Apparatus for producing three-dimensional static or dynamic images
AssigneePitney Bowes Inc.
InventorsDenis Stemmle, Douglas Quine
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A display apparatus creates a modifiable three-dimensional image. The apparatus includes a plurality of non-planar pixel units arranged substantially on a plane. Each of the non-planar pixel units has a visual impact that is a function of direction. An electronic device is provided for modifying said functions to change the three-dimensional image.
Claims35
A display apparatus for creating a modifiable three-dimensional image, comprising:
- (A) a plurality of non-planar pixel units arranged substantially on a plane, wherein each of the non-planar pixel units has a visual impact that is a function of direction;
- and
- (B) an electronic device for modifying said functions to change said three-dimensional image.
A display apparatus for creating a three-dimensional image, comprising:
- (A) a plurality of transparent or translucent capsules arranged substantially on a plane;
- (B) a first plurality of pigmented charged chips in each of the capsules;
- (C) a second plurality of oppositely charged chips in each of the capsules, each of the oppositely charged chips having an appearance different from the first plurality of pigmented charged chips in the respective capsule;
- (D) an addressable grid of electrodes for positioning the first plurality of pigmented charged chips and the second plurality of oppositely charged chips within each of the capsules;
- (E) wherein a visible ratio of the charged chips to the oppositely charged chips in each of the capsules is a function of a position from which the display apparatus is viewed,
- (F) wherein the function is controlled by the positioning performed by the addressable grid of electrodes, and
- (G) wherein the capsules collectively form the three-dimensional image viewed from at least two vantage points.
A display apparatus for creating a three-dimensional image, comprising:
- (A) a plurality of transparent or translucent capsules arranged substantially on a plane;
- (B) a first plurality of charged chips in each of the capsules;
- (C) a second plurality of oppositely charged chips in each of the capsules, each of the oppositely charged chips having an appearance different from the first plurality of charged chips in the respective capsule;
- (D) at least one addressable grid of electrodes for positioning the first plurality of charged chips and the second plurality of oppositely charged chips within each of the capsules;
- (E) wherein a visible ratio of the charged chips to the oppositely charged chips in each of the capsules has a value that is substantially equal to either zero, one, or infinity, as viewed from any point along a line that intersects the one of the capsules and is perpendicular to the plane, and
- (F) wherein the capsules collectively form the three-dimensional image viewed from at least two vantage points.
A method for creating a three-dimensional image on a display, comprising:
- (A) arranging a plurality of transparent or translucent capsules substantially on a plane, including a first plurality of pigmented charged chips in each of the capsules, and a second plurality of oppositely charged chips in each of the capsules, each of the oppositely charged chips having an appearance different from the first plurality of pigmented charged chips in the respective capsule;
- and
- (B) instructing at least one electrode to position the first plurality of pigmented charged chips and the second plurality of oppositely charged chips within each of the capsules;
- (C) wherein a visible ratio of the charged chips to the oppositely charged chips in each of the capsules is a function of a position from which the display apparatus is viewed,
- (D) wherein the function is controlled by the positioning performed by the at least one electrode, and
- (E) wherein the capsules collectively form the three-dimensional image viewed from at least two vantage points.
A display apparatus for creating a three-dimensional image, comprising:
- (A) a grid with plural translucent segments arranged substantially on a plane;
- (B) a means to selectively change any of the plural translucent segments to opaque segments to form a first image and a second image,
- (C) means to backlight the display with at least two strobes that are directed in different directions,
- (D) wherein the first of the at least two strobes flashes at a time associated with the first image, and the second of the at least two strobes flashes at a time associated with the second image, and
- (E) wherein the first image and the second image are viewed from different vantage points.
A method of creating a three-dimensional image in a display having a plurality of picture elements which can be selectively made translucent and opaque, comprising:
- (A) creating a first image by selecting a predetermined pattern of plural translucent and opaque picture elements,
- (B) flashing a first strobe,
- (C) passing the light from the first strobe through the display in a first direction,
- changing at least one part of the predetermined pattern of plural translucent and opaque picture elements,
- (D) flashing a second strobe, and
- (E) passing the light from the second strobe through the display in a second direction.
An apparatus for creating a three-dimensional image in a display having a plurality of picture elements that can be made selectively a first color and a second color comprising:
- (A) optical means for directing light reflected from at least one of the picture elements in a first direction and
- (B) optical means for directing light reflected from at least a second one of the picture elements in a second direction.
An apparatus for creating a three-dimensional image in a display having a plurality of picture elements which can be selectively made a first color and a second color, comprising:
- (A) optical means for directing light reflected from a first plurality of the picture elements in a plurality of directions that converge at a first single point, and
- (B) optical means for directing light reflected from a second plurality of picture elements in a plurality of directions that converge at a second single point.
An apparatus for creating a three-dimensional image in a display having a plurality of picture elements which can be selectively made a first color and a second color, comprising:
- (A) optical means for directing light transmitted through a first plurality of the picture elements in a plurality of directions that converge at a first single point, and
- (B) optical means for directing light transmitted through a second plurality of picture elements in a plurality of directions that converge at a second single point.
A method of creating a three-dimensional image in a display, comprising:
- (A) arranging a plurality of non-planar pixel units substantially on a plane, wherein each of the non-planar pixel units has a visual impact that is a function of direction, and
- (B) modifying said functions in order to change said three-dimensional image.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.