Patent US5886822A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5886822A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Image combining system for eyeglasses and face masks
Assignee: Google LLC
•
Filing: 1997-04-18
•
Granted: 1999-03-23
•
Expires: 2017-04-18
Abstract
Abstract An optical system combines a first image formed by a main lens with a second image provided by an electronic display, slide, or other image source. The image combining system includes one or more inserts such as a set of reflecting image combiners to redirect light on an optical pathway within the main lens to the user's eye. The image combining system is highly compact, allowing the integration of a display system with eyeglasses or a face mask, such as a diver's mask. A number of implementations of the optical system make possible other types of image integration including uses in image acquisition systems such as cameras.
Inventors
- 👤 Mark B. Spitzer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 14:20
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B27/00; G02B27/10; G02B27/12; G02B27/126; G02B27/01; G02B27/017; G02B27/0172; G02B27/14; G02B27/143; G02B27/144; G02B27/145; G02B27/0101; G02B2027/011; G02B2027/0118; G02B2027/0123; G02B2027/0132; G02B2027/0174; G02B2027/0178; G02B5/00; G02B5/30; G02B6/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 119
Claim 1
Independent Claim
201 words
A head-mountable image combining lens system for mounting on a user's head for use with a user's eye, the head-mountable image combining lens system comprising: a support frame configured to be supported by the user's head; a lens system supported by the support frame in front of an eye of the user comprising: at least a first lens having two optical surfaces arranged to permit passage of some ambient light by the first lens through the two optical surfaces; an optical pathway disposed internally within the first lens to receive light from an image source separate from the ambient light, the optical pathway having at least a portion disposed along and between the two optical surfaces of the first lens; and an insert disposed internally within the first lens, the insert comprising an interface disposed to redirect light, which has passed along at least the portion of the optical pathway, out of the first lens to a user's eye; and a further portion of the optical pathway, the further portion of the optical pathway supported by the support frame and disposed to direct light from the image source to the portion of the optical pathway disposed internally in the lens system.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
201 words
A head-mountable image combining lens system for mounting on a user's head for use with a user's eye, the head-mountable image combining lens system comprising: a support frame configured to be supported by the user's head; a lens system supported by the support frame in front of an eye of the user comprising: at least a first lens having two optical surfaces arranged to permit passage of some ambient light by the first lens through the two optical surfaces; an optical pathway disposed internally within the first lens to receive light from an image source separate from the ambient light, the optical pathway having at least a portion disposed along and between the two optical surfaces of the first lens; and an insert disposed internally within the first lens, the insert comprising an interface disposed to redirect light, which has passed along at least the portion of the optical pathway, out of the first lens to a user's eye; and a further portion of the optical pathway, the further portion of the optical pathway supported by the support frame and disposed to direct light from the image source to the portion of the optical pathway disposed internally in the lens system.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises two materials having different indices of refraction, the two materials separated by the interface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 2, wherein the interface comprises an air gap between the two materials.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises a beam combiner.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 4, wherein the beam combiner comprises a reversed beam splitter.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises a polarizing beam splitter.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the interface is totally internally reflecting.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises a semi-transmitting mirror.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
10 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the interface is planar.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the interface is curved to provide a preselected optical power.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the interface is placed at an angle preselected to position an image to be viewed.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the interface includes an interference coating to split light paths.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises a holographic combiner.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the lens system further comprises a second lens disposed on the optical pathway between the interface and the user's eye to provide a preselected magnification.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 14, wherein the second lens is spaced by an air gap from the insert.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 14, wherein the second lens is integral with the first lens.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 14, wherein the second lens is glued to the first lens.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 14, wherein the second lens is molded with the first lens.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 14, wherein the second lens is an achromatic lens.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
56 words
The system of claim 14, further comprising an additional lens between the insert and a portion of the ambient light which passes through the further lens, the additional lens having an optical power preselected to counter the optical power of the second lens such that the portion of the ambient light is of a desired magnification.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the lens system further comprises a second lens disposed on the optical pathway between the interface and the image source and preselected to provide a desired magnification.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 20, wherein the second is spaced by an air gap from the first lens.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 20, wherein the second lens is integral with the first lens.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 20, wherein the second lens is glued to the first lens.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 20, wherein the second lens is molded with the first lens.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 20, wherein the second lens is an achromatic lens.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the lens system further comprises a set of further lenses disposed on the optical pathway and preselected to provide a desired magnification and a desired correction of lens aberration.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
49 words
The system of claim 1, further comprising a further insert disposed internally within the first lens, the further insert comprising a further interface disposed between the insert and the image source to redirect light from the image source to the user's eye along the portion of the optical pathway.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 28, wherein the further interface is totally internally reflecting.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 28, wherein the further insert comprises a beam combiner.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 28, wherein the further insert comprises a mirror.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 28, wherein the further insert comprises a beam splitter disposed to facilitate illumination of the image source with ambient light.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 28, further comprising a further lens disposed on the optical pathway between the further interface and the image source to provide a preselected magnification.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system of claim 1, further comprising a mirror disposed between the insert and the image source to redirect light from the image source to the user's eye along the portion of the optical pathway.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 34, wherein the mirror is mounted on an edge of the first lens.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 34, wherein the mirror further includes a layer of a material having a thermal conductivity preselected to become damaged by an intense beam on the optical pathway.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 34, wherein the mirror further includes a layer of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion preselected to defocus an intense beam on the optical pathway.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one field lens disposed internally within the first lens on the portion of the optical pathway between the insert and the image source.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 1, further comprising an opaque disc disposed on one of the generally opposed surfaces adjacent the insert to prevent passage of ambient light through the insert.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
70 words
The system of claim 1, further comprising a reflecting element internally disposed within the first lens between the insert and one of the optical surfaces, the interface being reflective to redirect light from the image source to the reflecting element and being transmissive to pass light reflected from or transmitted by the reflecting element to the other of the optical surfaces, whereby the user perceives a virtual image in space.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 40, wherein the reflecting element is curved to alter vergence of the reflected light from the reflecting element.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 40, wherein the insert comprises a half-silvered mirror or beam splitter cube.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 40, wherein the insert comprises a polarizing beam splitter, and a polarization rotator is disposed between the reflecting element and the insert.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 40, further comprising an optical coating on the interface.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 40, further comprising an optical coating on the reflecting element.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
57 words
The system of claim 1, further comprising a reflecting element internally disposed within the first lens adjacent to the insert, the interface being transmissive to light from the image source and being reflective to light from the reflecting element to redirect light to one of the optical surfaces, whereby the user perceives a virtual image in space.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 46, wherein the reflecting element is curved to alter vergence of the reflected light from the reflecting element.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 46, wherein the insert comprises a half-silvered mirror or beam splitter cube.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 46, wherein the insert comprises a polarizing beam splitter, and a polarization rotator is disposed between the reflecting element and the insert.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 46, further comprising an optical coating on the interface.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 46, further comprising an optical coating on the reflecting element.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 1, further comprising a beam scanning assembly in optical communication with the lens system.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises two pairs of interfaces disposed to redirect light on the optical pathway to an alternate optical pathway to the user's eye to increase a field of view.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the optical surfaces of the first lens is provided with a curvature preselected to correct the user's vision.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
49 words
A head-mountable image combining system for mounting the lens system of claim 1 on the user's head, comprising: a support frame configured to be supported by the user's head; and the lens system of claim 1 supported by the support frame in front of an eye of the user.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system of claim 55, further comprising a further portion of the optical pathway, the further portion supported by the support frame and disposed to direct light from the image source to the portion of the optical pathway disposed internally in the lens system.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 1, further comprising a further interface for redirecting light on the further portion of the optical pathway to the portion of the optical pathway.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the further portion of the optical pathway comprises an image relay.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 58, wherein the image relay comprises a lens relay.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 58, wherein the image relay comprises a coherent optical fiber bundle.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 58, wherein the image relay comprises a gradient index lens image conduit.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 58, further comprising an adjustable mount attached to the image relay and to the lens system to join the further portion of the optical pathway to the portion of the optical pathway.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
56 words
The system of claim 62, wherein the adjustable mount comprises a first tube attached to the support frame and a second tube frictionally fitted over an end of the image relay and slidably received within the first tube, whereby the further portion of the optical pathway is adjustable relative to the portion of the optical pathway.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
58 words
The system of claim 62, wherein the adjustable mount comprises an internally threaded tube attached to the support frame and an externally threaded tube attached to an end of the image relay and threadably received within the internally threaded tube, whereby the further portion of the optical pathway is adjustable relative to the portion of the optical pathway.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 58, wherein the image relay includes an exit end and a further lens is located proximate the exit end to provide a preselected optical power.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the image source is supported by the support frame at a location proximate the rear of the user's head.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the image source comprises a flat panel active matrix electroluminescent display.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the image source comprises a liquid crystal display.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 68, wherein the insert comprises a polarizing beam splitter disposed to serve as an analyzer for the liquid crystal display.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
51 words
The system of claim 68, further comprising a polarizing beam splitter disposed internally within the first lens, to redirect light from the image source to the user's eye along the portion of the optical pathway, the beam splitter further disposed to serve as a polarization analyzer for the liquid crystal display.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 66, wherein the image source comprises a flat panel field emission display.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 66, wherein the image source comprises a cathode ray tube.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 66, wherein the image source comprises an array of light emitting diodes.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 66, wherein the image source comprises multiple displays located at different distances from an entrance end of the further optical path.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
41 words
The system of claim 66, further comprising a fiber optic taper between the image source and the further portion of the optical pathway to match dimensions of an image from the image source to the further portion of the optical pathway.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
41 words
The system of claim 66, further comprising an additional lens system between the image source and the further portion of the optical pathway to match dimensions of an image from the image source to the further portion of the optical pathway.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the additional lens system is mounted within a housing, the housing being adjustable to adjust relative positions of the image source, the further portion of the optical pathway, and the lens system to provide focusing of an image.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the further portion of the optical pathway includes at least one mirror so that the further portion can be folded.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
62 words
The system of claim 1, further including an eye lens disposed internally within the first lens on the portion of the optical pathway and an objective lens disposed on the further portion of the optical pathway, the optical powers and locations of the eye lens and the objective lens being preselected to achieve a desired focus, degree of magnification, and collimation distance.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 57, wherein the further interface comprises a mirror or a prism.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 1, further including an optical element disposed on the further portion of the optical pathway to increase a field of view.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 81, wherein the optical element comprises a diffusing screen, a microlens array, a fiber-optic faceplate or a diffractive optical element.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 81, wherein the optical element comprises a fiber-optic face plate having a curvature on one or both surfaces preselected to improve the field flatness of the image.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 1, further comprising a sensor located to receive rays returned from the user's eye along the optical pathway.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 1, further comprising a sensor located to receive rays from the user's environment.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the support frame comprises a pair of eyeglasses.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the support frame comprises a face mask.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the support frame comprises a diver's mask, a firefighter's face shield, an astronaut's space suit mask, or a hazardous material body suit face mask.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 1, further comprising computer circuits mounted to the support frame and in communication with the image source, and the image source is mounted to an edge of the support frame.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 1, further comprising a housing disposed to conceal the computer circuits and the image source.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
158 words
A head-mountable image combining system comprising: an eyeglasses frame having a pair of lens holders and a pair of temples configured to be supported on a user's head; an image source mounted to the eyeglasses frame; a main lens supported by the eyeglasses frame in one of the pair of lens holders in front of an eye of the user, the main lens comprising: two optical surfaces arranged to permit passage of some ambient light by the main lens through the two optical surfaces; a prism embedded within the main lens to direct light from the image source through the main lens between the two optical surfaces; and a beam splitting cube embedded with the main lens in a position to direct light from the prism to the user's eye; and a second lens system supported by the eyeglasses frame in the other of the pair of lens holders in front of the other eye of the user.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
158 words
A head-mountable image combining system comprising: an eyeglasses frame having a pair of lens holders and a pair of temples configured to be supported on a user's head; an image source mounted to the eyeglasses frame; a main lens supported by the eyeglasses frame in one of the pair of lens holders in front of an eye of the user, the main lens comprising: two optical surfaces arranged to permit passage of some ambient light by the main lens through the two optical surfaces; a prism embedded within the main lens to direct light from the image source through the main lens between the two optical surfaces; and a beam splitting cube embedded with the main lens in a position to direct light from the prism to the user's eye; and a second lens system supported by the eyeglasses frame in the other of the pair of lens holders in front of the other eye of the user.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 91, wherein the beam splitting cube is polarizing.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 91, wherein the image source comprises an active matrix liquid crystal display.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 93, further comprising a backlight disposed to light the active matrix liquid crystal display.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system of claim 91, wherein the main lens further comprises a lens having a positive power disposed between the beam splitting cube and the user's eye and a lens having a negative power disposed between the beam splitting cube and ambient scenery.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 91, further comprising a housing attached to one of the pair of temples, the image source disposed within the housing.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 91, wherein the main lens is integrally formed by molding, casting, or machining.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
227 words
A lens system for an eyeglass frame, the eyeglass frame having a pair of lens holders adapted to receive an image source, the lens system comprising: a main lens configured to be supported by the eyeglass frame in one of the pair of lens holders in front of an eye of a user, the main lens comprising: two optical surfaces arranged to permit passage of ambient light by the main lens through the two optical surfaces; an optical pathway disposed internally within the main lens to receive light from an image source separate from the ambient light, the optical pathway having at least a portion disposed along and between the two optical surfaces; a first insert embedded within the main lens in a position to direct light from the portion of the optical pathway to the user's eye, the first insert including an interface, the interface being transmissive to light on the portion of the optical pathway; a reflecting element embedded within the main lens adjacent to the first insert, the interface further being reflective to light from the reflecting element to redirect light to one of the optical surfaces, whereby the user perceives a virtual image in space; and a second insert embedded within the main lens to direct light from the image source onto the portion of the optical pathway between the two optical surfaces.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
227 words
A lens system for an eyeglass frame, the eyeglass frame having a pair of lens holders adapted to receive an image source, the lens system comprising: a main lens configured to be supported by the eyeglass frame in one of the pair of lens holders in front of an eye of a user, the main lens comprising: two optical surfaces arranged to permit passage of ambient light by the main lens through the two optical surfaces; an optical pathway disposed internally within the main lens to receive light from an image source separate from the ambient light, the optical pathway having at least a portion disposed along and between the two optical surfaces; a first insert embedded within the main lens in a position to direct light from the portion of the optical pathway to the user's eye, the first insert including an interface, the interface being transmissive to light on the portion of the optical pathway; a reflecting element embedded within the main lens adjacent to the first insert, the interface further being reflective to light from the reflecting element to redirect light to one of the optical surfaces, whereby the user perceives a virtual image in space; and a second insert embedded within the main lens to direct light from the image source onto the portion of the optical pathway between the two optical surfaces.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
28 words
The lens system of claim 98, wherein the first insert comprises a partially transmissive mirror, a beam splitter cube, a polarizing beam splitter, or a fully reflective mirror.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
14 words
The lens system of claim 98, further comprising an optical coating on the interface.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
31 words
The lens system of claim 98, wherein the interface comprises a polarizing beam splitter and the main lens further includes a polarization rotator disposed between the interface and the reflecting element.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
23 words
The lens system of claim 98, wherein the reflecting element is curved to alter vergence of the reflected light from the reflecting element.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
15 words
The lens system of claim 98, further comprising an optical coating on the reflecting element.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
25 words
The lens system of claim 98, wherein the second insert comprises a further interface oriented to redirect light onto the portion of the optical pathway.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
20 words
The lens system of claim 98, wherein the second insert comprises a polarizing beam splitter, a mirror, or a prism.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
92 words
An eyeglass frame comprising: a holder configured to hold a pair of lenses in front of a user's eyes; a pair of temples attached to the holder, each temple configured to be worn over an ear of the user; a housing mounted to one of the temples; and an optical pathway supported by the housing and operative to transmit an image from an image source directly into one of the pair of lenses in the holder to a lens system supported within the one of the pair of lenses in the holder.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
92 words
An eyeglass frame comprising: a holder configured to hold a pair of lenses in front of a user's eyes; a pair of temples attached to the holder, each temple configured to be worn over an ear of the user; a housing mounted to one of the temples; and an optical pathway supported by the housing and operative to transmit an image from an image source directly into one of the pair of lenses in the holder to a lens system supported within the one of the pair of lenses in the holder.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
14 words
The eyeglass frame of claim 106, wherein the optical pathway includes an image relay.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
26 words
The eyeglass frame of claim 107, wherein the image relay comprises a lens relay, a coherent optical fiber bundle, or a gradient index lens image conduit.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
15 words
The eyeglass frame of claim 107, wherein the housing is adjustable to provide focus adjustment.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
220 words
A head-mountable image combining system comprising: an eyeglass frame having a pair of lens holders and a pair of temples configured to be supported on a user's head; an optical pathway from an image source mounted to the eyeglass frame; a main lens supported by the eyeglass frame in one of the pair of lens holders in front of an eye of the user, the main lens comprising: two optical surfaces arranged to permit passage of ambient light by the main lens through the two optical surfaces; an insert embedded within the main lens to direct light on the optical pathway from the image source through the main lens between the two optical surfaces; a further insert embedded within the main lens in a position to direct light from the insert to the user's eye, the further insert including an interface transmissive to light from the insert; a reflecting element embedded within the main lens adjacent to the further insert, the interface further being reflective to light from the reflecting element to redirect light to one of the optical surfaces, whereby the user is able to perceive a virtual image in space; and a second lens system supported by the eyeglass frame in the other of the pair of lens holders in front of the other eye of the user.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
220 words
A head-mountable image combining system comprising: an eyeglass frame having a pair of lens holders and a pair of temples configured to be supported on a user's head; an optical pathway from an image source mounted to the eyeglass frame; a main lens supported by the eyeglass frame in one of the pair of lens holders in front of an eye of the user, the main lens comprising: two optical surfaces arranged to permit passage of ambient light by the main lens through the two optical surfaces; an insert embedded within the main lens to direct light on the optical pathway from the image source through the main lens between the two optical surfaces; a further insert embedded within the main lens in a position to direct light from the insert to the user's eye, the further insert including an interface transmissive to light from the insert; a reflecting element embedded within the main lens adjacent to the further insert, the interface further being reflective to light from the reflecting element to redirect light to one of the optical surfaces, whereby the user is able to perceive a virtual image in space; and a second lens system supported by the eyeglass frame in the other of the pair of lens holders in front of the other eye of the user.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 110, wherein the further insert comprises a partially transmissive mirror, a beam splitter cube, a polarizing beam splitter, or a fully reflective mirror.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 110, wherein the interface comprises a polarizing beam splitter and the main lens further includes a polarization rotator disposed between the interface and the reflecting element.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 110, wherein the reflecting element is curved to alter vergence of the reflected light from the reflecting element.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises a fully reflective mirror.
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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) | 2002-03-22 | 2002-09-21 | 2003-03-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-03-22 | 2006-09-21 | 2007-03-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-03-22 | 2010-09-21 | 2011-03-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |