US6101038A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Infrared audio/video interface for head-mounted display
Assignee: Stryker Corp
•
Filing: 1999-05-03
•
Granted: 2000-08-08
•
Expires: 2019-05-03
Abstract
Abstract A video interface linking a base station with a remote display, e.g., a head-mounted display, converts input video signals from NTSC or PAL formats into modulated video signals containing repetitive sequences of frame times with embedded audio and control signals. Each frame time includes equal consecutive color field times. Frame rates are converted by inserting selected repeating color frames into the datastream. Bursts of image information occupy a portion of each field time. During each data burst, the display is loaded with pixel luminance data. Between bursts, the display is illuminated by a color LED. Two video displays can be driven alternately, i.e., the first display loads while the second is illuminated. The modulated video signal can travel through the atmosphere on an infrared (IR) beam with a wavelength between 700 nm and 1100 nm. In one embodiment, the beam is scattered from a diffuse reflecting surface. Alternatively, the beam is shaped by a shaping lens. Designs for shaping lenses and collecting lens assemblies are described. Some embodiments include return audio transmission.
Inventors
- 👤 Raymond T. Hebert
- 👤 Kevin R. Hempson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 12:53
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B27/00; G02B27/01; G02B27/017; G02B27/0172; G02B27/0176; H; H04; H04B; H04B10/00; H04B10/11; H04B10/114; H04B10/1143; G02B2027/0178
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 84
Claim 1
Independent Claim
113 words
An apparatus including a video interface for a remote display, comprising: a video processing circuit configured to output a modulated video signal; a remote receiver configured to receive said modulated video signal; and a remote electronic circuit interconnected to said receiver and to a video display device, said remote electronic circuit configured to apply said modulated video signal to control and drive said video display device; said modulated video signal having a data structure comprising a repetitive sequence of frame times, each said frame time containing substantially equal consecutive field times for each of three color fields, a portion of each said field time containing a burst of pixel luminance and control data.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
113 words
An apparatus including a video interface for a remote display, comprising: a video processing circuit configured to output a modulated video signal; a remote receiver configured to receive said modulated video signal; and a remote electronic circuit interconnected to said receiver and to a video display device, said remote electronic circuit configured to apply said modulated video signal to control and drive said video display device; said modulated video signal having a data structure comprising a repetitive sequence of frame times, each said frame time containing substantially equal consecutive field times for each of three color fields, a portion of each said field time containing a burst of pixel luminance and control data.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further configured such that said modulated video signal is transmitted from said video processing circuit to said receiver at least in part on a modulated beam of electromagnetic energy.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said modulated beam of electromagnetic energy is an infrared beam having a wavelength in a range of approximately 700 nm to approximately 1100 nm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 2, including an optical fiber connecting said video processing circuit to said receiver, said modulated beam of electromagnetic energy propagating through said optical fiber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 2, further configured such that said modulated beam of electromagnetic energy propagates to said receiver at least in part through a free atmospheric path.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 5, configured such that said modulated beam of electromagnetic energy is diffusely reflected from a surface located proximate to said receiver.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a shaping lens assembly located proximate to said receiver, said shaping lens assembly being configured to output said modulated beam of electromagnetic energy in a pattern, wherein said modulated beam of electromagnetic energy is substantially concentrated within a volume including the probable location of said receiver.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
68 words
The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said shaping lens assembly comprises: a convergent output lens having a hollow conic input surface and a substantially hemispherical output surface; and a divergent input lens having a hollow conic input surface and a flat output surface; said input lens and said output lens being aligned and adjustably separated along a mutual conic axis; and said input and output lens being aspheric.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said input and output lens are made of an optically transmitting polymeric material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of polymethyl methacrylates and polycarbonates.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said shaping lens assembly comprises: a cluster of infrared light emitting diodes; and an aspheric convergent output lens having a hollow conic input surface and a substantially hemispherical output surface; said cluster of light emitting diodes and said convergent output lens being aligned and adjustably separated along a mutual axis.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said cluster of light emitting diodes is interconnected with said video processing circuit through a coaxial cable.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said receiver further comprises a collecting lens assembly incorporating: a photodetector; an inner light cone optically cemented to said photodetector, said inner light cone having diffusely reflecting outer walls; and a wide-angle collecting lens attached coaxially to said inner light cone.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said collecting lens assembly further comprises an outer conic cavity disposed coaxially around said wide angle collecting lens and inner light cone, said outer conic cavity having polished reflective inner walls.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said wide angle collecting lens is aspheric.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said wide angle collecting lens is made of an optically transmitting polymeric material.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said wide angle collecting lens and said inner light cone are an integrated monolithic structure.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of polymethyl methacrylates and polycarbonates.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a headset to be worn by a user, said headset incorporating said receiver and said video display device.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a tether interconnecting said video processing circuit and said receiver, such that said modulated video signal is transmitted through said tether.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said tether includes an electrically conducting coaxial cable, such that said modulated video signal is transmitted through said coaxial cable.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said tether includes an optical fiber, such that said modulated video signal is transmitted through said optical fiber.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said remote electronic circuit is configured to illuminate said video display device sequentially with light from colored light emitting diodes in synchronism with said bursts of pixel luminance data, such that illumination occurs during a portion of each said field time not containing said burst.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
61 words
The apparatus of claim 23, further configured to operate two separate video display devices alternately, such that data bursts of a first video signal for a first display device alternate with corresponding data bursts of a second video signal for a second display device, and wherein said first and second video signals are derived from a single time-duplexed video data stream.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said field time is in a range of approximately 4 msec to approximately 6 msec.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further configured to provide a video bandwidth of the order of or greater than 100 MHz.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said video processing circuit is configured to convert a frame rate in an input video signal into a higher frame rate in said modulated video signal by repeated color fields.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said modulated video signal incorporates an embedded audio signal.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a return audio link configured to propagate a return audio modulated signal from the proximity of said remote receiver to the proximity of said video processing circuit.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
128 words
An apparatus including a video interface for a remote display, comprising: a video processing circuit configured to output a modulated video signal; a remote receiver; said receiver configured to receive said modulated video signal; a remote electronic circuit interconnected between said receiver and a video display device, said remote electronic circuit configured to apply said modulated video signal to control and drive said video display device; and a shaping lens assembly located proximate to said receiver, said shaping lens assembly being configured to output said modulated video signal to said receiver at least in part through a free atmospheric path on a modulated beam of electromagnetic energy, such that said modulated beam of electromagnetic energy is concentrated substantially within a volume including the probable location of said receiver.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
128 words
An apparatus including a video interface for a remote display, comprising: a video processing circuit configured to output a modulated video signal; a remote receiver; said receiver configured to receive said modulated video signal; a remote electronic circuit interconnected between said receiver and a video display device, said remote electronic circuit configured to apply said modulated video signal to control and drive said video display device; and a shaping lens assembly located proximate to said receiver, said shaping lens assembly being configured to output said modulated video signal to said receiver at least in part through a free atmospheric path on a modulated beam of electromagnetic energy, such that said modulated beam of electromagnetic energy is concentrated substantially within a volume including the probable location of said receiver.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 30, wherein said modulated beam of electromagnetic energy is an infrared beam having a wavelength in a range of approximately 700 nm to approximately 1100 nm.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
68 words
The apparatus of claim 30, wherein said shaping lens assembly comprises: a convergent output lens having a hollow conic input surface and a substantially hemispherical output surface; and a divergent input lens having a hollow conic input surface and a flat output surface; said input lens and said output lens being aligned and adjustably separated along their respective conic axes; and said input and output lens being aspheric.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of claim 30, wherein said shaping lens assembly comprises: a cluster of infrared light emitting diodes; and an aspheric convergent output lens having a hollow conic input surface and a substantially hemispherical output surface; said cluster of light emitting diodes and said convergent output lens being aligned and adjustably separated along a mutual axis.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said cluster of light emitting diodes is interconnected with said video processing circuit through a coaxial cable.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 30, wherein said receiver further comprises a collecting lens assembly incorporating: a photodetector; an inner light cone optically cemented to said photodetector, said inner light cone having diffusely reflecting outer walls; and a wide-angle collecting lens attached coaxially to said inner light cone.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said collecting lens assembly further comprises an outer conic cavity disposed coaxially around said wide angle collecting lens and inner light cone, said outer conic cavity having polished reflective inner walls.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said wide angle collecting lens is aspheric.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 30, further comprising a headset to be worn by a user, said headset including said receiver and said video display device.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 30, wherein said modulated video signal incorporates an embedded audio signal.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 30, further comprising a return audio link configured to propagate an audio modulated signal from the proximity of said remote receiver to the proximity of said video processing circuit.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
66 words
An apparatus including a shaping lens assembly configured for shaping a beam of electromagnetic radiation, said assembly comprising: a convergent output lens having a hollow conic input surface and a substantially hemispherical output surface; and a divergent input lens having a hollow conic input surface and a flat output surface; said input lens and said output lens being aligned and adjustably separated along a mutual axis.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
66 words
An apparatus including a shaping lens assembly configured for shaping a beam of electromagnetic radiation, said assembly comprising: a convergent output lens having a hollow conic input surface and a substantially hemispherical output surface; and a divergent input lens having a hollow conic input surface and a flat output surface; said input lens and said output lens being aligned and adjustably separated along a mutual axis.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said convergent output lens and said divergent input lens are made of an optically transmitting polymeric material.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of polymethyl methacrylates and polycarbonates.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
49 words
An apparatus including a collecting lens assembly comprising: an inner light cone having diffusely reflecting outer walls; a wide-angle collecting lens attached coaxially to said inner light cone; and an outer conic cavity disposed coaxially around said wide-angle collecting lens, said outer conic cavity having polished reflective inner walls.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
49 words
An apparatus including a collecting lens assembly comprising: an inner light cone having diffusely reflecting outer walls; a wide-angle collecting lens attached coaxially to said inner light cone; and an outer conic cavity disposed coaxially around said wide-angle collecting lens, said outer conic cavity having polished reflective inner walls.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 44, further comprising a headset configured to be worn by a user, said headset including said collecting lens assembly and a video display device.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 44, wherein said wide-angle collecting lens is made of an optically transmitting polymeric material.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 46, wherein said wide angle collecting lens and said inner light cone are an integrated monolithic structure.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 46, wherein said polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of polymethyl methacrylates and polycarbonates.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
85 words
A method of operating a remote video display device, comprising: generating a modulated video signal; transmitting said modulated video signal to a remote receiver; and applying said modulated video signal to control and drive said video display device; said modulated video signal having a data structure comprising a repetitive sequence of frame times, each said frame time containing substantially equal consecutive field times for each of three color fields, a portion of each said field time containing a burst of pixel luminance and control data.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
85 words
A method of operating a remote video display device, comprising: generating a modulated video signal; transmitting said modulated video signal to a remote receiver; and applying said modulated video signal to control and drive said video display device; said modulated video signal having a data structure comprising a repetitive sequence of frame times, each said frame time containing substantially equal consecutive field times for each of three color fields, a portion of each said field time containing a burst of pixel luminance and control data.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 49, wherein said modulated video signal is transmitted on a modulated beam of electromagnetic energy.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 50, wherein said modulated beam of electromagnetic energy is an infrared beam having a wavelength in a range of approximately 700 nm to approximately 1100 nm.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 50, wherein said modulated beam of electromagnetic energy is transmitted through an optical fiber to said receiver.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 50, wherein said modulated beam of electromagnetic energy is transmitted to said receiver at least in part through a free atmospheric path.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 53, wherein said modulated beam of electromagnetic energy is diffusely reflected from a surface located above and proximate to said receiver.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 53, further comprising shaping and outputting said modulated beam of electromagnetic energy prior to said transmitting, using a shaping lens assembly located proximate to said receiver, thereby concentrating said modulated beam of electromagnetic energy within a volume including the probable location of said receiver.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
72 words
The method of claim 55, wherein said shaping is performed using a shaping lens assembly comprising: a convergent output lens having a hollow conic input surface and a substantially hemispherical output surface; and a divergent input lens having a hollow conic input surface and a flat output surface; said input lens and said output lens being aligned and adjustably separated along a mutual axis; and said input and output lens being aspheric.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 55, wherein said shaping is performed using a shaping lens assembly comprising: a cluster of infrared light emitting diodes; and an aspheric convergent output lens having a hollow conic input surface and a substantially hemispherical output surface; said cluster of light emitting diodes and said convergent output lens being aligned and adjustably separated along a mutual axis.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 57, wherein said cluster of light emitting diodes is interconnected with said video processing circuit through a coaxial cable.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 53, wherein said receiver comprises a collecting lens assembly incorporating: a photodetector; an inner light cone optically cemented to said photodetector, said inner light cone having diffusely reflecting outer walls; and a wide-angle collecting lens attached coaxially to said inner light cone.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 59, wherein said collecting lens assembly further comprises an outer conic cavity disposed coaxially around said wide angle collecting lens and inner light cone, said outer conic cavity having polished reflective inner walls.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 59, wherein said wide angle collecting lens is aspheric.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 49, wherein said receiver and said video display device are incorporated in a headset worn by a user.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 49, further comprising illuminating said video display device sequentially with light from colored light emitting diodes in synchronism with said bursts of pixel luminance data, such that said illuminating occurs during a portion of each said field time not containing said data burst.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method of claim 63, wherein two separate video display devices are operated alternately, such that data bursts of a first video signal for a first display device alternate with corresponding data bursts of a second video signal for a second display device, and wherein said first and second video signals are derived from a single time-duplexed video data stream.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 49, further comprising converting a frame rate in an input video signal to a higher frame rate in said modulated video signal by repeating selected color fields.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 49, further comprising embedding an audio signal into said modulated video signal.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 49, further comprising transmitting a return audio modulated signal from the proximity of said remote receiver.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
76 words
A method of operating a remote video display device, comprising: generating a modulated video signal; transmitting said modulated video signal on a modulated beam of electromagnetic energy through a free atmospheric path to a remote receiver; and applying said modulated video signal to control and drive said video display device; and shaping said modulated beam of electromagnetic energy, thereby concentrating said modulated beam of electromagnetic energy within a volume including the probable location of said receiver.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
76 words
A method of operating a remote video display device, comprising: generating a modulated video signal; transmitting said modulated video signal on a modulated beam of electromagnetic energy through a free atmospheric path to a remote receiver; and applying said modulated video signal to control and drive said video display device; and shaping said modulated beam of electromagnetic energy, thereby concentrating said modulated beam of electromagnetic energy within a volume including the probable location of said receiver.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 68, wherein said modulated beam of electromagnetic energy is an infrared beam having a wavelength in a range of approximately 700 nm to approximately 1100 nm.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
72 words
The method of claim 68, wherein said shaping is performed using a shaping lens assembly, comprising: a convergent output lens having a hollow conic input surface and a substantially hemispherical output surface; and a divergent input lens having a hollow conic input surface and a flat output surface; said input lens and said output lens being aligned and adjustably separated along a mutual axis; and said input and output lens being aspheric.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 68, wherein said shaping is performed using a shaping lens assembly, comprising: a cluster of infrared light emitting diodes; and an aspheric convergent output lens having a hollow conic input surface and a substantially hemispherical output surface; said cluster of light emitting diodes and said convergent output lens being aligned and adjustably separated along a mutual axis.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 71, wherein said cluster of light emitting diodes is interconnected with said video processing circuit through a coaxial cable.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 68, wherein said receiver comprises a collecting lens assembly incorporating: a photodetector; an inner light cone optically cemented to said photodetector, said inner light cone having diffusely reflecting outer walls; and a wide-angle collecting lens attached coaxially to said inner light cone.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 73, wherein said collecting lens assembly further comprises an outer conic cavity disposed coaxially around said wide angle collecting lens and inner light cone, said outer conic cavity having polished reflective inner walls.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 73, wherein said wide angle collecting lens is aspheric.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 68, wherein said receiver and said video display device are incorporated in a headset worn by a user.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 68, further comprising embedding an audio signal in said modulated video signal.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 68, further comprising transmitting a return audio modulated signal from the proximity of said remote receiver.
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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) | 2003-08-08 | 2004-02-07 | 2004-08-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-08-08 | 2008-02-07 | 2008-08-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-08-08 | 2012-02-07 | 2012-08-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |