Augmented imaging using silhouette to improve contrast

Details Augmented imaging using silhouette to improve contrast Augmented imaging using silhouette to improve contrast

2000-05-11

2001-07-10

Dowling, William (Department: 2851)

Optics: image projectors

Projected image combined with real object

C359S630000, C345S009000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06257727

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to augmented imaging techniques and augmented displays.
An augmented display is a see-through display which overlays an image onto a background. The overlaid image is a virtual image. The background is a real world view of the ambient environment. The overall image is formed by adding light to the background. The added light corresponds to the virtual image. The virtual image appears to be transparent because in the display portion where the image is formed, light from both the virtual image and the background impinge on the same photoreceptors in the viewer's eye. Because light from both light sources impinge on the same photoreceptors, it may be difficult for the viewer to distinguish between the image and the background. This invention is directed toward a method and apparatus for improving the contrast of an augmented display.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, an augmented display includes an image display source and a silhouette display source. The image display source generates a luminous virtual image to be perceived by a viewer. The silhouette display source occurs in the path of the background light.
According to one aspect of this invention, the silhouette display source generates a mask corresponding to the image content of the image display. The mask is a darkened area reducing or blocking background light. As the light from the virtual image is overlaid onto the background, there is less background light in the portion where the image appears. In one embodiment the mask shape and size is the same as the virtual image content created by the image display. In effect, the mask is a dark version of the virtual image content. In another embodiment the mask encompasses more area than just the image area of the virtual image
An advantage of using a silhouette mask is that the content of the virtual image appears to be solid, rather than transparent. The virtual image overlays and eclipses the background objects.
According to another aspect of the invention, in a telescope embodiment the silhouette display source is located at the intermediate image plane of the telescope. An advantage of locating the silhouette display source at the intermediate image plane is that the darkened silhouette is in focus. There is a sharp edge between the background and the silhouette mask. Another advantage is that the virtual image appears more real when the mask is in focus.
These and other aspects and advantages of the invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


REFERENCES:
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patent: 5742262 (1998-04-01), Tabata et al.
patent: 5913591 (1999-06-01), Melville
patent: 6037914 (2000-03-01), Robinson

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