Display interposing a physical object within a three-dimensional volumetric space

• US 9,721,378 B2
• Filed: 02/27/2014
• Issued: 08/01/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 10/11/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Aptiv Technologies AG (Aptiv PLC)
• Original Assignee: Pure Depth Limited
• Inventors: Bell, Gareth Paul, Engel, Gabriel Damon
• Primary Examiner(s): DUONG, THOI V
• Application Number:
  US14/192,619
• Publication Number:
  US 20140362076A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,251 Days
• Field of Search: 345156, 345 11, 345 13, 345 32, 345419, 345629, 345 7, 345 87, 340461, 340438, 3404255, 340439, 3409951, 340441, 340525, 3406911, 3406916, 3408154, 34081578, 340988, 701 4, 701 1, 701 14, 701 36, 701467, 703 8, 707805, 116271, 116288, 116291, 349 1, 349 74, 349 15, 349 65, 349 83, 349 61, 434 35
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133555 Transflectors
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133603 with LEDs
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/13471 in which all the liquid crystal cells or layers remain transparent, e.g. FLC, ECB, DAP, HAN, TN, STN, SBE-LC cells G02F1/13475 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/13718 based on a change of the texture state of a cholesteric liquid crystal
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1423 controlling a plurality of local displays, e.g. CRT and flat panel display
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 11/60 Editing figures and text; Combining figures or text
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 15/08 Volume rendering

Abstract

A visual display unit creating a three-dimensional volumetric space. The display includes a first screen in a first focal plane, wherein the first screen displays a first image. The display includes a second screen in a second focal plane distinct from the first focal plane, wherein the second screen displays a second image, and wherein the second screen at least partially overlaps the first screen. The display includes a physical object located between the first screen and said second screen, wherein at least one of the first and second images is displayed in response to a placement of the physical object.

Claims

1. A visual display unit, comprising:

a first screen in a first focal plane, wherein said first screen displays a first image;

a second screen in a second focal plane distinct from said first focal plane, wherein said second screen displays a second image, and wherein said second screen at least partially overlaps said first screen, wherein each of said first and second screens comprises a liquid crystal inclusive display screen;

a physical object located between said first screen and said second screen, wherein at least one of said first and second images is displayed in response to a placement of said physical object; and

an emissive layer comprising a sheet provided between said first screen and said second screen and configured to provide light to said first screen and said physical object.

2. The visual display of claim 1, wherein said first screen is configurable to display said first image in response to movement of said physical object.

3. The visual display unit of claim 2, wherein said second screen is configurable to display said second image in response to display of said first image.

4. The visual display unit of claim 2, wherein said second screen is configurable to display said second image in response to movement of said physical object.

5. The visual display unit of claim 1, wherein said physical object is configurable to move in response to at least one of said first image and second image.

6. The visual display unit of claim 1, wherein said physical object is opaque.

7. The visual display unit of claim 1, wherein said physical object is transparent.

8. The visual display unit of claim 1, wherein said physical object comprises a metal sphere.

9. The visual display unit of claim 1, wherein said physical object comprises an analog needle.

10. The visual display unit of claim 1, wherein said first focal plane comprises a foreground.

11. The visual display unit of claim 10, wherein said first screen comprises a transparent display, and wherein said second screen comprises an opaque display.

12. A method for adapting a visual display unit, comprising:

providing a first screen in a first focal plane, wherein said first screen displays a first image;

providing a second screen in a second focal plane distinct from said first focal plane, wherein said second screen displays a second image, and wherein said second screen at least partially overlaps said first screen, wherein each of said first and second screens comprises a liquid crystal inclusive display screen;

providing a physical object located between said first screen and said second screen, wherein at least one of said first and second images is displayed in relation to said physical object; and

providing an emissive layer comprising a sheet between said first screen and said second screen and configured to provide light to said first screen and said physical object.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

displaying said first image on said first screen in response to movement of said physical object.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

displaying said second image on said second screen in response to display of said first image.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

displaying said second image on said second screen in response to movement of said physical object.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

moving said physical object in response to at least one of said first image and second image.