Mcdonnell Douglas Corporation

Rex G Carnes

Ronald A Ferrante

There is provided by this invention an apparatus for combining a reflected image in a heads-up-display system with an unobstructed view of the outside world and a system for providing a heads-up-display. The heads-up-display system utilizes a dielectric combiner in order to eliminate flare and increase the system's mechanical stability. The combiner apparatus is comprised of a transmissive substrate and a plurality of dielectric layers which selectively reflects light within a narrow range of wavelengths. The use of dielectric thin films provides a mechanically stable and durable combiner element for a heads-up-display system while eliminating the deleterious effects of flare present in combiner elements utilizing a holographic optical element.

Dielectric combiner including first and second dielectric materials

This modulator mirror comprises at least two partially transparent reflector stacks bonded to two separate substrates held apart by spacers to create a parallel gap between the partially transparent reflector stacks wherein the gap has a reference spacing of an even number of quarter wavelengths of the light energy contained within the beam to be modulated. The modulation is accomplished by causing a physical displacement between the two substrates such that the gap spacing varies between the reference pass position of the even number of quarter wavelengths and a second reference no pass position of about .+-. one quarter wavelength. The physical motion may be accomplished by electrostatic, piezo-electric, magnetic or other means.

Growing community of inventors

Hazelwood, MO, United States of America

Rex G Carnes