Patent US5162828A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5162828A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Display system for a head mounted viewing transparency
Assignee: Insight Inc
•
Filing: 1989-05-01
•
Granted: 1992-11-10
•
Expires: 2009-05-01
Abstract
Abstract A display system for conventional eyewear having a transparency that defines a field of view and a frame for supporting the transparency on a user's head is shown. The display system includes a light transmissive display mounted on the frame of the eyewear and optics for collimating light to project an image of the displayed information at a distance from the user in the periphery of the field of view defined by the transparency. The optics may include a single mirror that receives the information directly from the display wherein the mirror is toroidal or the like so as to project an enlarged image at an apparent optical distance from the user that is greater than the actual optical path. Alternatively, a planar mirror may be employed with a collimating lens to project the image at a desired distance from the user. The mirror may be fully reflective or partially reflective so as to superimpose the image of the displayed information on the scene viewed by the user through the transparency of the eyewear. Further, means are provided for automatically adjusting the optical path defined by the relative position of the mirror, the display and the user's eye to accommodate heads of various sizes.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas A. Furness
- 👤 Robert E. Fischer
- 👤 Peter K. Purdy
- 👤 Kirk Beach
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 17:48
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B27/00; G02B27/01; G02B27/017; G02B27/0172; G01; G01S; G01S13/00; G01S13/02; G01S13/50; G01S13/58; G01S13/60; G01S15/00; G01S15/02; G01S15/50; G01S15/58; G01S15/60; G02B27/0101; A; A63; A63C; A63C2203/00; A63C2203/18; G02B2027/0118; G02B2027/0123; G02B2027/014; G02B2027/0143; G02B2027/0178; G02B27/0179; G02B2027/0187
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 98
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency, said transparency defining a field of view for a user comprising: means for supporting said transparency to mount said transparency on a user's head; means for displaying information, said display means being mounted on said support means; and mirror means for collimating light to project an image of said displayed information at a distance from said user in the periphery of said field of view, said mirror means receiving said information directly from said display means and being positioned in the periphery of said field of view to allow said user to view said image through said mirror means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
108 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency, said transparency defining a field of view for a user comprising: means for supporting said transparency to mount said transparency on a user's head; means for displaying information, said display means being mounted on said support means; and mirror means for collimating light to project an image of said displayed information at a distance from said user in the periphery of said field of view, said mirror means receiving said information directly from said display means and being positioned in the periphery of said field of view to allow said user to view said image through said mirror means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 1 wherein said mirror means is partially reflective.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 2 wherein the reflectivity of said mirror means is at least 80% to maintain a high contrast between the projected image of said displayed information and a scene viewed through said transparency.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 1 wherein said mirror means is fully reflective.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 1 wherein said mirror means includes a toroidal mirror that is at least partially reflective to project said image.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 1 wherein said mirror means includes a Zernike polynomial surface that is at least partially reflective to project said image.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 1 wherein said mirror means has a parabolic surface that is at least partially reflective to project said image.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
A display system for head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 1 wherein said mirror means projects said image of displayed information at infinity.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
51 words
A display system for head mounted viewing transparencies as recited in claim 1 wherein said mirror means projects said image of displayed information at a distance that is less than infinity to allow a user to rapidly visually accommodate said image while performing an activity requiring focusing at less than infinity.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 1 wherein said mirror means is shaped to project a magnified image of said displayed information.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
60 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 1 wherein said display means transmits light to said mirror means, said system further including color filtering means for removing color components of the environment viewed through said transparency, said removed color components being different from the color components of the light transmitted from said display means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
29 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 11 wherein said color filtering means is disposed on an outer surface of said viewing transparency.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
34 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 1 wherein said head mounted viewing transparency forms a pair of glasses, said support means forming the frame of said glasses.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 13 wherein said mirror means is mounted on said frame.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
52 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 14 including means for adjustably mounting said mirror on said frame to vary the optical path defined by the relative position of said mirror means, said display and a user's eye so as to accommodate heads of various sizes.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
57 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 13 wherein the position of said mirror means is fixed and said frame includes adjustable temples to vary the optical path defined by the relative position of said mirror means, said display and a user's eye so as to accommodate heads of various sizes.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
29 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 16 wherein said frame includes a nosepiece and said mirror means is mounted on said nosepiece.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
25 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 16 wherein said mirror means and said viewing transparency form a bifocal.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
25 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 1 wherein said mirror means and said viewing transparency form a bifocal.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 1 wherein said head mounted viewing transparency forms a goggle.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
69 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 1 wherein said head mounted viewing transparency forms a mask, said support means having a frame member extending about the periphery of said transparency for supporting said viewing transparency and a flexible member extending about the periphery of said frame member, said flexible member conforming to contours of the user's face to provide a seal therewith.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
30 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 1 wherein said support means includes a helmet and said transparency forms a visor for said helmet.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
23 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 1 wherein said display means includes a light transmissive display.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
22 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 23 wherein said display is a liquid crystal display.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
43 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 23 wherein said display means includes a light diffuser disposed on a side of said transmissive display opposite said mirror means said diffuser providing even illumination to said transmissive display.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
27 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 25 wherein said light diffuser receives ambient light for even distribution to said display.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
25 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 26 includes means for reflecting light from said diffuser to said display.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
43 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 25 including an incandescent light source positioned adjacent a side of said light diffuser opposite to the side of said light diffuser that is positioned adjacent to said transmissive display.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
33 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 28 further including a parabolic mirror positioned to direct the light from said incandescent light source to said light diffuser.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
36 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 28 including an electroluminescent panel disposed adjacent the side of said transmissive display opposite the side of said display facing said mirror means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
122 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency said transparency defining a field of view for a user comprising: means for supporting said transparency to mount said transparency on a user's head; means for displaying information, said display means being mounted on said support means to integrate said display means into said support means; mirror means disposed in the periphery of said field of view at a position relative to said display means for collimating light to project an image of said displayed information at a distance from said user; and means for adjusting an optical path defined by the relative position of said mirror means, said display means and an eye of the user to accommodate heads of various sizes.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
122 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency said transparency defining a field of view for a user comprising: means for supporting said transparency to mount said transparency on a user's head; means for displaying information, said display means being mounted on said support means to integrate said display means into said support means; mirror means disposed in the periphery of said field of view at a position relative to said display means for collimating light to project an image of said displayed information at a distance from said user; and means for adjusting an optical path defined by the relative position of said mirror means, said display means and an eye of the user to accommodate heads of various sizes.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
53 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 31 including means for adjustably mounting said mirror on said support means to vary the optical path defined by the relative position of said mirror means, said display and a user's eye so as to accommodate heads of various sizes.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
58 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 31 wherein the position of said mirror means is fixed and said support means includes adjustable temples to vary the optical path defined by the relative position of said mirror means, said display and a user's eye so as to accommodate heads of various sizes.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
30 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 33 wherein said support means includes a nosepiece and said mirror means is mounted on said nosepiece.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
25 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 33 wherein said mirror means and said viewing transparency form a bifocal.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
25 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 31 wherein said mirror means and said viewing transparency form a bifocal.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
21 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 31 wherein said mirror means is partially reflective.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
45 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 37 wherein the reflectivity of said mirror means is at least 80% to maintain a high contrast between the projected image of said displayed information and a scene viewed through said transparency.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
32 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 33 wherein said mirror means includes a toroidal mirror that is at least partially reflective to project said image.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
33 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 31 wherein said mirror means includes a Zernike polynomial surface that is at least partially reflective to project said image.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
32 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 31 wherein said mirror means has a parabolic surface that is at least partially reflective to project said image.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
51 words
A display system for head mounted viewing transparencies as recited in claim 31 wherein said mirror means projects said image of displayed information at a distance that is less than infinity to allow a user to rapidly visually accommodate said image while performing an activity requiring focusing at less than infinity.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
29 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 31 wherein said mirror means is shaped to project a magnified image of said displayed information.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
60 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 31 wherein said display means transmits light to said mirror means, said system further including color filtering means for removing color components of the environment viewed through said transparency, said removed color components being different from the color components of the light transmitted from said display means.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
29 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 41 wherein said color filtering means is disposed on an outer surface of said viewing transparency.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
23 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 31 wherein said display means includes a light transmissive display.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
22 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 46 wherein said display is a liquid crystal display.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
43 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 46 wherein said display means includes a light diffuser disposed on a side of said transmissive display opposite said mirror means said diffuser providing even illumination to said transmissive display.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
27 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 48 wherein said light diffuser receives ambient light for even distribution to said display.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
25 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 49 includes means for reflecting light from said diffuser to said display.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
43 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 48 including an incandescent light source positioned adjacent a side of said light diffuser opposite to the side of said light diffuser that is positioned adjacent to said transmissive display.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
33 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 51 further including a parabolic mirror positioned to direct the light from said incandescent light source to said light diffuser.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
36 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 46 including an electroluminescent panel disposed adjacent the side of said transmissive display opposite the side of said display facing said mirror means.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
120 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency used in performing an activity that in part requires focusing at a distance that is less than infinity, said transparency defining a field of view comprising: means for supporting said transparency to mount said transparency on a user's head; means for displaying information, said display means being mounted on said support means; and mirror means disposed in the periphery of said field of view for collimating light to project an image of said displayed information in the periphery of said field of view and at a distance from said user that is less than infinity to allow a user to rapidly, visually accommodate said projected image while performing said activity part.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
120 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency used in performing an activity that in part requires focusing at a distance that is less than infinity, said transparency defining a field of view comprising: means for supporting said transparency to mount said transparency on a user's head; means for displaying information, said display means being mounted on said support means; and mirror means disposed in the periphery of said field of view for collimating light to project an image of said displayed information in the periphery of said field of view and at a distance from said user that is less than infinity to allow a user to rapidly, visually accommodate said projected image while performing said activity part.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
21 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 54 wherein said mirror means is partially reflective.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
49 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 55 wherein the reflectivity of said mirror means is at least 80% to maintain a high contrast between the projected image of said displayed information and the environment of the user as viewed through said transparency.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
32 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 54 wherein said mirror means includes a toroidal mirror that is at least partially reflective to project said image.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
33 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 54 wherein said mirror means includes a Zernike polynomial surface that is at least partially reflective to project said image.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
32 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 54 wherein said mirror means has a parabolic surface that is at least partially reflective to project said image.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
29 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 51 wherein said mirror means is shaped to project a magnified image of said displayed information.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
60 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 54 wherein said display means transmits light to said mirror means, said system further including color filtering means for removing color components of the environment viewed through said transparency, said removed color components being different from the color components of the light transmitted from said display means.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
29 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 61 wherein said color filtering means is disposed on an outer surface of said viewing transparency.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
34 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 54 wherein said head mounted viewing transparency forms a pair of glasses, said support means forming the frame of said glasses.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
23 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 54 wherein said head mounted viewing transparency forms a goggle.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
69 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 54 wherein said head mounted viewing transparency forms a mask, said support means having a frame member extending about the periphery of said transparency for supporting said viewing transparency and a flexible member extending about the periphery of said frame member said flexible member conforming to contours of the user's face to provide a seal therewith.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
30 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 54 wherein said support means includes a helmet and said transparency forms a visor for said helmet.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
23 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 54 wherein said display means includes a light transmissive display.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
22 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 67 wherein said display is a liquid crystal display.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
43 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 67 wherein said display means includes a light diffuser disposed on a side of said transmissive display opposite said mirror means said diffuser providing even illumination to said transmissive display.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
27 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 69 wherein said light diffuser receives ambient light for even distribution to said display.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
25 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 70 includes means for reflecting light from said diffuser to said display.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
43 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 69 including an incandescent light source positioned adjacent a side of said light diffuser opposite to the side of said light diffuser that is positioned adjacent to said transmissive display.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
33 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 72 further including a parabolic mirror positioned to direct the light from said incandescent light source to said light diffuser.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
36 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 69 including an electroluminescent panel disposed adjacent the side of said transmissive display opposite the side of said display facing said mirror means.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
71 words
A display system for conventional eyewear having at least one viewing transparency and a frame, said viewing transparency defining a field of view comprising: means for displaying information mounted on said frame; and means for collimating light to project an enlarged image of said displayed information at a distance from said user said collimating means receiving said information directly from said display means and including a single reflector through which said
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
71 words
A display system for conventional eyewear having at least one viewing transparency and a frame, said viewing transparency defining a field of view comprising: means for displaying information mounted on said frame; and means for collimating light to project an enlarged image of said displayed information at a distance from said user said collimating means receiving said information directly from said display means and including a single reflector through which said
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
19 words
A display system for conventional eyewear as recited in claim 75 wherein said eyewear forms a pair of glasses.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
19 words
A display system for conventional eyewear as recited in claim 75 wherein said eyewear forms a pair of goggles.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
17 words
A display system for conventional eyewear as recited in claim 75 wherein said eyewear forms a mask.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
45 words
A display system as recited in claim 75 wherein said reflector includes a planar mirror mounted on said frame; and said collimating means includes a collimating lens disposed between said display means and said planar mirror for receiving said information directly from said display means.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
40 words
A display system as recited in claim 75 wherein said collimating means includes a toroidal mirror and said display means includes a light transmissive display and a light diffuser positioned adjacent to a side of said display opposite said mirror.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
24 words
A display system for conventional eyewear as recited in claim 80 wherein said light diffuser receives ambient light for even distribution to said display.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
22 words
A display system for conventional eyewear as recited in claim 81 includes means for reflecting light from said diffuser to said display.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
40 words
A display system for conventional eyewear as recited in claim 80 including an incandescent light source positioned adjacent a side of said light diffuser opposite to the side of said light diffuser that is positioned adjacent to said transmissive display.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
30 words
A display system for conventional eyewear as recited in claim 83 further including a parabolic mirror positioned to direct the light from said incandescent light source to said light diffuser.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
32 words
A display system for conventional eyewear as recited in claim 75 wherein said display means includes a light transmissive display and an electroluminescent panel disposed adjacent a side of said transmissive display.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
19 words
A display system for conventional eyewear as recited in claim 75 wherein said collimating means includes a toroidal mirror.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
19 words
A display system for conventional eyewear as recited in claim 75 wherein said collimating means includes a parabolic mirror.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
30 words
A display system for conventional eyewear as recited in claim 75 wherein said collimating means includes a Zernike polynomial surface that is at least partially reflective to project said image.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
29 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 75 wherein said mirror means is shaped to project a magnified image of said displayed information.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
60 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 75 wherein said display means transmits light to said mirror means, said system further including color filtering means for removing color components of the environment viewed through said transparency, said removed color components being different from the color components of the light transmitted from said display means.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
29 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 90 wherein said color filtering means is disposed on an outer surface of said viewing transparency.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
59 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 75 wherein said collimating means includes a mirror and means for adjustably mounting said mirror on said frame to vary the optical path defined by the relative position of said mirror means, said display and a user's eye so as to accommodate heads of various sizes.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
61 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 75 wherein said collimating means includes a mirror the position of which is fixed and said frame includes adjustable temples to vary the optical path defined by the relative position of said mirror means, said display and a user's eye so as to accommodate heads of various sizes.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
25 words
A display system for a head mounted viewing transparency as recited in claim 75 wherein said mirror means and said viewing transparency form a bifocal.
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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) | 1995-11-10 | 1996-05-11 | 1996-11-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-11-10 | 2000-05-11 | 2000-11-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-11-10 | 2004-05-11 | 2004-11-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |