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An illusion transmitter uses two parabolic mirrors to transmit 3-D illusions of an object by use of a camera trained on the first mirror, which then sends video signals to a projector aimed at the second mirror. It was invented by Valerie Thomas, for which she received a patent in 1980. She developed it for the purpose of sending three-dimensional images across a distance, making them look as if they are in front of the mirror. As of 2022, the technology is still used by NASA and is being adapted for use in surgery, as well as for televisions and video screens.
References
- US patent 4229761, Valerie L. Thomas, "Illusion Transmitter", issued October 21, 1980
- Henderson, Susan (January 1, 1998). African-American Inventors III. Capstone Press. pp. 28–33. ISBN 978-1560656982.
- Daisy Hernandez (June 8, 2020). "First Women in Space - 19 Famous Women Who Explored Space SSU". Popular Mechanics: 10. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
- "Valerie Thomas - Inventions, NASA, and Facts - Biography". Biography.com. A&E Television Networks. 12 April 2021 . Retrieved 2 February 2022.
This technology was subsequently adopted by NASA and has since been adapted for use in surgery as well as the production of television and video screens.
- "Valerie Thomas | Lemelson". LEMELSON-MIT. MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. n.d. Retrieved 2 February 2022.
NASA uses the technology today, and scientists are currently working on ways to incorporate it into tools for surgeons to look inside the human body, and possibly for television sets and video screens one day.