Patent Application
20160205385
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is a digital virtual object projector, which projects an auto-stereoscopic, 3D, high definition, virtual object or motion graphic onto 3D space without the need of a headset, optical substrate, or enclosure. It uses a target object, one or several micro-projectors, a parabolic mirror assembly, and specifically formatted visual information to produce a virtual, 3D display and spatially augmented reality.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Current versions of auto-stereoscopic, 3D, holographic or virtual object displays and projection systems often depend upon optical substrates such as emulsive films, liquid crystal displays, or other semi-transparent screens and materials to display auto-stereoscopic, 3D objects and forms. Current auto-stereoscopic, 3D display technology exists that can generate a virtual image without an optical substrate, however images remain low resolution, monochromatic, simple graphics with slow refresh rates. While auto-stereoscopic, 3D visualization technologies exist, which deliver high-resolution graphics and resemble holograms, they remain dependent upon enclosures and optical substrates for their viewing environment. The drawback of such systems is that they are not viewable from multiple angles and do not produce an independent virtual object or spatially augmented reality. Further, they often require expensive hardware configurations to function and depend upon rotational elements, which are subject to mechanical failure, reduced scalability, and limit the resolution of auto-stereoscopic content.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,502,816 describes a tabletop display providing multiple auto-stereoscopic views to users, comprising a rotatable view-angle restrictive filter and a display system. The display system displays a sequence of images synchronized with the rotation of the filter to provide multiple views according to viewing angle. These multiple views provide a user with a 3D display or with personalized content, which is not visible to a user at a sufficiently different viewing angle. In some embodiments, the display comprises a diffuser layer on which the sequence of images are displayed.
This system is limited by it's a rotatable view-angle restrictive filter and a display system, which does not permit high resolution or complex auto-stereoscopic images to be used due to its image source. It employs an electro-optic directional (e.g. holographic) filter which is a rotating element, subject to mechanical failure and limited scalability. This type of an electro-optic directional filter does not permit a high resolution, motion graphic to be displayed at the current time.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,881,822 describes a system and method for selling and/or dispensing consumer products from a vending or transactional-based machine. The vending or transactional-based machine comprises an aerial display device that displays an aerial image designed to attract the attention of potential consumers and sell advertising, special promotions or certain products.
This system describes itself as an aerial display system for displaying a changing, three-dimensional aerial image of products being sold. However, designed for kiosks and vending machines, it is accordingly encased within an enclosure and as such is not viewable from multiple sides.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,519 describes an apparatus for representing moving images in the background of a stage, using an image source, which projects an image on to a reflecting surface on the floor. Behind the reflecting surface, a transparent smooth foil extends at 45° from the ceiling to the floor. The image produced by the image source appears to the viewers as a virtual image behind the foil.
This system is limited by its use of an optical substrate, which is in this case a transparent smooth foil. The optical substrate provides one perspective to the viewing audience and does not generate an auto-stereoscopic, 3D object with multiple viewing angles or volume. It is designed for a theater environment.
The present invention is a device that projects an auto-stereoscopic, high definition, virtual object or motion graphic onto three-dimensional space without the need of an optical substrate or enclosure. It uses one or several micro-projectors to project an auto-stereoscopic, 3D form upon a target object. The target object is converted into a virtual object by a parabolic mirror assembly. The mirrors convert and project the target object as a virtual object through interference patterns. The present invention is an auto-stereoscopic, virtual display that produces a new form of spatially augmented reality.
It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide an imaging platform for gaming, digital entertainment media, digital cinema, television, Internet content, smart phones, tablets and the next generation of personal digital assistants and mobile devices.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a 3D viewing platform for 3D medical imaging technologies, including, but not limited to: computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine imaging (NMI), radiography (X-Ray), and Ultrasound. It could also be used to display several layered medical imaging platforms to increase diagnostic proficiency.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide remote navigational imaging for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), remotely piloted vehicle (RPV), remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), autonomous underwater explorer (UAE), space exploration vehicle (SEV), or any form of remotely piloted or autonomous device. It would have the ability to display information from an autonomous or remote vehicle's camera and sensors and display the perspective in first person, axonometric, and other remotely generated perspectives. It would have the ability to relay topographically accurate terrain data. It could also be used to view microscopic and spectral information acquired by exploration vehicles.
It is yet an additional object to provide an immersive virtual reality environment with a matrix of modular devices of varying sizes. This could also be achieved through increased mirror diameter, depth, segmented mirrors, and optical augmentation to create computer generated or reality based virtual reality environment.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tele-presence interface to reproduce the partial or complete human form in real time and increase the human interactivity of tele-presence and tele-conferencing.
It is yet a further object to provide a 3D image preview prior to fabrication for 3D printing, scanning, and CAD/CAM applications.
It is still a further object to provide an imaging platform for geological and geophysical data, including, but not limited to: remote imaging, exploration geophysics, surface and subsurface imaging, onshore and offshore seismology, magnetometric and gravimetric data, raw logging data, 2-D seismic interpretation, Ethology, Interactive Surface Modeling™ (ISM), interactive volume modeling, (IVM), electronic spectral sensors, Vidicon, multispectral scanner imagery, airborne photography, imaging spectroscopy, thermal and visible imaging, digitized gravity imaging, airborne visible and infrared imaging spectrometry (AVIRIS), side scan sonar, and Landsat MSS data.
It is still a further object to provide an imaging platform for advertising, commercial product demonstration and display.
It is also a further object to provide an imaging platform for scientific modeling and predictive simulation science, including, but not limited to: finite element modeling, molecular modeling, materials modeling, atmospheric modeling, phenomenological modeling, and higher dimensional visualization.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a virtual interactive teaching/instructional toy/tool for children and adults. It would project virtual instructors/instruction, educational graphics and applications to enhance remote collaborations between teacher and student.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide an imaging system to convey dynamic and accurate real time data visualization systems for aviation and weather RADAR, SONAR and GPS systems.
It is yet a further object to provide virtual display/dashboard for cars, planes and other vehicles.
It is still a further object to provide a viewing interface for design applications and demonstrations.
It is an additional object to provide an imaging platform for microscopes and telescopes.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those familiar with the art upon reading the accompanying description, drawings, and claims set forth herein. The headings provided herein are for the convenience of the reader only. No headings should be construed to limiting upon the content in any way.
Target object as used herein shall mean a real object that acts as a 3D screen upon which one or several micro-projectors project visual information.
Target object as used herein may include solid geometries and/or capture prisms which convert multiple 2-D projections to volumetric form.
Capture prism as used herein shall mean intersecting reflective screens imbedded in acrylic and/or other optical materials shaped as cylinders or other geometries which impart volumetric properties on internal projective screens or liquid crystal displays inside the capture prism to render the same effect and eliminate the need for projectors.
Micro-projectors as used herein shall mean small projectors which are of an appropriate focal length to project on the target object and are small enough to work partially inside the parabolic mirror assembly.
The parabolic mirror assembly as used herein shall mean an assembly of two parabolic mirrors and/or deformable mirrors facing each other and separated at an optimal distance with apertures at the top and bottom to generate interference patterns and allow projections from beneath if required.
Cameras as used herein shall mean actual cameras or 3-D modeling based cameras in 3-D modeling software. Laser scanners and other scanning and capturing devices may be substituted for cameras.
Micro-projectors and projectors as used herein shall be interchangeable terms.
Object and form as used herein shall be interchangeable terms.
Holoscope and digital virtual object projector as used herein shall be interchangeable terms.
As can be seen amply from the drawings, the Holoscope is a device comprised of single (2) or several micro-projectors (3), target object (1) or capture prism (6), and parabolic mirror assembly (4) or deformable mirror array assembly (6). These components work together to project an auto-stereoscopic, 3D, digital virtual object or form onto three-dimensional space that can be viewed from a single or several angles.
The target object (1) is a real object and the focal point of one or several micro-projectors. The target object (1) in this case is a sphere with a reflective surface. Spherical geometry has proven thus far the most seamless, solid 3-D form to project upon, though any regular or irregular polyhedron with a reflective surface can be used, provided the projected information is segment formatted for the target object's geometry. The target object (1) acts as a spherical projection screen upon which 3-D forms are projected. It works in conjunction with specifically formatted information. The target object (1) is a real object at the base of the parabolic mirror assembly (4). The target object (1) is comprised of both the real object and it's reflected surface information. The target object is converted into a virtual object by the parabolic mirror assembly. (4) A solid target object such as a sphere works best in a fixed perspective system.
The target object (1) is a real object and the focal point of one or several micro-projectors. The target object (1) in this case is a capture prism (5) or optical grade, acrylic cylinder, and or other geometry formed of optical material, sectioned, and enclosing intersecting opaque or semi-transparent, projection screens (7). The capture prism's internal projection screens (7) act as intersecting surfaces upon which composite sections of 3-D objects are projected from four sides at 90 degree increments and converge at the center. The capture prism's (5) optical properties of internal curvature impart volumetric and anamorphic properties upon the projection screens (7) or liquid crystal displays inside the capture prism. The internal projection screens work as barriers and convergence points between the 90 degree sections of the capture prism though semi-transparent screens can also be used for rear projection. While the capture prism can be based on any regular or irregular polyhedron, the cylindrical, capture prism (5) exhibits the most promising internal curvature thus far. The capture prism (5) is comprised of both a real object (segmented, acrylic cylinder) and it's reflected internal information (internal projection screens or liquid crystal displays. The target object (1) or capture prism (5) is a real object at the base of the parabolic mirror (4) and/or deformable mirror array (3). The capture prism is converted into a virtual object by the parabolic (4) and/or deformable mirror array (5). The capture prism is the most effective means for laser-based projectors to composite a 360 degree, volumetric object or event, observable to one or more viewers from multiple sides. Quantity and design of internal projection screens may vary due to variations in the capture prism's design and geometry.
Micro-projectors (3) are used to convey the visual information to the target object (1). A single projector (2) can be used to project a 3-D virtual object observable from a fixed point of view. A micro-projector array (3) is used to project a composite object viewable from multiple sides. Each object segment is projected from a single projector (2). The segmented object projection can be produced by as few as two micro-projectors (3) or as many as are required to cover the surface area of the target object (1). The micro-projectors (3) are arrayed to project upon the target object (1) in segments. Four micro-projectors are used for the diagram, but the number of projectors used is relative to the size and shape of the target sphere as is their arrangement. Additional micro-projectors (3) can be added from above and below when necessitated by modifications in the target sphere (1).
The parabolic mirror assembly (4) is comprised of two concave parabolic mirrors (4) interfaced with circular apertures at the bottom and top. The two parabolic mirrors (4) magnify and project a virtual object of whatever real object is placed inside the mirrors at their base. The real or target object (1) and it's reflected surface information are converted into a virtual object through the generation of interference patterns by the mirror assembly (4). An increase in the diameter of the mirror assembly results in the increase in the size of the virtual object. However, increases in the scale of projection could also be increased by optical augmentation, variations in mirror depth and segmented mirrors. The mirror assembly may eventually be replaced by interference patterns generated directly by lasers, micro-projectors or some other projective source.
The deformable mirror array assembly (5) is in this case comprised of two, segmented, polygonal mirror arrays (5) interfaced with apertures at the top and bottom. The two deformable mirrors (5) magnify, project, and variate the focal point and wave front of the virtual object or whatever reflected target object (1) and/or capture prism (6) is placed inside the deformable mirror assembly at its base. The capture prism (6) and its internal projection screens (7) are converted into a virtual object through interference patterns by the deformable mirror array assembly (5). Deformable mirrors (5), such as but not limited to segmented mirror arrays (5) contract and expand the segmented array of polygonal mirrors to control mirror depth, wave front of light, interference patterns and focal point of the virtual object. An increase in the diameter of the deformable mirror assembly (5) results in the increase in the size of the virtual object. However, non-linear meta-surface mirrors can also be used in conjunction with deformable mirror technology to increase the frequency output and/or size of virtual object. The mirror assembly may eventually be replaced by interference patterns generated directly by lasers, micro-projectors, and/or some other projective source. The polygonal array (5) is merely one example and the polygonal mirror array may be based on any periodic, aperiodic, or non-periodic tiling patterns and/or regular or irregular tessellations. Deformable mirror designs may consist of less or more polygonal iterations or repetitions than are depicted by the diagram.
The problems addressed by the Holoscope are as many as can be seen by those familiar with the current state of the art. Because the Holoscope does not depend on optical substrates, enclosures, or current holographic technology and generates an auto-stereoscopic, 3D, virtual object by means of interference patterns, several limitations of holographic technology have been avoided. The Holoscope can project a high definition, auto-stereoscopic, three-dimensional, virtual form on three-dimensional space without the need of a headset, enclosure, film, foil, emulsive medium or liquid crystal display. The Holoscope contains no moving parts and as such is less susceptible to mechanical failure. The device is capable of supporting whatever resolution and frame rate is projected through it by the micro-projectors (3). The projected virtual object is visible in normal room light conditions and produces an auto-stereoscopic, 3D, virtual form that appears to float in the air. The device supports several graphical interfaces. It can display auto-stereoscopic, 3D motion graphics and dynamic systems in accurate volumetric detail. It's capacity for generating an auto-stereoscopic, 3D object from a single projector (2), observable from a fixed position, allows conventional graphics to be used and converted to 3D. Its multiple projector array (3) generates a 3-D object, which is observable from 360 degree horizontal axis. It allows a stereoscopic 3-D form to be observed from above and below.
Thus it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not restricted to the particular preferred embodiments described with reference to the drawings, and that variations may be made therein without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
The present application is a Continuation In Part of application Ser. No. 14/010,766 filed on Aug. 27, 2013 The current status is pending.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US14/52761 | 8/26/2014 | WO | 00 |
