Image splitter for two-way imaging apparatus
First Claim
1. Apparatus for generating selectively a manifestation indicative of a first or second image, comprising:
- (a) image sensing means to receive one of said first and second images to provide a corresponding manifestation thereof;
(b) means for illuminating selectively one of said first and second images, said illuminating means illuminating said second image with a greater intensity than said first image; and
(c) an image splitter disposed between said first and second images for selectively directing along a first path one of said first and second images depending upon which is illuminated by said illuminating means, said image splitter having a first surface for receiving via a second path incident therewith said first image an for transmitting said first image therethrough to be directed along said first path onto said image sensing means, and a second surface for receiving said second image along a third path incident therewith and for reflecting said second image along said first path onto said image sensing means, said image splitter having the property of a higher transmission of said first image therethrough than reflection of said second image.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A pair of devices is provided of similar construction. Each device includes a beam-splitter, a CRT for providing an image from the remote device and a TV camera to send an image to the remote device. The image from the CRT is viewable by a person using the device at all times. The TV camera will sense and send an image either of a person using the device or an item to be viewed. A pair of selectively operable light sources are provided to illuminate either the person or the item. If the person is illuminated, the TV camera transmits an image of the person. If the item is illuminated, the TV camera transmits an image of the item. A sound system is provided for audio communication. Computer means may be provided for controlling operation of the device.
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Citations
7 Claims
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1. Apparatus for generating selectively a manifestation indicative of a first or second image, comprising:
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(a) image sensing means to receive one of said first and second images to provide a corresponding manifestation thereof; (b) means for illuminating selectively one of said first and second images, said illuminating means illuminating said second image with a greater intensity than said first image; and (c) an image splitter disposed between said first and second images for selectively directing along a first path one of said first and second images depending upon which is illuminated by said illuminating means, said image splitter having a first surface for receiving via a second path incident therewith said first image an for transmitting said first image therethrough to be directed along said first path onto said image sensing means, and a second surface for receiving said second image along a third path incident therewith and for reflecting said second image along said first path onto said image sensing means, said image splitter having the property of a higher transmission of said first image therethrough than reflection of said second image. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. Apparatus for generating selectively a manifestation indicative of a first or second image, comprising:
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(a) an image splitter having first and second surfaces and disposed between said first and second images for receiving said first and second images via first and second paths respectively and for selective directing along a third path one of said first and second images depending upon the intensity of its illumination; (b) image sensing means disposed in said third path to receive the selectively directed image to provide a corresponding manifestation; (c) means for illuminating selectively one of said first and second images with an illumination of greater intensity whereby said selected one image is transmitted to said image sensing means; and (d) display means for projecting a third image along a fourth path intersecting said first surface; (e) said image splitter comprising a radiation transmissive layer defining said first and second surfaces, said first surface having a reflective coating thereon and said second surface having an antireflective coating thereon, said third image being incident via said fourth path upon said reflective coating to be reflected thereby via said first path, said second image being directed via said second path through said second surface and said transmissive layer to be incident upon said reflective coating to be reflected thereby via said first path onto said image sensing means, said antireflective coating preventing substantially the reflection of a double second image onto said image sensing means. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7)
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Specification