System and method for high resolution volume display using a planar array

• US 6,208,318 B1
• Filed: 01/12/1995
• Issued: 03/27/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 06/24/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Raytheon Company (Rtx Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Raytheon Company (Rtx Corporation)
• Inventors: Wright, Tommy Dean, Hatch, Gregory A., Spiegl, Christine R., Fisher, Thomas Drew, Anderson, Douglas W.
• Primary Examiner(s): CHANG, KENT WU
• Application Number:
  US08/371,684
• Time in Patent Office: 2,266 Days
• Field of Search: 359/224, 359/236, 359/462, 348/42, 348/51, 348/60, 348/52, 345/6, 345/139, 345/1, 345/2, 345/419
• US Class Current: 345/1.1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1423 controlling a plurality of local displays, e.g. CRT and flat panel display
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2310/0235 Field-sequential colour display
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/002 to project the image of a two-dimensional display, such as an array of light emitting or modulating elements or a CRT
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/003 to produce spatial visual effects
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/005 forming an image using a quickly moving array of imaging elements, causing the human eye to perceive an image which has a larger resolution than the array, e.g. an image on a cylinder formed by a rotating line of LEDs parallel to the axis of rotation
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/346 based on modulation of the reflection angle, e.g. micromirrors micromirrors devices per se G02B26/0833
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/189 Recording image signals; Reproducing recorded image signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/194 Transmission of image signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/257 Colour aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/286 having separate monoscopic and stereoscopic modes
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/324 Colour aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/327 Calibration thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/344 with head-mounted left-right displays
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/365 using digital micromirror devices [DMD]
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/393 the volume being generated by a moving, e.g. vibrating or rotating, surface
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/398 Synchronisation thereof; Control thereof

Abstract

An image display apparatus comprises a main display and an auxiliary display. The main display is used to produce a volumetric image such as graphical image, and the auxiliary display is used to generate two dimensional image such as text image. The auxiliary display is located adjacent the the main display and being able to move relative to the main display along a path extending in a direction substantially circumferential to the main display.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a main display;

an auxiliary display;

support means for supporting said auxiliary display adjacent said main display; and

image generating means for supplying first image information to said main display in a manner producing a volumetric image display, and for displaying second image information on said auxiliary display;

wherein said support means supports said auxilary display for movement relative to said volumetric image display along a path extending in a direction substantially circumferential to said volumetric image display.

2. An apparatus comprising:

a main display;

an auxiliary display;

support means for supporting said auxiliary display adjacent said main display; and

image generating means for supplying first image information to said main display in a manner producing a volumetric image display, and for displaying second image information on said auxiliary display;

wherein said main display includes a stationary portion, an element having a surface thereon and supported on said stationary portion for rotation about an axis, and drive means for effecting rotation of said element relative to said stationary portion about said axis;

wherein said image generating means transmits said first image information to said element in synchronism with rotation thereof in a manner producing said volumetric image display; and

wherein said support means supports said auxiliary display for movement relative to said stationary portion along an arcuate path which is approximately concentric to said axis, and permits said auxiliary display to be selectively positioned at any one of a plurality of positions along said arcuate path.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said path is circular.

4. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said second image information is two-dimensional image information, and wherein said auxiliary display includes a two-dimensional display device on which said second image information is displayed.

5. An apparatus, comprising:

a main display;

an auxiliary display;

a support portion operable to support said auxiliary display adjacent said main display; and

an image generating portion operable to supply first image information to said main display in a manner producing a volumetric image display, and to display second image information on said auxiliary display;

wherein said support portion supports said auxiliary display for movement relative to said volumetric image display along a path extending in a direction substantially, circumferential to said volumetric image display.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said path is a substantially arcuate path concentric to a vertical axis which extends through said volumetric display.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said path is circular.

8. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said second image information is two-dimensional image information, and wherein said auxiliary display includes a two-dimensional display device on which said second image information is displayed.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said auxiliary display faces away from said volumetric display in each position of said auxiliary display along said path.

10. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said auxiliary display can be selectively positioned at any one of a plurality of positions along said path.