US5024494A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Focussed light source pointer for three dimensional display
Assignee: Raytheon Co
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Filing: 1990-02-21
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Granted: 1991-06-18
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Expires: 2010-02-21
Abstract
Abstract The disclosure relates to a pointer for a three dimensional display wherein a scanned light beam is displayed upon a rotating display member rotating about a fixed axis for receiving and displaying the scanned light beam on a first surface thereof, fixed points in the display impinging upon the display member to display a harmonic motion along an axis passing through the scanned light beam in response to rotation of the display means. A beam of focussed light, preferably from a laser is modulated to synchronize with rotation of the display member to provide a visible point in the display at a predetermined location therein. A second embodiment provides an encoder, light conducting rod bundle and sensor to determine the three dimensional location of the point denoted by the pointer.
Inventors
- 👤 Rodney D. Williams
- 👤 Felix Garcia
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-10 02:32
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B27/00; G02B27/18; G02B27/20; G02B30/00; G02B30/50; G02B30/54; G02B5/00; G02B5/32; H; H04; H04N; H04N13/00; H04N13/30; H04N13/363; H04N13/388; H04N13/393; H04N13/10; H04N13/398
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
A pointer for a three dimensional display system, comprising: (a) a light source for generating a light beam, (b) means to form an image from said light beam in a predetermined two dimensional space and transmit said image along a predetermined path having an axis passing through said space; (c) rotating light receiving means having a rotating light receiving surface, the axis of rotation of said surface having a component continuously along said axis for receiving and displaying said image on said first surface, fixed points in said space impinging upon said surface displaying a substantially harmonic motion in a direction along said axis in response to said rotation of said surface; and (d) a modulated focused light source movable relative to said axis of said rotating light receiving means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
130 words
A pointer for a three dimensional display system, comprising: (a) a light source for generating a light beam, (b) means to form an image from said light beam in a predetermined two dimensional space and transmit said image along a predetermined path having an axis passing through said space; (c) rotating light receiving means having a rotating light receiving surface, the axis of rotation of said surface having a component continuously along said axis for receiving and displaying said image on said first surface, fixed points in said space impinging upon said surface displaying a substantially harmonic motion in a direction along said axis in response to said rotation of said surface; and (d) a modulated focused light source movable relative to said axis of said rotating light receiving means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A pointer as set forth in claim 1 further including means responsive to a predetermined position of said rotating light receiving means to control modulation of said modulated light source.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
A pointer as set forth in claim 1 wherein said modulated focused light source comprises a modulator responsive to a predetermined position of said rotating light receiving means to control modulation and a light source modulated by said modulator.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A pointer as set forth in claim 3 wherein said light source is a laser.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
A pointer as set forth in claim 1 further including means associated with said rotating light receiving means to provide a three dimensional indication of the point of impingement of said light beam on said rotating light receiving means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
A pointer as set forth in claim 5, further including a shaft encoder associated with said rotating light receiving means to provide an instantaneous indication of the position of points on said rotating light receiving means in a predetermined direction.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
64 words
A pointer as set forth in claim 6, further including a fiber optic system forming a surface adjacent said rotating light receiving means and on the side thereof opposite said point of impingement to provide an instantaneous indication of the position of points on said rotating light receiving means in a predetermined two dimensional space, said predetermined direction passing through said two dimensional space.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
63 words
A pointer as set forth in claim 6, further including a holographic plate forming a surface adjacent said rotating light receiving means and on the side thereof opposite said point of impingement to provide an instantaneous indication of the position of points on said rotating light receiving means in a predetermined two dimensional space, said predetermined direction passing through said two dimensional space.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
55 words
A pointer as set forth in claim 5, further including a fiber optic system forming a surface adjacent said rotating light receiving means and on the side thereof opposite said point of impingement to provide an instantaneous indication of the position of points on said rotating light receiving means in a predetermined two dimensional space.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
63 words
A pointer as set forth in claim 5, further including a holographic plate forming a surface adjacent said rotating light receiving means and on the side thereof opposite said point of impingement to provide an instantaneous indication of the position of points on said rotating light receiving means in a predetermined two dimensional space, said predetermined direction passing through said two dimensional space.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
A display system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said rotating light receiving means is a planar member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
A display system as set forth in claim 11 wherein said planar member makes an acute angle with a line normal to said x-y plane.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-06-17 | 1994-12-17 | 1995-06-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-06-17 | 1998-12-17 | 1999-06-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-06-17 | 2002-12-17 | 2003-06-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |