Background reflection-reducing plano-beam splitter for use in real image projecting system

• US 5,552,934 A
• Filed: 03/18/1994
• Issued: 09/03/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 03/18/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Dimensional Media Associates, Inc.
• Original Assignee: SPM Corp (Sumitomo Heavy Industries Limited)
• Inventors: Prince, Jonathan
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Viet Q.
• Assistant Examiner(s): LE, VU ANH
• Application Number:
  US08/210,603
• Time in Patent Office: 900 Days
• Field of Search: 359/629, 359/630, 359/631, 359/618, 359/632, 359/49
• US Class Current: 359/629
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/144 using partially transparent surfaces without spectral selectivity G02B27/147 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 30/56 by projecting aerial or floating images

Abstract

An improved plano-beam splitter for use in a real image projecting system is described. The treated planar expanse interposes a concave mirror positioned within an enclosure and an aperture provided in one wall of the enclosure acts to reflect the image of an illuminated object within the enclosure but out of sight of the aperture onto the concave mirror and to pass the image of the object reflected from the mirror toward the aperture and out of the enclosure to form a projected real image of the object in a space a determined distance in front of the aperture. The expanse is treated relatively to absorb or reflect light incident on it from the aperture, while relatively passing light incident on it from the mirror, thereby directionally differentially to provide clarity in a projected image uncluttered by reflected light entering the enclosure. Treating may be by tinting, coating, or other techniques, and may act to cause the expanse relatively to absorb and/or reflect light incident upon its front, or aperture-facing, surface.

Claims

1. In a real image projecting system including a concave mirror for reflecting a virtual image of an object and an aperture through which is projected a real image of the object into space, a beam splitter interposed the mirror and the aperture comprising:

a planar expanse having a front surface facing the aperture and a rear surface facing the mirror, the plane of said expanse being oriented at an angle to an axis defined between the mirror and the aperture;

said expanse having differential light transmissivity in either direction along the axis characterized by relatively high transmissivity of light incident thereon from the mirror and relatively low transmissivity of light incident thereon from the aperture, thereby reducing reflected external object image visibility that would clutter view of such a projected real image.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said expanse is tinted.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said expanse is coated on at least one of the front and rear surfaces thereof.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein said expanse is grated.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein said expanse is striped.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein said expanse is one-way mirrored.