Optical docking station
US5993012A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 30, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03B21/145
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical docking station comprises an optical frame and a detachable virtual image display module. The display module comprises a low power light source such as a light emitting diode, one or more beam splitters, polarizers, a liquid crystal display panel and an imaging lens. When the display module is detached from the optical frame, the light emitting diode provides the primary illumination for the image formed by the liquid crystal display panel. The image thus formed is a magnified virtual image of the liquid crystal display panel. When the display module is attached to the projector frame, however, a more powerful light source mounted to the optical frame provides the primary illumination. The more powerful light source forms a real image of the liquid crystal display module, which is capable of being projected onto a screen.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.