Image splitter for two-way imaging apparatus

• US 4,821,307 A
• Filed: 02/10/1987
• Issued: 04/11/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 02/10/1987
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Paul L. Flint III
• Original Assignee: Paul L. Flint III
• Inventors: Flint, Paul L. III
• Primary Examiner(s): George, Keith E.
• Application Number:
  US07/013,084
• Time in Patent Office: 791 Days
• Field of Search: 379/53, 379/54, 358/85, 358/225, 358/226, 358/250, 350/601, 350/169, 354/110
• US Class Current: 348/14.01
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/1006 for splitting or combining different wavelengths G02B27/1086, G02B27/141 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/14 operating by reflection only
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/1004 using two-dimensional electrical scanning, e.g. cathode-ray tubes using two-dimensional arrays H04N1/195
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/144 camera and display on the same optical axis, e.g. optically multiplexing the camera and display for eye to eye contact

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.

Claims

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.

2. The image generating apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said illuminating means includes a pair of light sources.

3. The image generating apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein one of said pair of light sources is disposed adjacent said first surface of said image splitting and the other of said pair of light sources is disposed adjacent said second surface of said image splitter.

4. The image generating means as claimed in claim 2, wherein there is included means for selectively energizing said one of said pair of light sources, whereby the corresponding one of said first and second images is directed onto said image sensing means.

5. Apparatus for generating selectively a manifestation indicative of a first or second image, comprising:

(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.

6. The image generating apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said first coating comprises aluminum.

7. The image generating apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said second coating comprises magnesium fluoride.