Controlling Projector Illumination Patents (Class 352/41)
  • Patent number: 11977182
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an optical imaging apparatus includes a polarizer assembly, a polarization image sensor, and a lens assembly. The polarizer assembly is configured to acquire a first light ray of a first polarization component and a second light ray of a second polarization component which is different from the first polarization component, by using a light flux from an identical direction. The polarization image sensor is located in a position facing the polarizer assembly. The polarization image sensor is configured to acquire an image of the first polarization component and an image of the second polarization component at once or at the same time. The lens assembly includes a first lens configured to form the images on the polarization image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ohno, Hiroya Kano, Hideaki Okano, Takahiro Kamikawa
  • Patent number: 11520216
    Abstract: A projector system includes a connector attachable to a lighting wiring base mounted on a ceiling surface of a room, a housing hanging from the connector, a communicator accommodated in the housing to obtain content to be projected onto a wall surface of the room, a projection unit accommodated in the housing to emit emission light to project a picture including the content onto the wall surface, a brightness sensor to sense a brightness of the room, and a corrector to control the emission light to correct an effect of a state of the wall surface on the projected picture in accordance with the brightness of the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Inventor: Tao Cheng
  • Patent number: 9262975
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention can provide a display device, a display method, and a projection type display device that allow a characteristic of a display image such as brightness to be continuously changed. The display device can include a light source capable of emitting a plurality of different color lights and a white light, and an optical modulation device for modulating light corresponding to the lights emitted from the light source. The ratio of the period of emitting the white light relative to the total of the periods of emitting the lights from the light source can be variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hidehito Iisaka
  • Patent number: 8902158
    Abstract: A device-mounted infrared (IR) camera and a hybrid visible/IR light projector may be used to project visible animation sequences along with invisible (to the naked eye) tracking signals, (e.g. a near IR fiducial marker). A software (or firmware) platform (either on the handheld device or to which the device communicates) may track multiple, independent projected images in relation to one another using the tracking signals when projected in the near-IR spectrum. The resulting system allows a broad range of new interaction scenarios for multiple handheld projectors being used in any environment with adequate lighting conditions without requiring the environment to be instrumented in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Darcy Daniel Willis, Ivan Poupyrev
  • Patent number: 8823727
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a mobile electronic device includes an image projection unit for projecting an image, an image display unit for displaying an image, and a control unit for controlling the image projection unit and the image display unit. When the image projection unit projects an image and the image display unit displays an image, the control unit performs control for making the chromaticity of the image projected by the image projection unit and the chromaticity of the image displayed by the image display unit match each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Yamaguchi, Masashi Osaka
  • Patent number: 8672483
    Abstract: A method for adjusting color, suitable for a three dimension (3D) projector, is provided. In the present invention, a plurality of segment ranges of a color wheel is covered one by one, and it is measured a color temperature corresponding to the color wheel after each of the segment ranges is covered. Then, each of the color temperatures is compared with a standard color temperature for choosing one of the color temperatures closest to the standard color temperature. And the segment range corresponding to the color temperatures closest to the standard color temperature is regarded as a correctional covering segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Acer Incorporated
    Inventors: Chen-Kang Su, Hsin-Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 8018569
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to inhibit the piracy of motion pictures in theaters by taking advantage of the frame rate discrepancies between film (or digital) display and video camcorders. By alternating specific image display intervals and, shuttering cadences, or with digital video projectors commanding a similar modified display via the digital projector's blanking and display capabilities, so that the projected images occur in a random and/or phase shifted manner, objectionable distortions are produced in an illicitly captured video image, while being invisible to theatrical viewers. In addition, various serrated, slit, multi-quadrant or spotted patterns may be used on mechanical shutters, or simulated on digital displays, to further degrade the quality of illicitly captured video by pirates in theaters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: MaxiVision Cinema Technology
    Inventors: Dean K. Goodhill, Ty Safreno
  • Publication number: 20110122368
    Abstract: An image animation system having a plurality of individual image projectors focused onto a single focal area on a projection surface or medium. Angled optics, or a prism, may be used to direct the projections onto the single focal area. Individual still images are projected in a sequence to create a projected motion animation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Troy Fischer
  • Patent number: 6914662
    Abstract: A method for controlling a digital projector by sensing a condition of a switched power outlet and determining and performing at least one programmed response to the sensed condition. Also, a digital projector interface having a switched outlet interface for receiving a signal indicating a condition a switched power outlet and a processor coupled to the switched outlet interface. Processes implemented by the processor are responsive to the switched outlet condition to perform a preselected function involving a digital projector in response to the switched outlet condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Regal CineMedia Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Paige, Christopher H. Theiste, Pat Redmond, Al Remy, John Durliat, Steve Allen, Bob Wall
  • Publication number: 20040252280
    Abstract: A method for controlling a digital projector by sensing a condition of a switched power outlet and determining and performing at least one programmed response to the sensed condition. Also, a digital projector interface having a switched outlet interface for receiving a signal indicating a condition a switched power outlet and a processor coupled to the switched outlet interface. Processes implemented by the processor are responsive to the switched outlet condition to perform a preselected function involving a digital projector in response to the switched outlet condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Paige, Christopher H. Theiste, Pat Redmond, Al Remy, John Durliat, Steven J. Allen, Bob Wall
  • Patent number: 6795158
    Abstract: A method and system for color correcting and completing answerprints in preparation for making final copies of motion pictures for distribution. A light system is provided in which colors of the light projected through a film toward a viewing screen can be individually and incrementally adjusted as desired for use by a color “Timer” who is an individual that selects color corrections on a scene-by-scene basis until a suitable look is achieved. The Timer does this in real time while watching the film scene projected on the screen. The color adjustments are stored and subsequently used to control a motion picture film printer in printing a next version of scenes of the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Technicolor, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy G. Reynolds, Harold L. Rattray
  • Patent number: 6501530
    Abstract: A motion picture film projector illumination system (100) for minimizing film buckle comprises a light source (405) for producing a beam of light (416). Beam shaping optics (411) focus the light beam onto a film through an aperture (408) having an aperture opening (410) corresponding to a film frame (324). A secondary beam steering optics (465) directs stray light around edges of the aperture to illuminate film edge to frame edge areas (446).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Andrew F. Kurtz, Joshua M. Cobb, Kenneth J. Repich
  • Patent number: 6220730
    Abstract: An illumination obscurement device for controlling the obscurement of illumination from a light source which is optimized for use with a rectangular, arrayed, selective reflection device. In a preferred embodiment, a rotatable shutter with three positions is placed between a light source and a DMD. The first position of the shutter is a mask, preferably an out of focus circle. This out of focus circle creates a circular mask and changes any unwanted dim reflection to a circular shape. The second position of the shutter is completely open, allowing substantially all the light to pass. The third position of the shutter is completely closed, blocking substantially all the light from passing. By controlling the penumbra illumination surrounding the desired illumination, DMDs can be used in illumination devices without creating undesirable rectangular penumbras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Light & Sound Design, Ltd.
    Inventors: William Hewlett, Nigel Evans
  • Patent number: 6118113
    Abstract: The present invention is a system and method to quickly and accurately measure the luminance and luminance distribution of a light on the surface of an object so that the position of the focusing reflectors in the projector can be adjusted to obtain the best luminance available for that object. In one method of the present invention a scanning light receiver, which produces an optical image of the object whose luminance is to be tested, is set up so that it may view a substantial portion of the surface of the object. The light receiver is connected to a analyzer and control unit ("ACU") to which it sends an electronic image representing the reflected luminance of the surface during each scan. The reflected light that is detected by the light receiver is then analyzed by the ACU to determine the luminance levels and distribution across a substantial portion of the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventors: Earl Roger Hibbard, James A. Cashin
  • Patent number: 4505558
    Abstract: A method of modifying projected images is disclosed wherein light is projected on a screen in a manner which provides information concerning the desired characteristics of the image. The parameters of optical attenuators required to obtain the desired image are derived by exposing a section of light sensitive material to light from the screen while the section is situated at an intermediate image plane in the optical system of at least one projector. Subsequently, the exposed section is processed to recite the information recorded thereon visible. The desired characteristics of a field stop attenuator are obtained by modifying the shape of the projected image to the shape desired. The desired characteristics of a neutral density attenuator are obtained by modifying the intensity of the projected image to that desired. The method may be used with either single-channel or multi-channel projection apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Francis G. Albers, Fernando B. Neves
  • Patent number: 4472037
    Abstract: Right and left projected image fields of stereoscopic images must have even illumination. If audiences are subjected to uneven illumination intensity of right and left pairs of stereoscopic images, the result for most people will be discomfort. Complimentary colored filters are used in the optical paths of the right and left projected fields, and the resultant additive color mixture is used for evaluation of symmetrical illumination. A means is thus presented for quickly, accurately, and inexpensively calibrating right and left image fields for both equal and even illumination intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Assignee: Stereographics Corporation
    Inventor: Lenny Lipton
  • Patent number: 4227781
    Abstract: A cinematographic system including a programmable viewing apparatus by which an exposed photographic film strip in a multipurpose cassette may be processed, viewed by projection, and rewound, either entirely or for a selected film length for replay, without removal from the viewing apparatus. A control circuit is provided which continuously measures the position of the film strip in the cassette and precludes projection of the leading end of the film strip in response to signals received from the electronic logic system of the viewing apparatus. The signals condition the circuit to count in either the forward or reverse direction depending upon the direction of film strip movement. The count, which corresponds to the position of the film strip, is continuously displayed by the viewing apparatus. When the count is at or below a predetermined number corresponding to the length of the leading portion, the circuit will prevent the projection lamp from turning on during a project cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1980
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventor: Herbert L. Hardy