Abstract: A light coupling device and an image projection apparatus using the same, wherein photoconductive media of the light coupling device include optical fibers that transmit light. Each light coupling device has at least two input terminals, at least two output terminals, and a connector connecting the input and output terminals, wherein the connector forms at least one light path. The light coupling device receives and divides respective R, G, and B monochromatic light beams. By connecting a light source with multiple optical instruments via the light coupling devices, images can be projected on multiple screens. Further, by using optical fibers to transmit light beams, the size of image instruments is minimized and light loss is reduced.

Abstract: A light source device includes: a light-emitting tube including a light-emitting portion; a reflector including a neck portion provided with an insertion hole to which the light-emitting tube is inserted, and a reflecting portion integrally formed with the neck portion and having an ellipsoidal curved reflecting surface. The light-emitting tube has a sub-reflection mirror that covers substantially front half of the light-emitting portion. The reflector has a step formed between the peripheral edge of an opening end of the insertion hole near the reflecting surface. The external diameter of the step is larger than the external diameter of the sub-reflection mirror while the external diameter of the step is within the internal diameter of a valid reflection area of the reflector, the internal diameter being defined by a focal position on the front side of the reflector and the outer periphery of the sub-reflection mirror.

Abstract: The present application describes color management architecture for a three-panel projection system that utilizes color selective polarization filters (CSPF) and polarizing beam splitting elements. An exemplary embodiment describes a color management architecture with a dichroic input beam splitter and three polarizing beam splitters. An output polarizing beam splitter is used as an analyzer. The color management system architecture can isolate any color channel from those remaining whose separation and combination are then carried out by a single beamsplitting element. The disclosed embodiments also provide an improvement in the ANSI contrast. In some embodiments, an achromatic quarter-wave plate is used in combination with a color filter to block the light reflected from projection optics.

Abstract: A color-separating and -recombining optical system provided between a light source and a projection lens in a projection display, has at least one prism assembly made up of at least two prisms bonded to each other with a bonding layer formed between the prisms. A white light emitted from the light source is divided into red-, green-, and blue-color light components related to primary colors. The light components are modulated by spatial light modulators in accordance with a video signal. The modulated light components are combined and projected onto a screen via the projection lens. The thickness of the bonding layer is varied as thin and thick for optical paths long and short, respectively, from the spatial light modulators to the bonding layer which each modulated light component emitted from the corresponding spatial light modulator reaches.

Abstract: A color projection display device may include SLMs or other panels. One embodiment includes a device for displaying a color image including first and second sequences of temporally-integrateable primary color image components, the device also includes first (209) and second (206) SLM panels (604, 606), first and second driving circuitry, and first through fourth polarizing beam spitters.

Abstract: A color combining optical system according to this invention aims at reducing the size of an optical system and suppressing the occurrence of color unevenness. According to this invention, there is provided a color combining optical system for combining color light reflected by a dichroic film and color light transmitted through the dichroic film. The optical thickness of the dichroic film increases or decreases from one end side to the other end side in the inclining direction of the dichroic film with respect to the incident optical axis of the color light reflected by the dichroic film.

Abstract: A measurement light (X) is introduced on either one of reflection surfaces (501, 502, 511, 512) to detect a returned light (Y) reflected by the reflection surfaces (501, 502, 511, 512), reflected by a reflecting device and again reflected by the reflection surfaces (501, 502, 511, 512) by an autocollimator (620) to conduct image-processing and calculation by a processor (628), where a position adjuster (690) adjusts an attitude of a cross dichroic prism (45) relative to a fixing plate (447) to eliminate deviation between a position of the measurement light (X) and the returned light (Y) based on the result of the processing, thereby producing a highly accurate prism unit (50).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of a projector having multiple projection paths and related methodology.

Abstract: An image display system uses a polarizing beam splitter to direct light from a lamp to multiple spatial modulators. The spatial light modulators (“SLM”) each generate an image portion, which are stitched together on a display screen to obtain a high resolution image. In particular embodiment, image portions from two conventional SLMs, each controlling about two million pixels, are stitched together to form an image having about four million pixels. In another embodiment, two lamps are used with four SLMs to produce a resultant image having about eight million pixels.

Abstract: A projecting a plurality of red pixels, green pixels, and blue pixels to display a color image on a screen. First and second green pixels differing in their positions correspond to red and blue pixels projected on the screen.

Abstract: A first positioning step positions and fixes a light focusing element and a polarization converting element. A beam introducing step introduces beams to a beam splitting element, the light focusing element and the polarization converting element. An optical image forming step detects an optical image through the above elements. An illumination-area comparing step performs an image processing on the detected optical image to compare an illumination area formed by the optical image with a designed illumination area. A beam-splitting-element position-adjusting step adjusts the position of the beam splitting element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing an apparent increase in display brightness in an RPTV engine without an actual increase in total light output. Light is generated with an illumination source and optically processed to produce a light beam of rectangular format. The light beam is formed intentionally to have an intensity that is non-uniform, varying from a peak intensity at a center of the beam to a minimum intensity at a periphery of the beam. The optical processing step can include varying the intensity to selectively produce an illumination profile that decreases by at least about 30% to 70% from the peak intensity to the minimum intensity. The optical processing step can further include projecting the light beam through an integrator that is configured to produce an illumination profile that is at least partially controlled by a length of the integrator. The integrator can be configured so that a decrease in length will result in reduced uniformity.

Abstract: A projection type display apparatus including an illumination optical system for emitting a light flux, a decomposition optical system for decomposing the light flux into color lights of red, green and blue, liquid crystal light valves for the colors for receiving the decomposed color lights, a synthesis optical system for synthesizing the image lights of the colors from the liquid crystal light valves, and a projection optical system for projecting the synthesized image lights to a screen. A filter is disposed at one of positions opposing to each other across the center of the light flux between the white light source and the decomposition optical system and attenuates or cuts off light of a wavelength region different from that of light which passes the other of the positions.

Abstract: A device package has a bezel attached to a carrier. The bezel extends toward a surface of an optical component to which a device mounted in the carrier is attached. The bezel extends in a direction and to a distance that allows the bezel to act as a guide for a dislodging tool. The dislodging tool is guided to an interface where an adhesive attaches the device to the optical component. Preferably, the device is a microdisplay attached to a prism assembly. The bezel may also be used to attach the device package to the optical component with either an air gap or a liquid coupling the microdisplay (and/or an optical stack) and the optical component. An air bladder, air bubble, or tube device is included in the liquid coupling to accommodate expansion of the liquid.

Abstract: A projection system configured to project a stereographic image onto a viewing surface is provided. The projection system includes a light source configured to produce a beam of light, a beam splitter configured to split the beam of light into a right image beam and a left image beam, an image engine configured to produce the stereographic image, and a projection lens configured to project a left-eye image and a right-eye image onto the viewing surface. The image engine includes a left optical path configured to produce the left-eye image from the left image beam, the left optical path including an upstream left polarizer, a left image-producing element and a downstream left polarizer, and a right optical path configured to produce the right-eye image from the right image beam, the right optical path including an upstream right polarizer, a right image-producing element and a downstream right polarizer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image display apparatus, e.g. a head-mounted image display apparatus, in which an image from a single image display device is led to two eyes without using a half-mirror, thereby allowing observation of a bright image. The image display apparatus has an optical path distributing mirror 1 for distributing the image of a single display device 10 to an optical path for a right eye and an optical path for a left eye, and an ocular prism 2R for the right eye and an ocular prism 2L for the left eye, which are placed on the right- and left-hand sides, respectively, of the optical path distributing mirror 1.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for operating a High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamp, in particular a Ultra High Pressure (UHP) lamp, such as those preferably used in image projectors. The circuit comprises a lamp ballast for offering a controlled lamp current for operating the HID lamp and a brightness sensor for generating and providing a sensor signal which represents the brightness of the light applied by the lamp to the image generator. The lamp ballast controls the lamp current such that the brightness of the light of the lamp remains constant. Brightness control is made possible throughout the entire operational life of the lamp, and the use of sensors of simple construction is made possible by an incorporation within the electric circuit of a filter that high-pass filters the sensor signal before it is supplied as a control signal to the lamp ballast.

Abstract: In a projection arrangement for projecting an image onto a projection surface, there are provided a light source (26), a control unit (25), a light modulator (10), which is controllable by said control unit (25) in order to generate an image on the basis of predetermined image data, an optical device (11), arranged following said light modulator, for projecting said image onto the projection surface (34), a film stage (2) for holding a positive image recorded on a carrier medium, projection optics (3), arranged following the film stage (2) when projecting the positive image, and a control device (6), allowing either to direct light from the light source (26) to the light modulator (10) or to illuminate a positive image, which is held by the film stage (2), with said light. Thus, a projection arrangement is provided which can project both positive images and images generated on the basis of predetermined data onto a projection surface (34).

Abstract: A multi-screen laser projection system comprises a laser source that generates a plurality of laser beams, an image display control system, a plurality of modulator arms each including a light modulator; and an optical switch coupled to the image display control system and modulators. A plurality of projection optical systems are respectively arranged to project the modulated light from each modulator onto its associated screen. The optical switch is arranged to receive the plurality of beams from the laser source and switch each of the beams to one of the modulator arms in order to illuminate each modulator with a sequence of colors during each frame. During the course of a frame, each of the colors becomes incident upon the modulator. The projection system disclosed herein can provide a cost-effective, efficient true digital projection display system with high resolution and high brightness.

Abstract: A liquid crystal projector device, wherein an s-polarization PBS (4) forms light from a light source (1) a set of s-polarization components; an optical unit (7) reflects a green-region light and rotates by 90° the planes of polarization of a blue-region light and red-region light for outputting as p-polarization lights by reflection; a PBS (8) reflects an s-polarization green-region light and transmits p-polarization blue-region and red-region lights which are then separated from each other by a dichroic prism (9); the s-polarization green-region light is modulated into a p-polarization projected image light and reflected by a reflection type liquid crystal sheet (10G) to transmit the PBS (8); the p-polarization blue-region and red-region lights shine on reflection type liquid crystal sheets (10B, 10R) and are modulated respectively into s-polarization projected image lights, reflected and synthesized by the dichroic prism (9) before being reflected by the PBS (8) for projection by a projection lens (11).

Abstract: A projection engine having a first kernel for modulating light of a first polarization, and a second kernel for modulating light of a second polarization, and a polarization combiner for merging light from the kernels into a dual polarization modulated output beam.

Abstract: A projection type image display apparatus includes a light source emitting light, a polarization device transmitting light polarized in one direction of incident light emitted from the light source, a reflection type image generating unit generating a color image from incident light and reflecting the generated color image to proceed along a path different from a path of the incident light, a light deflection device deflecting the image reflected by the image generating unit, and a projection lens unit magnifying and transmitting the image generated by the image generating unit and deflected by the light deflection device to proceed toward a screen. Thus, a full color can be realized with respect to the area of a pixel, and an efficiency in use of light and resolving power can be improved.

Abstract: A projection-type image displaying device includes liquid crystal elements for modulating light rays having wavelength regions different from each other, a color combining optical element for combining the light rays modulated by the liquid crystal display elements, and a projection type optical system for projecting light rays combined by the color combining optical element to display an image. Polarizing elements are disposed on an incidence side and an exit side of the liquid crystal display elements. Optically anisotropic elements for correcting the optical anisotropy of each of the liquid crystal elements are disposed between the polarizing elements. An air-reduced distance Linp between an entrance pupil of the projection optical system and display surfaces of the liquid crystal display element and diagonal length Ldisp across corners of the display surface of the liquid crystal display elements meet the predetermined condition.

Abstract: A projection system includes multiple imaging heads for projecting a plurality of images, which may or may not be partially overlapped and edge blended to form a projected composite image. The projection system, however, includes only a single light source. The light from the light source is beam split into light portions, and the light portions are applied to the imaging heads via corresponding light guides. Use of the single light source to project all the images may solve colorimetry problems associated with generating projected composite image from multiple projected images, each of which uses a different light source. For projecting the images on a curved surface, the geometry of the images may be distorted using electronic image warping and/or lens-based optical distortion.

Abstract: A projection system for projecting a stereographic image onto a viewing surface is provided, the stereographic image including a left-eye image and a right-eye image. The projection system includes a light source for producing a beam, a beam splitter for splitting the beam of light into a right image beam and a left image beam, an image engine for producing the stereographic image, and a projection lens. The image engine includes a left optical path for producing the left-eye image from the left image beam, the left optical path including an upstream left polarizer, a left image-producing element and a downstream left polarizer, and a right optical path configured to produce the right-eye image from the right image beam, the right optical path including an upstream right polarizer, a right image-producing element and a downstream right polarizer.

Abstract: A laser video projector for modulating light from a laser light source by an acousto-optic modulator (AOM) according to a video signal and projecting video information to a screen using a scanner is provided. The laser video projector includes a light source for outputting a beam of white light formed of first, second, and third main wavelengths, a light separator for separating the beam of the white light into beams of monochromatic lights having first, second, and third main wavelengths in a predetermined transmission factor and a predetermined reflectivity, light modulator for modulating the beams of the monochromatic lights according to a chrominance signal, light combiner for combining the monochromatic lights modulated by the light modulator into a beam, and light scanner for scanning the combined beam of the modulated monochromatic lights, thus forming an image.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a reflective type liquid crystal projection system, which comprises an incident light source providing an S-polarization light beam or a P-polarization light beam as the incident light beam. A polarization of color-splitting device having a first polarization of color splitter and a second polarization of color splitter is used to split the incident light beam of three primary colors into two sets of light beams, which respectively penetrate through or are reflected. The two sets of light beams split by the first polarization of color splitter are reflected by two reflective mirrors, traverse two polarizing plates arranged between the reflective mirrors and the second polarization of color splitter, and are then incident on the second polarization of color splitter. At least a retarder is arranged between the reflective mirrors and the polarization of color-splitting device.

Abstract: A laser video projector for projecting an image to a plurality of screens is provided. It is possible to display an identical image to a plurality of screens by modulating light from the light source by an acousto-optic modulator (AOM) according to a video signal and projecting video information to a plurality of screens using a scanner.

Abstract: For three-dimensional image representation on a large-screen projection surface by means of a multimode or, respectively, monomode laser projector, in the first case it is proposed to direct the multimode laser beam onto a polygonal mirror with layers that alternatively polarize light in two different directions, from which lines of the one direction of polarization and lines of the other direction of polarization and lines of the other direction of polarization are then plotted on the large-screen projection surface in alternating fashion. In the second case, the monomade laser beam is directed by a partially transparent mirror and only then onto the polygonal mirror. A partial beam derived from the partially transparent mirror is rotated in its direction of polarization and directed onto the polygonal mirror from another direction.

Abstract: A projection type display device including an image pickup device is provided. A projection mirror of an OHP is made a half mirror 108, so that a picture having transmitted through the half mirror can be taken in by an image sensor 102.

Abstract: A projective display device can function as a video projector and a slide projector. The device is compact, easy to use and simple in operation. A video projector that projects video information can be used as a slide projector by utilizing a reflection type spatial light modulator in a reflected state when a photographic film is held in the optical system of the projector. Alternatively, a moveable mirror can be used to switch from a video projector to a slide projector.

Abstract: A projector includes a housing having a single light projection source. A first condenser projects a first light beam from the light source, through an LCD image display screen mounted in the housing, and to a projection surface. A second condenser projects a second beam of light from the light source, to an overhead projector mounted on the housing, and to the projection surface. A beam blocking device is connected to the housing for movement into a position for selectively blocking the second beam of light.

Abstract: A liquid crystal projector using monochromatic liquid crystal displays (LCDs). The liquid crystal projector includes a filter for filtering light emitted from a light source and for outputting a white light. A condenser lens group then condenses the white light, and, thereafter, the condensed white light is separated into the three primary colors of light by (color filters and applied to an LCD part comprising monochromatic LCDs. The LCD part outputs video images corresponding to the three primary colors of light separated according to an applied video signal. A reflective part their combines the outputted video images and outputs the combined video image to a projector lens. Finally, the projector lens projects the combined video image onto a screen.

Abstract: A light gathering apparatus for gathering luminous fluxes incident from two different directions, including a luminous flux gathering optical element which includes an array of continuous first and second emission surfaces alternately and symmetrically arranged with respect to bisectors of the angle defined by and between the luminous fluxes.

Abstract: An image display apparatus designed so that the observer can view the image of an image display device without the need of manually adjusting the positional relationship between the observer's eyeball and a bundle of rays from the image display device which is to be projected into the eyeball. A positional relationship detecting section (46) observes the pupil of an observer's eyeball (44) and its vicinities, and detects where a bundle of rays from an LCD (42) is being projected. If it is detected that the ray bundle is not coincident with the pupil, motors (52a and 52b) are driven to move a first support (50a) and a second support (50b), which support the LCD (42), a backlight (43), and an ocular lens (45), so that the ray bundle passes through the pupil.

Abstract: A projecting optical device which simultaneously projects one object onto two or more different screens has a first screen, a second screen, a first projecting optical system which projects the object onto the first screen, and a second projecting optical system which projects the object onto the second screen and does not share an optical element with the first projecting optical system. A first base line connecting the center of the object to the center of the image projected on the first screen by the first optical system and a second base line connecting the center of the object to the center of the image projected on the second screen by the second optical system are not parallel to each other.

Abstract: Multipurpose projector having a detachable projecting unit including a body having a sheet of transparent glass disposed in the top part thereof and an attaching recess at one side of an optical system region therein; a projecting unit attachable into the attaching recess or disposable right over the transparent glass by means of rotatable post attached to the body at the user's option; a liquid crystal display projector part having a light source disposed movably in a vertical direction in rear part of the optical system in the body, a first focusing lens for focusing the light emitted from the light source, a liquid crystal panel for receiving light focused by the first focusing lens, and a zoom lens; an overhead projector part disposed in the optical system in the body having a second focusing lens, a plurality of total reflection mirrors for deflecting a path of the light focused by the second focusing lens at a right angle from a horizontal direction to a vertical direction, and a Fresnel lens detachably

Abstract: A reflective/diffractive light valve system collects light from multiple dimensions around a single light source. From these multiple collection dimensions, the light is directed to impinge on the valve from multiple directions. When the valve is configured to be reflective, the light returns to the source. On the other hand, when the valve is configured to be diffractive, light from a first and third order diffraction are transmitted from the valve for each of the collection dimensions which greatly enhances the efficiency of the system.

Abstract: Projection apparatus comprising high resolution projection display systems that generate a relatively large high resolution image on a display screen, wherein seams and tiling artifacts in observation (image) space are eliminated or minimized. The projection apparatus comprises an image source that includes a plurality of small tiled image displays, relay optics, and a photoactivated reflective liquid crystal light valve. The small tiled or mosaic-like displays that provide source images that are displayed. The images projected by the image displays are imaged onto the light valve. A polarizing beamsplitter is disposed adjacent an output surface of the light valve, and an illumination source provides illumination light that is projected by way of the polarizing beamsplitter onto an output surface of the light valve. The illumination light is reflected from the output surface of the light valve back through the polarizing beamsplitter. A projection lens projects the illumination light onto the display screen.

Abstract: A linear polarization/conversion apparatus includes a light source, a polarizing beam splitting means, first and second focusing lenses, and first to fourth total reflection mirrors. The light source includes a reflector having a paraboloid of revolution. The polarizing beam splitting means splits light from the light source into a linearly polarized transmission light component and a linearly polarized reflection light component. The first and second focusing lenses are respectively disposed to oppose exit surfaces, of the polarizing beam splitting means, from which the linearly polarized transmission and reflection light components emerge. The first and second total reflection mirrors are inclined at 45.degree. with respect to the exit surfaces, respectively, so as to totally reflect the linearly polarized transmission and reflection light components from the first and second focusing lenses. The third and fourth total reflection mirrors are respectively inclined at 45.degree.

Abstract: A slide projector for both front and rear projection includes a shallow lens tunnel for mounting a simple wide-angle lens. In a first aspect, a second lens port is added to a conventional slide projector designed for front projection. A mirror pivots to invert and direct light rays from an illuminated slide to the simple wide-angle lens. In a second aspect, only the shallow lens tunnel is present and a rotating slide gate orients the slide, depending on operation in front or rear projection mode. Front projection in the second aspect requires a lens tunnel extension.

Abstract: A light beam (30) including a random polarization and radiated from a light source, such as laser oscillator (6) is separated into P wave polarization light beam and S wave polarization light beam by a beam splitter 33. After modulated by image information representative of characters to be printed, both the P and S wave polarization beams are merged and the resultant light beam is projected on the surface of a workpiece for marking a pattern.

Abstract: A polarizing wavelength separating optical element, PWS, in the form of a flat panel causes each of a plurality of polychromatic optical beams from a source, entering at one surface and transmitted to the other surface, to be converted with high conversion efficiency into beams circularly polarized, spectrally separated and spatially separated. The input optical beams are identical and in the form of a linear periodic array illuminating the PWS element. Output circularly polarized beams are spatially separated by a variable distance and have separated wavelengths that can be in any order: ascending, descending or random. The PWS is made of a periodic array of cells whose period is identical to that of the optical source. Each cell comprises a plurality of subcells. One subcell functions as a broadband reflector, while each of the remaining subcells functions as a polarizing wavelength selective reflector.

Abstract: The optical system projects discrete images in adjoining relation on a view screen to form a single image with substantial no illuminance discontinuity at the juncture of the images. A pair of afocal lenses split the light rays from a source for passage through segments of the lenses and each discrete image display. The light rays from the image displays are returned to an optical axis through a projection lens such that the adjoining margins of the images on the view screen pass along the optical axis of the projection lens.

Abstract: A low-throughput illumination system is described, comprising a radiation source (1), a plurality of condensors (2, 14; 3, 15) for forming a plurality of beams (b.sub.1, b.sub.2) from the radiation supplied by the source and a first reflector (4, 5) for each beam, which reflectors direct the beam towards the principal axis (00'). The system comprises second reflectors (6, 7) which deflect the beams in the direction of the principal axis so that the beams have their narrowest constrictions (8, 9) in the exit plane (10) and are located close together.

Abstract: An image display apparatus has an optical system including a movable mirror for projecting the image of an image bearing member, a screen for displaying the image projected by the optical system, an image sensor fixed in the vicinity of the screen but outside the image projecting optical path toward the screen, and a moving mechanism for moving the mirror between a display position for projecting the image onto the screen and a reading position for projecting the image onto the image sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical projection apparatus with the function of controlling laser coherency which comprises a laser source, a splitting device for splitting light emitted from the laser source into a plural incoherent split light beams having light intensity equal to each other, an illumination optical system for focusing each of the split light beams, and a projection optical system for projecting an image of a pattern of a mask illuminated with the split light beams from the illumination optical system onto a sample.

Abstract: A scene projector displays an image as M by N array of pixels. The scene projector includes a plurality of optical guided wave modulators. The modulators each have an optical input, and optical output and an electrical input. The optical output of each of the modulators forms a corresponding one of the pixels. The optical input of each of the modulators is adapted to be uniformly illuminated. The scene projector further applies a selected voltage to the electrical input of each of the modulators. This voltage is selected commensurately with a predetermined intensity of output optical energy at the corresponding pixel.

Abstract: Multiple pupils (16, 18) are formed in a projection display by employment of a field lens (14) which has at least first and second interleaved Fresnel lens segments. The first set of segments has the equivalent surface of a first lens (34) and the second set of interleaved segments has the equivalent curvature of a second lens (36), with the segments being shaped to produce two exit pupils. More exit pupils, up to four without loss of resolution, can be provided by the interleaving of further lens shapes. A separate lens face (30) controls the other dimension of the exit pupils. The additional lens face may be a Fresnel lens on the opposite side of the same lens element.

Abstract: A spherical projection system includes a spherical rear projection screen assembly of an extent such that a viewer sees projected images in any viewable direction, a plurality of image projectors which cooperate to project portions of a continuous panoramic scene onto all the viewable surfaces of the screen assembly, sets of mirrors to reflect the images onto associated areas of the screen assembly, and an opaque enclosure which houses the screen assembly, mirror sets, and image projectors. In one embodiment of the system, the screen assembly includes a truncated spherical portion which is sized to receive a viewer entirely within and which is closed by a planar rear projection screen which forms a floor to support the viewer. A separable section of the spherical screen portion is mounted on a track for sliding movement to allow entry and exit by the viewer. In another embodiment of the system, the spherical screen is sized to receive only the head and upper body of the viewer.