# US 4,391,499 A · Image projector > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 4,391,499 A - Document ID: US4391499A - Status: Granted - Kind: A - Application number: 06/356,235 - Filed: 1982-03-08 - Granted: 1983-07-05 - Earliest claimed: 1982-03-08 - Inventors: William C. Whitlock, III - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US4391499A ## CPC - G03B 21/00: Projectors or projection-type viewers; Accessories therefor (devices for changing pictures G03B23/00) - G03B: APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR (optical parts of such apparatus G02B; photosensitive materials or processes for photographic purposes G03C; apparatus for processing exposed photographic materials G03D) ## Abstract The image projector as disclosed herein demonstrates an apparatus and method for creating a three-dimensional image. The projector is composed of a plurality of modules which are controllably illuminated to form the desired display. The modules are formed to be illuminated and to pass light from within through their walls and to prevent light from entering their outer walls when said modules are not illuminated. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An image projector for displaying three-dimensional forms comprising: a plurality of three-dimensional modules, at least one of said modules aligned in each of the three-dimensional directions relative to the other of said modules, said modules being constructed of unidirectional light-transmitting material, illuminating means, said illuminating means being positioned within said modules, transmission means, said transmission means for directing energy to said illuminating means, and energy input means, said energy input means communicating with said transmission means whereby illuminating certain of said modules provides a three-dimensional form. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) An image projector as claimed in claim 1 wherein said energy input means comprises control means, said control means for selectively directing energy to said transmission means. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) An image projector as claimed in claim 2 wherein said control means includes a coded pattern. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) An image projector as claimed in claim 3 wherein said coded pattern comprises a film means. ### Claim 5 (depends on 2) An image projector as claimed in claim 2 wherein said energy input means includes an energy source, said energy source communicating with said control means. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) An image projector as claimed in claim 5 wherein said energy source includes a light means. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) An image projector as claimed in claim 1 wherein said unidirectional light-transmission material comprises an aluminized film. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) An image projector as claimed in claim 7 wherein said aluminized film comprises an aluminized polyester film. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) An image projector as claimed in claim 1 wherein said illuminating means comprises the terminal end of an optical fiber. ### Claim 10 (depends on 2) An image projector as claimed in claim 2 wherein said control means includes a video screen means. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) An image projector as claimed in claim 1 wherein said transmission means includes an optical fiber. ### Claim 12 An image projector for displaying three-dimensional forms comprising: a plurality of three-dimensional modules, at least one of said modules being aligned in each of the three-dimensional directions relative to the other of said modules, said modules being constructed of unidirectional light-transmitting material, said light-transmitting material comprising an aluminized film, illuminating means, said illuminating means consisting of the terminal end of an optical fiber, transmission means, said transmission means for directing light to an illuminating means, said transmission means consisting of an optical fiber, an input means, said input means including a control means and an energy source, said control means consisting of a coded pattern, and said energy source consisting of a light source. ### Claim 13 A method of forming a three-dimensional image comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of three-dimensional modules having at least one module aligned in each of the three-dimensional directions relative to the other of said modules, said modules having walls constructed of unidirectional light-transmitting material and selectively illuminating certain of said modules to thereby form a three-dimensional image. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein providing a plurality of three-dimensional modules comprises providing a plurality of cubically shaped modules. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) A method of forming a three-dimensional image as claimed in claim 14 wherein providing a plurality of cubically shaped modules includes providing a plurality of cubically shaped modules having all six walls constructed of unidirectional light-transmitting material. ### Claim 16 (depends on 13) A method of forming a three-dimensional image as claimed in claim 13 wherein selectively illuminating certain of said modules includes the step of transmitting light to certain of said selected modules through optical fibers. ### Claim 17 (depends on 13) A method of forming a three-dimensional image as claimed in claim 13 wherein selectively illuminating certain of said modules includes providing image input means for communication with said modules. ### Claim 18 A method forming a three-dimensional image comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of three-dimensional modules having walls constructed of an aluminized film, and having at least one module aligned in each of the three-dimensional directions relative to the other of said modules, and selectively illuminating certain of said modules by transmitting light from a light source through a coded pattern to optical fibers communicating with certain of said three-dimensional modules.