For Projection Axis Inclined To Screen Patents (Class 353/70)
  • Patent number: 8534844
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for dynamic keystone correction. A measurement module measures distances from a projector to each of at least three projected points of a first projected image projected on a first surface with projection angles between each projected point. The at least three projected points are endpoints for at least two vectors with a target ratio of vector lengths. An adjustment module calculates an actual ratio of actual vector lengths of the at least two vectors. The adjustment module further adjusts a first aspect ratio of first projected image until the actual ratio is equivalent to the target ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Rod D. Waltermann, Scott Edwards Kelso, John Carl Mese, Nathan J. Peterson, Arnold S. Weksler
  • Patent number: 8529069
    Abstract: A projection apparatus which projects an image onto a projection plane based on an input image signal, the apparatus comprises: a division unit configured to divide an image represented by the input image signal into a plurality of regions; a deformation unit configured to deform various types of shapes of the images divided by the division unit; a combination unit configured to combine the images deformed by the deformation unit; and a projection unit configured to project the image combined by the combination unit onto the projection plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nobuhiro Oka
  • Publication number: 20130229633
    Abstract: A projection type display apparatus including an oblique projection optical system having a plurality of lenses is disclosed. A lens nearest to a projection screen has a vertical effective image area through which a light flux passes. The lens is arranged at a position not including an optical axis shared by the largest number of lenses among the plurality of lenses. A flat mirror for returning the optical path is arranged between the particular lens and the projection screen at a predetermined angle to the optical axis. An enlarged image obtained by the light flux returned by the flat mirror is formed toward a display screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: HITACHI CONSUMER ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji HIRATA, Masahiko YATSU, Naoyuki OGURA
  • Patent number: 8511838
    Abstract: A scanning projector includes a MEMS device with a scanning mirror that sweeps a light beam in two dimensions. A laser limit comparison circuit determines a metric from measured peak scan angles and measured light output. The metric is compared to a threshold and a light source is shut down when the metric exceeds the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Microvision, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce C. Rothaar
  • Patent number: 8511835
    Abstract: A CPU generates an image by performing inverse projection transformation for an input image by using an inverse matrix of a matrix which enlarges a size of the input image. When a position A on the input image is transformed into a position B on the generated image by the inverse projection transformation, the CPU obtains a ratio of a distance between pixels around the position B to a distance between pixels around the position A. The CPU calculates filter coefficients for a low-pass filter using a product of a Nyquist frequency of the input image and the ratio as a cutoff frequency. The CPU obtains a sum of results obtained by multiplying pixel values of pixels in a pixel array including the position A in the input image by the filter coefficients, as a pixel value at the position A in an image having undergone filter processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yosuke Sato
  • Patent number: 8508508
    Abstract: A coordinate detection system can comprise a display screen, a touch surface corresponding the top of the display screen or a material positioned above the screen and defining a touch area, at least one camera outside the touch area and configured to capture an image of space above the touch surface, and a processor executing program code to identify whether an object interferes with the light from the light source projected through the touch surface based on the image captured by the at least one camera. The processor can be configured to carry out a calibration routine utilizing a single touch point in order to determine a plane corresponding to the touch surface by using mirror images of the features adjacent the touch surface, images of the features, and/or based on the touch point and a normal to the reflective plane defined by an image of the object and its mirror image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Next Holdings Limited
    Inventor: John David Newton
  • Patent number: 8500288
    Abstract: A rear-projection type display device has a projection device, a transmission type screen, a housing, and input means. The projection device projects a light from a light source, as an optical image. The optical image is projected to the transmission type screen. The housing accommodates the projection device and the transmission type screen. A user operation is inputted to the input means. The rear-projection type display device includes a storage section, a distortion amount detection section, a correction amount calculation section, and a correction section. The storage section stores a distortion detection image to be displayed on the transmission type screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Taisuke Murata
  • Patent number: 8491129
    Abstract: A projector includes: an external housing which forms an external case, wherein a bottom surface of the external housing as a surface opposed to an installation surface on which the projector is installed has feet contacting the installation surface, the feet has a first foot freely projected toward the installation surface and withdrawn from the installation surface, and a second foot disposed away from the first foot and projected toward the installation surface, and the second foot is inclined in a direction away from the first foot in such a manner that the inclination of the second foot increases in the direction toward the installation surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Mika Koyama
  • Patent number: 8491128
    Abstract: A method for projection correction includes following steps. An original image is projected as a projection image on an object. A projection-zone image including the projection image is captured from the object. A projection image outline corresponding to the projection image is obtained from the projection-zone image. An operation is performed on the projection image outline to obtain a horizontal inclination and a vertical inclination. The original image is pre-warped according to the horizontal inclination and the vertical inclination to obtain a corrected image, and the corrected image is projected on the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Tai-Feng Wu, Ching-Chang Chen, Yu-Jen Wang, Ming-Chieh Chou
  • Patent number: 8480237
    Abstract: A projector includes a light modulation section provided with a plurality of pixels arranged, and adapted to modulate light from a light source by the pixel, and when executing a keystone distortion correction on an image to be projected on a projection surface in response to an operation of an operation section, a maximum pixel area, which is a maximum area in which an image of the light modulation section is formed, and an image forming area in which the image to be the object of the keystone distortion correction is formed are projected simultaneously on the projection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Akihiko Tamura
  • Publication number: 20130169943
    Abstract: An image projection device includes an optical correction unit, a panel and a lens. The optical correction unit is utilized for receiving an image and pre-distorting the image to generate a pre-distorted image according to pre-distortion parameters. The panel is coupled to the optical correction unit, and is utilized for receiving and projecting the pre-distorted image. The lens is positioned in front of the panel, where the pre-distorted image projected from the panel passes through the lens, and the pre-distortion parameters correspond to distortion effects caused by the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Shan-Chieh Wen, Zhen-Yong Gao, Ming-Huai Weng
  • Patent number: 8454171
    Abstract: First, a delivery delay, i.e. the time it takes for a content to be captured and a representative frame made available (i.e. delivered), is determined. Second, a video capture interval, i.e. a minimum time delay requirement between stable captured content frames, is determined. In other words, the recycle time-period after which it is safe to change frame content during a capture interval without impacting a prior stable video frame in the pre-delivery stage is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Victor Ivashin
  • Patent number: 8449119
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for modifying application windows based on projection surface characteristics. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a determination module, an identification module, and a modification module. The determination module determines one or more characteristics of a projection surface including detrimental characteristics. The identification module identifies one or more application windows for displayed within the projected image. The one or more application windows correspond to one or more applications executing on a processor. One or more of the identified application windows are for projection on at least one location of one or more detrimental characteristics. The modification module modifies one or more of a size, a shape, and a position of at least a portion of the one or more identified application windows to avoid the at least one location of the one or more detrimental characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gary D. Cudak, Christopher J. Hardee, Randall C. Humes, Heather C. Miller
  • Patent number: 8449121
    Abstract: An image processing system includes a determination unit that determines a distortion state of a projected image, and a correction unit. The correction unit determines a shape of the image after distortion correction according to the distortion state, moves the determined shape in a display area of an optical modulator in a first direction, performs distortion correction of the image, and moves the image after distortion correction in the display area of the optical modulator in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Aso
  • Patent number: 8449122
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for marking an image projected onto a surface includes capturing a second image from the surface, detecting the existence of a marking point in the second image, and modifying the first image by placing a graphic element at a location corresponding to a location of the marking point in the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: IGRS Engineering Lab Ltd.
    Inventor: Jia Luo
  • Publication number: 20130107228
    Abstract: A projector device, a method of correcting trapezoidal distortion, and a distortion correction program stored in a recording medium are provided, each of which projects an image onto a projection surface, detects inclination of the projector device with respect to a horizontal surface to output an inclination angle value of the projector device, corrects trapezoidal distortion in an image to be projected based on the inclination angle value, determines whether an operation device of the projector device is being operated by a user to generate a determination result, and prohibits the projector device from performing trapezoidal distortion correction when the determination result indicates that the operation device is being operated by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Shigekazu TSUJI, Naoto TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20130107229
    Abstract: A second group has different power in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction of the liquid crystal panel. Therefore, the horizontal-to-vertical ratio of the image of the liquid crystal panel and the horizontal-to-vertical ratio of the image projected on the screen can be set to be different. That is, the projection optical system is able to convert the aspect ratio which is a ratio of width and height. At this time, at the time of converting the aspect ratio, that is, at the time of switching the projection state, it is possible to adjust the position of the image on the screen through a zoom operation or a shift operation of the first driving mechanism or the fourth driving mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Seiko Epson Corporation
  • Patent number: 8425051
    Abstract: A projector includes: an image projection unit that projects an image; a trapezoidal correction unit that performs trapezoidal correction on the image projected by the image projection unit; a nonvolatile storage unit that stores the amount of previous trapezoidal correction and a predetermined acceptable value associated with the amount of previous trapezoidal correction, the amount of previous trapezoidal correction being used immediately before at least one of when the projector is turned off and when signal processing is changed; and an adjustment unit that sets, if the amount of previous trapezoidal correction is greater than the predetermined acceptable value, the amount of trapezoidal correction to be performed by the trapezoidal correction unit at a predetermined standard value or zero after the projector is activated or after the signal processing is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Ozawa
  • Patent number: 8425047
    Abstract: A projector displays an image on a projection surface. The projector has a zoom adjusting module and a keystone correcting module. The zoom adjusting module adjusts zoom level of a zoom lens for enlarged projection of image light. The keystone correcting module corrects trapezoidal distortion of the image displayed on the projection surface by means of forming the effective panel image in a revised image formation area, the revised image formation area being part of the image formation area of the panel surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Morio Matsumoto, Shiki Furui, Masaru Kono
  • Patent number: 8425049
    Abstract: A projection type display apparatus including an oblique projection optical system having a plurality of lenses is disclosed. A lens nearest to a projection screen has a vertical effective image area through which a light flux passes. The lens is arranged at a position not including an optical axis shared by the largest number of lenses among the plurality of lenses. A flat mirror for returning the optical path is arranged between the particular lens and the projection screen at a predetermined angle to the optical axis. An enlarged image obtained by the light flux returned by the flat mirror is formed toward a display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Consumer Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Hirata, Masahiko Yatsu, Naoyuki Ogura
  • Patent number: 8425050
    Abstract: A projection display device includes: a projection section having an optical system; a parameter obtaining section adapted to obtain a first parameter corresponding to the projection angle showing a relative posture of the projection display device to the projection surface; a vanishing point calculation section adapted to calculate a position of a vanishing point based on the first parameter; an actual zoom ratio obtaining section adapted to obtain an actual zoom ratio; a parameter calculating section adapted to correct the first parameter based on a fixed reference zoom ratio and the actual zoom ratio to thereby calculate a second parameter; and a keystone correction section adapted to perform a keystone correction of the image based on the fixed reference zoom ratio and the second parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Shiki Furui
  • Patent number: 8419193
    Abstract: A projection apparatus including an illumination unit, a brightness detection circuit, a signal conversion circuit, and a control unit is provided. The illumination unit generates a light source according to a plurality of driving signals and provides a temperature sensing signal according to the temperature of the light source. The brightness detection circuit generates a plurality of brightness sensing signals. The signal conversion circuit converts the temperature sensing signal and the brightness sensing signals into temperature information and a plurality of brightness information. The control unit comprises a setting table for storing a predetermined temperature information and a plurality of predetermined brightness information, and the control unit adjusts the driving signals in order to identify the converted temperature information and the converted brightness information conform to the stored information in the setting table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Himax Display, Inc.
    Inventors: Chia-Chun Kuo, Chia-Cheng Lai, Chih-Hung Yang, Ming-Cheng Chiu
  • Patent number: 8411211
    Abstract: A projection type video display device is provided, which is capable of displaying a plurality of kinds of input videos with different aspect ratios without requiring cumbersome adjustment operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Tamotsu Akeyama
  • Patent number: 8408717
    Abstract: A projection type image display apparatus includes a first lens group including a plural number of lenses being disposed in a direction of propagation light with respect to an image display element, a second lens group including a plural number of lenses being disposed in a direction of propagation light with respect to said first lens group and a reflection mirror, which is configured to reflect light emitted from at least one of said first and second lens groups, so as to project the light obliquely upon a screen. A ratio (Lo/Lp) of a diagonal size (Lo) of said screen and a distance (Lp) from a center of said reflection mirror to said screen is at least 2, and the second lens group includes a refractive lens having a negative power and a rotationally symmetric surface configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Hirata, Takanori Hisada, Masahiko Yatsu
  • Patent number: 8403504
    Abstract: In a projection type display apparatus for enabling to display an image, by projecting an image on an image display element(s), enlargedly, upon a nearly horizontal surface, such as, a table, a reflection mirror for reflecting a light from a light source is so disposed that an optical axis of the light source is nearly perpendicular to an optical axis of a lens group having a plural number of lens elements, which are disposed symmetric with respect to the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Hirata, Masahiko Yatsu, Takanori Hisada
  • Patent number: 8403506
    Abstract: A method of probing a projector performed on a projector system including a plurality of projectors and a control device adapted to control at least one of the projectors, the method includes the steps of: wherein the projectors, storing information indicative of time when the projector is powered on; and transmitting the information indicative of the time to the control device; and wherein the control device, probing the projectors to obtain the information indicative of the time when the projector is powered on; identifying the projector with the latest time when the projector powered on among the plurality of projectors based on the information indicative of the time, and displaying the identification information of the projector identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Naoki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8398246
    Abstract: An exemplary method includes defining an environment, formulating an anti-keystoning algorithm based at least in part on the defined environment, projecting a laser image from a source to a surface of the defined environment, determining at least one vector parameter with respect to the source and the surface and correcting the laser image based on the anti-keystoning algorithm and the at least one vector parameter. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: James Stephen Rutledge, Andreas Schupp, QianYing Wang, Fang Xu
  • Patent number: 8393740
    Abstract: Keystone correction for a projector. An uncorrected graphic is displayed on a display unit utilizing pixels. The uncorrected graphic is projected from the display unit onto a projection screen to form an uncorrected image. An orientation of the uncorrected image relative to the projection screen is captured. The uncorrected graphic is transformed into a pre-distorted graphic for projection from the display unit onto the projection screen so as to form a corrected image with an orientation more aligned with the projection screen than the orientation of the uncorrected image and such that the pre-distorted graphic utilizes more pixels in the display unit than a second pre-distorted graphic, wherein if formed, would be formed by transforming the uncorrected graphic such that the second pre-distorted graphic forms a second corrected image with a maximum rectangular area inside the uncorrected image when projected from the display unit onto the projection screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seyed Behzad Sajadi, Yasuhiro Komori, Hung Khei Huang
  • Patent number: 8388146
    Abstract: An anamorphic projection device is described. In one aspect, the device includes at least one camera and a projector such as a pico projector. The device receives information from the camera to sense position and orientation of a projection surface independent of the device. Based on this received information, the device renders an anamorphic image for perspective viewing on the sensed projection surface. In one implementation, the device receives the image wirelessly, for example, from a website. In one aspect, the device includes a user interface or UI. The UI allows a device user to navigate a projected image (e.g., use a cursor control or other means to navigate a webpage), present/download a new projected image, lock a projected image to a coordinate space on the projection surface to reduce or eliminate movement of the projected image responsive to user or device movement, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: T-Mobile USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Goran
  • Patent number: 8388151
    Abstract: An interactive image projecting device that projects an image onto a display surface and controls the projected image based upon the detection or identification of the device housing or the remote object. The device has a touch-sensitive, flexible housing that may be transformed into different shapes. The image projecting device includes a projector that generates an image from a control unit. The device includes an illuminating emitter, which illuminates the device body and remote objects, and a light sensor that is operable to detect the position of its housing or remote object. Based upon the sensed housing or remote object, the control unit operates to modify the image projected from the device such that the image from the device can interact with its housing or remote object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Huebner
  • Patent number: 8382291
    Abstract: A projector adapted to perform display by projecting an image on a projection surface, includes: a light source; a light modulator adapted to modulate light from the light source into image light representing the image; a projection optical system adapted to project the image light modulated by the light modulator on the projection surface; a keystone distortion correction section adapted to perform a keystone distortion correction process for correcting keystone distortion of the image to be projected on the projection surface; a detection section adapted to detect start of movement of the projector; and a control section adapted to cancel the keystone distortion correction process in the keystone distortion correction section in response to detection of start of movement of the projector in the detection section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Shinji Kubota
  • Patent number: 8382290
    Abstract: A projector adapted to project an image includes: a detection section adapted to detect a motion of the projector; a determination section adapted to compare a detection result of the detection section with a predetermined criterion to perform determination on whether the projector is in a moving state or in a resting state; an adjustment section adapted to begin adjustment of at least one projection condition of the image in response to a transition of a determination result of the determination section from the moving state to the resting state; an auxiliary operation section adapted to auxiliary support the projection of the image by performing an operation with vibration; and a criterion determination section adapted to change the criterion based on a operation state of the auxiliary operation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Tadao Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8382287
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a color temperature of a projector that creates a light of a desired color by mixing primary lights. The method includes setting target values for the mixed light, measuring color coordinate values for the primary lights, calculating the target brightness values for the primary lights using the target values and the measured color coordinate values, and calibrating the output of the primary lights output from the projector based on the calculated target brightness values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Yong-Chan Keh
  • Publication number: 20130044294
    Abstract: An image displaying apparatus including a light source, a light condenser for condensing light to form a condensed light image, a light mixing element, a reflective image displaying element having plural micro-mirrors for changing an inclination angle of an individual micro-mirror between an on-state and an off-state, an illumination optical system including a condenser lens and a mirror for illumination, and a projection optical system for projecting reflected light from a micro-mirror being at an on-state among plural micro-mirrors constituting the reflective image displaying element, wherein the mirror for illumination is at a position nearest the reflective image displaying element on an optical path from the light mixing element to the reflective image displaying element and a reflection surface of this mirror for illumination is positioned at a side of the reflective image displaying element with respect to a projection lens system constituting a part of the projection optical system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Shibayama, Takanobu Osaka, Yoshio Kubo, Tetsuya Fujioka
  • Patent number: 8371698
    Abstract: A scanning projector includes a scanning mirror that sweep a beam in two dimensions. Source image data is interpolated vertically, and the results are stored in a frame buffer. Each row of the frame buffer holds vertically interpolated pixel data that lies on a trajectory corresponding to a horizontal sweep of the beam. Pixel data in each row is then interpolated to determine display pixel data. At least one light source is driven with the display pixel data to produce the beam that is reflected by the scanning mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Microvision, Inc.
    Inventor: Margaret K. Brown
  • Patent number: 8360585
    Abstract: A method of measuring a zoom ratio of a projection optical system adapted to project image light representing an original image on a projection screen, the method includes: (a) projecting and displaying a measuring image including a measurement point on the projection screen so that the measurement point is displayed at a position with an offset from an optical axis of the projection optical system; (b) detecting a projected measurement point, which is the measurement point projected and displayed on the projection screen, from a measurement point detection position having a fixed position relative to the projection optical system; and (c) determining the zoom ratio using position information of the detected projected measurement point and correspondence between the position information and the zoom ratio, the correspondence being prepared previously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Shiki Furui
  • Patent number: 8348434
    Abstract: A projection display device having a projection device projecting an image on a surface, and a position detection function of detecting an object's position between the surface and the projection device, includes: a light source emitting light beams toward the object; a light detector detecting the light beams reflected by the object; and a position detector detecting the object's position in an imaginary plane based on the light detector's result, wherein the light source emits, as the light beams, first through third light beams having first through third intensity distributions, the second intensity distribution having a highest intensity at a position failing to overlap a highest intensity of the first intensity distribution, and the third intensity distribution having a highest intensity portion at a position failing to overlap a straight line connecting the highest intensity portions of the first and second intensity distributions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Daisuke Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 8337023
    Abstract: A projector includes: capturing section that images an object on which an image is projected to produce a captured image; a projection distance information generating section that generates projection distance information representing a projection distance, which is the distance to the object on which an image is projected; a judging section that judges based on the projection distance information whether the projection distance exceeds a reference value; and a correcting section that performs trapezoidal distortion correction based on boundary lines of the object on which an image is projected contained in the captured image when the projection distance exceeds the reference value, whereas performing trapezoidal distortion correction based on at least coordinate information representing three-dimensional coordinates of the object on which an image is projected when the projection distance does not exceed the reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Shiki Furui
  • Patent number: 8333477
    Abstract: A projector includes: an operating panel having a plurality of operating buttons which carry out various operations, is exposed in the external surface of an exterior housing; a projection optical device configured to project an image light into which an incident luminous flux has been modulated in accordance with image information; an image adjustment section configured to change the relative positions of a plurality of lenses configuring the projection optical device; and an image adjustment panel having image adjustment buttons which cause the image adjustment section to operate, wherein the image adjustment panel is disposed in a position independent of the operating panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Manabu Kamiya, Akitoshi Kuroda
  • Publication number: 20120314191
    Abstract: A projector used with an external device having a tilt detection function and configured so that the external device can be connected to a projector main body at a predetermined installation angle projects an image on which a correction has been performed using a first tilt angle of the external device detected by the external device and the installation angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiki Fujimori
  • Patent number: 8328370
    Abstract: A projector includes a housing, a lens module pivotally connected to the housing, a first adjustment mechanism adjusting a pitch of the housing, and a second adjustment mechanism adjusting a pitch of the lens module. The first adjustment mechanism includes a threaded base fixed to the housing, and a support leg extending out of the housing and comprising a threaded portion. The second adjustment mechanism includes a first gear driven by the support leg, a second gear engaging the first gear, a first threaded member fixed to the second gear, a first connecting member pivotally connected to the lens module, a second connecting member slidably connected to the first connecting member, and a second threaded member. The second threaded member is fixed to the second connecting member, and threaded on and slidable relative to the first threaded member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Chih Hsieh, Tsung-Hsi Li
  • Patent number: 8328366
    Abstract: A projector includes: a projecting unit that projects a first image on a projection target area; an imaging unit that picks up a first pickup image of the projection target area during the projection of the first image and picks up a second pickup image of the projection target area during single-color image projection or during non-projection with automatic exposure; an imaging control unit that changes an exposure setting value on the basis of the first pickup image and an exposure setting value during the last imaging and causes the imaging unit to pick up an image of the projection target area during the projection of the first image at the exposure setting value after the change and regenerate the first pickup image; a first coordinate information generating unit that generates first coordinate information; and a second coordinate information generating unit that generates second coordinate information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Nara
  • Patent number: 8322863
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for automated projection image adjustments for a portable projection device. In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus periodically polls a tilt sensor inside the portable projection device and uses the tilt sensor reading as a key to a lookup table which stores pre-computed visual distortion adjustment values. Furthermore, the apparatus can also poll a distance measurement sensor to measure a distance between a projector lens and a presumed projection surface periodically. The measured distance value can also be used as an additional parameter to the key for the lookup table to retrieve appropriate visual distortion adjustment values which are pre-computed and stored in the lookup table. The fast pre-computed adjustment value retrieval without real-time computation of graphical transformations to correct the visual distortions minimizes processor load, energy consumption, and processing delays for projection image corrections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventors: Samuel Seungmin Cho, Christine Hana Kim
  • Patent number: 8322862
    Abstract: A projector includes: a storing unit that stores setting data indicating a manual trapezoidal distortion correction system selected out of plural kinds of manual trapezoidal distortion correction systems; an operation unit that generates operation information; an imaging unit that picks up an image of a projection target area and generates a pickup image; an automatic trapezoidal distortion correction unit that performs automatic trapezoidal distortion correction; a projecting unit that projects, after the automatic trapezoidal distortion correction is performed, irrespectively of the manual trapezoidal distortion correction system indicated by the setting data, an adjustment instruction image for urging adjustment of a vertex position of a display planned area of the image in the projection target area; and a manual trapezoidal distortion correction unit that performs manual trapezoidal distortion correction on the basis of operation information indicating an adjustment instruction for the vertex position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Nara
  • Patent number: 8303120
    Abstract: An image display apparatus includes a projector receiving an image signal and projecting image light and a screen including a projection plane of arbitrary shape. The projector and screen are connected with link mechanisms and link mechanisms. The relative position and posture between the projector and the screen are automatically or manually changeable. The relative position and posture between the projector and the screen are measured, and correction parameters for correcting distortion of image light projected from the projector onto the screen are calculated from the previously set viewing position of the viewer and the shape of the projection plane of the projector. Based on the calculated correction parameters, the image signal inputted into the projector is subjected to distortion correction processing. It is therefore possible to allow the viewer to see a clear image even if the position of the screen is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hoshino, Ryo Kawamura, Atsuyuki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8303119
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for marking an image projected onto a surface includes capturing a second image from the surface, detecting the existence of a marking point in the second image, and modifying the first image by placing a graphic element at a location corresponding to a location of the marking point in the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: IGRS Engineering Lab Ltd.
    Inventor: Jia Luo
  • Patent number: 8297758
    Abstract: A multimedia player for providing two projection images is provided. The multimedia player for displaying two projection images includes: a first projection unit displaying a first projection image; and a second projection unit displaying a second projection image. The first projection unit includes: a first driving unit controlling an operation of the first projection unit and providing an image signal on the first projection image to be displayed; a first light source unit; a first light modulation device outputting the first projection image by modulating light provided from the light source in response to the image signal of the first projection image; and a first projection lens unit magnifying and projecting an image that is output from the first light modulation device. The structure of the first projection unit is the same as that of the second projection unit. The multimedia player further includes a screen sensing unit sensing a color of an area in which an image is to be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Byeong-Dae Choi, Dae-Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 8297757
    Abstract: A projector which projects an image onto a projection surface, and displays it thereon, includes: a light source; a light modulator which modulates light from the light source into an image light representing the image; a projection optical system which projects the image light modulated by the light modulator onto the projection surface; a keystone distortion correction section which carries out a keystone distortion correction process for correcting a keystone distortion of the image projected onto the projection surface; a detection section which detects a stop of a movement of the projector; and a control section which, on the stop of the movement of the projector being detected in the detection section, causes the keystone distortion correction section to start the keystone distortion correction process in accordance with a relative positional relationship between the projector after being moved and the projection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Shinji Kubota
  • Patent number: 8282219
    Abstract: A projector includes: a projecting portion that projects an image based on input image data; an image data producing portion that produces the image data and then outputs the image data to the projecting portion; an image sensor that captures the projected image and thus produces a captured image; a movement detection sensor that is arranged on a plane parallel to the imaging plane of the image sensor and produces movement information on the basis of the detected movement, the movement detection sensor being arranged at an angle in the direction not equal to the horizontal direction and vertical direction of the imaging plane; a determining portion that determines whether the movement information meets an adjustment condition or not; and a control portion that, when the movement information meets the adjustment condition, controls the image data producing portion so as to adjust the image data on the basis of the captured image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: RE43721
    Abstract: The projector comprises an image forming panel that forms an effective panel image for modulating the light into an image light in an image forming area of a panel surface, and an image capturing unit for capturing a specific projection area wherein the image light corresponding to a specific area in the image forming area is projected. The projector calculates one or more edges of the outside perimeter lines of the screen and of the specific projection area by detecting plural points in a captured image. Based on the detection results, a post-correction image forming area is calculated, and trapezoidal distortion is corrected by forming the effective panel image within the post-correction image forming area. When only three or less of the four edges of the outside perimeter lines of the screen are detected, the projector calculates the post-correction image forming area based on the position and slope of the detected edge within the captured image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Morio Matsumoto, Shiki Furui