US5801666A
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US
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Three-dimensional monitor
Assignee: The University of Texas System
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Filing: 1993-02-10
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Granted: 1998-09-01
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Expires: 2013-02-10
Abstract
Abstract A three-dimensional computer monitor is provided for displaying information and representations of objects in three dimensions. In a preferred embodiment, the monitor comprises a three dimensional array of optical voxels that are individually activated by energy transmitted through optical fibers coupled to each voxel. The energy, such as visible or ultraviolet light, may be conducted into selected optical fibers using a two dimensional shutter array or a plurality of controllable energy sources, under the direction of a digital computer. The voxels may be made of polymethylmethacrylate doped with a dye that fluoresces when energy, such as ultraviolet light, is introduced into a voxel. A color monitor may be constructed by selecting a plurality of dyes to produce voxels that emit different colors. The intensity of each of, for example, adjacent red, green and blue voxels can be controlled to produce a variety of colors.
Inventors
- 👤 Duncan L. MacFarlane
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 22:26
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09G; G09G3/00; G09G3/001; G09G3/003; G02; G02B; G02B30/00; G02B30/50; G09F; G09F19/00; G09F19/12; G09F19/125; H; H04; H04N; H04N13/00; H04N13/30; H04N13/388; H04N13/398
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 53
Claim 1
Independent Claim
21 words
A voxel, comprising a normally transparent, discrete volumetric display element adapted to emit light in response to stimulation by electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
21 words
A voxel, comprising a normally transparent, discrete volumetric display element adapted to emit light in response to stimulation by electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The voxel of claim 1, further comprising a wave guide attached at one end to the display element.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The voxel of claim 1, wherein the display element comprises synthetic resin containing a dye which emits light in response to stimulation by electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The voxel of claim 1, wherein said electromagnetic radiation is non-visible light.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The voxel of claim 1, wherein said electromagnetic radiation is ultraviolet light.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
64 words
A monitor for displaying electronically generated images in three-dimensional space, comprising: a three-dimensional array of discrete volumetric optical voxels; a plurality of transmitting conductors, each transmitting conductor coupled to a respective voxel; and an energy source coupled to the transmitting conductors, adapted to provide energy that causes the voxels to emit visible light when the energy is conducted to them through the transmitting conductors.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
64 words
A monitor for displaying electronically generated images in three-dimensional space, comprising: a three-dimensional array of discrete volumetric optical voxels; a plurality of transmitting conductors, each transmitting conductor coupled to a respective voxel; and an energy source coupled to the transmitting conductors, adapted to provide energy that causes the voxels to emit visible light when the energy is conducted to them through the transmitting conductors.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
The monitor of claim 6, further comprising a switching network coupled to the transmitting conductors and interposed between the energy source and the voxels, the switching network comprising switches for controlling the energy reaching the voxels.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The monitor of claim 6, further comprising an index of refraction matching material placed to occupy interstices between the voxels and the transmitting conductors within the voxel array.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The monitor of claim 6, wherein the voxels comprise polymethylmethacrylate doped with fluorescing dye.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
The three dimensional monitor of claim 6, combined with a digital computer for selecting voxels to be activated and for selectively controlling the switches of the switching network accordingly.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
45 words
The monitor of claim 6, combined with a two dimensional monitor placed behind the three-dimensional array, such that the two dimensional monitor is operable to display a two dimensional background image while the three dimensional array is operable to display a three dimensional foreground image.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
64 words
A monitor for displaying electronically generated images in three-dimensional space, comprising: a three-dimensional voxel array, comprising a plurality of discrete volumetric light emitting voxels positioned within a three-dimensional volume; a plurality of optical fibers, each optical fiber coupled to a voxel; and a light source coupled to the optical fibers such that light can be selectively conducted through the optical fibers to the voxels.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
64 words
A monitor for displaying electronically generated images in three-dimensional space, comprising: a three-dimensional voxel array, comprising a plurality of discrete volumetric light emitting voxels positioned within a three-dimensional volume; a plurality of optical fibers, each optical fiber coupled to a voxel; and a light source coupled to the optical fibers such that light can be selectively conducted through the optical fibers to the voxels.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
The monitor of claim 12, further comprising an index of refraction matching material placed to occupy interstices between the voxels and optical fibers within the voxel array.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
13 words
The monitor of claim 12, wherein the light source comprises a visible-light laser.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
14 words
The monitor of claim 12, wherein the voxels comprise polymethylmethacrylate and a fluorescing dye.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
The monitor of claim 12, wherein the light source comprises a separate laser for each voxel in the voxel array.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
29 words
The three dimensional monitor of claim 12, combined with a digital computer for selecting voxels to be activated and for selectively controlling the switches of the switching network accordingly.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
44 words
The monitor of claim 12, combined with a two dimensional monitor placed behind the three-dimensional array, whereby the two dimensional monitor is operable to display a two dimensional background image while the three dimensional array is operable to display a three dimensional foregound image.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
105 words
A monitor for displaying an electronically generated image in a three-dimensional space, comprising: a three-dimensional voxel array comprising a plurality of discrete volumetric light emitting voxels positioned within a three-dimensional volume; a plurality of optical fibers, each optical fiber coupled to a respective voxel; a light source coupled to the optical fibers whereby light can be conducted into the optical fibers and transmitted to the voxels; and a switching network coupled to the optical fibers and interposed between the light source and the voxels, said network comprising a switch corresponding to each voxel and adapted to control an amount of light transmitted to such voxel.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
105 words
A monitor for displaying an electronically generated image in a three-dimensional space, comprising: a three-dimensional voxel array comprising a plurality of discrete volumetric light emitting voxels positioned within a three-dimensional volume; a plurality of optical fibers, each optical fiber coupled to a respective voxel; a light source coupled to the optical fibers whereby light can be conducted into the optical fibers and transmitted to the voxels; and a switching network coupled to the optical fibers and interposed between the light source and the voxels, said network comprising a switch corresponding to each voxel and adapted to control an amount of light transmitted to such voxel.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
26 words
The monitor claim 19, further comprising an index of refraction matching material places to occupy interstices between the voxels and optical fibers within the voxel array.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
12 words
The monitor of claim 19, wherein the light source comprises a laser.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
14 words
The monitor of claim 19, wherein the switching network comprises a liquid crystal array.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
14 words
The monitor of claim 19, wherein the switching network comprises a mechanical shutter array.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
14 words
The monitor of claim 19, wherein the voxels comprise polymethylmethacrylate doped with fluorescing dye.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
29 words
The three dimensional monitor of claim 19, combined with a digital computer for selecting voxels to be activated and for selectively controlling the switches of the switching network accordingly.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
44 words
The monitor of claim 19, combined with a two dimensional monitor placed behind the three-dimensional array, whereby the two dimensional monitor is operable to display a two dimensional background image while the three dimensional array is operable to display a three dimensional foreground image.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
161 words
A monitor for displaying electronically generated images in three-dimensional space, comprising: a three dimensional voxel array, comprising a plurality of discrete, light emitting voxels positioned within a three-dimensional volume, the voxels comprising beads of polymethylmethacrylate doped with fluorescing dye; a plurality of optical fibers, each optical fiber coupled to a respective voxel; an index matching fluid placed to occupy the interstices between the voxels and optical fibers within the voxel array; a laser light source coupled to the optical fibers whereby light can be conducted into the optical fibers and thus transmitted to the voxels; a liquid crystal switching network coupled to the optical fibers and interposed between the light source and the voxels, said network comprising a liquid crystal switch corresponding to each voxel, the switching network also adapted to control the amount of light transmitted to each voxel; and means for controlling the switches of the switching network so as to permit light to be transmitted to selected voxels.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
161 words
A monitor for displaying electronically generated images in three-dimensional space, comprising: a three dimensional voxel array, comprising a plurality of discrete, light emitting voxels positioned within a three-dimensional volume, the voxels comprising beads of polymethylmethacrylate doped with fluorescing dye; a plurality of optical fibers, each optical fiber coupled to a respective voxel; an index matching fluid placed to occupy the interstices between the voxels and optical fibers within the voxel array; a laser light source coupled to the optical fibers whereby light can be conducted into the optical fibers and thus transmitted to the voxels; a liquid crystal switching network coupled to the optical fibers and interposed between the light source and the voxels, said network comprising a liquid crystal switch corresponding to each voxel, the switching network also adapted to control the amount of light transmitted to each voxel; and means for controlling the switches of the switching network so as to permit light to be transmitted to selected voxels.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
82 words
A three dimensional monitor for displaying a computer generated image, comprising: a three dimensional array of voxels, each voxel comprising a bead of resin doped with dye, the dye being chosen to emit visible light when stimulated with non-visible light energy; a waveguide coupled to each voxel for transmitting non-visible light energy to the voxel; a source of non-visible light energy; and switch means for controlling the transmission of non-visible light energy from the source of non-visible light energy to the voxels.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
82 words
A three dimensional monitor for displaying a computer generated image, comprising: a three dimensional array of voxels, each voxel comprising a bead of resin doped with dye, the dye being chosen to emit visible light when stimulated with non-visible light energy; a waveguide coupled to each voxel for transmitting non-visible light energy to the voxel; a source of non-visible light energy; and switch means for controlling the transmission of non-visible light energy from the source of non-visible light energy to the voxels.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
13 words
The monitor of claim 28, wherein the non-visible light energy is ultraviolet light.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
14 words
The monitor of claim 28, wherein the switch means comprises a liquid crystal array.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
20 words
The monitor of claim 28, further comprising an index matching substance filling the interstices between the voxels and the waveguides.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
101 words
A method of producing a three dimensional image, comprising: providing a three dimensional array of voxels, each voxel comprising a bead of resin doped with dye, the dye being chosen to emit visible light when stimulated with non-visible light energy; a waveguide coupled to each voxel for transmitting non-visible light energy to the voxel; a source of non-visible light energy; and switch means for controlling the transmission of non-visible light energy from the source of non-visible light energy to the voxels; and selectively operating the switch means to cause selected voxels to emit visible light to form a three dimensional image.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
101 words
A method of producing a three dimensional image, comprising: providing a three dimensional array of voxels, each voxel comprising a bead of resin doped with dye, the dye being chosen to emit visible light when stimulated with non-visible light energy; a waveguide coupled to each voxel for transmitting non-visible light energy to the voxel; a source of non-visible light energy; and switch means for controlling the transmission of non-visible light energy from the source of non-visible light energy to the voxels; and selectively operating the switch means to cause selected voxels to emit visible light to form a three dimensional image.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
90 words
A method of presenting a three dimensional visible image, comprising: providing a three dimensional voxel array comprising a plurality of discrete voxels for emitting light when stimulated by ultraviolet light energy, and a plurality of switches, each switch corresponding to one of said voxels, and an ultraviolet light source; selecting a set of voxels to be activated to produce the desired visible image; and selectively operating the switches to enable light energy from the ultraviolet light source to pass through the selected switches to stimulate the selected set of voxels.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
90 words
A method of presenting a three dimensional visible image, comprising: providing a three dimensional voxel array comprising a plurality of discrete voxels for emitting light when stimulated by ultraviolet light energy, and a plurality of switches, each switch corresponding to one of said voxels, and an ultraviolet light source; selecting a set of voxels to be activated to produce the desired visible image; and selectively operating the switches to enable light energy from the ultraviolet light source to pass through the selected switches to stimulate the selected set of voxels.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
75 words
A method of presenting a three dimensional visible image, comprising: providing a three dimensional monitor having a voxel array comprising a plurality of volumetric discrete voxels, and a respective plurality of selectable light sources, one of said light sources corresponding to each voxel; selecting a set of voxels to be activated to produce the desired visible image; and selectively operating the light sources so as to activate the voxels corresponding to the selected light sources.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
75 words
A method of presenting a three dimensional visible image, comprising: providing a three dimensional monitor having a voxel array comprising a plurality of volumetric discrete voxels, and a respective plurality of selectable light sources, one of said light sources corresponding to each voxel; selecting a set of voxels to be activated to produce the desired visible image; and selectively operating the light sources so as to activate the voxels corresponding to the selected light sources.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 34, wherein the providing step comprises providing voxels including beads of resin doped with a dye that emits visible light when stimulated with light from said light sources.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
87 words
A three-dimensional visual display system, comprising: a three-dimensional array of normally substantially transparent optical display elements, each such element comprising a bead of resin doped with a dye that emits visible light when stimulated by light energy; a plurality of optical waveguides coupled to the display elements for conducting light energy to the display elements; a modulated light source coupled to each waveguide for selectively providing light to be conducted to the display elements; and an index matching medium substantially surrounding the display elements and the waveguides.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
87 words
A three-dimensional visual display system, comprising: a three-dimensional array of normally substantially transparent optical display elements, each such element comprising a bead of resin doped with a dye that emits visible light when stimulated by light energy; a plurality of optical waveguides coupled to the display elements for conducting light energy to the display elements; a modulated light source coupled to each waveguide for selectively providing light to be conducted to the display elements; and an index matching medium substantially surrounding the display elements and the waveguides.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 36, further comprising a digital computer for controlling the modulated light source.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 36, wherein the modulated light source comprises a single light source and means for selectively distributing light to each of the optical waveguides.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 36, wherein the modulated light source comprises a plurality of light sources corresponding to the plurality of optical waveguides.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
61 words
A voxel assembly for use in a three-dimensional visual display, comprising: a normally transparent volumetric display element adapted to emit light in response to stimulation by a preselected form of electromagnetic radiation; a waveguide coupled to said display element for directing said electromagnetic radiation to the display element; and a switchable source of said electromagnetic radiation coupled to the wave guide.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
61 words
A voxel assembly for use in a three-dimensional visual display, comprising: a normally transparent volumetric display element adapted to emit light in response to stimulation by a preselected form of electromagnetic radiation; a waveguide coupled to said display element for directing said electromagnetic radiation to the display element; and a switchable source of said electromagnetic radiation coupled to the wave guide.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
27 words
The voxel assembly of claim 40, wherein the display element comprises synthetic resin containing a dye which changes color in response to stimulation by the electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
30 words
The voxel assembly of claim 41, wherein the preselected form of electromagnetic radiation is ultraviolet light, and wherein the dye is selected to fluoresce with a selected color when stimulated.
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| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-08-31 | 2002-03-02 | 2002-09-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-08-31 | 2006-03-02 | 2006-09-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-08-31 | 2010-03-02 | 2010-09-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |