EP1196678A1 - Variable view lens - Google Patents

Abstract

A variable view window (10) which enables a user to change the views possible through the window (10) from a given perspective point. One embodiment includes two variable prisms (47, 49, 39, 43, 41), a temperature regulating element (45), mounting structures (31) having actuators (29, 33), and software to operate the prisms. This structure maximizes refraction, controls dispersion and minimizes physical motion.

Description

VARIABLE VIEW LENS

BACKGROUND - FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to lenses, such as windows that are mounted in a building or on a vehicle, or a television or computer monitor screen, specifically relating to an improved design, structure and use of such lenses.

BACKGROUND-DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

Originally windows were created and manufactured to enable light to enter buildings and to enable those inside to see outside. For centuries the use and construction of windows has changed little. Inventors experimented with incorporating different materials resulting in ornamental windows such as stained glass. By early in the twenty-first century, advanced windows include many beneficial adaptations. Commonly, multiple panes are used to rraxirnize energy efficiency often with vacuum or with injected gas between the panes. The widow panes incorporate many more substances added during various stages of production. These substances create various beneficial effects such as tinting and to manipulate selected band widths of electromagnetic energy in desirable ways. Most recently windows have incorporated means to adjust between clear and opaque states as desired. This adaptation effectively merges the historic window blind function into the window itself. Even with all the advances in window materials and manufacture, the main functions and generally passive role of windows have remained largely unchanged since their original conception and production many centuries ago and subsequent widespread use to this day.

The effect of variable refraction using fluids was observed in the construction of variable prisms over a century ago. Subsequently, many well documented constructs have employed the variable refraction effect of fluid prisms and lenses to achieve desirable objectives. Particularly camera lenses, ray stabilizers, laser ray directing devices, and movie projection devices have all widely used the variable refraction properties of fluid prisms and lenses. Heretofore the concept, design and manufacture of fluid prisms as functioning monitor screens and window panes incorporated into a building or vehicle has not existed. Converging lens and fluid prism technologies as herein described provides abundant and valuable benefits heretofore unrecognized and unaddressed in prior art.

SUMMARY

The preferred embodiment of the invention described herein incorporates a variable fluid prism between the panes of a window mounted in a building or on a vehicle. This novel construction enables a user to adjust the view that the window provides from any given single vantage point simply by adjusting the angle contained within the fluid prism. Moreover a second fluid prism is incorporated to reduce dispersion. Also incorporated are temperature monitors, regulators, insulators, mounting hardware, and software code to adjust prism angles to minimize dispersion among visible wavelengths.

Objects and Advantages

Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are apparent. The invention increases the functions that a window performs in many circumstances. The invention also improves the aesthetic appeal provided by a window within a building.

Many people can not autonomously adjust their position to see the full hemisphere possible on the outside of a window. By making the window itself adjustable as herein described, the user can select which portion of the external hemisphere she wishes to view from nearly any single vantage point inside a structure. Moreover as provided herein, the view selected can again be altered whenever desired. Similarly, drivers of a vehicle are somewhat restricted regarding their physical mobility. Particularly, the art includes many examples intended to eliminate blind spots in a vehicle. The art described herein enables a driver to manipulate the view provided by the window glass thereby eliminating blind spots without mirrors or reflecting prisms. The value of each particular window from an aesthetic standpoint is related to the beauty of the view it provides or illumination it affords. Heretofore, the view provided by a window in a building was limited to whatever view an architect had the foresight to plan into construction or was later altered externally. Some windows had excellent views and some windows had poor views. The view from any given vantage point within the building was virtually unalterable. As described herein, the present invention enables the view from a single vantage point through a single window to be infinitely altered in nearly a pi steradians hemisphere. Moreover different views can be selected nearly instantly and changed anytime desired. Thus a user can view a sunrise in the east and later a sunset in the west without ever altering their own perspective. Also, a window high up a wall that historically only provided a view of the sky can be adjusted as described herein to provide views of the ground beneath it in any direction. All of these examples include greatly enhanced aesthetic appeal.

Similarly, the practicality of the view that a given window provides has heretofore been unalterable. The addition of mirrors to the external walls of a building or the sides of a vehicle have been used to enable the user to view different directions from a given vantage point. Alternately, cameras and monitors have been used to provide views. This invention uses fluid refraction within the window to achieve alternate views. If the user wants to view the sidewalk or driveway outside of the building for example, she can adjust the window refraction instead of adjusting her vantage point or relying on other technology. If the driver of a vehicle wants to view the blind spot beside her vehicle, she can adjust the side window of her car to provide the view very comfortably through fluid refraction within the window.

Further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description of the invention and the related drawings portray a window such as would be mounted in the wall of a building in a series of preferred embodiments. It will be understood, however, that the concept of the invention may be employed in any substantially light-transmissive component, broadly described as a lens. The description of the invention relates to and is best understood with relation to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a single fluid prism window of the first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a double fluid prism window of the first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a double fluid columnar window in a fully collapsed configuration.

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the double fluid columnar window of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a double fluid columnar window of Figure 3 in the expanded configuration.

Figure 6 is a top plan view of the double fluid columnar window of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a single fluid columnar window.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a gear actuated liquid prism window embodiment of the invention.

Figure 9 is top plan view of the window of Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a fluid actuated single pane window of the invention.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a fully assembled window according to the embodiment of Figure 10.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a fluid actuated double pane window of the invention. Figure 13 is a perspective view of a single pane window actuatable by push rods.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a double pane window actuatable by push rods.

Figure 15 is a perspective cutaway view of a window of Figure 14 installed in a building wall.

Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the variable view lens system control components according to the invention.

Figure 17 is an optical diagram of the variable view lens of the invention depicting the symbols employed in calculating angles of incidence and refraction.

Figure 18 is a flow chart that describes the computer program used to calculate and adjust the prism angles according to the invention.

Description of the First Preferred Embodiments

A first embodiment of the variable view window is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. For the description to follow, a fluid is understood to be any material that is capable of conforming to the shape of its container, generally a gas or a liquid.

Figure 1 shows the components that form a single fluid prism window 10. An interior window pane 11 is a rigid material through which some spectrums of electromagnetic radiation pass. It forms one side of single fluid prism window 10. Attached to interior pane 11 are four mounts, window mount 13 is one such mount. Window mount 13 forms a rigid connection between interior window pane 11 and a cylinder 15. Cylinder 15 is similarly fastened to a middle pane 19 by a mount. Middle pane 19 is a rigid material through which some spectrums of electromagnetic radiation pass. A stretchable seal 17 sealably connects interior window pane 11 to middle pane 19 such that a water tight compartment is formed between these panes. Stretchable seal 17 is a stretchable or flexible manufacture. It is often manufactured from materials including rubber or petroleum feed stocks. Filling the compartment formed between interior pane 11 and middle pane 19 is a refractive fluid 24. Refractive fluid 24 is a fluid with a refractive index (Table V includes a fraction of the fluids that have refractive indices). An insulating chamber 21 is formed between middle pane 19 and exterior pane 23 which are sealably connected to one another at their edges. The insulating chamber 21 may contain a vacuum or other means of transparent insulation. A temperature regulator coil 25 is comprised from a nearly invisible material through which electricity flows. Temperature regulator 25 thermally communicates with refractive fluid 24. A mounting flange 27 is rigidly connected to the exterior pane 23 and the middle pane 19 such that the assembly can be securably mounted to a structure.

Figure 2 shows the components of a double fluid prism window 28. A cylinder 29 connects interior pane 47 to a middle pane 39. Also connected to middle pane 39 and cylinder 29 assembly is a mounting assembly 31. A cylinder 33 connects the middle pane 39 to exterior pane 41. Middle 39, exterior pane 41, and interior pane 47 are each formed of rigid materials through which some spectrums of electromagnetic radiation pass. Sealably around the edges of all of these panes and forming two water tight chambers between the three panes is a stretchable seal 37. Stretchable seal 37 can bend and stretch such that panes can move relative to each other. It is often manufactured from materials including rubber or petroleum feed stocks. A refractive fluid 43 is contained in the chamber between exterior pane 41 and middle pane 39. The refractive fluid 43 is a fluid with a refractive index through which some wavelengths of electromagnetic energy pass. A temperature regulator 45 is housed within middle pane 39. Temperature regulator 45 is barely visible and conducts electricity. A refractive fluid 49 is contained between the interior pane 47 and the middle pane 39. Refractive fluid 49 is a fluid with a refractive index through which visible light passes. A window trim 51 goes around the other components. The window trim 51 is rigidly attached at the edges of the outermost panes, it protects the assembly and adds aesthetic value when installed.

Operation of the First Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

The components of Figure 1 combine to form a single fluid prism window. As the cylinder 15 is caused to expand, it pushes one edge of interior window pane 11 away from middle pane 19. This movement causes the two panes to reside in relatively non-parallel planes. Thus the refractive fluid 24 forms a prism causing refraction of visible light passing therethrough. Using multiple cylinders similar to cylinder 15, but attached in the other three corners of the panes, enables the panes to be moved into many different planes. Cylinders depicted in the drawing are controlled by hydraulic pressure through a remote pump and control mechanism which are well known in the art and therefore not shown. Such movement causes the refractive fluid 24 to form virtually any desired angle less than 90 degrees. Using a fluid with a high refractive index such as methylnapththalene will create a high refraction thus requiring less cylinder extension to achieve high light refraction. Table V lists a fraction of the many possible refractive fluids. Unfortunately in many refractive fluids, high dispersion across the visible light spectrum will be concomitant with the high light refraction achieved. This causes the user's view to be distorted by color separation. In the Figure 1 embodiment, the solution to the dispersion and resultant color separation problem is to use a refractive fluid with a low dispersion in the visible spectrum. (Table V discloses the refractive properties of some materials. These are a fraction of the refractive fluids that can be utilized). The last column "Weighted Ratio^"' describes the amount of dispersion a given material has as a function of the wavelength range described range and as a function of its refractive index. The higher the "Ratio", the lower the dispersion but also the lower the concomitant refraction. Ethyl alcohol (solutions in) for example has a relatively low dispersion with a "Ratio" of -.024941. Using this fluid will lessen the color separation problem.

The color separation problem posed by dispersion can be easily explored using the "LOSLO" software, the program code of which is included herein. This software was developed to calculate positioning of the fluid prism window and minimize color separation. Using Snell's Law, it can determine the relative wavelength trajectory differences in any refractory material that cause the color separation. The LOSLO software reveals that an ethyl alcohol (solutions in) prism angle range of -.216 radians through 0.216 radians can be achieved while maintaining a tolerance of .001 radians refracted trajectory difference between the two visible wavelengths listed in Table V. Table I discloses the result when considering three incident angles simultaneously.

TABLE I Ethyl Alcohol (solutions in) maximum prism angle while maintaining relative trajectory tolerance of .001 radians across three incident (all angles are in radians).

Incident Prism Trajectory of Trajectory of Relative

Angle Angle 1st wavelength 2nd wavelength Trajectory Angle

0.52 0.216 0.430740593273115 0.431739667349834 -.000999074076718731

0.32 0.216 0.238811836432108 0.23974608306997 -.000934246637862124

0.02 0.216 -0.0602629892363292 -0.0593184626870569 -.000944526549272233

Note that the ray with the initial incident angle of .52 has a final trajectory of approximately .43. The difference between these angles is .09. .09 represents the total refraction achieved by the two fluids trajectories. Also note that increasing the prism angle in ethyl alcohol (solutions in) beyond .216 radians will cause color separation exceeding the .001 relative trajectory level. The user will see color distortion with any relative trajectory difference depending upon their distance from the refracting window. The goal then is to minimize any difference in relative trajectory across the visible spectrum.

Figure 2 depicts a double fluid prism window 28. This embodiment presents an alternate solution to the color separation caused by dispersion discussed above. Mounting the assembly with the mounting 31 and similar mounting hardware on the other corners causes the median pane 39 to be in a permanently fixed position. Cylinders depicted in the drawing are controlled by hydraulic pressure through a remote pump and control mechanism which are well known in the art and therefore not shown. Expanding and contracting cylinder 29 (and similar cylinders located at other corners) will cause interior pane 47 to move to different planes relative to middle pane 39. This causes the refractive fluid 49 to form many different prism angles as desired. Similarly, expanding and contracting cylinders such as cylinder 33 will cause exterior pane 41 to move to planes non-parallel to middle pane 39. Thus forming many possible prism angles with refractive fluid 43. Stretchable seal 37 enables these panes to move relative to each other while still containing their respective refractive fluids. Temperature regulator 45 keeps the fluid at a temperature. Maintaining a temperature range ensures that the elastic membrane is not subjected to temperatures that effect its performance. Temperature regulation also ensures that fluids don't freeze or are otherwise maintained in an optimum range. Thirdly, the refractive index of a material generally varies with temperature and though the difference is extremely low, the first and second fluid may have a shared temperature at which they are optimal or they may each require different temperatures to perform together optimally.

In operation, double fluid prism window 28 is designed such that one fluid prism does most of the refraction and the other fluid prism neutralizes the dispersion caused by the first prism. (The ray tracing in Figure 17 helps to illustrate polychromatic light entering a first prism, being dispersed and exiting a second prism with two colors traveling on parallel trajectories to minimize chromatic distortion.) The "LOSLO" software is designed to operate these two fluid prisms such that color distortion caused by dispersion is minimized.

TABLE II using water as the first refractive fluid and methylnapthalene as the second refractive fluid, the maximum refraction achievable while maintaining relative trajectory tolerance of .0001 radians across three incident angles (all angles are in radians).

Incident 1st Prism 2nd Prism Trajectory of Trajectory of Relative

Angle Angle Angle 1st wavelength 2nd wavelength Trajectory Angle

0.52 0.396 -0.053 0.39837 0.39847 -9.7618E-5 0.32 0.396 -0.053 0.20724 0.20725 -1.7305E-5

0.02 0.396 -0.053 -0.09519 -0.09528 9.2163E-5

Note that the ray with the initial incident angle of .52 has a final trajectory of approximately .40. The difference between these angles of .12 radians represents the total refraction achieved on the two fluids' trajectories. The Figure 2 embodiment with water and methylnapthalene achieved a 30% (from .9 to .12) greater refraction than was achieved with the Figure 1 single fluid prism window with a concomitant 1000% decrease in the dispersion (from .001 to .0001).

Another example of how the Figure 2 double fluid prism window 28 can use two fluids together to achieve high refraction and low dispersion is described in Table III.

TABLE III using octane as the first refractive fluid and pentane as the second refractive fluid, the maximum refraction achievable while maintaining relative trajectory tolerance of .0005 radians across three incident angles (all angles are in radians).

Incident 1st Prism 2nd Prism Trajectory of Trajectory of Relative

Angle Angle Angle 1st wavelength 2nd wavelength Trajectory Angle

0.52 0.014 -0.431 0.992050137205817 0.991598815447285 -0.000451321758532908

0.17 0.014 -0.431 0.386821210548222 0.387130340908125 -0.000309130359902765

0.02 0.014 -0.431 0.211241377302523 0.211665137702471 -0.000423760399948264

Note that the ray with the initial incident angle of .52 has a final trajectory of approximately .99. The difference between these of .47 represents the total refraction achieved by the two fluids^* on the ray's trajectory. Thus the Figure 2 embodiment with octane and pentane can bend a normal (0 degree) light ray up to .47 radians in any direction from the normal to the incident surface while maintaining a dispersion of less than .0005 radians.

A second problem posed by both the Figure 1 and Figure 2 embodiments is the range of movement that the panes must undergo relative to one another in order to achieve high levels of refraction. Assume for example that interior pane 47 was a four foot square window. In the Table III example, the 2nd prism angle of .431 would require that one edge of the window move out from the wall (into the room) about 1.5 feet. Having the window panes undergo movement of this magnitude is often not desirable. It can be aesthetically distracting to look at or it can be bumped into, also very impractical as with automobile windows for example. Also the weight of a large volume of fluid creates engineering challenges. Larger window sizes with greater movement would often not be practicable using the Figure 1 and Figure 2 embodiments.

Description of the Second Preferred Embodiment Figure 3 shows the components that form a double fluid columnar window 52. The window is shown in the fully collapsed condition.

A cylinder 59 is fully collapsed as are the other depicted cylinders. Cylinders depicted in the drawing are controlled by hydraulic pressure through a remote pump and control mechanism which are well known in the art and therefore not shown. Cylinder 59 connects to a median pane 57. A fluid port 53 is the means by which fluid enters into one column of the assembly. Fluid port 53 communicates with a chamber housed between two glass panes. A series of said columns, each connected to a respective fluid port similar to 53, are contained in the assembly of this embodiment. An interior pane 55 forms one side of the window assembly. A temperature regulator 61 protrudes beyond the median pane 57 in which it resides. A mounting assembly 63 connects the corner of median pane 57 to a structure with bolts, for example.

Figure 4 shows the top view of the embodiment depicted in Figure 3. The components form a double fluid columnar window 52. The window is shown in the fully collapsed position.

An exterior pane 65 forms the outermost surface of the window assembly. Its edges are sealably connected to middle pane 69. An insulating chamber 67 is formed between these two panes, containing a vacuum or transparent insulating material. A median pane 73 resides in close proximity to the middle pane 69 yet between the panes is housed a stretch lining 71. The lining is a highly elastic material that forms the prismatic surfaces which contain liquids. An interior pane 75 forms one side of the window assembly 52. It also resides in close proximity to median pane 73. A fluid port 77 communicates fluid to one of the columns residing between interior pane 75 and median pane 73 of the assembly.

Figure 5 shows the embodiment depicted in Figures 3 and 4 except in the expanded condition. The components form a double fluid columnar window. A cylinder 79 connects median pane 73 to the middle pane 69. It is shown in the expanded position pushing the two panes apart. A cylinder 81 connects median pane 73 to the interior pane 75. Cylinder 81 is shown in the expanded position pushing the two panes apart. A fluid column 83 has been opened wide by the separation of the median pane 73 and the middle pane 69. For illustration, the top of the fluid column 83 has been removed. It comprises a three dimensional triangular chamber that is bounded by highly elastic transparent material such as rubber or polyurethane. Fluid column 83 is filled with an inert gas. Similarly, fluid column 85 has been opened and is illustrated with its top removed. This column is depicted containing a fluid other than air and is one component of the total prismatic effect of one side of this window. Similarly a fluid column 87 and a fluid column 89 have been opened by the movement of the interior pane 75 away from the median pane 73. These two columns contain the second refractive fluid. A fluid port 91 and a fluid port 93 are two of the many ports, each one communicating with one fluid column. A fluid reservoir 95 contains refractive fluid to be pumped to and from one side of the assembly and a fluid reservoir 97 contains refractive fluid to be pumped to and from the other side of the assembly. A fluid pump 99 is used to convey fluids to and from the assembly columns and its cylinders. (The ray tracing in Figure 17 helps to illustrate polychromatic light entering a first prism, being dispersed and exiting a second prism with two colors traveling on parallel trajectories to minimize chromatic distortion.)

Figure 6 shows the top view of the embodiment depicted in Figures 3, 4, and 5 . The components form a double fluid columnar window. A cylinder 103 connects median pane 73 to internal pane 107. For illustrative purposes, the tops have been removed from these columns. A vertical stretch wall 109 forms the side of a fluid column. A diagonal stretch wall 111 forms half of an "X" shape with the diagonal stretch wall 115 forming the other half of the "X". Together they, with their closest two vertical stretch walls, describe four separate columns including fluid column 83 and fluid column 86. Each of these columns can be filled with fluid as desired. A pane adhesive 117 connects the stretch lining material to the interior pane 75. A stretch lid 119 covers a series of columns. Normally all columns would be covered by such lids. A middle pane 121 provides the rigid support for one side of prism columns. It is sealably connected to exterior pane 123 such that a insulating chamber 125 is formed.

Figure 7 illustrates a single fluid columnar window. It has all of the elements described in Figures. 3 through 6 with the exception that is basically cut in half and uses only one refractive fluid with air.

Operation of the Second Preferred Embodiment

Figure 3 depicts the double liquid columnar window 52 in the closed condition. In this condition, all prismatic surfaces are parallel to one another and no net refraction is taking place. It is therefore providing the view of a normal window. The cylinders including cylinder 59 are fully contracted. All of these cylinders are controlled by pressure provided by a pump; these elements are well known in the art and are therefore not shown. Mounting assembly 63 is used to mount the assembly onto a structure, similar such hardware is located on the other 3 corners (not shown) of the median pane 57. This provides a secure mounting to a structure such as a wall while still allowing free movement of required components. Figure 4 is a top view of the embodiment of Figure 3. The exterior pane 65 contains an ultraviolet filtering material to prevent these rays from affecting the stretch lining 71. Exterior pane 65 is sealably fastened to middle pane 69 forming an insulating chamber 67. The insulating chamber provides a temperature control which is important since the materials that comprise the double liquid columnar window 52 may perform best with a specific temperature range. The temperature may be maintained at higher than room temperature such as 30 degrees C because it is easier to heat components to a selected temperature than it is to cool components.

As depicted in Figure 5. extending one set of cylinders including cylinder 79 pushes the middle pane 69 away from the median pane 73. This causes a set of fluid columns between these two panes to fill with fluid. All of these fluid columns are normally covered with a stretch lid 119, lids have been removed in the drawing for illustrative purposes. Half of the columns are filled with an inert gas such as fluid column 83 while the other half are filled with a one of two fluids of higher refractive index such as fluid column 85. Filling one group of these columns on one side of median pane 73 will cause the window to refract light in one direction. Filling the other set of the columns on the same side of median pane 73 will cause the light to refract in the other direction. Fluid is pumped into each column through its own respective port. Fluid port 91 is one such port. Fluid is pumped from fluid reservoirs 95 and 97, one for each refractive substance. Fluid pump 99 is used for this function.

Similarly, the cylinders between the median pane 73 and the interior pane 75 such as cylinder 81 are used to move these two panes apart. As the panes move apart, fluid is pumped into the each of the fluid columns. Some of the columns are filled with an inert gas and some are filled with a fluid of higher refractive index according to the direction of the refraction desired. In practice, the dispersion caused by fluid on one side of the one side of the median pane 73 is offset by the fluid on the other side of the assembly. This yields the desired amount of refraction within a reduced amount of dispersion. (The ray tracing in Figure 17 helps to illustrate polychromatic light entering a first prism, being dispersed and exiting a second prism with two colors traveling on parallel trajectories to minimize chromatic distortion.)

Figure 6 further illustrates the double fluid columnar window in the open position. Note that when expanded, fluid column 89 will always be filled with a fluid with a higher refractive index while fluid column 85 will always be filled with air. Fluid column 87 will sometimes be filled with air to refract in one direction but at other times be filled with a fluid of higher refractive index to refract in the opposite direction. The prism angles change as each pane is moved relative to the median pane with angles from 0 to 45 degrees easily possible. Meanwhile the prisms on one side of the median pane do most of the refraction while the prisms on the opposite of the median pane neutralize most of the dispersion.

Stretchable material sheets 109. I l l, and 115 are light transmissive. Transparent latex or polturethane can be used for this purpose but refractive fluids must be selected carefully such that they do not react with the latex, also the light spectrum passing through the system should be restricted to protect the latex or polyurethane. Table IV illustrates the maximum refraction achievable with ethyl alcohol (solutions in) as one refractive fluid and water as the second refractive fluid.

TABLE IV using ethyl alcohol (solutions in ) as the first refractive fluid and water as the second refractive fluid, the maximum refraction achievable while maintaining relative trajectory tolerance of .001 radians across three incident angles (all angles are in radians).

Incident 1st Prism 2nd Prism Trajectory of Trajectory of Relative

Angle Angle Angle 1 st wavelength 2nd wavelength Trajectory Angle

0.52 0.33 -0.77 1.03761533671252 1.0384533945893 -0.000838057876778597

0.32 0.33 -0.77 0.586406225916517 0.587080939555663 -0.000674713639146507

0.02 0.33 -0.77 0.21036029125388 0.211336999892587 -0.000976708638706691

The LOSLO computer software calculates what the second prism angle (with the second refractive fluid) must be to offset the dispersion caused by the first prism^'s angle (with the first refractive fluid). The software code developed to achieve this is provided herein as Table VI. Thus the angles can be adjusted instantly through the actuating cylinders. Note that the range of normal ray refraction possible with these two fluids is 1.02 radians while a tolerance of .001 radians dispersion is maintained.

Description of the Third Preferred Embodiment

Figure 8 illustrates a first embodiment of the variable view window using liquid prisms formed by a plurality of gear actuated surfaces to refract light. Actuation gear 131 is one of three identical gears each of which cause a transparent element such as vertical plate 139 to rotate. Actuation gears 131 are powered by motor 133 which causes an actuation track 135 to slide and thereby causes the vertical plates including vertical plate 139 to rotate via the actuation gears. A refractive fluid 137 fills a chamber on one side of the vertical plate such that light traveling through the window must pass through refractive fluid 137. Each vertical plate is connect to flexible seal 141 on each of its four edges. Flexible seal 141 enables the vertical plates to rotate within the chamber containing refractive fluid 137 while the fluid remains sealably contained on one side of the vertical plates. The flexible seal may be made of a material that stretches or that is constructed so as to extend when unfolded. A second sealed chamber contains refractive fluid 143. Refractive fluid 143 may be of low refractive index such as air or vacuum. Exterior pane 145 forms the exterior surface of this assembly. Pane 145 is formed of a transparent material through which at least some wavelengths of visible light pass. Interior pane 147 forms the interior side of the assembly. It is formed of a material through which at least some wavelengths of visible light pass. Case 149 sealably connects exterior pane 145 to interior pane 147. Case 149 is also sealably connected to the vertical plates by flexible seal 141 such that refractive fluid 137 and refractive fluid 143 remain contained in their separate chambers. Additional refractive fluid may be added to either chamber when volume changes are caused by the positions of the vertical plates. Such additional refractive fluid moving to and from a reservoir (not shown) as desired. Pivot point 151 of the lower end of each of the vertical plates helps support the plate's weight and enables it to pivot as desired.

The Figure 8 assembly can be operated manually, electronically, or by computer program. As desired, a viewer can change the angle observed through the window by rotating the vertical panes. In practice, two sets of structures similar to those in Figure 1 can be placed next to each other to contain three refractive fluids. In this configuration, dispersion caused by one refractive fluid can be significantly reduced by a second refractive fluid.

Figure 9 is a top view of the window of Figure 8. Alt actuation track 153 slidably transfers motion from alt motor 161 to alt actuation gear 155 and thereby to alt vertical plate 157. One section of an alt flexible seal 159 is more visible from this perspective. Alt flexible seal 159 sealably connects two vertical plates together while allowing them to move relative to one another. Alt refractive fluid 163 is contained on one side of the vertical plates. Alt flexible seal 165 sealably connects one of the vertical plates to the side of the unit while allowing the plate to move relative to the side of the unit. In practice two of these units housed side by side are used to refract light and minimize dispersion according to this invention. (The ray tracing in Figure 17 helps to illustrate polychromatic light entering a first prism, being dispersed and exiting a second prism with two colors traveling on parallel trajectories to minimize chromatic distortion.)

Figure 10 illustrates a second embodiment of the variable view window. Figure 10 shows a one pane assembly of a fluid actuated system. Seal pane 167 forms one side of the transparent assembly. Pane 167 is sealably attached to vertical channeled pane 169. Vertical channeled pane 169 has parallel channels in one side of it. Vertical channel 163 is one such channel that is open. Another such channel is plugged by channel plug 177. Horizontal channeled pane 171 has parallel channels in it. A horizontal channel 181 is one such channel which is open. The other horizontal channels are alternately plugged and open on alternate ends. All of the channels traverse the entire width or length of its respective pane except that each is plugged on one end or on the other end. Vertical actuation port 175 is an opening through both the horizontal and vertical panes connecting with a vertical channel but not through sealing pane 167. Horizontal actuation port 179 is an opening through only the horizontal pane connected to a horizontal channel. The horizontal and vertical panes have ports similar to those described that are located in positions such that they are accessible to one vertical channel or to one horizontal channel. Through the channels and ports, the assembled pane conducts actuation fluid to and from actuators which are illustrated in Figure 11.

Figure 11 illustrates a fully assembled liquid actuated variable view window using the embodiment disclosed in Figure 10. Each side of the assembly has a means similar to fluid conduit 182 to pump actuation fluid to or from the ports and channels described in Figure 10. Each fluid conduit controls access to a specific set of channels and ports such that the system operates in unison. Case 183 sealably attaches exterior pane 185 to the pane described in Figure 10. Refractive fluid 187 is sealably contained between exterior pane 185 and a set of flexible plates. Flexible plate 193 being one such plate. The flexible plates are flexibly connected to one another and to the sides of the assembly with flexible seals. The flexible seals may have elastic qualities enabling stretching with memory or they may have a folded bend which unfolds to enable extension. Flexible seals may or may not be transparent. Flexible seal 191 being one such seal between two flexible plates. Actuator 189 is presented in cutaway view. Actuator 189 is sealably connected to a pane on one end and one of the flexible plates on the other end. Actuator 189 receives positive or negative fluid pressure which is communicated through one of the actuation ports. Each actuation port as referenced in Figure 10 similarly transmits positive and negative pressure to one actuator similar to actuator 189. In operation, each fluid conduit controls a corresponding actuator on each flexible plate such that pressure added to one respective conduit will cause a series of corresponding actuators to expand and the respective corner on each flexible plate to raise. This motion on each flexible plate causes refractive fluid 187 to form a series of identical prism angles due to the angles of the flexible plates. The advantage of this embodiment is that hundreds of such flexible plates can be used to make a unit that is very wide and long, yet which is thin. Moreover each individual flexible plate need only to move a small distance to form the desired prism angle. Also the flexible membrane^'s dynamic range is minimized as are the quantities of fluid required.

Figure 12 is an embodiment similar to Figure 11 except that it has an additional set of flexible plates which are controlled by a pane similar to that described in Figure 10. A first alt refractive fluid 197 is sealably between one set of flexible plates and one pane. Moving these flexible plates causes the first alt refractive fluid 197 to form a desired prism angle. It also causes a second alt refractive fluid 199 to form a prism angle. This fluid is contained between the two sets of flexible plates. After the first set of flexible plates are moved to a desired position to achieve refraction of visible light, the second set of flexible plates is moved to form a set of prism angles to offset some of the spectral dispersion caused by the first set. A third refractive fluid 201 may be an inert gas of low refractive index in which case its refractive effect on light traveling therethrough is nearly negligible. In operation, light is mainly bent by prisms formed by one refractive fluid which also causes dispersion and chromatic distortion. A second refractive fluid corrects the dispersion and causes dispersed light to exit the system with all visible wavelengths nearly parallel. This can be achieved through a computer program described herein. (The ray tracing in Figure 17 helps to illustrate polychromatic light entering a first prism, being dispersed and exiting a second prism with two colors traveling on parallel trajectories to minimize chromatic distortion.)

Figure 13 depicts a flexible plate assembly similar to that of Figure 11. An alternate actuation, means is employed in this embodiment. A vertical pane 203 sealably forms one side of the assembly and forms one side of a compartment containing refractive fluid 205. Alt flexible plate 207 is one of a series of flexible plates which contain the other side of the refractive fluid 205. Two push/pull rods similar to vertical push/pull rod actuator 209 are connected from each flexible plate to vertical plate 203. The vertical plate can be caused to slide up and down and in so doing cause each of the flexible plates to move to a desired vertical angle. This motion is transferred via the push /pull rods. On each respective plate, one rod causes a flexible plate edge to lift while the other rod causes the opposite edge of the same flexible plate to go down. The resultant vertical angle causes refractive fluid 205 to form a desired prism angle. A flexible seal 211 sealably connects all of the flexible panes to one another and to the sides of the assembly such that the refractive fluids remain on its respective side of the flexible plates. A refractive fluid 213 is contained on the other side of the flexible plates. It may be of low refractive index such as an inert gas or a vacuum so as not to counteract the refractive effect of the first fluid prisms. A vertical pane 215 is sealably yet slidably fit into the assemble such that it can slide horizontally. Sliding horizontally causes the horizontal push/pull rods including horizontal push/pull rod 217 to actuate the flexible plates into horizontal angles. The horizontal angles of the flexible plates creates prismatic angles in refractive fluid 205. Thus horizontal and/or vertical motion can be translated through push/pull rods to actuate flexible plates to desired prism angles. (Note that a rigid material other than the panes themselves can also be used to actuate the push/pull rods. The advantage of using a structure other that the panes to actuate is that the panes can then be stationary. This avoids the problem of developing leaks around the panes which also must sealably contain the referenced refractive fluids. Such an alternate actuation structure may be a transparent material or a grid of gage small enough to be unnoticeable. Each would similarly work to actuate push/pull rods.) The advantage of using vertical and horizontal motion to actuate prism angles as described is that a very large window assembly can be made thin and its absolute thickness can remain a constant.

Figure 14 illustrates a flexible plate assembly similar to Figure 13 except that two assemblies are used to achieve the refraction desired while also reducing the dispersion by redirecting the dispersed rays to exit the assembly nearly parallel. Alt refractive fluid 219 is contained between one pane and a set of flexible plates. A second alt refractive fluid 221 is contained on the other side of the set of flexible plates. When these plates cause the refractive fluid to form prisms, they achieve refraction and dispersion of visible light. The second set of prism angles formed by alt refractive fluid 223 and alt refractive fluid 225 also perform refraction on the visible light. Moreover the second set of prism angles undoes the dispersion such that light that entered the system as a white ray, exits the system on parallel trajectories. This can be achieved by the computer program described herein. (The ray tracing in Figure 17 helps to illustrate polychromatic light entering a first prism, being dispersed and exiting a second prism with two colors traveling on parallel trajectories to minimize chromatic distortion.)

Figure 15 illustrates a cutaway view of a fully assembled flexible plate variable view window 226 installed in a building wall 227. Each of the plates 228 has been actuated to provide a desired view to the user.

Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the variable view window or lens system control components involved with operating the variable view device. Each of the control components interacts with the system computer 238. A position transducer 230 reports the angular positions of the flexible plates. A temperature transducer 232 reports the temperatures of the refractive fluids. These signals may be provided by varying currents which can then be amplified and filtered through amplifier/filter 234. They are converted from analog to digital at AD converter 236 and read into a computer program. Computer 238 performs calculations described in Figure 18 and the description thereof. The computer 238 determines the optimal position of the second set of flexible plates to minimize spectral dispersion. A signal is sent from computer 238 which is converted from digital to analog at DA converter 240. It may be filtered 242, translated 244. and amplified 246. A resultant output signal activates an actuator 248 such as a step motor or hydraulic pump. Additionally the computer can regulate the temperature of the window assembly at 250 to maintain a desired operating range and thermal-dependent refractive indices.

Figure 17 is an optical diagram which illustrates the prismatic effects. Some of the symbols that are used for calculations as described below are illustrated in Figure 17. Figure 17 shows a beam of radiation passing through two complementary prisms to achieve angular refraction without significant spectral dispersion.

Inc - is the incident angle at which a white light ray meets a first refractive material. In practice, the system assumes one or more incident angles to calculate optimal prism angles.

Matl - is air for the purpose of discussion its refractive index is assumed to be 1.

Mat 2 - is a transparent fluid with a refractive index through which light passes.

Mat 2L - is the refractive index of a material at a known temperature and for a first specific wavelength of light.

Mat 2H - is the refractive index of a material at a known temperature and for a second specific wavelength of light.

Mat 3 -is a transparent fluid with a refractive index through which light passes.

Mat 3L - is the refractive index of a material at a known temperature and for the first specific wavelength of light.

Mat 3H - is the refractive index of a material at a known temperature and for the second specific wavelength of light.

ReflL - is the refracted trajectory in radians of the first wavelength caused by Mat2L when incident angle is Inc.

ReflH - is the refracted trajectory in radians of the second wavelength caused by Mat2H when incident angle is Inc

Ref2L - is the refracted trajectory in radians of the first wavelength caused by Mat3L when prism angle is Of£2.

Re£2H - is the refracted trajectory in radians of the second wavelength caused by Mat3H when prism angle is Of£2.

Ref3L - is the refracted trajectory in radians of the first wavelength caused by leaving

Mat3L when prism angle is OfD.

Ref3H - is the refracted trajectory in radians of the second wavelength caused leaving

Mat3H when prism angle is Off3.

Off 2 is the prism angle formed by Mat 2, the illustration described herein uses only one variable length measure to describe Off2, in practice Off2 is described using 4 variable length measurements or an alternate means of measure.

Off 3 is the prism angle formed by Mat 3 , the illustration described herein uses only one variable length measure to describe OfD, in practice OfB is described using 4 variable length measurements or an alternate means of measure.

P, P' represent the longer sides of the triangular prisms.

Figure 18 is a flowchart that describes the computer program which monitors, calculates and repositions the prism angles according to the refractive index of the fluids such that spectral dispersion is minimized. In practice the user actuates the prism angle of the first refractive fluid to achieve a desired view. This repositioning of the first angle activates the program described in Figure 18. Refractive and dispersive effects of materials other than Mat 2 and Mat 3 (see Figure 17) are generally very low due to the two sides of such structures being parallel to each other and are therefore not included herein as significant in calculations. The user manipulates Off2 (see Figure 17) with a wireless joy stick. From the user's perspective, pushing the joy stick to the left will cause the view through the window to pan to the left. To achieve this, the actuators (see Figure 16) receive the user's wireless signal. Actuators on the left are expanded and/or the actuators on the right are contracted. This causes the prism angle of Mat2 to be changed and thereby pans the user's view to the left.

Read D (Figure 18)

Hardware on the window reports the new refraction angle of Of£2 to the computer 238 in real time. This is can be achieved by many methods, herein it is achieved by measuring the current passing through a variable length resistor circuit whereby the current passing through the circuit is inversely proportional to the angle of Off2.

Using Ohm's Law and variable length resistors made of germanium at X = .011684 resistance per inch and a 10 volt circuit we measure current (I) to determine the angles Of£2 and OfB as follows. (In practice four variable resistors may be used to measure each of the four comers that comprise Mat2 and another four to measure the positions of the four co ers of Mat3 (assuming Mat2 and Mat3 are rectangular.))

Ohm^'s Law I = V/R

Where I is current, V is potential difference and R is the resistance of the variable resistor. Assume that the one comer of Mat2 is moved 10 inches (D) from the other comer of Mat2 such that Off2 is increased from zero. The angle Off2 is determined using Ohm's law and the Sine relationships of a right triangle as follows.

I = V/(XD): I = 10V/(.011684R*(10inches)); I = 85.587.

The preceding example uses a known length (D) to determine current for illustrative purposes. In practice, the current is used to determine a length and a corresponding Of£2 angle.

Accordingly, the current of I = 85.587 is used to find the length ( 10 inches) of one side of the prism formed by Mat2. Length in inches (D) = 10V/(.011684*85.587) and of course D = 10 inches. Assuming the other two sides of the prism (henceforth known as P are each 60 inches (P = 60), we can calculate Oflf2 as follows:

Sin (Vz Offi) = .5 opposite side (D)/hypotenuse (P); Sin (V₂ Off) = 5/60: Sin (^λA Offi) = .08333 Invsin .08333 = V_ Off2; 2 Invsin .08333 = Offi: Off2 = .16685 radians.

The entire formula to convert current in the variable length resistor to Off 2 is combined as follows:

Offi = 2 Invsin (V/R*I)/2P

Similarly assuming Mat3 has the same prism side length of P P' = P

A second variable length resistor is used provide D' which is used to calculate OfD.

OfD = 2 Invsin (V'/R'*I')/2P

The values of Off2 and OfD derived from hardware input and programming logic calculation are used in the Snell's Law equations described below.

Hardware reports the refraction angle of OfD to the computer in real time as above. This can be achieved by measuring the current passing through a variable length resistor circuit whereby the current passing through the circuit is inversely proportional to the angle of OfD.

Calculations

Using Snell's Law to describe the two wavelengths' trajectories through each medium

ReflL = Invsin(Matl * Sin(Inc)/Mat2L) ReflH = Invsin(Matl * Sin(Inc)/Mat2H) Ref2L= Invsin(Mat2L * Sin(ReflL - Offi)/Mat3L) Ref2H= Invsin(Mat2H * Sin(ReflH - Offi)/Mat3H)

ReDL= Invsin(Mat3L * Sin(Ref2L - OfD)/Matl) ReDH= Invsin(Mat3H * Sin(Ref2H - OfDYMatl)

Rel = absolute value (ReDL - ReDH)

Minimizing Rel

When ReDL = ReDH, Rel = 0. This minimizes Rel.

It follows that:

Invsin(Mat3L * Sin(Re£2L - OfD)/Matl) - Invsin(Mat3H * Sin(Ref2H - OfD)/Matl)

Solving this equation for OfD will minimize Rel.

Rel = absval(ReDL - ReDH)

The program calculates the relative trajectory of two light wavelengths that have started (parallel) as parts of one ray. These two wavelengths subsequently have passed through Mat2 (with a prism angle of Offi) and Mat3 (with a prism angle of OfD). The two wavelengths' relative resultant trajectories are set equal to Rel. If allowed to move independent of OfD, the increasing of Offi , will cause dispersion between the various wavelengths of light to also increase. Without remediation from OfD, the human eye detects this dispersion as chromatic distortion. The objective of the computer programming instructions is to eliminate this chromatic distortion by minimizing net relative dispersion. (The goal is to cause the two light wavelengths that entered the system parallel to one another also to exit the system parallel to one another.) Using the angle of Offi and refractive indices of Mat2 and Mat3 at different wavelengths, the software calculates the optimal OfD prism angle at which Rel is minimized. When Rel is minimized, the wavelengths passing through both Mat2 at Offi and Mat3 at OfD are nearly parallel and as such chromatic distortion can not be detected by the human eye. (Particularly when the distance that the wavelengths travel through the refractive fluids is rniriimized.)

The minimization of Rel to an acceptable range can be achieved by an incremental loop within the software. Is rel < .0005?

If .0005 radians is used as the dispersion tolerance level of the system a loop in the software determines what actuation is required to move OfD until Rel is less than .0005 radians. Rel can be minimized below this number to any desirable tolerance level.

Incremental loops

Incremental loops are used to actuate the system in the appropriate direction until Rel is brought into the tolerance range. Also D is checked to make sure that its current prism angle is being correctly understood.

Description of The Fourth Preferred Embodiment

Figure 19 illustrates a product of a manufacturing process for making variable prismatic surfaces. A transparent sheet 261 is welded to elastic sheet 263 with first weld 267. A second transparent sheet 265 is welded to elastic sheet 263 with second weld 268. A series of welds similar to third weld 269 further connect transparent sheet 261 to elastic sheet 263. A series of welds similar to fourth weld 270 further connect transparent sheet 265 to elastic sheet 263. The welds as described form a series of voids similar to void 271. The voids on one side of elastic sheet 263 being open on only one end of the assembly and the voids on the other side of elastic sheet 263 being open only on the opposite end of the assembly. Transparent sheet 261, elastic sheet 263 and second transparent sheet 265 are transparent in the visible light spectrum. The welds are performed by a process such as heat welding and sealably attach the respective sheets together except where there are openings as have been described above. Elastic sheet 263 has a shape memory such that it can repeatedly be stretched and will return to its original shape. It may be manufactured from a material such as transparent polyurethane or latex.

Figure 20 illustrates the components of Figure 19 that have been actuated to form prismatic surfaces. Alt transparent sheet 272 has been actuated away from alt second transparent sheet 273. Moving these two sheets apart causes a series of prismatic surfaces to form similar to prismatic surface 275 in elastic sheet 279. A second series of surfaces similar to normal surface 277 in elastic sheet are also formed when alt transparent sheet 272 is actuated away from alt second transparent sheet 273. The transparent sheets, prismatic surfaces and normal surfaces define two sets of voids. A series of positive voids similar to positive void 280 are formed which communicate with one side of the assembly and a series of negative voids similar to negative void 281 are formed which communicate with the other side of the assembly. When actuated, these voids are filled with fluids with refractive indices. A fluid with a first refractive index fills all of the voids on one side of the elastic sheet. A fluid with a second refractive index fills all of the voids on the opposite side of the elastic sheet. Sheet 272 and sheet 273 can be slid (vertically in the illustration) relative to each other such that the angle formed by the normal surface 277 is adjustable to be either positive or negative and parallel with a desired viewing angle.

Figure 21 depicts the components of Figure 20. A rigid plane 283 is sealably attached to one outer surface of the Figure 20 assembly. A second rigid plane 284 is sealably attached to the opposite outer surface of the Figure 20 assembly. These rigid planes are made of a rigid material such as glass or plastic which is transparent in the visible spectrum but may filter other wavelengths of electromagnetic energy. The rigid planes provide a means to actuate and maintain desirable positions of the Figure 20 components.

Figure 22 depicts elastic sheet 285 of Figure 21 forming prismatic surfaces when actuated. In practice two such sheets are used together with three refractive fluids to achieve refraction and minimize dispersion according to this invention. (The ray tracing in Figure 17 helps to illustrate polychromatic light entering a first prism, being dispersed and exiting a second prism with two colors traveling on parallel trajectories to minimize chromatic distortion.)

Figure 23 is an enlarged view of one cell of the Figure 21 assembly. A single prismatic surface 286 defines a void on either side of it. A single normal surface 287 forms a right angle with the rigid surfaces on either end of it. Each void is filled with fluid with a refractive index.

Figure 24 is an enlarged view of one cell of the Figure 21 assembly in a new configuration. A first offset rigid plane 288 has been slid relative to a second offset rigid plane 289. This causes the angle formed by offset normal surface 290 relative to the rigid planes to be other than right angles.

Figure 25 is an enlarged view of one cell of the Figure 21 assembly in another configuration. A higher pressure void 292 and a lower pressure void 293 cause a curved prismatic surface 294 configuration. Figure 26 depicts a four direction prism 305. The surfaces of the structure are comprised of an elastic material with a good memory and capable of handling repeated stretch and recovery cycles. The elastic material is transparent in the visible spectrum. Polyurethane or latex may be used to manufacture this structure. In practice two such structures are used together with three refractive fluids (including one with low refractive index such as a gas) to achieve refraction and minimize dispersion according to this invention. (The ray tracing in Figure 17 helps to illustrate polychromatic light entering a first prism, being dispersed and exiting a second prism with two colors traveling on parallel trajectories to minimize chromatic distortion.)

Figure 27 depicts the structure of Figure 26 between a first transparent sheet 307 and a second transparent sheet 309 attached to a four direction prism as in Figure 28. These sheets are comprised of material that is transparent in the visible spectrum.

Figure 28 is an enlarged view of one cell of the structure of Figure 26 with some of the component surfaces illustrated. A normal surface 311 is visible. Another normal surface 313 is visible. A first prismatic surface 315 together with second prismatic surface 317 comprise a rectangular prismatic surface which has been bisected by a third prismatic surface 319 and a fourth prismatic surface 321. Together, 315 and 317 form a complete rectangular prism. Similarly, together 319 and 321 form a differently oriented complete rectangular prism.

Figure 29 shows three side by side cells similar to that depicted in Figure 28 except the cells are at rest in the non-actuated position. Many cells similar to these and actuated comprise the structure of Figure 27. Alt four direction transparent sheet 323 forms one side of the assembly. It is welded as described in Figure 32 to alt first elastic sheet 325 which when at rest is flat as depicted here. Welded to elastic sheet 325 as later described in Figure 33 is alt second elastic sheet 327 which when at rest is flat as depicted here. Welded to elastic sheet 327 as described in Figure 32 is a second alt four direction transparent sheet 329.

Figure 30 describes the first weld pattern for the three side by side cells depicted in Figure 29. Each cell includes a "U" weld 331 between sheets 323 and 325 of Figure 29. This heat weld connects sheet 323 and sheet 325 in a way that when actuated will cause desirable surfaces to form in sheet 325. A vertical weld 332 has been formed as part of the "U" weld 331 by adding additional material. This weld 332 enables the formation of a triangular perpendicular surface between sheets 323 and 325 when actuated. A "U" weld channel 333 has been created by not welding one small section of each cell thus forming a hole in one side. This hole enables communication between the first ceil and the cell within the next row of cells (not shown).

Figure 31 describes the second weld pattern for the three side by side cells depicted in Figure 29. Each cell includes triangle weld 337 between sheets 325 and 327 of Figure 29. This heat weld is comprised of three separate lines. It connects sheet 325 and sheet 327 in a way that when actuated will cause desirable surfaces to form. A vertical weld 338 and vertical weld 339 have been formed as part of triangle weld 337 by adding additional material. Vertical welds 338 and 339 enable the formation of triangular perpendicular normal surfaces between sheets 325 and 327 when actuated. Also heat welded in are first void port 343, second void port 345, and third void port 346 to second row. Void port 343 enables communication between similar sections of each cell in its column. Ports 345 and 346 enable communication between the first cell and subsequent cells in its row (not shown).

Figure 32 describes the third weld pattern for the three side by side cells depicted in Figure 29. Each cell includes a weld between sheets 327 and 329 of Figure 29. This heat weld is comprised of three separate lines. It connects sheet 327 and sheet 329 in a way that when actuated will cause desirable surfaces to form. A vertical weld 348 has been formed as part of a "C" weld 347 by adding additional material. Weld 348 enables the formation of a triangular perpendicular surface between sheets 327 and 329 when actuated. A weld channel 353 is a section that is not welded. This enables communication between the first cell and similar sections in subsequent cells in the column.

Figure 33 illustrates four cells of the Figure 28 construct including a two cell column by a two cell row. It describes more specifically how the ports communicate between similar sections in respective columns or rows. Alt first void port 355 communicates from one end of a cell to a similar shaped section of the cell in the next row. Alt second void port 357 communicates from one side of a cell to a similar shaped section of the cell in the next column. Alt third void port 359 communicates from one end of a cell to a similar shaped section of the cell in the next row. Alt fourth void port 361 communicates from one side of a cell to a similar shaped section of the cell in the next column.

Figure 34 describes the top view of a six direction variable view window.

Operation of the Fourth Preferred Embodiment of Invention.

Figure 19 represents the sheets that when actuated form variable prismatic surfaces, shown currently in the non-actuated state. Voids on either side of elastic sheet 263 may be totally empty or may contain some small amount of fluid. Even in the later case, because the fluid takes the shape of its container, and the two surfaces of any represented void are nearly perfectly parallel, no net refraction is occurring when in the shown configuration.

Figure 20 represents an actuated version of the structure of Figure 19. Surfaces 272 and 273 have been moved apart. In so doing, prismatic surfaces similar to prismatic surface 284 in elastic sheet have been formed. The prismatic angle of this surface is continuously adjustable over a wide range. As sheets 272 and 273 are moved farther apart, the prismatic angle increases, the closer sheet 272 is to sheet 273, the lesser the prismatic angle. Into the voids on one side of elastic sheet 263 is drawn a fluid with a first refractive index. Into the void on the opposite side of elastic sheet 263, is drawn a fluid with a second refractive index. As light passes through the assembly, it experiences a net refraction. The refraction can be adjusted at will by a user. The user can thereby adjust the view provided through the window from any given vantage point. When fluid of a higher refractive index is drawn into the positive void and fluid of a lower refractive index is drawn into the negative void, the net refraction is positive. When fluid of a higher refractive index is drawn into the negative voids and fluid of a lower refractive index is drawn into the positive voids, the net refraction is negative. This difference determines in which direction the user will see, negative being in one direction and positive being in the opposite direction. Note that the fluids can be pumped from either end of the unit. Since the positive voids are sealed on one end and the negative voids are sealed on the opposite end. the fluids filling either side can be varied simply by pumping one on one side and/or the other on the other side. The mechanism to pump fluid on either side are well known to the art and are not shown.

Figure 21 contains the structure of Figure 20 as well as rigid planes 283 and 284. In operation, planes 283 and 284 can be actuated by pump or otherwise. Actuating these planes, to which planes 272 and 273 are sealably fastened, creates vacuums within the voids into which fluids with the desirable respective refractive indices are drawn or pumped. Rigid planes 283 and 284 can also slide relative to one another. Sliding will cause sheet 277 of Figure 20 to form a desirable angle. It may be useful for the angle to be perpendicular to the rigid planes or to form another angle parallel to a user's desired viewing angle. This sliding can be manipulated by the user to ensure maximum light passage and its usefulness will vary depending upon the users viewing perspective and the desired viewing angle. Planes 283 and 284 also perform a protective strengthening function to ensure that the integrity of the unit is maintained.

Figure 22 shows the actuated elastic sheet 285 forming prismatic surfaces. The two sets of angles on this sheet are independently variable by sliding (to determine the normal angles) and by moving apart of the rigid planes (to determine the prismatic angles.) Note that the unit can also be used to close the view through the window. This can be achieved by increasing the prismatic angle until it reaches the point of total internal reflection. In this configuration, the user can not see out of the window, neither can anyone see in through the window. This is a methodology to transition a window or lens from a transparent state to an opaque state. In practice two such structures are used together with three refractive fluids (including one with low refractive index such as a gas) to achieve refraction and minimize dispersion according to this invention. (The ray tracing in Figure 17 helps to illustrate polychromatic light entering a first prism, being dispersed and exiting a second prism with two colors traveling on parallel trajectories to minimize chromatic distortion.)

Figure 23 illustrates a close up view of single prismatic surface 286. The angle of this surface relative to the rigid planes on either side of it determines the net refraction of the unit. This angle can be increased to the point of total internal reflection at which time, light will not coherently pass through the window. The amount of refraction that occurs at any given angle is determined by the fluid selected to fill the voids of any given unit. The angle of total internal reflection also is a function of the refractive index of the fluid that fills the voids. In this illustration, the rigid planes have been slid such that the single normal surface 287 is perpendicular to both rigid planes.

Figure 24 illustrates the effect upon any single prismatic and normal surfaces when plates 288 and 289 are slid relative to one another. More specifically the angle formed by 290 is an angle other than perpendicular to the rigid planes. Modifying this angle by sliding the rigid planes enables the user to maximize the light throughput from a users desired viewing direction to a user's desired viewing position. The maximum light throughput is achieved when 290 is caused to form an angle whereby it is parallel to the light that the user wants to view as that light passes through the unit.

Figure 25 illustrates the ability of the user or the computer to curve the prismatic surface. This is achieved by creating a pressure within higher pressure void 292 in excess of the pressure in lower pressure void 293. The fluid conforming to the curve can function as a magnification lens when the refractive index of the fluid in void 293 is higher than the refractive index of the fluid in void 292. The fluid conforming to the curve can serve as a plano-convex reducing lens when the refractive index of the fluid in void 292 is higher than the refractive index of the fluid in void 293. These effects are useful especially when the user selects higher viewing angles with corresponding larger prismatic angles because this causes the image to appear elongationally reduced in one direction and to be elongationally magnified in the opposites direction. The curves enable the user to rninimize this distortion.

Figure 26 depicts a more complicated version of using a transparent stretch material as a variable view prism. It is comprised of many identical cells. Each cell actually consists of four prismatic surfaces and four voids for fluids. A fluid with a first refractive index and a fluid with a second refractive index are used with this model as well. This design offers the advantage of viewing in four possible directions without physically reorienting the entire unit. In practice two such stmctures are used together with three refractive fluids (including one with low refractive index such as a gas) to achieve refraction and minimize dispersion according to this invention. (The ray tracing in Figure 17 helps to illustrate polychromatic light entering a first prism, being dispersed and exiting a second prism with two colors traveling on parallel trajectories to rninimize chromatic distortion.)

Figure 27 illustrates the structure of Figure 26 with the transparent sheets added. The sheets form sides on some voids within each cell which form sealed voids which are filled with fluids with refractive indices.

Figure 28 is a close up view of one of the many identical cells in Figure 26. It is currently in an actuated configuration. When the sheet is sealed between he 307 and 309 of Figure 27, voids are formed which are filled with fluid.

Figure 29 is a non-actuated view of three cells of Figure 27. The stmcture is built from four flat sheets of transparent material at least two of which have high elasticity. These sheets are welded together in specific patterns to create prismatic surfaces and voids when sheets 329 and 323 are pulled apart from one another. In the configuration of Figure 29 no net refraction is occurring because all prismatic surfaces are parallel to one another.

Figure 30 illustrates the weld pattern required between sheets 323 and 325 to make sheet 325 stretch into desired angles when actuated. The vertical weld 332 represents additional material added to the weld. This additional material enables this weld itself to be stretched into a triangular shaped vertical cell wall when actuated while being flat when not actuated. The "U" weld channel 333 enables fluid to flow from this cell to the similar shaped void in the cell in the next row.

Figure 31 illustrates the weld pattern 337 between sheets 325 and 327 which enables these sheets to form desirable surfaces and voids when actuated. Sheets 338 and 339 represent additional material that is within the weld that enables the weld to stretch into vertical triangular surfaces when actuated but yet remain flat when at rest. Ports 345 and 346 represent tube stmctures which enable fluid to flow from a void in one cell to the similar void in the next cell. Similarly port 343 represents a tube that enables fluid to flow from one void to a similar shaped void in the next cell.

Figure 32 is the weld pattern between sheets 327 and 329 (see Figure 29) which enables sheet 327 to form desired surfaces and filled voids when actuated. The weld channel 353 allows fluid to flow from one filled void in this cell to the similar void in the next cell. The vertical weld 348 includes additional material that enables the weld to be flat at rest and to form a vertical triangular surface when actuated.

Figure 33 depicts the cell to cell fluid ports that have been built into each of the welds as previously discussed. In this diagram, all of the fluid porting is achieved through tubes whereas some were made from gaps in welds in the previous diagrams. This diagram illustrates that two types of fluid ports communicate in columns from cell to cell . The other two communicate in rows from cell to cell. This configuration enables fluid control for each of the four voids in each cell to be controlled from one respective side of the stmcture. In this illustration, port 355 carries fluid from the top of the stmcture through voids to similar voids all the way down to the bottom of the stmcture. Port 359 carries fluid from the bottom of the stmcture through voids to similar voids all the way up to the top of the stmcture. Port 361 carries fluid from the right end of the stmcture through voids to similar voids all the way across to the left end of the stmcture. Port 357 carries fluid from the left end of the stmcture through voids to similar voids all the way across to the right end of the stmcture. Thus, the contents of each similar void in every cell is controlled by which fluid is added through its respective side of the stmcture. A combination of filling any two void sets with a fluid with a first refractive index and filling the other two void sets with a fluid with a second refractive index will cause the entire unit to refract light in a desirable direction. The user controls which fluid goes into which sets of voids when a viewing direction is selected, each time the unit is used. As with previous designs, moving first and second transparent sheets 307 and 309 farther apart causes the net refraction to increase. The actual amount of refraction achieved depends upon the refractive indices of the fluids. Total internal reflection can be achieved by actuating transparent sheet 307 away from transparent sheet 309 and thereby increasing the prism angles to the internal reflection point. No coherent images will be visible through the window beyond the total internal reflection point. This is a desirable feature that enables the user to create privacy or lower light whenever desired.

Figure 34 uses five sheets welded together to create desirable surfaces and voids upon actuation. It can be directed to view in six different directions. In practice two such stmctures are used together with three refractive fluids (including one with low refractive index such as a gas) to achieve refraction and rninimize dispersion according to this invention. (The ray tracing in Figure 17 helps to illustrate polychromatic light entering a first prism, being dispersed and exiting a second prism with two colors traveling on parallel trajectories to minimize chromatic distortion.)

Table V begins on the succeeding page. It represents a fraction of the fluids (defined as any gas, liquid, or solid that can conform to the shape of its container) with refractive indices and dispersive properties that can be used in the present invention. It is sorted according to a ratio involving its dispersion across the represented wavelengths. The texts cited are as follows: Nikogosyan, D.N., Properties of Optical and Laser Related Materials: a Handbook, J. Wiley, NY 1997. Marsh, K.N. Editor, Recommended Reference Materials of Realization of Physicochemical Properties, Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford, 1987. Gray, Dwight E, American Institute of Physics Handbook, McGrawHill, 1972, and Cargile is an independent lab capable of engineering fluids for desirable refractive index and dispersive properties. Temp Wave n

Reference In K Mateπal Length Ref Index

Cargille 298 code433 04861 1 2971 weighted rati

Cargille 298 code433 0 5893 1 295 wv spread nspread ratio

Cargille 298 code433 0 6563 1 2941 -0 1702 0 003 -0 017626 -73 41861

Gray, D E 288 7 pentane 0 486 1 361 weighted rati

Gray, D E 288 7 pentane 0 589 1 3581 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 288 7 pentane 0656 1 357 -0 17 0 004 -0 023529 -576725

Gray, D E 2954 nicotine 0 486 weighted rati

Gray, D E 295 4 nicotine 0 589 1 5239 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 2954 nicotine 0 656 1 5198 -0 17 0 0041 -0 024118 -63 0161

Gray, D E 298 5 Ethyl alcohol 0 486 1 36395

Gray, D E 298 5 Ethyl alcohol 0 589 1 35971 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 298 5 Ethyl alcohol 0 656 1 35971 -0 17 0 00424 -0 024941 -54 51667

Gray, D E 293 methyl alcohol 0 486 1 3331 weighted rati

Gray, D E 293 methyl alcohol 0 589 1 329 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 methyl alcohol 0 656 1 3277 -0 17 0 0054 -0 031765 -41 79796

Nikogosyan 2882 methanol 0 4861 1 3346 wv spread n spread ratio weighted rati

Nikogosyan 288 2 methanol 0 6563 1 32897 -0 17015 0 00563 -0 033088 -40 16416

Gray, D E 288 1 octane 0 486 1 4046 weighted rati

Gray, D E 288 1 octane 0 589 1 4007 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 288 1 octane 0 656 1 3987 -0 17 0 0059 -0 034706 -40 30153

Nikogosyan 2932 H20 0 4861 1 33712

Nikogosyan 293 2 H20 0 5893 1 33299 ' w spread nspread ratio

Nikogosyan 293 2 H20 0 6563 1 33115 -0 17015 0 00597 -0 035087 -37 93889

Gray, D E 293 Acetaldehyde 0 486 1 3359 weighted rati

Gray, D E 293 Acetaldehyde 0 589 1 3316 < wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 Acetaldehyde 0 656 1 3298 -0 17 0 0061 -0 035882 -37 06

Gray, D E 293 ether, ethyl 0 486 1 3576 weighted rati

Gray, D E 293 ether, ethyl 0 589 1 3538 ' wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 ether, ethyl 0 656 1 3515 -0 17 0 0061 -0 035882 -37 66475

Gray, D E 293 ethyl alchohol 0 486 1 3666 weighted rati

Gray, D E 293 ethyl alchohol 0 589 1 3618 ι wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 ethyl alchohol 0 656 1 3605 -0 17 0 0061 -0 035882 -37 91557

Gray, D E 3006 Ethyl alcohol 0 486 1 35986

Gray, D E 3006 Ethyl alcohol 0 589 1 35556 1 w spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 3006 Ethyl alcohol 0 656 1 35372 -0 17 0 00614 -0 036118 -3748085

Gray, D E 273 ethyl alchohol 0486 1 3739 weighted rati

Gray, D E 273 ethyl alchohol 0 589 1 3695 \ NV spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 273 ethyl alchohol 0656 1 3677 -0 17 0 0062 -0 036471 -3750145

Gray, D E 293 3 Sulfύπc acid 0 486 1 34285

Gray, D E 293 3 Sulfuπc acid 0 589 1 33862 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 3 Sulfuπc acid 0656 1 33663 -0 17 0 00622 -0 036588 -36 53169

Gray, D E 291 1 Sodium chlonde 0 486 1 34628

Gray, D E 291 1 Sodium chlonde 0 589 1 34191 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 291 1 Sodium chlonde 0 656 1 34 -0 17 0 00628 -0 036941 -36 27389

Gray, D E 284 Potassium cloπde 0 486 1 34719

Gray, D E 284 Potassium cloπde 0 589 1 34278 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 284 Potassium cloπde 0 656 1 34087 -0 17 0 00632 -0 037176 -36 06771

Nikogosyan 2932 hexane 04861 1 3795 wv spread n spread ratio waghted rati

Nikogosyan 293 2 hexane 0 6563 1 373 -0 17015 0 0065 -0 038202 -35 94092 Gray, D E 293 acetone 0 486 1 3639 weighted rati

Gray, D E 293 acetone 0 589 1 3593 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 acetone 0656 1 3573 -0 17 0 0066 -0 038824 -34 96076

Gray, D E 284 Potassium cloπde 0 486 1 35645

Gray, D E 284 Potassium cloπde 0 589 1 35179 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 284 Potassium cloπde 0 656 1 34982 -0 17 0 00663 -0 039 -3461077

Gray, D E 302 8 Ammonium Chlonde 0 486 1 35515 weighted rati

Gray, D E 302 8 Ammonium Chlonde 0 589 1 3505 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 302 8 Ammonium Chlonde 0 656 1 3485 -0 17 0 00665 -0 039118 -3447293

Gray, D E 293 n-propyl alcohol 0 486 1 3901 weighted rati

Gray, D E 293 n-propyl alcohol 0 589 1 3854 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 n-propyl alcohol 0 656 1 3834 -0 17 0 0067 -0 039412 -35 10119

Nikogosyan 2882 acetone 04861 1 36634 wv spread n spread ratio weighted rati

Nikogosyan 288 2 acetone 0 6563 1 35959 -0 17015 0 00675 -0 039671 -34 27174

Gray, D E 293 3 Sultiinc acid 0486 1 37468

Gray, D E 293 3 Sultuπc acid 0 589 1 37009 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 3 Sultuπc acid 0 656 1 36793 -0 17 0 00675 -0 039706 -3445157

Gray, D E 284 Potassium cloπde 0 486 1 36512

Gray, D E 284 Potassium cloπde 0 589 1 36029 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 284 Potassium cloπde 0656 1 35831 -0 17 0 00681 -0 040059 -33 90789

Nikogosyan 288 2 acetic acid 0 4861 1 37851 wv spread n spread ratio weighted rati

Nikogosyan 288 2 acetic acid 0 6563 1 37165 -0 17015 0 00686 -0 040317 -34 02132

Gray, D E 291 1 Sodium chlonde 0 486 1 36442

Gray, D E 291 1 Sodium chlonde 0 589 1 35959 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 291 1 Sodium chlonde 0 656 1 35751 -0 17 0 00691 -0 040647 -33 3975

Nikogosyan 293 2 dioxane 0 4358 1 4293 wv spread n spread ratio weighted rati

Nikogosyan 2932 dioxane 0 6563 1 4202 -0 22044 0 0091 -0 041281 -34 40317

Gray, D E 293 formic acid 0486 1 3764 weighted rati

Gray, D E 293 formic acid 0 589 1 3714 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 formic acid 0 656 1 3693 -0 17 0 0071 -0 041765 -3278606

Gray, D E 298 8 Calcium chlonde 0486 1 37876

Gray, D E 2988 Calcium chlonde 0 589 1 37369 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 298 8 Calcium chlonde 0 656 1 37152 -0 17 0 00724 -0 042588 -32 2042

Gray, D E 293 3 Sultuπc acid 0 486 1 44168

Gray, D E 293 3 Sultuπc acid 0 589 1 43669 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 3 Sultuπc acid 0 656 1 43444 -0 17 0 00724 -0 042588 -33 6816

Nikogosyan 2932 cyclohexane 04358 1 4335 wv spread n spread ratio weighted rati

Nikogosyan 293 2 cyclohexane 0 6563 1 42405 -0 22044 0 00945 -0 042869 -33 21879

Gray, D E 2964 Znc chlonde 0 486 1 38026

Gray, D E 2964 Zinc chlonde 0 589 1 37515 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 2964 Zinc chlonde 0 656 1 37292 -0 17 0 00734 -0 043176 -31 79787

Nikogosyan 2932 glycerol (glyceπne) 04861 1 4795 wv spread n spread ratio weighted rati

Nikogosyan 293 2 glycerol (glyceπne) 0 6563 1 4721 -0 17015 0 0074 -0 043491 -33 84835

Gray, D E 293 3 Sulfuπc acid 0 486 1 42967

Gray, D E 293 3 Sultuπc acid 0 589 1 42466 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 3 Sulfuπc acid 0 656 1 42227 -0 17 0 0074 -0 043529 -32 67377

Gray, D E 293 hexane 0486 1 3799 weighted rati

Gray, D E 293 hexane 0 589 1 3734 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 hexane 0 589 1 3754 -0 103 0 0045 -0 043689 -31 48138

Gray, D E 284 Potash (caustic) 0486 1 40808

Gray, D E 284 Potash (caustic) 0 589 1 40281 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 284 Potash (caustic) 0 656 1 40052 -0 17 0 00756 -0 044471 -31 49317

Gray, D E 291 1 Sodium chlonde 0 486 1 38322 Gray, D E 291 1 Sodium chlonde 0 589 1 37789 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 291 1 Sodium chlonde 0 656 1 37562 -0 17 00076 -0 044706 -3077045

Gray, D E 300 1 Ammonium Chlonde 0 486 1 38473 weighted rati

Gray, D E 300 1 Ammonium Chlonde 0 589 1 37936 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 300 1 Ammonium Chlonde 0 656 1 37703 -0 17 0 0077 -0 045294 -3040196

Gray, D E 293 glyceπne 0486 1 4784 weighted rati

Gray, D E 293 glyceπne 0 589 1 473 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 glyceπne 0 656 1 4706 -0 17 0 0078 -0 045882 -32 05154

Gray, D E 299 9 Calcium chlonde 0 486 1 40206

Gray, D E 299 9 Calcium chloride 0 589 1 39652 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 299 9 Calcium chlonde 0 656 1 39411 -0 17 0 00795 -0 046765 -29 81116

Nikogosyan 293 2 ethylene glycol 0 4358 1 44 wv spread n spread ratio weighted rati

Nikogosyan 2932 ethylene glycol 0 6563 1 4296 -022044 0 0104 -0047178 -30 30202

Marsh 293 tπmethylpentane 0 4358 1 40029 wv spread n spread ratio weighted rati

Marsh 293 tπmethylpentane 0 6678 1 38916 -0 23198 0 01113 -0 047978 -28 95394

Gray, D E 299 9 Zinc chlonde 0 486 1 40797

Gray, D E 299 9 Znc chlonde 0 589 1 40222 ' wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 299 9 Zinc chlonde 0 656 1 39977 -0 17 0 0082 -0 048235 -29 01962

Gray, D E 287 9 decane 0 486 1 416 weighted rati

Gray, D E 287 9 decane 0 589 1 4108 ' wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 287 9 decane 0 656 1 4088 -0 17 0 0072 -0 042353 -33 26333

Nikogosyan 2932 dichloroethane 04861 1 45024 ' wv spread n spread ratio weighted rati

Nikogosyan 293 2 dichloroethane 0 6563 1 44189 -0 17015 0 00835 -0 049074 -29 38175

Gray, D E 295 8 Sodium nitrate 0 486 1 39134

Gray, D E 295 8 Sodium nitrate 0 589 1 38535 < wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 295 8 Sodium nitrate 0 656 1 38283 -0 17 0 00851 -0 050059 -27 6241

Gray, D E 2946 Soda (caustic) 0 486 1 41936

Gray, D E 2946 Soda (caustic) 0 589 1 41334 ' wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 294 6 Soda (caustic) 0 656 1 41071 -0 17 0 00865 -0 050882 -27 72494

Gray, D E 293 chloroform 0 486 1 453 weighted rati

Gray, D E 293 chloroform 0 589 1 4467 ' wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 chloroform 0 656 1 4443 -0 17 0 0087 -0 051176 -28 22195

Gray, D E 2963 hexylene 0486 1 4007 weighted rati

Gray, D E 296 3 hexylene 0 589 1 3945 \ wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 296 3 hexylene 0 656 1 392 -0 17 00087 -0 051176 -272

Gray, D E 273 olive oil 0 486 1 4825 weighted rati

Gray, D E 273 olive oil 0 589 1 4763 \ Λ / spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 273 olive oil 0 656 1 4738 -0 17 0 0087 -0 051176 -28 79839

Marsh 293 methylcyclohexane 0 4358 1 43269 wv spread n spread ratio weighted rati

Marsh 293 methylcyclohexane 0 6678 1 42064 -0 23198 0 01205 -0 051944 -27 34938

Marsh 293 hexadecane 0 4358 1 44419 wv spread n spread ratio weighted rati

Marsh 293 hexadecane 0 6678 1 43204 -023198 0 01215 -0 052375 -27 34195

Nikogosyan 293 2 chloroform 0 4358 1 4546 wv spread n spread ratio weighted rati

Nikogosyan 2932 chloroform 06563 1 443 -022044 0 0116 -0052622 -2742198

Gray, D E 293 ethyl nitrate 0 486 1 392 weighted rati

Gray, D E 293 ethyl nitrate 0 589 1 3853 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 ethyl nitrate 0 656 1 383 -0 17 0 009 -0 052941 -26 12333

Gray, D E 273 almond oil 0 486 1 4847 weighted rati

Gray, D E 273 almond oil 0 589 1 4782 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 273 almond oil 0 656 1 4755 -0 17 0 0092 -0 054118 -27 26467

Nikogosyan 293 2 ethenol 0 4047 1 3729 wv spread n spread ratio weighted rati

Nikogosyan 293 2 ethenol 0 6563 1 3591 -0 25162 0 0138 -0 054845 -24 78092 Gray, D E 2987 Calcium chlonde 0486 1 44938

Gray, D E 298 7 Calcium chlonde 0 589 1 44279 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 298 7 Calcium chlonde 0 656 1 44 -0 17 0 00938 -0 055176 -26 09808

Gray, D E 293 chloral 0 486 1 4624 weighted rati

Gray, D E 293 chloral 0 589 1 4557 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 chloral 0 656 1 453 -0 17 0 0094 -0 055294 -2627766

Gray, D E 293 8 Hydrochlonc acid 0 486 1 41774

Gray, D E 293 8 Hydrochlonc acid 0 589 1 41109 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 8 Hydrochlonc acid 0 656 1 40817 -0 17 0 00957 -0 056294 -25 01451

Gray, D E 291 8 Nitπc acid 0 486 1 40857

Gray, D E 291 8 Nitπc acid 0 589 1 40181 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 291 8 Nitπc acid 0 656 1 39893 -0 17 0 00964 -0 056706 -2466993

Nikogosyan 2882 carbon tetrachloπde 0 4861 1 4697 wv spread n spread ratio weighted rati

Nikogosyan 288 2 carbon tetrachloπde 0 6563 1 46005 -0 17015 0 00965 -0 056715 -25 74378

Gray, D E 293 carbon tetrachloπde 0 486 1 4676 weighted rati

Gray, D E 293 carbon tetrachloπde 0 589 1 4607 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 carbon tetrachloπde 0 656 1 4579 -0 17 0 0097 -0 057059 -25 55082

Gray, D E 273 rock oil 0 486 1 4644 weighted rati

Gray, D E 273 rock oil 0 589 1 4573 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 273 rock oil 0 656 1 4545 -0 17 0 0099 -0 058235 -24 97626

Marsh 293 trans-bicyclodecane 0 4358 1 48011 wv spread n spread ratio weighted rati

Marsh 293 trans-bicyclodecane 0 6678 1 46654 -0 23198 0 01357 -0 058496 -25 07059

Gray, D E 293 7 turpentine oil 0486 1 4793 weighted rati

Gray, D E 293 7 turpentine oil 0 589 1 4721 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 7 turpentine oil 0 656 1 4692 -0 17 0 0101 -0 059412 -24 72911

Gray, D E 2836 turpentine oil 0486 1 4817 weighted rati

Gray, D E 2836 turpentine oil 0 589 1 4744 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 2836 turpentine oil 0656 1 4715 -0 17 0 0102 -0 06 -24525

Gray, D E 289 Cyanin (saturated) 0 486 1 3831

Gray, D E 289 Cyanin (saturated) 0 589 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 289 Cyanin (saturated) 0656 1 3705 -0 17 0 0126 -0 074118 -1849087

Gray, D E 293 thymol 0 486 1 5386 weighted rati

Gray, D E 293 thymol 0 589 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 thymol 0 656 1 5228 -0 17 0 0158 -0 092941 -16 38456

Gray, D E 293 toluene 0 486 1 507 weighted rati

Gray, D E 293 toluene 0 589 1 4955 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 toluene 0 656 1 4911 -0 17 0 0159 -0 093529 -15 94258

Gray, D E 293 benzene 0486 1 5132 weighted rati

Gray, D E 293 benzene 0 589 1 5012 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 benzene 0 656 1 4965 -0 17 0 0167 -0 098235 -15 23383

Marsh 293 silicone oil 0 4358 1 53751 wv spread n spread ratio weighted rati

Marsh 293 silicone oil 0 6678 1 51279 -0 23196 0 02472 -0 10657 -14 19526

Gray, D E 3557 phenol 0486 1 5356 weighted rati

Gray, D E 355 7 phenol 0 589 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 355 7 phenol 0 656 1 5174 -0 17 0 0182 -0 107059 -14 17352

Gray, D E 313 6 phenol 0 486 1 5558 weighted rati

Gray, D E 313 6 phenol 0 589 1 5425 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 3136 phenol 0 656 1 5369 -0 17 0 0189 -0 111176 -13 82397

Cargille 298 code1057 0 4861 1 5891

Cargille 298 code1057 0 5893 1 575 wv spread nspread ratio

Cargille 298 code1057 0 6563 1 5695 -0 1702 0 0196 -0 115159 -13 62903

Nikogosyan 2932 toluene 0 4047 1 52612 wv spread n spread ratio weighted rati

Nikogosyan 2932 toluene 0 7065 1 4898 -0 30186 0 03632 -0 120337 -12 38017

Gray, D E 293 bitter almond oil 0 486 1 5623 weighted rati Gray, D E 293 bitter almond oil 0 589 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 bitter almond oil 0 656 1 5391 -0 17 0 0232 -0 136471 -11 27789

Gray, D E 288 1 anise seed oil 0486 1 5743 weighted rati

Gray, D E 288 1 anise seed oil 0 589 1 5572 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 288 1 anise seed oil 0 656 1 5508 -0 17 0 0235 -0 138235 -11 21855

Gray, D E 2744 anise oil 0486 1 5647 weighted rati

Gray, D E 274 4 anise oil 0 589 1 5475 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 2744 anise oil 0 656 1 541 -0 17 0 0237 -0 139412 -11 05359

Nikogosyan 2932 benzene 04047 1 5318 wv spread n spread ratio weighted rati

Nikogosyan 293 2 benzene 0 6563 1 49663 -0 25162 0 03517 -0 139774 -10 70748

Gray, D E 289 6 styrene 0 486 1 5659 weighted rati

Gray, D E 2896 styrene 0 589 1 5485 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 289 6 styrene 0 656 1 5419 -0 17 0 024 -0 141176 -10 92179

Gray, D E 293 aniline 0486 1 6041 weighted rati

Gray, D E 293 aniline 0 589 1 5863 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 aniline 0 656 1 5793 -0 17 0 0248 -0 145882 -10 82585

Nikogosyan 2932 nitrobenzene 0 4861 1 57124 wv spread n spread ratio weighted rati

Nikogosyan 293 2 nitrobenzene 0 6563 1 54593 -0 17015 0 02531 -0 148751 -10 39273

Gray, D E 371 6 naphthalene 0 486 1 6031 weighted rati

Gray, D E 371 6 naphthalene 0 589 1 5823 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 371 6 naphthalene 0 656 1 5746 -0 17 0 0285 -0 167647 -9 392351

Marsh 293 methynaphthalene 04861 1 63958 wv spread n spread ratio waghted rati

Marsh 293 methynaphthalene 0 6678 1 60828 -0 18168 0 0313 -0 172281 -9 335218

Gray, D E 289 Fuchsin (nearly saturati 0 486 1 3918

Gray, D E 289 Fuchsin (nearly saturati 0 589 1 398 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 289 Fuchsin (nearly saturati 0 656 1 361 -0 17 0 0308 -0 181176 -7 512013

Gray, D E 293 chinolin 0486 1 647 waghted rati

Gray, D E 293 chinolin 0 589 1 6245 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 chinolin 0 656 1 6161 -0 17 0 0309 -0 181765 -8 891165

Gray, D E 293 brom naphthalene 0486 1 6819 weighted rati

Gray, D E 293 bromnaphthalene 0 589 1 6582 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 bromnaphthalene 0 656 1 6495 -0 17 0 0324 -0 190588 -8 654784

Gray, D E 293 carbon disulfide 0486 1 6523 weighted rati

Gray, D E 293 carbon disulfide 0 589 1 6276 NV spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 carbon disulfide 0 656 1 6182 -0 17 00341 -0200588 -8 067273

Gray, D E 273 carbon disulfide 0 486 1 6688 weighted rati

Gray, D E 273 carbon disulfide 0 589 1 6433 ) NV spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 273 carbon disulfide 0 656 1 6336 -0 17 0 0352 -0207059 -7 889545

Gray, D E 293 methylene iodide 0 486 1 7692 weighted rati

Gray, D E 293 methylene iodide 0 589 1 7417 \ NV spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 methylene iodide 0 656 1 732 -0 17 0 0372 -0 218824 -7 915054

Gray, D E 283 cassia oil 0 486 1 6389 weighted rati

Gray, D E 283 cassia oil 0 589 1 6104 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 283 cassia oil 0 656 1 6007 -0 17 0 0382 -0 224706 -7 123534

Gray, D E 293 5 casia oil 0 486 1 6314 weighted rati

Gray, D E 293 5 casia oil 0 589 1 6026 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 293 5 casia oil 0 656 1 593 -0 17 0 0384 -0 225882 -7 052344

Gray, D E 296 5 cinnamon oil 0486 1 6508 weighted rati

Gray, D E 296 5 cinnamon oil 0 589 1 6188 wv spread nspread ratio

Gray, D E 296 5 cinnamon oil 0 656 1 6077 -0 17 0 0431 -0 253529 -6 341276

Nikogosyan 2932 carbon disulfide 04047 1 6934 wv spread n spread ratio weighted rati

Nikogosyan 2932 carbon disulfide 0 6563 1 6182 -0 25162 0 0752 -0 298863 -5414514 Table VI - LOSLO software code written in C++ controls the two prism angles to minimize dispersion.

//

#include <vcl.h> #include <math.h> #pragma hdrstop

#include "Thread.h" #include "Convert.h" #include "OutputT.h" #include "Imput.h"

#pragma package(smart init) double convert(AnsiString); int p;

// void fastcall TMain::Progress()

{ MainForm->ProgressBar->Position = p;

}

//

fastcall TMain::TMain(bool CreateSuspended): TThread( CreateSuspended)

{

Priority = tpNormal; FreeOnTerminate = true;

}

// void fastcall TMain::Execute()

{ double Incl = convert(InputForm->TIncl->Text); if (InputForm->InclN->Checked = true) Incl = Incl * -1; double Inc2 = convert(InputForm->TInc2->Text); if (InputForm->Inc2N->Checked = true) Inc2 = Inc2 * -1; double Inc3 = convert(InputForm->TInc3->Text); if (InputForm->Inc3N->Checked = true) Inc3 = Inc3 * -1; double Mat2L = convert(InputForm->TMat2L->Text); double Mat2H = convert(InputForm->TMat2H->Text); double OfiGB = convert(InputForm->TOff2B->Text); double OflE2E = convert(InputForm->TOff2E->Text); double OfiEI = convert(InputForm->TOff2I->Text); double OfBB = convert(InputForm->TOff3B->Text); if (InputForm->Off3BN->Checked = true) OfBB = OfBB * -1: double OfBE = convert(InputForm->TOfBE->Text); if (InputForm->OfBEN->Checked = true) OfBE = OfBE * -1; double OfBI = convert(InputForm->TOfBI->Text); double Mat3B = convert(InρutForm->TMat3B->Text); double Mat3E = convert(InputForm->TMat3E->Text); double Mat3I = convert(InputForm->TMat3I->Text); double Toll = convert(InputForm->TToll->Text); double Tol2 = convert(InputForm->TTol2->Text); double ToB = convert(InputForm->TTol3->Text);

//- double Mat3L = Mat3B; double Mat3H = Mat3B; double Offi = OffiB; double OfB = OfBB; double ReflL = 0; double ReflH = 0: double Ref2L = 0; double Ref2H = 0; double ReBL = 0; double ReBH = 0: double x = 0: double loop; if(Mat3I != 0){ if (Mat3B !== Mat3E) loop = l/((Mat3E-Mat3B)/Mat3I)*100;} double count = 0; if(Mat3E = Mat3B ){ p = 100;

Synchronize(Progress);} double Range; Range = .2; if (Mat3I = 0)

{ Mat3I = l; Mat3H = Mat3B: Mat3L = Mat3E; Range = Mat3L - Mat3H; p = 100; Synchronize(Pro gress) ;

}; while (Mat3H <= Mat3E)

{ while (Mat3L <= Mat3H + Range)

{ while (Offi <= OffiE)

{ while (OfB <= OfBE) if (MainForm->Start->Enabled)

{ ReBL = 0; ReBH = 0; ReflL = asin(sin(Incl)/Mat2L); ReflH = asin(sin(Incl)/Mat2H);

Ref2L = asin(Mat2L * sin(ReflL-Offi)/Mat3L);

Ref2H = asin(Mat2H * sin(ReflH-Offi)/Mat3H); x = Mat3L * sin(Re£2L-Ofβ); if (fabs(x) < 1) ReBL = asin(x)+Offi+OfB; x = Mat3H * sin(Ref2H-Ofβ); if (fabs(x) < 1) ReBH = asin(x)+Offi+OfB; double Rell = ReBL - ReBH; if(fabs(Rell) < Toll)

{ if (ReBL != 0 && ReBH != 0)

{ if (MainForm->List->Items->Count > 20000)

{ MainForm->Start->Caption = "Next";

SuspendO;

};

AnsiString Inc 1 a = Inc 1 ; AnsiString Offia = Offi; AnsiString OfBa = OfB; AnsiString Mat3La = AnsiString(Mat3L); AnsiString Mat3Ha = AnsiString(Mat3H); AnsiString ReBLl = AnsiString(ReBL); AnsiString ReBHl = AnsiString(ReBH); AnsiString Rell a = AnsiString(Rell); if (Inc2 = Incl) MainForm->List->Items->Add(" " + Incla + " " + Offia + " " + OfBa + " " + Mat3La + " " + Mat3Ha + " " + ReBLl + " " + ReBHl + " " +

Rell); else

{

ReBL=0;

ReBH=0;

ReflL = asin(sin(Inc2)/Mat2L);

ReflH = asin(sin(Inc2)/Mat2H);

Ref2L = asin(Mat2L * sin(ReflL-Offi)/Mat3L);

Ref2H = asin(Mat2H * sin(ReflH-Offi)/Mat3H); x = Mat3L * sin(Re£2L-Ofβ); if (fabs(x) < 1) ReBL = asin(x)+Offi+OfB; x = Mat3H * sin(Ref2H-OfB); if (fabs(x) < 1) ReBH = asin(x)+Offi+Ofβ; double Rel2 = ReBL - ReBH; if (fabs(Rel2) < Tol2)

{ if (ReBL != 0 && ReBH != 0)

{ AnsiString Inc2a = Inc2; AnsiString ReBL2 = AnsiString(ReBL); AnsiString ReBH2 = AnsiString(ReBH); AnsiString Rel2a = AnsiString(Rel2); if(Inc3 = Inc2) {

MainForm->List->Items->Add(" " + Incla +" " + Offia +" " + OfBa+" " + Mat3La+" " + Mat3Ha+" " + ReBLl + " " + ReBHl + " " + Rell);

MainForm->List->Items->Add (" " + Inc2a + " " + Offia +" " + OfBa+" " + Mat3La + " " + Mat3Ha+" " + ReBL2 + " " + ReBH2 + " " + Rel2);

} else

{ ReBL=0;

ReBH=0;

ReflL = asin(sin(Inc3)Mat2L);

ReflH = asin(sin(Inc3)/Mat2H);

Ref2L = asin(Mat2L * sin(ReflL-Offi)/Mat3L);

Ref2H = asin(Mat2H * sin(ReflH-Offi)/Mat3H); x = Mat3L * sin(Ref2L-OfB); if (fabs(x) < 1) ReBL = asin(x)+Offi+OfB; x = Mat3H * sin(Ref2H-OfB); if (fabs(x) < 1) ReBH = asin(x)+Offi+Ofβ; double ReB = (ReBL - ReBH); if(fabs(ReB)<ToB)

{ if (ReBL != 0 && ReBH != 0)

{ AnsiString Inc3a = Inc3; AnsiString ReBL3 = AnsiString(ReBL); AnsiString ReBH3 = AnsiString(ReBH); AnsiString ReBa = AnsiString(ReB); MainForm->List->Items->Add(" " + Incla +" " + Offia + " " + OfBa + " " + Mat3La + " " + Mat3Ha + " " + ReBLl + " " + ReBHl + " " + Rell);

MainForm->List->Items->Add (" " + Inc2a+" " + Offia +

+ OfBa+" " + Mat3La + " " + Mat3Ha+" " + ReBL2 + " "+ReBH2 + " " + Rel2); MainForm->List->Items->Add (" " + Inc3a + " " + Offia +

+ OfBa+" " + Mat3La+" " + Mat3Ha+" " + ReBL3 + " " + ReBH3 + " "+ReB);

};

};

}

};

};

}

};

};

OfB = OfB + OfBI;

} else{

Mat3L = 2;

Mat3H = 2;

Offi = 2;

OfB = 2;

OffiB = 2;

OfBB = 2; MainForm->Start->Enabled = true;}

}

Offi = Offi + Offil;

OfB = OfBB;

}

Mat3L = Mat3L + Mat3I;

Offi = OffiB;

}

Mat3H = Mat3H + Mat3I;

Mat3L = Mat3H; count = count + loop; p = int(count);

Synchronize(Pro gress) ;

} p = 0;

Synchronize(Progress) ; if (MainForm->Start->Caption = "Stop") MainForm->Start->Caption = "Start";

MainForm->Start->Enabled=true;

}

//

Additional Embodiments.

The structures described herein are very useful in the embodiment of the variable view window.

Each can also be used to change a window between a transparent and opaque state by increasing a prism angle in excess of the total internal reflection angle.

Variable mirrors - The structures disclosed herein can be used to form variable view mirrors wherein one of the surfaces reflects light after the light is refracted by a prism. Alternately, a reflective fluid such as mercury can be contained in any of the prism voids described herein to form a mirror capable of a wide range of reflection angles while remaining in a relatively stationary position.

Computer Monitors and TV screens can be viewed from any angle using the variable structures disclosed herein.

The preceding is not to be construed as any limitation on the claims and uses for the structures disclosed herein. Previous Disclosures

Previous disclosures in the form of patent applications and provisional applications have been filed by the present inventor. They include the techniques for reducing the dispersion associated with refraction using a fluid with a refractive index to counteract the chromatic distortion effects of dispersion. Previous filings include the use of computer software and hardware to actuate surfaces, monitor temperature, control temperature, and reduce dispersion. Such techniques as previously disclosed by the present applicant can also be used with the present structures disclosed herein but have not be rediscussed to avoid redundancy.

Advantages

Many advantages of the preferred embodiment are present because the user can see many different views from any given vantage point which would otherwise not be possible. Firstly, high refraction is achievable. A range greater than 1.5 radians is possible for a normal ray. Secondly, dispersion can be reduced to a low tolerance level of below .0001 radians across the visible spectrum. Thirdly, the amount of physical movement to adjust prism angles has been significantly reduced. With miniaturization, movement of less than 1 inch to achieve 1.5 radians of normal ray range is easily practicable. Fourthly, this structure is compatible with automobile characteristics. Fifthly, for novelty, the window can be adjusted to alter the color separation caused by dispersion. For example, the user can maximize color separation to provide a uniquely distorted view of outside.

Benefits of the Present Invention.

The invention disclosed herein is a new kind of lens, screen or window. Heretofore, viewing angles possible through a lens, screen or window were only adjustable by moving the viewer's viewing angle. If the viewer looked out these windows at a norm angle to the window, they would see an object at the norm angle to the window. The present invention enables a viewer to look through a prismatic window at a norm to the window yet to see objects located in any selected direction other than at the norm angle to the window. Such a window may be used to create a completely new view in a room that may otherwise have an undesirable view. Moreover, under the present invention, a viewer may view at an infinite number of angles while looking from the perspective of a single angle. Under the present invention, a user may stay in one position and look in different directions through a window as desired. This is desirable within buildings to view sights otherwise not possible or practicable and within automobiles to eliminate blind spots. The alternate views made possible by the present invention are also of interest to the retail industry. The retail industry can display merchandise in new ways. Through a variable view window, shoppers can see merchandise within a window display from greater angles than are otherwise possible. Retail display cases and refrigerated display cases can also use the art disclosed herein to enable consumers to view products within from angles not otherwise possible.

Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope

Thus the reader will see that the variable view window of this invention provides a highly functional and reliable means to alter the view provided through a window from any given vantage point. This is useful from aesthetic and functional perspectives.

While my above description describes many specifications, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example prism angles can be actuated by any schemes other than pressure. Window panes referred to herein can be manufactured with many materials, many fluids with refractive indices not included herewith can be used, flexible materials must be matched to fluids such that they don't negatively interact with one another. Many structures for reliably creating variable fluid prisms can be envisioned, the structures disclosed herein being only a fraction of them.

Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiment(s) illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

BEST MODE

The best mode for parcticing the invention is a method for varying the trajectory of a ray of electromagnetic radiation passing through a lens while minimizing spectral dispersion, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a variable view lens comprising a first fluid with a first index of refraction, said first fluid contained on a first side by a first surface through which electromagnetic energy passes and on a second side by a second surface through which electromagnetic energy passes and a second fluid with a second index of refraction, said second fluid contained on a first side by a third surface through which electromagnetic energy passes and on a second side by a fourth surface through which electromagnetic energy passes;

(b) said first surface being pivotally connected to said second surface; (c) said third surface being pivotally connected to said fourth surface;

(d) varying a prism angle formed by said first fluid by varying the position of said first surface relative to said second surface;

(e) calculating a predicted spectral separation between at least two frequencies of said ray of electromagnetic radiation resultant from said prism angle formed by said first fluid and its indices of refraction at the two frequencies;

(f) calculating a corrective prism angle to be established by said second fluid between said third surface and said fourth surface according to the calculated predicted spectral separation and the indices of refraction of the second fluid at said two frequencies;

(g) adjusting the prism angle formed by said second fluid by varying the position of said third surface relative to said fourth surface to substantially equal said corrective prism angle; and (h) passing a ray of electromagnetic radiation through said variable view lens so said ray emerges from said lens at a varied trajectory and with minimal spectral separation.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The invention disclosed herein provides a novel lens capable of varying the angle of light trajectory without significant spectral dispersion. The variable view lens is useful as a window in building applications, in monitors for computers or televisions, and in cameras or viewing devices, such as a security door port. The invention lens involves a technological advance to improve light and view management, for which a market of considerable size is contemplated. The industrial application requires such lens structures to be first manufactured and then installed, either in new construction or devices, or as a replacement component in existing construction or devices.

Claims

I claim: 1. A variable view lens of the type adapted for installation through the wall of a building to serve as a window, said variable view lens comprising:

(a) a first transparent pane having a first linear edge spaced apart from and parallel to a second linear edge thereof;

(b) a second transparent pane having a first linear edge spaced apart from and parallel to a second linear edge thereof wherein said first linear edge of said second pane is pivotally connected to said first linear edge of said first pane so that said first and second panes are angularly moveable relative to each other;

(c) sealing means sealingly connected between said first and second panes;

(d) a first fluid having an index of refraction and contained in a first space between said first and second panes;

(e) means to angularly move said first pane relative to said second pane;

(f) a third transparent pane having a first linear edge spaced apart from and parallel to a second linear edge thereof;

(g) said first linear edge of said third pane being pivotally connected to said second linear edge of said second pane so that said third and second panes are angularly moveable relative to each other;

(h) sealing means sealingly connected between said third and second panes: (i) a second fluid having an index of refraction and contained in a second space between said third and second panes; and (j) means to angularly move said third pane relative to said second pane.

2. The variable view lens as described in claim 1. wherein said means to angularly move said first and second panes is operative in response to a differential in fluid pressure.

3. The variable view lens as described in claim 1. further comprising temperature regulating means in thermal communication with at least one of the said fluids.

4. The variable view lens as described in claim 1. wherein at least one said pane through which electromagnetic energy passes is a membrane with elasticity.

5. The variable view lens as described in claim 1. wherein at least one said pane through which electromagnetic energy passes is a membrane with flexibility.

6. The variable view lens as described in claim 1. wherein at least one said pane through which electromagnetic energy passes is rigid.

7. The variable view lens as described in claim 1. wherein at least two surfaces in parallel planes are in communication with one said fluid.

8. The variable view lens as described in claim 1, further comprising a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with at least one said fluid and means to move said fluid between said reservoir and said respective space.

9. The variable view lens as described in claim 1. wherein said first fluid is adapted to refract electromagnetic energy passing therethrough and said second fluid is adapted to reduce the spectral dispersion of electromagnetic energy passing therethrough.

10. The variable view lens as described in claim 1, further comprising a computer connected so as to receive a signal indicative of the dispersion caused by the relative angular position of said first pane to said second pane.

11. The variable view lens as described in claim 10. wherein based on said signal and the index of refraction of said second fluid, said computer generates a responsive signal able to actuate said third pane angularly relative to said second pane to minimize the spectral dispersion of at least two frequencies of electromagnetic energy.

12. An optical system having a first variable prism and a second variable prism, said optical system adapted for transmitting an incident ray of electromagnetic energy in a refracted angle wherein spectral dispersion is minimal.

13. The optical system as described in claim 12, further comprising a means to angularly move a surface of said first variable prism from a first plane to a second plane.

14. The optical system as described in claim 12, further comprising temperature regulating means in thermal communication with at least one of the said variable prisms.

15. The optical system as described in claim 12. wherein at least one surface of at least one said variable prism through which electromagnetic energy passes is a membrane with elasticity.

16. The optical system as described in claim 12. wherein at least one surface of at least one said variable prism through which electromagnetic energy passes is a flexible membrane.

17. The optical system as described in claim 12, wherein at least one surface of said first variable prism through which electromagnetic energy passes is rigid.

18. The optical system as described in claim 12, wherein at least two surfaces in parallel planes refract electromagnetic energy.

19. The optical system as described in claim 12, further comprising at least one fluid reservoir in fluid communication with at least one said fluid and means to move said fluid between said reservoir and at least one said variable prism.

20. The optical system as described in claim 12, wherein said first variable prism is adapted to refract electromagnetic energy passing therethrough and said second variable prism is adapted to reduce the spectral dispersion of electromagnetic energy passing therethrough.

21. The optical system as described in claim 12, further comprising a computer connected so as to receive a signal indicative of the dispersion caused by said first variable prism.

22. The optical system as described in claim 21. wherein based on said signal, said computer generates a responsive signal able to manipulate the refraction caused by said second variable prism so as to rninimize spectral dispersion between at least two frequencies of electromagnetic energy.

23. A method for varying the trajectory of a ray of electromagnetic radiation passing through a lens while miiiimizing spectral dispersion, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a variable view lens comprising a first fluid with a first index of refraction, said first fluid contained on a first side by a first surface through which electromagnetic energy passes and on a second side by a second surface through which electromagnetic energy passes and a second fluid with a second index of refraction, said second fluid contained on a first side by a third surface through which electromagnetic energy passes and on a second side by a fourth surface through which electromagnetic energy passes;

(b) said first surface being pivotally connected to said second surface; (c) said third surface being pivotally connected to said fourth surface;

(d) varying a prism angle formed by said first fluid by varying the position of said first surface relative to said second surface;

(e) calculating a predicted spectral separation between at least two frequencies of said ray of electromagnetic radiation resultant from said prism angle formed by said first fluid and its indices of refraction at the two frequencies;

(f) calculating a corrective prism angle to be established by said second fluid between said third surface and said fourth surface according to the calculated predicted spectral separation and the indices of refraction of the second fluid at said two frequencies;

(g) adjusting the prism angle formed by said second fluid by varying the position of said third surface relative to said fourth surface to substantially equal said corrective prism angle; and

(h) passing a ray of electromagnetic radiation through said variable view lens so said ray emerges from said lens at a varied trajectory and with minimal spectral separation.

24. The method as described in claim 23. further comprising means to cause said first surface to be actuated to a new position relative to said second surface.

25. The method as described in claim 23, further comprising temperature regulating means in thermal communication with at least one of the said fluids.

26. The method as described in claim 23. wherein at least one said surface comprises a membrane with elasticity.

27. The method as described in claim 23, wherein at least one said surface comprises a flexible membrane.

28. The method as described in claim 23, wherein at least one said surface is rigid.

29. The method as described in claim 23. wherein at least two surfaces in parallel planes communicate with one said fluid..

30. The method as described in claim 23, further comprising a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with at least one said fluid and means to move said fluid between said reservoir and a prism formed between said surfaces.

31. The method as described in claim 23. wherein said first fluid is adapted to refract electromagnetic energy passing therethrough and said second fluid is adapted to reduce the spectral dispersion of electromagnetic energy passing therethrough.

32. The method as described in claim 23, further comprising a computer connected so as to receive a signal indicative of the dispersion caused by said first fluid.

33. The method as described in claim 32, wherein based on said signal and the index of refraction of said second fluid, said computer generates a responsive signal able to manipulate at least one surface in communication with the said second fluid.