Abstract: A projector is often positioned so that its optical axis is at an imperfect orthogonal angle with respect to a projection screen. This position causes a keystone distortion as well as imperfect focus in the projected image. To correct these undesirable problems, initially, a lens and/or an image-forming plate is independently repositioned to bring the projected image into focus based upon user input data. The keystone distortion is also corrected by redrawing the image on an image-forming surface based upon additional user input data.

Abstract: To make it possible to lower the luminance of an LCD to a level suitable for a dark place, either first image data based on which a predetermined image is displayed or second image data based on which the same image is displayed with lower luminance than the predetermined image based on the first image data is transferred to an LCD via a selecting means.

Abstract: In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, a three-dimensional scene is reproduced on a specialized light display which offers full multiviewpoint capability and auto-stereoscopic views. The displayed image is produced using a set of M two-dimensional images of the scene collected at a set of distinct spatial locations. These M two-dimensional images are processed through a specialized mathematical encoding scheme to obtain a set of N×K display-excitation electrical-input signals, where K is the number of pixels in the display, and N≦M is the number of individual light-radiating elements within one pixel. The display is thus comprised of a total of N×K light-radiating elements. Each of the K pixels is adapted for control of their associated radiance patterns. The display is connected for response to the set of N×K display-excitation electrical-input signals.

Abstract: A video image projection apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus uses a laser as a light source and modulates the light beam using a modulator according to an image signal. The apparatus projects the modulated light to a screen using a light scanning system. The laser display system includes three primary color laser light sources, an optical system needed for three-color light combining/separation, a light modulator loading the image signal into the three-color laser, and a driving circuit driving the system by processing the video signal electronically. A hybrid video laser color mixer has a structure that combines very small-sized hybrid light beam combining/separation optical elements and a 3-channel light modulator. It allows the size of the image projection apparatus to be about 6 by 5 by 3 centimeters. Additionally, the light alignment of the elements is close to self-alignment.

Abstract: Oscillating means 4 wobbles or oscillates an optical axis of a light beam emitted from display face of a display device 1 having a display face with a plurality of pixels in a regular array in predetermined directions. Image display control means 2 controls the display of different images on the display device in synchronism to the oscillation of the light beam optical axis caused by the oscillating means 4. Then, light beam splitting means 5 splits the light beam from the display face into a plurality of split light beams in directions crossing the directions of the oscillation of the light beam optical axis caused by the oscillating means 4.

Abstract: A projection type color liquid crystal display apparatus includes: light collimation means for producing collimated light; main-wavelength band separation means for receiving the collimated light from the light collimation means and producing a plurality of light beams having respectively different wavelength bands and exiting at respectively different angles; sub-wavelength band separation means provided adjacent the main-wavelength band separation means, the sub-wavelength band separation means receiving the collimated light from the light collimation means and producing at least one light beam having the same wavelength band as the wavelength band of at least one of the light beams from the main-wavelength band separation means; a liquid crystal display device for receiving the light beams from the main-wavelength band separation means and the light beams from the sub-wavelength band separation means and modulating the light beams; and an optical system for receiving the light beams transmitted through the

Abstract: A picture display method and apparatus in which a light source is lengthened in service life and optimum color reproduction is realized, while the light utilization efficiency is improved to reduce the power consumption and the size of the apparatus. The red, green and blue illuminating light beams radiated from the light-emitting diodes 12R, 12G and 12R, are illuminated via relay lenses and field lenses on picture display light valves 11R, 11G and 11B and spatially modulated in intensity so as to be synthesized by a synthesis prism 10 and so as to be projected to an enlarged scale on a screen 17. The profile of the light radiating portions of the light-emitting diodes 12R, 12G and 12B are set so as to be the same or similar to the profile of a picture display area of each of the picture display light valves 11R, 11G and 11B in order that the profile of the light beam illuminated on the picture display area will be in keeping with the profile of the picture display area.

Abstract: The image display apparatus of the invention includes: an image projector for projecting a plurality of optical images having image information for a color display in a juxtapositional color mixture state; and a direct-viewing type screen including two opposed faces, wherein the plurality of optical images projected from the image projector onto one of the two opposed faces of the screen vary optical characteristics of the other of the two opposed faces so as to write the image information for a color display; and the written image information for a color display is read out by utilizing surrounding light from the other face, thereby performing a color display.

Abstract: A baseline display system (10) is capable of receiving different types of input signals, analog or digital, having different horizontal and vertical input resolutions. The system uses serial video processors (SVPs) (33, 34, 43, 83) that have a given input size and spatial light modulators (SLMs) (18) that have a given output (display) resolution- The baseline system (10) is configurable to meet bandwidth requirements for displaying real time images on SLMs of increasing resolution. Data is decimated (downscaled) when appropriate to fit the SVP input size (FIGS. 4 and 8) and upscaled, vertically or horizontally, when appropriate to fit the SLM display resolution (FIGS. 3, 4, 7, and 8). Four systems (20, 50, 60, 90) , each appropriate for a different SLM resolution are described.

Abstract: A light source for projecting rectangular color light bands includes a white-light source, a color separation device for separating the white light into red, green and blue components, and separate optics for forming images of rectangular red, green and blue light bands at predetermined positions. The light source is particularly useful in projection television apparatus having single panel light valves.

Abstract: In a projection type video display device comprising a light writing type spacial light modulator, disturbances brought about by a resetting pulse and appearing in a projected picture as a black belt or beat are prevented. This is accomplished by causing the resetting pulse, which is to withdraw electric charges produced by incoming writing light and accumulated in spacial light modulator, to occur within a vertical blanking period synchronized with vertical synchronization signal.Further, by changing the pulse width and the voltage of the resetting pulse in accordance with vertical synchronization frequency, pictures of a certain fixed brightness are made available against various vertical synchronization frequencies; and even with a high vertical synchronization frequency, projected pictures are never annoyed by such disturbance that is caused by a resetting pulse dislocated out of the vertical blanking period.

Abstract: A photographic printer has a lamp which projects light through a cut-off filter, a filter unit, and a diffusion plate. The light travels further through a film negative, an objective lens, and to a polarizing beam splitter. The beam splitter provides the light to a spatial light modulator and to an exposing/enlarging lens. The spatial light modulator includes a light modulating layer of a homeotropically oriented nematic liquid crystal having a negative dielectric anisotropy. Layers of transparent electrodes in the spatial light modulator are provided with a predetermined voltage of a predetermined frequency. A write CRT, controlled by a controller and control unit, provides light to the spatial light modulator so that the light from the beam splitter can be modulated with an appropriate correction. The modulated light and the light from the beam splitter are made incident on a photographic color paper. The photographic printer has improved compensation for blur caused by dust on the optical path.

Abstract: In a projector having liquid crystal panels as light modulators, the liquid crystal panels are independently used for white-light modulation and colored-light modulation, respectively, so that high luminance and high resolution are compatibly attained. The projector has a liquid crystal panel which is driven by color signals, and which subjects light to colored-light modulation, and another liquid crystal panel which is driven by a luminance signal wherein a portion lower than a predetermined level is compressed by a compressing circuit, and which subjects light to white-light modulation. Modulated light outputted from the two liquid crystal panels are synthesized with each other in a polarized beam splitter, and the image of the synthesized light is formed on a screen by a lens. It is preferable that the color signal and the white signal which will be inputted to the liquid crystal panels are obtained from a composite video signal of the NTSC system.

Abstract: A projection type image display apparatus of a single plate system using a single liquid crystal panel featuring compactness, light weight and high brightness is provided. The apparatus comprises a liquid crystal unit, a first filter located on the light incident side of a first picture element to be driven according to a first color signal and provided with the ability to pass light of a first wavelength only, a second filter located on the light incident side of a second picture element to be driven according to a second color signal and provided with the ability to pass light of a second wavelength only, a microlens array with a plurality of microlenses, each of which measures three times the dimension of each picture element, a reflective layer characterized by reflecting the second wavelength light and third wavelength light at places other than the place where the light from the microlens passes through, an illumination system, and a light projection system.

Abstract: An image display apparatus is disclosed which includes: an optical system including a light source and at least one projection lens; a display means for forming a display image, the display means including a non-luminescent display panel and a microlens array disposed on the light-incidence side of the display panel; and at least one projection lens for projecting the display image; wherein the display panel and the microlens array are combined with each other by means of an adhesive made of a transparent material. In cases where the microlens array is provided with color filters which are arranged so as to correspond to the microlenses of this array, the image display apparatus can provide a bright display of color images with an improved contrast. Moreover, when the display panel and the microlens array are combined with each other by means of an adhesive containing spacers, the image display apparatus has a high thermal reliability.

Abstract: A projector for use with a light source and including a shutter assembly having a multiplicity of pixel light valves and a color separator disposed intermediate the light source and the shutter assembly and spaced therefrom and providing a plurality of spatially separated differently colored light beams, wherein the plurality of spatially separated differently colored light beams are in predetermined registration with the multiplicity of pixel light valves.

Abstract: A color wheel assembly (15, 15a, 15b) for use in a display system (10) that uses a beam of source illumination to generate images with a display device. The color wheel (15) is moveable in and out of the path of the source beam so as to provide varying levels of brightness or color saturation. The color wheel (15') may also have concentric rings (41, 43) for varying saturation or color balance.

Abstract: A color display device (10) incorporates three light sources (12) supplying red, green and blue light respectively. A spatial light modulator (20) is positioned to provide time varying selective blocking of light from the sources (12) under television signal control. Light passes from the sources (12) to a condenser lens (16), then through a liquid crystal display element (22) and a projection lens (18) before reaching a screen (30). The display element (22) is also under television signal control. Signals supplied to the display element (22) provide for successive sets of three frames to be displayed, each set incorporating frame information to be displayed as red, green and blue and combinable to form a colored frame. When the element (22) displays a frame corresponding to one of the three colors red, green and blue, the modulator (20) transmits that color and blocks the others. The screen (30) receives a color image in which red, green and blue are displayed successively for each frame.

Abstract: A projector for use with a light source and including a shutter assembly panel having a multiplicity of pixel light valves overlying an array of interspersed shutter pixels each of which transmits only one of a plurality of colors, and a color filter disposed intermediate the light source and the planar shutter and spaced therefrom and having an array of interspersed filter pixels, each of which only transmits only one of a plurality of colors, wherein the array of interspersed filter pixels is in light and color registration with the array of interspersed shutter pixels, such that generally light of a given color impinges on a shutter area of the same color.

Abstract: An LCD projection system, located within a standard color CRT, is used to oject toward the screen decay stimulation patterns that vary dynamically from one frame to the next for each pixel based on the video signals received from external sources. This controls the output light intensity of the phosphors that are excited by a single electron gun. This system eliminates the three-electron-gun configuration of the standard CRT as well as the requirement of a shadow mask. What results is a CRT that is more rugged, easier to manufacture and that produces brighter and sharper images on its screen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a video system for entertainment and game apparatus. The video system includes a data carrier on which the game is stored. Video informations (pictures) stored on the data carrier are displayed on a display unit. By a lens and projection system the picture is imaged on a curved projection screen that at least partially surrounds the player. Preferably, the video informations are stored on the data carrier in pre-equalized form so that the image projected on the projection screen is essentially free of distortion.

Abstract: A color video projection video system in which a white light source is separated into red, green and blue bands with dark guard bands spaced therebetween. Scanning optics cause the colored bands to be sequentially scanned across a light valve, such as a transmission LCD panel. Prior to each color passing over a given row of on the light panel on the light valve, that row will be addressed, by the display electronics with the appropriate color content of that portion of the image which is being displayed. The image is projected by a projection lens onto a viewing surface, such as a screen. In order to optimize the color purity of the system when used with certain types of light valves, the intervals between each of the three colors is adjusted and scaled to the differing response times of the LCD panel for each of the colors. Additionally, color balance can be adjusted by changing the relative size of each color band with respect to the others.

Abstract: A color liquid crystal display apparatus according to the present invention includes: a transmission type liquid crystal display device including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix along a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein incident light is spatially modulated by selecting one of the plurality of pixels, a white light source for emitting white light; dichroic mirrors for splitting the white light emitted from the white light source into at least three bundles of rays of different wavelength bands, the bundles of rays going out from the dichroic mirrors at different angles; lenticular lens layers provided between the liquid crystal display device and the dichroic mirrors, the lenticular lens layers converging the bundles of rays led through the dichroic mirrors onto different ones of the plurality of pixels depending on the wavelength bands thereof, wherein the lenticular lens layers includes a first lenticular lens layer and a second lenticular lens l

Abstract: An electro-optical system such as an image display system and a method of displaying images are described. Laser beams of three primary colors are emitted from three lasers in a time sharing mode. These laser beams are directed onto the same optical path and then separately given optical information from the same optical modulating device in accordance with images of the respective primary colors. By this structure, displacement of constituent color images can be effectively avoided.

Abstract: A three-color image projector, of the type using several colored light beams with primary colors, with improved luminous efficiency. The projector employs spatial rather than temporal beam modulation. The projector includes a generator producing light in the three spectral bands corresponding to the primary colors (red, green, blue). The generator has at least two light sources (S1, S2), one of which produces multi-spectral band light, and the other is a monochromatic source. By comparison with the prior art, where the white light is produced by a single source, this arrangement avoids, in particular, the elimination of a significant quantity of lumens in the excess primary color.

Abstract: A color projection video system utilizing only a single light valve. A white light source is separated into into red, green and blue bands. Scanning optics cause the RGB bands to be sequentially scanned across a light valve, such as a transmission LCD panel. Prior to each color passing over a given row of panels on the light valve, that row will be addressed, by the display electronics with the appropriate color content of that portion of the image which is being displayed. The image is projected by a projection lens onto a viewing surface, such as a screen. The device includes circuitry to synchronize the illumination of the light valve with the video signal and to minimize video breakup when changing video sources.

Abstract: An electro-optical device includes a light amplifying portion comprising a first substrate having a transparent conductive film, a photoconductor whose electric resistance is lowered in accordance with light irradiation and a dielectric thin film, a second substrate having a transparent conductive film and uniaxially-orienting layer and a ferroelectric liquid crystal or antiferroelectric liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first and second substrate, an image write-in portion comprising a display body, a mirror for splitting an image light into three color lights and light shutters for performing a switching operation between transmission and interception of the split lights, and serves to irradiate the image light through the first substrate of each light amplifying portion, an image read-out portion comprising a light source for irradiating light through the second substrate of each of the three light amplifying portions, and red, green and blue color filter portions, and an imaging portion for synt

Abstract: Improved bias drive and noise reduction techniques for use with and image projector, such as a liquid crystal light valve image projector. A bias drive circuit produces a square wave-like signal to drive the liquid crystal light valve, for example, with a square wave signal. The square wave-like signal is phase-locked to the vertical refresh (vertical sync) signal of the projector. A frequency synthesizer is used to drive the bias drive circuit wherein the noise is interlaced by using every other field as the sync reference input to the bias drive circuit. The bias drive circuit is unique in how it reduces unwanted visual noise effects in a displayed image by waveshaping the drive signal and interlacing and phase-locking it to the vertical refresh signal of the projector. These aspects of the present invention combine to virtually eliminate visual noise in the projected image.

Abstract: A single light valve full-color projector 10 operative to display an image on a screen 12 in response to first and second video signals. The inventive projector 10 includes a laser 22 for providing a beam of coherent light. A scanning control circuit 20 coupled to the laser 22 varies the intensity of the beam on the basis of information inherent in the first and second video signals. The inventive projector 10 further includes a liquid crystal light valve 26 which modulates light illuminating an output layer 44 thereof in accordance with an internally generated voltage pattern produced by incidence of the modulated beam on an input layer 40 thereof. A raster scanner 24 is operative to deflect the beam to a first set of areas on the input layer 40 in response to the first video signal and to deflect the beam to a second set of areas on the input layer in response to the second video signal.

Abstract: A color projection video system utilizing only a single light valve. A white light source is separated into into red, green and blue bands. Scanning optics cause the RGB bands to be sequentially scanned across a light valve, such as a transmission LCD panel. Prior to each color passing over a given row of panels on the light valve, that row will be addressed, by the display electronics with the appropriate color content of that portion of the image which is being displayed. The image is projected by a projection lens onto a viewing surface, such as a screen. The device includes circuitry to synchronize the illumination of the light valve with the video signal and to minimize video breakup when changing video sources.

Abstract: A color projection display uses a dichroic cube for modulating the color of light reaching the imaging element of the display. This way, a colored image may be projected by frame sequential technique, but with the use of only a single imaging element.

Abstract: A video projection system employs a reflective light valve (10) that is optically addressed by an image from a cathode ray tube (12) and provides an output image for projection by means of a high intensity reading light directed to the output face of the liquid crystal light valve. Improved reading illumination is provided by scanning the face of the liquid crystal light valve (10) with a narrow beam of light (80) that moves across the liquid crystal in synchronism with the scanning image from the writing CRT (12). The scanned narrow band (80) of illumination is provided by a circular sequence of three quasi cylindrical lens (56, 58, 60) or mirrors (56a, 58a, 60a) mounted on a rotating wheel (52) and which may be made of sequentially different colors to provide a color display. Rotation of the lens or mirror bearing wheel (52) is synchronized with the vertical sync of the CRT scan, as are the index positions of each of the three lens or mirror segments on the wheel.

Abstract: An image display apparatus is disclosed which includes: an optical system including a light source and at least one projection lens; a display means for forming a display image, the display means including a non-luminescent display panel and a microlens array disposed on the light-incidence side of the display panel; and at least one projection lens for projecting the display image; wherein the display panel and the microlens array are combined with each other by means of an adhesive made of a transparent material. In cases where the microlens array is provided with color filters which are arranged so as to correspond to the microlenses of this array, the image display apparatus can provide a bright display of color images with an improved contrast. Moreover, when the display panel and the microlens array are combined with each other by means of an adhesive containing spacers, the image display apparatus has a high thermal reliability.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises a liquid modulator having a photoconductive material including an image-writing plane, a liquid crystal layer laminated on the photoconductive material, a pair of electrodes sandwiching the photoconductive material and the liquid crystal layer, and a spacer inserted between the photoconductive material and one of the electrodes. Also provided are an analog writing system for analogously writing an original image in the light modulator; a digital reading system for digitally reading the image written in the light modulator; a processing section for image-processing the read image data; a digital writing system for digitally writing processed image data in the light modulator; and, an analog reading system for analogously reading an image written in the light modulator. The liquid crystal layer is either a phase-transition type liquid crystal, a p-type smectic A liquid crystal providing a storage function, or a ferroelectric liquid crystal providing a storage function.

Abstract: A projection apparatus and method for vivid and realistic projection is disclosed, with applications to amusement and optical engineering. Contemplated applications of the invention also include video shopping applications and cosmetic applications. Graphics data is entered into a user interface and is processed to generate an output representing an image to be projected onto a three-dimensional object. This output controls a light filter, such as a plurality of optically superposed color composite liquid crystal panels, to selectively filter projected light so that an image having a desired appearance is projected upon the object. The projected image may be interactively modified and it may also be stored in memory and projected as part of an image sequence so as to create apparent motion in the object.

Abstract: A gamma correction and white balance adjustment device has a calculator for calculating brightness target values expected to produce on a screen in response to calculated input signals to be applied to a CRT. The calculated input signals are actually applied to the CRT and the actual brightness values observed on the screen are measured. A table of a list of the calculated input signals expected to produce the brightness target values and a corresponding list of measured input signals which actually produced the calculated brightness target values is formed. An amplitude conversion circuit is provided for converting the amplitude of the input signal, which is equal to the calculated input signal, to that of the measured input signal in accordance with the obtained table.

Abstract: A method and circuit for improving a video signal. They can be used to nullify the gamma correction applied at the broadcast end for cathode-ray tube signals when using a spatial light modulator display. Additionally, the method and circuit can be used to generally improve the quality of the display for computer monitors or other formats that do not require the gamma nullification.

Abstract: An optical irradiating apparatus for use in a display unit and an optical irradiating method thereof is disclosed. The apparatus includes an optical source lamp, a polarizer secured within a polarized light transducer and for separating light rays incoming from the optical source lamp, and an optical/video converting device for converting the reflected light rays (reflected by the polarizer) to video signals. The light rays which have undergone the above procedure pass through an optical irradiating lens, and then, are sent to a screen. The optical irradiating apparatus further includes first and second reflecting mirrors installed respectively above and below the polarizer within the optical polarizing device and for reflecting the light rays passed through the polarizer, and a .lambda./4 plate installed on the surface of the second reflecting mirror and for polarizing the light rays (reflected from the first reflecting mirror) to the same component as that of the initial reflected light rays.

Abstract: A light valve such as an active matrix LCD between crossed polarizers, utilizing, for instance, individual transistors to control each "pixel area" of the LCD and storage elements to store video signal data for each pixel, with optically shielded "dead spaces" between pixels to eliminate electric field crosstalk and non-information-bearing light bleed through, is illuminated with a bright independent light source which creates a video image projected via specialized projection optics onto an internal or external screen without distortions, regardless of the angle of projection onto the screen. Use of heat sinks, IR reflective coatings, heat absorbing optics, optional fluid and a thermistor controlled pixel transistor bias voltage injection servo circuit stabilizes image performance, maintaining accurate color and contrast levels as the LCD changes temperature.

Abstract: A method for producing a natural color display on a display panel, wherein means for reformatting video signal images for a grey-scale matrix liquid crystal or ferroelectric liquid crystal panel such that frames of image are presented sequentially in time, each frame containing the information of a particular color, and then illuminating said image with the appropriate primary color light. Such images are presented to the viewer at a rate above the color fusion frequency of the eye and thus appear as a full color image.

Abstract: A video projection system having a liquid crystal panel with a video image, a projection lamp with ON/OFF control, a zoom lens with a zoom control mechanism, a focusing lens with a focusing control mechanism, an audio system with a volume control, a projection-lamp light detector, a heat sensor, a variable-speed cooling fan, a control module having a microprocessor and a digital-to-analog converter, a display, a keypad, an alarm/annunciator, a power supply with ON/OFF control, and an infrared based remote control system able to control power ON/OFF, zoom, focus, picture, and sound volume.

Abstract: A projection-type display device having a single light source which produces light. A first dichroic mirror group receives the light and separates it into colored light. A transmissive light valve system modulates the colored light and a second dichroic mirror group synthesizes the modulated colored light. A projection system projects the synthesized colored light onto a screen.