US5440428A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automotive instrument 3-D virtual image display
Assignee: Delphi Technologies Inc
•
Filing: 1993-09-30
•
Granted: 1995-08-08
•
Expires: 2013-09-30
Abstract
Abstract A compact, inexpensive and mass-producible optical display system for an automobile creates a dramatic and highly stylistic, sharp, high contrast and pleasing, multi-color or monochromatic 3-D magnified image of an instrument cluster, at least a portion of the 3-D image being located at a viewing distance greater than the actual optical distance between the dashboard and the driver's eyes. A non-pupil forming display system uses an off-axis aspherical narrow-band reflecting mirror with power to create a magnified virtual image of a miniaturized passive image source, such as a segmented LCD panel, which is backlighted by a small filament incandescent light bulb. A single mirror produces a single monochromatic virtual image, whereas a plurality of stacked and differently curved mirrors, each tuned to different wavelength bandwidth, produces a plurality of spatially separated virtual images of differing colors. The mirrors are holographic optical elements or graded index optical elements. A backlit panel display positioned behind the mirror produces an image with colors outside the bandwidth of that mirror and thereby creates a secondary image of oversized warning indicators or the like visible in front of the virtual image which includes a display of other instruments. A non-planar image source used with the mirror produces a non-planar monochromatic virtual image.
Inventors
- 👤 Ronald G. Hegg
- 👤 Mao-Jin Chern
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 21:59
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B27/00; G02B27/01; B; B60; B60Q; B60Q3/00; B60Q3/60; B60Q3/62; B60Q3/64; B60K; B60K35/00; B60K35/20; B60K35/21; B60K35/211; B60K35/23; B60K35/231; B60K35/28; B60K35/60; B60Q3/10; B60Q3/12; B60Q3/14; G01; G01D; G01D11/00; G01D11/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 106
Claim 1
Independent Claim
173 words
A display system for a vehicle having a display panel mounted within view of an operator's position, said display system comprising a first image source mounted in said vehicle for providing a first image display, a narrow band optical element disposed between said first image source and said operator's position for creating a first color virtual image of said first image display at a first spatial location visible from said operator's position, and a second image source for providing a second image display outside the bandwidth of said narrow band optical element, said second image source being positioned relative to said narrow band optical element to produce a second color image at a second spatial location visible from said operator's position, wherein said narrow band optical element creates said first color virtual image at a location beyond said display panel, wherein said narrow band optical element comprises an aspheric optical element, and further wherein said aspheric optical element comprises an aspheric optical surface shaped to reduce aberrations in said first color virtual image.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
173 words
A display system for a vehicle having a display panel mounted within view of an operator's position, said display system comprising a first image source mounted in said vehicle for providing a first image display, a narrow band optical element disposed between said first image source and said operator's position for creating a first color virtual image of said first image display at a first spatial location visible from said operator's position, and a second image source for providing a second image display outside the bandwidth of said narrow band optical element, said second image source being positioned relative to said narrow band optical element to produce a second color image at a second spatial location visible from said operator's position, wherein said narrow band optical element creates said first color virtual image at a location beyond said display panel, wherein said narrow band optical element comprises an aspheric optical element, and further wherein said aspheric optical element comprises an aspheric optical surface shaped to reduce aberrations in said first color virtual image.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said second image source is positioned behind said narrow band optical element and transmits said second color image through said narrow band optical element to produce said second color image at a location in front of said first color virtual image.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said second color image is located at about the position of said display panel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein said narrow band optical element creates said first color virtual image at a location beyond said display panel.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first color virtual image is a magnified image of said first image display.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said narrow band optical element is provided with optical power.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first color virtual image is observable by said operator at a viewing distance in the range of about four to twelve feet.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first image source is pre-distorted to compensate for distortion inherent in said system.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first image source comprises a backlit panel display.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first image source comprises a liquid crystal display.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first image source comprises a colored translucent panel with backlighting.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
42 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising an illumination source located remote from said first image source for illuminating said first image source, and a fiber optic bundle for communicating light from said illumination source to said first image source.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 12, wherein said first image source comprises a liquid crystal display and said fiber optic bundle terminates behind said liquid crystal display in a plurality of spaced-apart ends which separately illuminate said liquid crystal display.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 12, further comprising a directional diffusing element disposed between said illumination source and said first image source for diffusing light from said illumination source which illuminates said first image source.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 14, wherein said directional diffusing element comprises a holographic element.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein said holographic element comprises a transmission hologram.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
49 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a curved glare shield disposed between said narrow band optical element and said operator's position, said glare shield being titled at an angle with respect to the optical axis to direct ambient light reflections away from said first image source.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein one of said first and second image sources provides an image of vehicle instruments and the other of said first and second image sources provides an image of warning indicators.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
66 words
A display system for a vehicle having a display panel mounted within view of an operator's position, said display system comprising a non-planar image source mounted in said vehicle for providing a non-planar image display, a reflective mirror disposed between said non-planar image source and said operator's position for creating a non-planar image of said non-planar image source at a location visible from said operator's position.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
66 words
A display system for a vehicle having a display panel mounted within view of an operator's position, said display system comprising a non-planar image source mounted in said vehicle for providing a non-planar image display, a reflective mirror disposed between said non-planar image source and said operator's position for creating a non-planar image of said non-planar image source at a location visible from said operator's position.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 19, wherein said reflective mirror creates a magnified virtual image of said non-planar image source at a location beyond said display panel.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 19, wherein said non-planar image source comprises a plurality of segments arranged in non-planar fashion.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 19, wherein said non-planar image source is a multi-color image source.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
182 words
A display system for a vehicle having a display panel mounted within view of an operator's position, said display system comprising a first image source mounted in said vehicle for providing a first image display, a narrow band optical element disposed between said first image source and said operator's position for creating a first color virtual image of said first image display at a first spatial location visible from said operator's position, and a second image source for providing a second image display outside the bandwidth of said narrow band optical element, said second image source being positioned relative to said narrow band optical element to produce a second color image at a second spatial location visible from said operator's position, wherein said narrow band optical element creates said first color virtual image at a location beyond said display panel, wherein said narrow band optical element comprises an aspheric optical element, and further wherein said aspheric optical element comprises an aspheric optical surface which is shaped to reduce vertical disparity between the eyes of said operator observing said first color virtual image.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
182 words
A display system for a vehicle having a display panel mounted within view of an operator's position, said display system comprising a first image source mounted in said vehicle for providing a first image display, a narrow band optical element disposed between said first image source and said operator's position for creating a first color virtual image of said first image display at a first spatial location visible from said operator's position, and a second image source for providing a second image display outside the bandwidth of said narrow band optical element, said second image source being positioned relative to said narrow band optical element to produce a second color image at a second spatial location visible from said operator's position, wherein said narrow band optical element creates said first color virtual image at a location beyond said display panel, wherein said narrow band optical element comprises an aspheric optical element, and further wherein said aspheric optical element comprises an aspheric optical surface which is shaped to reduce vertical disparity between the eyes of said operator observing said first color virtual image.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
49 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 23, wherein said second image source is positioned behind said narrow band optical element and transmits said second color image through said narrow band optical element to produce said second color image at a location in front of said first color virtual image.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 24, wherein said second color image is located a about the position of said display panel.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus set forth in claim 25, wherein said narrow band optical element creates said first color virtual image at a location beyond said display panel.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 23, wherein said first color virtual image is a magnified image of said first image display.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 23, wherein said narrow band optical element is provided with optical power.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 23, wherein said first color virtual image is observable by said operator at a viewing distance in the range of about four to twelve feet.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 23, wherein said first image source is pre-distorted o compensate for distortion inherent in said system.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 23, wherein said first image source comprises a backlit panel display.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 23, wherein said first image source comprises a liquid crystal display.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 23, wherein said first image source comprises a colored translucent panel with backlighting.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
42 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 23, further comprising an illumination source located remote from said first image source for illuminating said first image source, and a fiber optic bundle for communicating light from said illumination source to said first image source.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 34, wherein said first image source comprises a liquid crystal display and said fiber optic bundle terminates behind said liquid crystal display in a plurality of spaced-apart ends which separately illuminate said liquid crystal display.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 34, further comprising a directional diffusing element disposed between said illumination source and said first image source for diffusing light from said illumination source which illuminates said first image source.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 36, wherein said directional diffusing element comprises a holographic element.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 37, wherein said holographic element comprises a transmission hologram.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
49 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 23, further comprising a curved glare shield disposed between said narrow band optical element and said operator's position, said glare shield being tilted at an angle with respect to the optical axis to direct ambient light reflections away from said first image source.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 23, wherein one of said first and second image sources provides an image of vehicle instruments and the other of said first and second image sources provides an image of warning indicators.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
176 words
A display system for a vehicle having a display panel mounted within view of an operator's position, said display system comprising a first image source mounted in said vehicle for providing a first image display, a narrow band optical element disposed between said first image source and said operator's position for creating a first color virtual image of said first image display at a first spatial location visible from said operator's position, and a second image source for providing a second image display outside the bandwidth of said narrow band optical element, said second image source being positioned relative to said narrow band optical element to produce a second color image at a second spatial location visible from said operator's position, wherein said narrow band optical element creates said first color virtual image at a location beyond said display panel, wherein said narrow band optical element comprises an aspheric optical element, and further wherein said aspheric optical element comprises an aspheric optical surface which is shaped to reduce field curvature in said first color virtual image.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
176 words
A display system for a vehicle having a display panel mounted within view of an operator's position, said display system comprising a first image source mounted in said vehicle for providing a first image display, a narrow band optical element disposed between said first image source and said operator's position for creating a first color virtual image of said first image display at a first spatial location visible from said operator's position, and a second image source for providing a second image display outside the bandwidth of said narrow band optical element, said second image source being positioned relative to said narrow band optical element to produce a second color image at a second spatial location visible from said operator's position, wherein said narrow band optical element creates said first color virtual image at a location beyond said display panel, wherein said narrow band optical element comprises an aspheric optical element, and further wherein said aspheric optical element comprises an aspheric optical surface which is shaped to reduce field curvature in said first color virtual image.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
49 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 41, wherein said second image source is positioned behind said narrow band optical element and transmits said second color image through said narrow band optical element to produce sad second color image at a location in front of said first color virtual image.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 42, wherein said second color image is located at about the position of said display panel.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 43, wherein said narrow band optical element creates said first color virtual image at a location beyond said display panel.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 41, wherein said first color virtual image is a magnified image of said first image display.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 41, wherein said narrow band optical element is provided with optical power.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 41, wherein said first color virtual image is observable by said operator at a viewing distance in the range of about four to twelve feet.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 41, wherein said first image source is pre-distorted to compensate for distortion inherent in said system.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 41, wherein said first image source comprises a backlit panel display.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 41, wherein said first image source comprises a liquid crystal display.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 41, wherein said first image source comprises a colored translucent panel with backlighting.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
42 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 41, further comprising an illumination source located remote from said first image source for illuminating said first image source, and a fiber optic bundle for communicating light from said illumination source to said first image source.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 52, wherein said first image source comprises a liquid crystal display and said fiber optic bundle terminates behind said liquid crystal display in a plurality of spaced-apart ends which separately illuminate said liquid crystal display.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 52, further comprising a directional diffusing element disposed between said illumination source and said first image source for ! diffusing light from said illumination source which illuminates said first image source.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 54, wherein said directional diffusing element comprises a holographic element.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 55, wherein said holographic element comprises a transmission hologram.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
49 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 41, further comprising a curved glare shield disposed between said narrow band optical element and said operator's position, said glare shield being tilted at an angle with respect to the optical axis to direct ambient light reflections away from said first image source.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 41, wherein one of said first and second image sources provides an image of vehicle instruments and the other of said first and second image sources provides an image of warning indicators.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
181 words
A display system for a vehicle having a display panel mounted within view of an operator's position, said display system comprising a first image source mounted in said vehicle for providing a first image display, a narrow band optical element disposed between said first image source and said operator's position for creating a first color virtual image of said first image display at a first spatial location visible from said operator's position, and a second image source for providing a second image display outside the bandwidth of said narrow band optical element, said second image source being positioned relative to said narrow band optical element to produce a second color image at a second spatial location visible from said operator's position, wherein said narrow band optical element creates said first color virtual image at a location beyond said display panel, wherein said narrow band optical element comprises an aspheric optical element, and further wherein said aspheric optical element comprises an aspheric optical surface which is shaped to reduce optical path length between said first image source and said aspheric optical element.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
181 words
A display system for a vehicle having a display panel mounted within view of an operator's position, said display system comprising a first image source mounted in said vehicle for providing a first image display, a narrow band optical element disposed between said first image source and said operator's position for creating a first color virtual image of said first image display at a first spatial location visible from said operator's position, and a second image source for providing a second image display outside the bandwidth of said narrow band optical element, said second image source being positioned relative to said narrow band optical element to produce a second color image at a second spatial location visible from said operator's position, wherein said narrow band optical element creates said first color virtual image at a location beyond said display panel, wherein said narrow band optical element comprises an aspheric optical element, and further wherein said aspheric optical element comprises an aspheric optical surface which is shaped to reduce optical path length between said first image source and said aspheric optical element.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
49 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 59, wherein said second image source is positioned behind said narrow band optical element and transmits said second color image through said narrow band optical element to produce said second color image at a location in front of said first color virtual image.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 60, wherein said second color image is located at about the position of said display panel.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus set forth in claim 61, wherein said narrow band optical element creates said first color virtual image at a location beyond said display panel.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 59, wherein said first color virtual image is a magnified image of said first image display.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 59, wherein said narrow band optical element is provided with optical power.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 59, wherein said first color virtual image is observable by said operator at a viewing distance in the range of about four to twelve feet.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 59, wherein said first image source is pre-distorted to compensate for distortion inherent in said system.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 59, wherein said first image source comprises a backlit panel display.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 59, wherein said first image source comprises a liquid crystal display.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 59, wherein said first image source comprises a colored translucent panel with backlighting.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
42 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 59, further comprising an illumination source located remote from said first image source for illuminating said first image source, and a fiber optic bundle for communicating light from said illumination source to said first image source.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 70, wherein said first image source comprises a liquid crystal display and said fiber optic bundle terminates behind said liquid crystal display in a plurality of spaced-apart ends which separately illuminate said liquid crystal display.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 70, further comprising a directional diffusing element disposed between said illumination source and said first image source for diffusing light from said illumination source which illuminates said first image source.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 72, wherein said directional diffusing element comprises a holographic element.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 73, wherein said holographic element comprises a transmission hologram.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
49 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 59, further comprising a curved glare shield disposed between said narrow band optical element and said operator's position, said glare shield being tilted at an angle with respect to the optical axis to direct ambient light reflections away from said first image source.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 59, wherein one of said first and second image sources provides an image of vehicle instruments and the other of said first and second image sources provides an image of warning indicators.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
112 words
A display system for a vehicle having a display panel mounted within view of an operator's position, said display system comprising a first image source mounted in said vehicle for providing a first image display, a mirror disposed between said first image source and said operator's position for creating a first color virtual image of said first image display at a first spatial location visible from said operator's position, and a second image source for providing a second image display outside the bandwidth of said mirror, said second image source being positioned relative to said mirror to produce a second color image at a second spatial location visible from said operator's position.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
112 words
A display system for a vehicle having a display panel mounted within view of an operator's position, said display system comprising a first image source mounted in said vehicle for providing a first image display, a mirror disposed between said first image source and said operator's position for creating a first color virtual image of said first image display at a first spatial location visible from said operator's position, and a second image source for providing a second image display outside the bandwidth of said mirror, said second image source being positioned relative to said mirror to produce a second color image at a second spatial location visible from said operator's position.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
43 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 77, wherein said second image source is positioned behind said mirror and transmits said second color image through said mirror to produce said second color image at a location in front of said first color virtual image.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 79, wherein said second color image is located at about the position of said display panel.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 79, wherein said mirror creates said first color virtual image at a location beyond said display panel.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 77, wherein said mirror creates said first color virtual image at a location beyond said display panel.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 81, wherein said mirror is aspheric.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 82, wherein said aspheric mirror comprises an aspheric optical surface shaped to reduce aberrations in said first color virtual image.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 82, wherein said aspheric mirror comprises an aspheric optical surface which is shaped to reduce vertical disparity between the eyes of said operator observing said first color virtual image.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 82, wherein said aspheric mirror comprises an aspheric optical surface which is shaped to reduce field curvature in said first color virtual image.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 82, wherein said aspheric mirror comprises an aspheric optical surface which is shaped to reduce optical path length between said first image source and said aspheric mirror.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 77, wherein said first color virtual image is a magnified image of said first image display.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 88, wherein said mirror is provided with optical power.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 77 wherein said first color virtual image is observable by said operator at a viewing distance in the range of about four to twelve feet.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 77, wherein said first image source is pre-distorted to compensate for distortion inherent in said system.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 77, wherein said first image source comprises a backlit panel display.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 77, wherein said first image source comprises a liquid crystal display.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 77, wherein said first image source comprises a colored translucent panel with backlighting.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
42 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 77, further comprising an illumination source located remote from said first image source for illuminating said first image source, and a fiber optic bundle for communicating light from said illumination source to said first image source.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 94, wherein said first image source comprises a liquid crystal display and said fiber optic bundle terminates behind said liquid crystal display in a plurality of spaced-apart ends which separately illuminate said liquid crystal display.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus as set forth claim 94, further comprising a directional diffusing element disposed between said illumination source and said first image source for diffusing light from said illumination source which illuminates said first image source.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 96, wherein said directional diffusing element comprises a holographic element.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 97, wherein said holographic element comprises a transmission hologram.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
46 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 77, further comprising a curved glare shield disposed between said mirror and said operator's position, said glare shield being tilted at an angle with respect to the optical axis to direct ambient light reflections away from said first image source.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 77, wherein one of said first and second image sources provides an image of vehicle instruments and the other of said first and second image sources provides an image of warning indicators.
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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) | 1998-08-07 | 1999-02-06 | 1999-08-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-08-07 | 2003-02-06 | 2003-08-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-08-07 | 2007-02-06 | 2007-08-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |