Patent US6014259A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6014259A
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US
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Three dimensional imaging system
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1995-06-07
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Granted: 2000-01-11
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Expires: 2015-06-07
Abstract
Abstract Recent advances in surface techniques have lead to the development of extremely small (sub-micron) scale features. These techniques allow the formation of polymer micro-lenses as well as variable focus liquid lenses. The present invention primarily concerns the use of small scale lenses for the fabrication of novel displays which exhibit three-dimensional (3D) effects. Both still images and video images (or other motion images) can be generated.
Inventors
- 👤 Jacob N. Wohlstadter
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 13:39
CPC Classifications
B; B82; B82Y; B82Y30/00; G; G02; G02B; G02B26/00; G02B26/08; G02B26/0875; G02B3/00; G02B3/12; G02B3/14; G02B30/00; G02B30/10; G02B30/20; G02B30/26; G02B30/27; G02B30/50; G02B30/56; H; H04; H04N; H04N13/00; H04N13/30; H04N13/302; H04N13/305; H04N13/322; H04N13/20; H04N13/204; H04N13/207; H04N13/236; H04N13/286; H04N13/289; H04N13/293; H04N19/00; H04N19/50; H04N19/597
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 42
Claim 1
Independent Claim
84 words
A three dimensional imaging system comprising: a two dimensional array of micro-lenses, a multiplicity thereof having a variable focal length, and a two dimensional image having a multiplicity of image points or pixels; wherein a plurality of micro-lenses in said multiplicity thereof is in alignment with a plurality of image points or pixels in said two dimensional image, and wherein the focal length of each micro-lens in said multiplicity thereof is selectively variable to generate a three dimensional representation of said two dimensional image.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
84 words
A three dimensional imaging system comprising: a two dimensional array of micro-lenses, a multiplicity thereof having a variable focal length, and a two dimensional image having a multiplicity of image points or pixels; wherein a plurality of micro-lenses in said multiplicity thereof is in alignment with a plurality of image points or pixels in said two dimensional image, and wherein the focal length of each micro-lens in said multiplicity thereof is selectively variable to generate a three dimensional representation of said two dimensional image.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
74 words
A three dimensional imaging system comprising: a two dimensional array of micro-lenses each having a variable focal length, and a two dimensional image having a plurality of image points or pixels; wherein at least one micro-lens in the array is in alignment with one or more of the image points or pixels and wherein the focal length of each micro-lens is selectively variable to generate a three dimensional representation of the two dimensional image.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
74 words
A three dimensional imaging system comprising: a two dimensional array of micro-lenses each having a variable focal length, and a two dimensional image having a plurality of image points or pixels; wherein at least one micro-lens in the array is in alignment with one or more of the image points or pixels and wherein the focal length of each micro-lens is selectively variable to generate a three dimensional representation of the two dimensional image.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
69 words
A three dimensional imaging system comprising: an array of micro-lenses, a subset thereof having a variable focal length, and an image having a plurality of image points or pixels; wherein each image point or pixel is in alignment with one or more micro-lenses in the array and wherein the focal length of each micro-lens in said subset is selectively variable to generate a three dimensional representation of the image.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
69 words
A three dimensional imaging system comprising: an array of micro-lenses, a subset thereof having a variable focal length, and an image having a plurality of image points or pixels; wherein each image point or pixel is in alignment with one or more micro-lenses in the array and wherein the focal length of each micro-lens in said subset is selectively variable to generate a three dimensional representation of the image.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
A three dimensional imaging system as recited in claim 3, wherein the imaging system is sold as a kit.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A three dimensional imaging system as recited in claim 3, wherein the imaging system is incorporated in a pair of goggles.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
A three dimensional imaging system as recited in claim 3, wherein the imagining system is incorporated in a transparent heads-up display.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
A three-dimensional imaging system as recited in claim 3, wherein the image has a depth of field greater than the depth of field at any one focus distance.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
A three dimensional imaging system as recited in claim 3, further comprising means for alternating between 3D and 2D images.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
A three dimensional imaging system as recited in claim 8, wherein said means for alternating includes means for making the micro-lenses optically neutral.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
A three dimensional imaging system as recited in claim 8, wherein said means for alternating includes means for removing the array of micro-lenses.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
A three dimensional imaging system as recited in claim 3, wherein the imaging system is incorporated in art work.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
A three dimensional imaging system as recited in claim 3, wherein the imaging system is incorporated in advertisements.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
A three dimensional imaging system as recited in claim 3, wherein the imaging system is incorporated in a virtual reality device.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
73 words
An optical system for varying the apparent distance of a two dimensional object, comprising: an array of micro-lenses each having a variable focal length, and a two dimensional object having a plurality of points or pixels; wherein at least one micro-lens is in alignment with one or more points or pixels and wherein the focal length of each micro-lens is selectively variable to vary the apparent distance of said image points or pixels.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
73 words
An optical system for varying the apparent distance of a two dimensional object, comprising: an array of micro-lenses each having a variable focal length, and a two dimensional object having a plurality of points or pixels; wherein at least one micro-lens is in alignment with one or more points or pixels and wherein the focal length of each micro-lens is selectively variable to vary the apparent distance of said image points or pixels.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
64 words
A three dimensional imaging system comprising: an array of micro-lenses each having a variable focal length, and an image having a plurality of image points or pixels; wherein each image point or pixel is in alignment with one or more micro-lenses in the array and wherein the focal length of each micro-lens is selectively variable to generate a three dimensional representation of the image.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
64 words
A three dimensional imaging system comprising: an array of micro-lenses each having a variable focal length, and an image having a plurality of image points or pixels; wherein each image point or pixel is in alignment with one or more micro-lenses in the array and wherein the focal length of each micro-lens is selectively variable to generate a three dimensional representation of the image.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
69 words
An optical system for varying the apparent distance of a computer screen from a viewer, comprising: an array of micro-lenses each having a variable focal length and a computer screen having a plurality of pixels; wherein each pixel is in alignment with one or more micro-lenses in the array and wherein the focal length of each micro-lens is selectively variable to vary the apparent distance of the computer screen.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
69 words
An optical system for varying the apparent distance of a computer screen from a viewer, comprising: an array of micro-lenses each having a variable focal length and a computer screen having a plurality of pixels; wherein each pixel is in alignment with one or more micro-lenses in the array and wherein the focal length of each micro-lens is selectively variable to vary the apparent distance of the computer screen.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
76 words
A method for reducing eyestrain of a computer operator, comprising the step of: deploying an optical system comprising an array of micro-lenses each having a variable focal length and a computer screen having a plurality of pixels in alignment with one or more micro-lenses in the array; and periodically varying the focal length of all of the micro-lenses in the array, whereby the computer screen appears to the computer operator to become closer or further away.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
76 words
A method for reducing eyestrain of a computer operator, comprising the step of: deploying an optical system comprising an array of micro-lenses each having a variable focal length and a computer screen having a plurality of pixels in alignment with one or more micro-lenses in the array; and periodically varying the focal length of all of the micro-lenses in the array, whereby the computer screen appears to the computer operator to become closer or further away.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
80 words
A method for reducing eyestrain of a computer operator, comprising the step of: deploying an optical system comprising an array of micro-lenses each having a variable focal length and a computer screen having a plurality of pixels in alignment with one or more micro-lenses in the array; and periodically varying the focal length of a subset of the micro-lenses in the array, whereby a portion of the computer screen appears to the computer operator to become closer or further away.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
80 words
A method for reducing eyestrain of a computer operator, comprising the step of: deploying an optical system comprising an array of micro-lenses each having a variable focal length and a computer screen having a plurality of pixels in alignment with one or more micro-lenses in the array; and periodically varying the focal length of a subset of the micro-lenses in the array, whereby a portion of the computer screen appears to the computer operator to become closer or further away.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
71 words
An optical system for varying the apparent distance of a computer screen from a viewer, comprising: an array of micro-lenses each having a variable focal length, and a computer screen having a plurality of pixels; wherein at least one micro-lens is in alignment with one or more pixels and wherein the focal length of each micro-lens is selectively variable to vary the apparent distance of said pixels on the computer screen.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
71 words
An optical system for varying the apparent distance of a computer screen from a viewer, comprising: an array of micro-lenses each having a variable focal length, and a computer screen having a plurality of pixels; wherein at least one micro-lens is in alignment with one or more pixels and wherein the focal length of each micro-lens is selectively variable to vary the apparent distance of said pixels on the computer screen.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
74 words
An optical system for varying the apparent distance of a two dimensional object, comprising: an array of micro-lenses each having a variable focal length, and a two dimensional object having a plurality of points or pixels; wherein each point or pixel is in alignment with one or more micro-lenses in the array and wherein the focal length of each micro-lens is selectively variable to vary the apparent distance of said image point or pixel.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
74 words
An optical system for varying the apparent distance of a two dimensional object, comprising: an array of micro-lenses each having a variable focal length, and a two dimensional object having a plurality of points or pixels; wherein each point or pixel is in alignment with one or more micro-lenses in the array and wherein the focal length of each micro-lens is selectively variable to vary the apparent distance of said image point or pixel.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
79 words
A three dimensional imaging system comprising: a two dimensional array of micro-lenses, a subset thereof having a variable focal length, and a two dimensional image having a plurality of image points or pixels; wherein at least one micro-lens in the array is in alignment with one or more of the image points or pixels and wherein the focal length of each micro-lens in said subset is selectively variable to generate a three dimensional representation of the two dimensional image.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
79 words
A three dimensional imaging system comprising: a two dimensional array of micro-lenses, a subset thereof having a variable focal length, and a two dimensional image having a plurality of image points or pixels; wherein at least one micro-lens in the array is in alignment with one or more of the image points or pixels and wherein the focal length of each micro-lens in said subset is selectively variable to generate a three dimensional representation of the two dimensional image.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
19 words
A three dimensional imaging system as recited in claim 21, wherein the imaging system is sold as a kit.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
21 words
A three dimensional imaging system as recited in claim 21, wherein the imaging system is incorporated in a pair of goggles.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
21 words
A three dimensional imaging system as recited in claim 21, wherein the imagining system is incorporated in a transparent heads-up display.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
28 words
A three-dimensional imaging system as recited in claim 21, wherein the image has a depth of field greater than the depth of field at any one focus distance.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
20 words
A three dimensional imaging system as recited in claim 21, further comprising means for alternating between 3D and 2D images.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
23 words
A three dimensional imaging system as recited in claim 26, wherein said means for alternating includes means for making the micro-lenses optically neutral.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
23 words
A three dimensional imaging system as recited in claim 26, wherein said means for alternating includes means for removing the array of micro-lenses.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
19 words
A three dimensional imaging system as recited in claim 21, wherein the imaging system is incorporated in art work.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
18 words
A three dimensional imaging system as recited in claim 21, wherein the imaging system is incorporated in advertisements.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
21 words
A three dimensional imaging system as recited in claim 21, wherein the imaging system is incorporated in a virtual reality device.
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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) | 2003-01-10 | 2003-07-12 | 2004-01-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-01-10 | 2007-07-12 | 2008-01-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-01-10 | 2011-07-12 | 2012-01-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |