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Patent US5179274A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5179274A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method for controlling operation of optical systems and devices
Assignee: Texas Instruments Inc
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Filing: 1991-07-12
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Granted: 1993-01-12
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Expires: 2011-07-12
Abstract
Abstract The invention described herein details a method to control the operating window of illumination for an optical device or system. By connecting together two light sensitive devices (46a and 46b), one very sensitive to light (46a), the other mildly sensitive to light (46b), it is possible to designate when essential signals (38) are allowed to pass to a device or system. The outputs of the two devices are fed through logic circuitry (52 and 54) which determines the output. The logic circuitry is selected dependent upon which operation window is chosen. The output of the logic is then connected to the control signal.
Inventors
- 👤 Jeffrey B. Sampsell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 16:27
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/29; H; H03; H03K; H03K19/00; H03K19/02; H03K19/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
A method to control the operation of an optical system comprising: a. impinging visible light upon a spatial light modulator in said optical system from a visible light source; b. providing at least two light-sensitive devices with outputs as part of said devices, wherein in at least one of said light-sensitive devices is more sensitive to said visible light than other of said devices; c. inputting at least two said light-sensitive device outputs to a logic device; and d. selectively inhibiting a signal essential for operation of said spatial light modulator in response to the output of said logic device.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
100 words
A method to control the operation of an optical system comprising: a. impinging visible light upon a spatial light modulator in said optical system from a visible light source; b. providing at least two light-sensitive devices with outputs as part of said devices, wherein in at least one of said light-sensitive devices is more sensitive to said visible light than other of said devices; c. inputting at least two said light-sensitive device outputs to a logic device; and d. selectively inhibiting a signal essential for operation of said spatial light modulator in response to the output of said logic device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as in claim 1 wherein said inputting step includes inverting at least one of said at least two-light sensitive device outputs.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method as in claim 1 wherein said inhibiting step includes connecting said output of said logic device to the gate of a transistor and connecting said signal to the input line of said transistor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method as in claim 1 wherein said light-sensitive devices are phototransistors.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as in claim 1 wherein said logic device is a NOR gate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method as in claim 1 wherein said logic device includes a inverter.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
109 words
A system to control the operation of an optical system comprising: a. a visible light source for illuminating said optical system; b. a spatial light modulator for receiving said visible light; c. at least two light-sensitive devices adjacent said spatial light modulator, wherein at least one of said light-sensitive devices is more sensitive to light from said source than others of said devices; d. a logic device connected to at least two of said light-sensitive devices; e. circuitry connected to the output of said logic device for selectively inhibiting a signal essential for operation of said spatial light modulator as to when it can pass to said optical system.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
109 words
A system to control the operation of an optical system comprising: a. a visible light source for illuminating said optical system; b. a spatial light modulator for receiving said visible light; c. at least two light-sensitive devices adjacent said spatial light modulator, wherein at least one of said light-sensitive devices is more sensitive to light from said source than others of said devices; d. a logic device connected to at least two of said light-sensitive devices; e. circuitry connected to the output of said logic device for selectively inhibiting a signal essential for operation of said spatial light modulator as to when it can pass to said optical system.
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) | 1996-01-12 | 1996-07-13 | 1997-01-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-01-12 | 2000-07-13 | 2001-01-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-01-12 | 2004-07-13 | 2005-01-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |