, further including the step of selecting stored signal data according to an algorithm that causes the rotated video output signal to be distorted from the stored image such that the foreground of the recreated image will be narrower than the background.

Claim 72

A method as set forth in claim 65, wherein the real image in space rotates at a rate of at least 2700 revolutions per minute.

Claim 73

A method as set forth in claim 65, including the step of filtering the real image in space through the transparent window to cause the real image in space to be displayed in color.

Claim 74

A method as set forth in claim 67, wherein the step of filtering the real image in space includes: a. sequentially changing select portions of the filter system from opaque to a red filter window during a red cycle; b. sequentially changing select portions of the filter system from opaque to a green filter window during a green cycle; c. sequentially changing select portions of the filter system from opaque to a blue filter window during a blue cycle; and d. continuously repeating steps a-c to present the real image in space in a color format.

Claim 75

A method as set forth in claim 68, including the steps of: generating a black and white real image in space from a red-content video signal; synchronizing occurrence of the red cycle with use of the red-content video signal to manifest the red content of the real image in space; generating a black and white real image in space from a green-content video signal; synchronizing occurrence of the green cycle with use of the green-content video signal to manifest the green content of the real image in space; generating a black and white real image from a blue-content video signal; and synchronizing occurrence of the blue cycle with use of the blue content video signal to manifest the blue-content of the real image in space.

Claim 76

A method as set forth in claim 69, wherein a red, green and blue cycle is completed every third rotation of the real image in space.

Claim 77

A method as set forth in claim 69, wherein the red, green and blue cycles each occur at least 900 times per minute.

Claim 80

A method as set forth in claim 72, further including the step of presenting a filtered transparent window in a normally opaque filter system surrounding the rotating real image in space, and rotating the window about the filter system in synchronization with rotation of the real image in space such that the window is continually aligned with the rotating real image in space.

Claim 81

A method as set forth in claim 72, wherein the step of presenting a filtered window includes maintaining an opaque portion of the filter system to continuously blank out a backside reversed view of the real image in space.

Claim 82

A method as set forth in claim 72, further including the step of obscuring the means for providing a televised image such that said means is not directly visible while viewing the real image in space.

Claim 85

A method as set forth in claim 76, wherein the step of storing includes converting the red, green and blue signals from an analog to a digital format, and wherein the step of inputting the red, green and blue signal data to the CRT includes converting the data from a digital to an analog format.

Claim 86

A method as set forth in claim 76, including the step of distorting the rotated video output signal such that the foreground of the real image in space will be narrower than the background.

Claim 87

A method as set forth in claim 76, wherein the step of storing the signals in the RAM includes; creating first and second buffers in the RAM; storing the red, green and blue signals in the first buffer while creating the rotated video output signal in the second buffer; and storing the signals in the second buffer while creating the rotated video output signal in the first buffer after the first buffer has been used for storage and the second buffer has been used for creating a rotated output signal, whereby the buffers are interchangeably used, the first and second buffers alternating in this manner continuously.

Claim 88

A method as set forth in claim 76, wherein the step of projecting the rotating image to create a real image in space includes: intercepting light rays emanating from the CRT with a first concave mirrored surface; and reflecting the light rays onto a facing second concave mirrored surface which then projects the light rays to a point of convergence and forms the real image in space.

Claim 89

A method as set forth in claim 76, further including the step of presenting a window in a normally opaque shutter system surrounding the rotating real image in space and rotating the window about the shutter system in synchronization with rotation of the real image in space such that the window is continually aligned with the rotating real image in space.

Claim 90

A method as set forth in claim 81, wherein the step of presenting a window includes: sequentially changing a plurality of filter panels from opaque to red filters during a red cycle to define the window; sequentially changing a plurality of filter panels from opaque to green filters during a green cycle to define the window; and sequentially changing a plurality of filter panels from opaque to blue filters during a blue cycle to define the window; wherein the red, green and blue cycles occur alternately, each during at least one revolution of the real image in space, to continuously redefine the window about the shutter system in synchronization with rotation of the real image in space.

Claim 91

A method as set forth in claim 82, wherein the step of inputting red, green and blue signal data to the CRT includes inputting red signal data during a red cycle, inputting green signal data during a green cycle, and inputting blue signal data during a blue cycle, wherein only one color cycle occurs at a time.