Visual display device and method of manufacture
First Claim
1. A visual display device for displaying a three-dimensional replica of a geographic region, the visual display device comprising:
- an enclosure having an interior space wherein at least a portion of the enclosure is at least partially transmissive of light;
a three-dimensional replica of a geographic region positioned at least partially within the interior space of the enclosure so that the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region is at least partially viewable through the portion of the enclosure that is at least partially transmissive of light wherein the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region comprises surface features proportionally corresponding to topographical data indicative of the three-dimensional topography of the geographic region; and
a fluid at least partially filling the interior space of the enclosure.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A visual display device for displaying a three-dimensional replica of a geographic region. The visual display device preferably includes a transparent enclosure having an interior space. A three-dimensional replica of a geographic region is preferably positioned at least partially within the interior space of the enclosure so as to be viewable through the enclosure. In a preferred aspect of the present invention the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region comprises surface features proportionally corresponding to topographical data indicative of the three-dimensional topography of the geographic region. Also, in a preferred aspect of the present invention the interior space of the enclosure is at least partially filled with a fluid. Optionally, the interior space of the enclosure may include dispersible media capable of being at least partially dispersed throughout the fluid. In another aspect of the present invention, a method for forming a visual display device is provided. Generally, the method includes the steps of providing a transparent enclosure having an interior space, using information comprising data indicative of the three-dimensional topography a geographic region to fabricate a three-dimensional replica of a geographic region, positioning the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region at least partially within the interior space of the enclosure, and filling the interior space of the enclosure with a fluid.
25 Citations
34 Claims
-
1. A visual display device for displaying a three-dimensional replica of a geographic region, the visual display device comprising:
-
an enclosure having an interior space wherein at least a portion of the enclosure is at least partially transmissive of light;
a three-dimensional replica of a geographic region positioned at least partially within the interior space of the enclosure so that the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region is at least partially viewable through the portion of the enclosure that is at least partially transmissive of light wherein the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region comprises surface features proportionally corresponding to topographical data indicative of the three-dimensional topography of the geographic region; and
a fluid at least partially filling the interior space of the enclosure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
-
-
21. A method for forming a visual display device comprising the steps of:
-
providing an enclosure having an interior space wherein at least a portion of the enclosure is at least partially transmissive of light;
using information comprising data indicative of the three-dimensional topography a geographic region to fabricate a three-dimensional replica of a geographic region;
positioning the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region at least partially within the interior space of the enclosure so that the three-dimensional replica of a geographic region is at least partially viewable through the portion of the enclosure that is at least partially transmissive of light; and
filling the interior space of the enclosure with a fluid. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
-
Specification