Antiglare optical device
First Claim
1. An antiglare optical device for human viewing of an object field containing an intense light source said device comprising an array of optical systems, each an optical system in said array defining an optical path, and comprisinga) a focusing optical means for focusing an image of said object field onto a focal plane,b) an eyepiece means for viewing a portion of said image of said object field focused onto said focal plane,c) a moderating photoactive layer located at said focal plane for moderating light from said intense light source,d) a folding means for folding said optical pathwherein said systems in the array are aligned to permit a coherent composite view of said object field.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A viewing device that selectively attenuates light from bright objects, leaving light from dim objects substantially unaffected. The invention comprises an array of optical systems each of which contains one or more focusing elements which focus an image of the object field onto a focal plane, and one or more eyepiece elements for viewing portions of the focused image. The optical systems in the array are aligned to permit the viewed portions to be seen coherently to form a composite view of the object field. A photoactive layer is located at the focal plane. The photoactive layer may be a photochromic system that darkens when exposed to intense light and returns to the clear state when the intensity is substantially reduced. The light path through the device is folded using optical elements such as mirrors or prisms to minimize the size of the device. The photoactive layer may be a system of several layers functioning as a light valve. A preferred embodiment utilizes a liquid crystal in contact with a photoconductive layer to provide the photoactive layer. Preferred embodiments of the invention are utilized to provide a motor vehicle rearview mirror and a forward looking visor.
36 Citations
34 Claims
-
1. An antiglare optical device for human viewing of an object field containing an intense light source said device comprising an array of optical systems, each an optical system in said array defining an optical path, and comprising
a) a focusing optical means for focusing an image of said object field onto a focal plane, b) an eyepiece means for viewing a portion of said image of said object field focused onto said focal plane, c) a moderating photoactive layer located at said focal plane for moderating light from said intense light source, d) a folding means for folding said optical path wherein said systems in the array are aligned to permit a coherent composite view of said object field.
-
34. An antiglare optical device for human viewing of an object field containing an intense light source said device comprising an array of optical systems each optical system in said array defining an optical path, and comprising:
-
a) a focusing and viewing optical system for focusing an image of said object field onto a focal plane and for viewing of a portion of said image of said object field focused on said focal plane, b) a moderating photoactive layer located at said focal plane for moderating light from said intense light source, and c) a mirror means for reflecting light from said object field for a return path through said focusing and viewing optical system wherein said system in the array are aligned to permit a composite view of said object field.
-
Specification