Abstract: An improved real image projection system comprises, in the primary configuration, a tilted mirror to eliminate ghost reflections, and a unique arrangement allowing the introduction of a second background image without a 50%/50% beamsplitter, while providing system transmission of approximately 50%. A secondary configuration incorporates an elliptical or aspheric curved mirror designed to simulate the surface of a spherical curve when light strikes the elliptical surface at an angle equal to the elliptical angle of the curved mirror. In a third configuration, a single curved mirror has two different optical surfaces of revolution, one on the convex surface and one on the concave surface. The concave surface is much like that of a Mangin lens, but it has an aspheric surface of revolution, optimized to reduce spherical aberrations over a larger area offset from the optical axis.

Abstract: A real image display system includes a primary image source for projecting a primary image from the start of a primary light path to an end of the primary light path at which the primary image is viewable, two reflectors positioned in the primary light path between the primary image source and the projected real image, a circular polarizer for circularly polarizing a light beam positioned in the primary light path between the mirror and real image, whereby outside light entering the system is substantially blocked before exiting the system, thereby substantially eliminating ghost image formation caused by outside light sources.

Abstract: A real image projection system includes at least one curved reflector, positioned in a tilted configuration, wherein an optical axis of the reflector is not coincident with a viewing axis, and a beampath between a target source and the curved reflector neither passes through nor reflects off of a beamsplitter.

Abstract: A photo-screen device for a real image projection system includes a transparent or semi-transparent material having a fixed or static image applied to the surface thereof, wherein the photo-screen is positioned so as to intersect a real image beampath of the real image projection device. In an alternative embodiment, a method for producing a photo-screen device for a real image projection system includes the steps of printing colors thereon in reverse order and positioning the photo-screen such that the non-printed side faces a viewer of the real image.

Abstract: A photo-screen device for a real image projection system includes a transparent or semi-transparent material having a fixed or static image applied to the surface thereof, wherein the photo-screen is positioned so as to intersect a real image beampath of the real image projection device. In an alternative embodiment, a method for producing a photo-screen device for a real image projection system includes the steps of printing colors thereon in reverse order and positioning the photo-screen such that the non-printed side faces a viewer of the real image.

Abstract: An improved real image projection system comprises, in the primary configuration, a tilted mirror to eliminate ghost reflections, and a unique arrangement allowing the introduction of a second background image without a 50%/50% beamsplitter, while providing system transmission of approximately 50%. A secondary configuration incorporates an elliptical or aspheric curved mirror designed to simulate the surface of a spherical curve when light strikes the elliptical surface at an angle equal to the elliptical angle of the curved mirror. In a third configuration, a single curved mirror has two different optical surfaces of revolution, one on the convex surface and one on the concave surface. The concave surface is much like that of a Mangin lens, but it has an aspheric surface of revolution, optimized to reduce spherical aberrations over a larger area offset from the optical axis.

Abstract: A real image projection system includes at least one curved reflector, positioned in a tilted configuration, wherein an optical axis of the reflector is not coincident with a viewing axis, and a beampath between a target source and the curved reflector neither passes through nor reflects off of a beamsplitter.

Abstract: A real image projection system comprising two or more optical surfaces of revolution, with at least one comprising an aspheric surface of revolution. The aspheric surface of revolution is of a design to reduce natural aberrations inherent in imaging using surface of revolutions of the conic family of curves.

Abstract: A real image display system includes a primary image source for projecting a primary image from the start of a primary light path to an end of the primary light path at which the primary image is viewable, two reflectors positioned in the primary light path between the primary image source and the projected real image, a circular polarizer for circularly polarizing a light beam positioned in the primary light path between the mirror and real image, whereby outside light entering the system is substantially blocked before exiting the system, thereby substantially eliminating ghost image formation caused by outside light sources.

Abstract: A real image projection system comprises a single curved mirror having two different optical surfaces of revolution, one on the convex surface and one on the concave surface. In one embodiment, the convex surface is a conical curve of spherical or parabolic surface of revolution, coated with a reflective optical coating. The concave surface is much like that of a Mangin mirror, but it has an aspheric surface of revolution, optimized to reduce spherical aberrations over a larger area offset from the optical axis. The system optionally employs a single aspheric surface of revolution on the concave surface for reduction of aberrations, although the Mangin mirror approach, using an aspheric concave surface of revolution, is the preferred embodiment.

Abstract: A real image projection system comprises a single curved mirror having two different optical surfaces of revolution, one on the convex surface and one on the concave surface. In one embodiment, the convex surface is a conical curve of spherical or parabolic surface of revolution, coated with a reflective optical coating. The concave surface is much like that of a Mangin mirror, but it has an aspheric surface of revolution, optimized to reduce spherical aberrations over a larger area offset from the optical axis. The system optionally employs a single aspheric surface of revolution on the concave surface for reduction of aberrations, although the Mangin mirror approach, using an aspheric concave surface of revolution, is the preferred embodiment.

Abstract: An improved real image projection device includes a real image projection system for projecting a real image from one or more sources that transmit, reflect or emit light, and an e-mail capture system that includes a computer, microprocessor device, memory, or other device for storing an e-mail database, and a keyboard, touch-screen device, or pointing device and display monitor, or other input device, arranged for a viewer of the real image to enter one or more e-mail addresses into the database.

Abstract: A real image projection system comprising two or more optical surfaces of revolution, with at least one comprising an aspheric surface of revolution. The aspheric surface of revolution is of a design to reduce natural aberrations inherent in imaging using surface of revolutions of the conic family of curves.