Plural Projection Paths Patents (Class 353/89)
  • Patent number: 8872985
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide for a modular video projector system having a light engine module and an optical engine module. The light engine module can provide narrow-band laser light to the optical engine module which modulates the laser light according to video signals received from a video processing engine. Some embodiments provide for an optical engine module having a sub-pixel generator configured to display video or images at a resolution of at least four times greater than a resolution of modulating elements within the optical engine module. Systems and methods for reducing speckle are presented in conjunction with the modular video projector system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: RED.COM, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Jannard, Stuart J. English, Gregory Alan Prior, Edmund Sandberg, Ryan Newham
  • Patent number: 8727542
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a projection type image display apparatus enables control of a large amount of light masking through a light-masking unit while maintaining a uniform illumination distribution in an area to be illuminated by the illumination light. The apparatus uses two array lenses on which lens cells are arranged in matrix form, where light-masking unit masks the array lens installed on the light source side in their particular area. The light-masking unit adjusts the amount of light emitted from the light source. The light-masking area of lens cells adjacent to lens cells closest to an optical axis is made smaller than the light-masking area of other cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Consumer Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Shimizu, Kentaro Kato
  • Patent number: 8454169
    Abstract: An illumination device includes: a light source which emits a plurality of emission lights; a first condenser lens which stacks the plural emission lights emitted from the light source; a first fly-eye lens which divides lights stacked by the first condenser lens into a plurality of partial lights; a second fly-eye lens which converges the plural partial lights; and a second condenser lens which stacks the plural partial lights converged by the second fly-eye lens, wherein the first condenser lens stacks the plural emission lights emitted from the light source on the first fly-eye lens, and the second fly-eye lens stacks the plural partial lights on an illumination receiving area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyasu Kaseya
  • Patent number: 8403487
    Abstract: A stereo-image displaying apparatus including an adjustable light source module, a spatial modulator, and an image display panel is provided. The adjustable light source module is adapted for emitting a plurality of first illumination beams and a plurality of second illumination beams that are staggered along a first axis. The spatial modulator and the image display panel are sequentially disposed on the light path of the first and second illumination beams. The first illumination beam passes through the spatial modulator so that the image display panel displays a first view field image in a first frame period. The second illumination beam passes through the spatial modulator so that the image display panel displays a second view field image in a second frame period. Moreover, a method for reducing stereo-image cross-talk is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Kuen Lee, Kuo-Chung Huang, Chao-Hsu Tsai
  • Patent number: 8248434
    Abstract: An image processing device adapted to correct a pixel value corresponding to a sub-pixel constituting a pixel includes a displacement amount storage section adapted to store a displacement amount of a display position of a display sub-pixel corresponding to the sub-pixel constituting a display pixel in a reference position in a display image plane, and a pixel value correction section adapted to correct the pixel value of the sub-pixel corresponding to the display sub-pixel at an end of the display image plane in accordance with the displacement amount stored in the displacement amount storage section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Takumi Aragaki, Hiroshi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8246177
    Abstract: The lighting unit includes the DMDs (80R), (80G), and (80B). The lighting unit also includes: the prisms (50) and (60) combining the light emitted from the DMDs (80R), (80G), and (80B); and the light modulating optical device (90G). The incident light including the green component light and the yellow component light enters the light modulating optical device (90G). The light modulating optical device (90G) transmits the green component light and changes a transmittance of the yellow component light depending on a change of a molecular state. Light having emitted from the light modulating optical device (90G) enters the DMD (80G), which corresponds to the incident light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Maeda
  • Patent number: 8177366
    Abstract: A stereoscopic image projection system using a circular polarization filter module is provided. Even though this system uses a single projector, it allows left and right images to have different polarization directions using the circular polarization filter module, thereby reducing crosstalk compared to an LCD-shutter-based system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Masterimage 3D Asia, LLC
    Inventors: Young Hoon Lee, Yong Bi Jung
  • Patent number: 8162488
    Abstract: A projection display apparatus includes a light valve, a light source for producing light directed to the light valve, an integrator lens disposed in an optical path extending from the light source to the light valve and including a first lens array and a second lens array, and a light amount adjustment mechanism disposed in the optical path between the first lens array and the second lens array. The light amount adjusting mechanism includes a pair of light shielding elements pivoting in the form of a pair of double doors. The pair of light shielding elements have an opening formed in a region of tip portions thereof which corresponds to lens cells in contact with the optical axis of the second lens array. A region of the opening corresponding to one lens cell in contact with the optical axis of the second lens array is of a triangular configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Yamada, Akira Daijogo, Motoo Takahashi, Kenji Samejima
  • Patent number: 8152309
    Abstract: An image display apparatus which displays an image as a transmitted projection image includes: a tread-board of a step which has a first projection surface and transmits a projection image projected on the first projection surface; and a cross-board of the step which has a second projection surface and transmits a projection image projected on the second projection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20120019781
    Abstract: A system and method to display a plurality of different images at multiple distinct locations using a single image projector and an image propagation control means to control a propagation pathway from the projector to a display at each location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: FREDERICK F. KUHLMAN, ANDREW P. HARBACH, RICHARD D. PARKER, DWADASI H.R. SARMA, MARIAN C. HARGIS, STEVEN G. SKIVER
  • Patent number: 7993017
    Abstract: A projection display apparatus 101 in which the light quantity adjusting means has a simple and readily interchangeable structure, and which can improve image quality by adjusting the quantity of light received by a light valve continuously, without causing illuminance irregularities, and without having unwanted light radiated onto the screen, the light quantity adjusting means 9 having light blocking members 91L, 91R for blocking light in transit to a second lens array 22, and rotational axes 91LA, 91RA for turnably supporting each of the light blocking members on an xy plane, the light blocking members 91L, 91R and rotational axes 91LA, 91RA being positioned so that the rotational axes 91LA, 91RA are disposed in positions symmetric with respect to the optical axis AX on the xy plane, and the turning range from the light blocking initiation position at which the light blocking members 91L, 91R, by being turned, start to block light in transit toward the second lens array 22 to the maximum light blocking posi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Yamada, Motoo Takahashi, Akira Daijogo, Tomohiro Bessho, Kenji Samejima
  • Patent number: 7993015
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a projector that can be loaded with lamps of a plurality of kinds, each of a plurality of the lamps loadable into the projector being given a lamp serial code formed by arranging lamp information on the lamp and a check sum in predetermined order, the projector including: a control circuit for performing a clocking operation of a lamp timer for managing a use time of the lamp loaded in the projector; and a memory for storing information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Shirasu, Hirobumi Nagumo
  • Patent number: 7896500
    Abstract: A liquid crystal rear projector device of the present invention includes a lamp unit providing a light source, a cooling fan for cooling the lamp unit, and an optical system for generating color image light with the lamp unit providing a light source, the lamp unit including a light emitting tube providing a light source, and a reflector for reflecting light emitted from the light emitting tube toward the optical system. The reflector has an air introduction hole for introducing air discharged from the cooling fan into the reflector, which is provided near the spherical portion of the light emitting tube, and faces to a vertical top of the spherical portion to blow the air to the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichi Shiotsu
  • Patent number: 7824038
    Abstract: A method for controlling a dual lamp module applied to a projection apparatus is provided. The dual lamp module includes a first lamp and a second lamp. The method for controlling a dual lamp module includes providing a first operating power to the first lamp, and then determining whether the first lamp is turned on or not. If the first lamp fails to be turned on, stopping providing the first operating power to the first lamp, and providing a second operating power to the second lamp. The second operating power is greater than the first operating power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Young Optics Inc.
    Inventors: Chi-Chui Yun, Pin-Chun Huang, Wei-Sheng Chang
  • Patent number: 7798649
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes: a red light valve configured to modulate red component light according to a red input signal; a green light valve configured to modulate green component light according to a green input signal; a blue light valve configured to modulate blue component light according to a blue input signal; a fourth color light valve configured to modulate a fourth color component light; and a color combiner configured to combine light emitted from the red light valve, the green light valve and the blue light valve. The fourth color component light emitted from the fourth color light valve enters a certain light valve, which is any one of the red light valve, the green light valve and the blue light valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Maeda, Ken Mashitani, Kazuhiro Arai
  • Patent number: 7766489
    Abstract: A lighting device is provided for projecting a pixelated lighting pattern to be viewed onto a surface facing said device is provided. The device comprises a plurality of independently controllable lighting units (1), each lighting unit comprising at least one light-emitting diode (3, 4, 5, 6), and a controller (7) for controlling the emission of light from said lighting units. A device according to the present invention allows ambient illumination of a surface and projection of images and patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Peter Alexander Duine, Hugo Johan Cornelissen, Helmut Zahn, Marten Sikkens, Jorrit Ernst De Vries, Remco Alphonsus Hendrikus Breen
  • Patent number: 7639901
    Abstract: Display systems that utilize digital micro-mirror device (DMD) technology are finding wide application in the areas of projection systems for color display. The common name for such systems is digital light processing projection systems or DLP projection systems. The systems and methods described herein utilize the non-imaging light to monitor and calibrate the projected image since the high levels of illumination and extreme temperatures of the imaging light require careful attention to the manner of light collection. Light collection is accomplished in a waste gate area by a light collector, e.g., an optical fiber mat, and the collected light is communicated to an associated sensor. The technique is non-invasive and may be applied to existing designs with minimal modification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: X-Rite Europe GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas A. Lianza
  • Patent number: 7494227
    Abstract: An image display device for displaying an image by a light beam modulated according to an image signal includes: a light source unit that supplies the light beam; a scanning unit for performing scanning with the light beam from the light source unit; a screen that transmits the light beam from the scanning unit; a light detection unit that detects light incoming from the screen via the scanning unit; and a light beam emission stop unit that stops emission of the light beam from the image display device according to an output from the light detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuro Yamazaki, Masatoshi Yonekubo, Takashi Takeda
  • Patent number: 7359026
    Abstract: A liquid crystal projector comprises first, second and third liquid crystal panels having corresponding light sources, namely a red light source, a green light source, and a blue light source, wherein the red light source. The light sources are preferably Semi-conductor generated light arrays. The projector further includes a dichroic prism for superimposing the red, green and blue image displays, and a projection lens for projecting a full-color image beam formed by the dichroic prism. In order to control the intensity of the light sources, a pulse modulating means is coupled to each of the Semi-conductor generated light arrays, the pulse modulating means being operable to independently switch each of the light sources between an on state and an off state at a selectable repetition rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventors: Paul Bullwinkel, Jim Seal, Keith A. Kopp
  • Patent number: 7198370
    Abstract: An apparatus including a spatially modulated extended light source configured to project an output having at least one region of diminished illumination, and an array of polarizing beam splitters (PBSs) positioned proximal to the spatially modulated extended light source. The light source includes at least two light outputs configured to project unpolarized light; and at least one gap interspersed between the light outputs. The array of PBSs is configured to receive the output from the light source, convert the unpolarized light to light having a first polarized state, and remove the at least one region of diminished illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew B. Dubin, Brent D. Larson
  • Patent number: 6827451
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a lamp which produces a first light which may be a white light; a first light valve, a second light valve, a first color separator, and a first aperture device. The first color separator receives the white light from the lamp, and separates the white light into a first color light and a first residual light. The first aperture device receives the first color light and the first aperture device can be controlled to modify a frequency of the first color light to the first light valve. The second light valve receives at least a portion of the first residual light. The first aperture device could also be controlled to substantially block at least a portion of the first color light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 6796657
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Shinoda, Kenji Sugihara
  • Patent number: 6592225
    Abstract: An image edge blender (58) of this invention installs in an unmodified projector (50) in place of the projection lens (52), which then installs at the output end of the image edge blender assembly. The image edge blender includes a relay lens (64) that relays an objective image plane (66) formed in the projector to an intermediate focal plane (68) formed within the image edge blender. An adjustable aperture assembly (70) includes at least one shutter (96) positioned at or near the intermediate focal plane and movable in rotational, parallel, and transverse directions relative to-the optical axis (78).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Virtual Environment Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph C. Wagner, Joel C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6583940
    Abstract: A projection system that is capable of providing a high-performance projection system and producing a high contrast projection image by using an optical modulation element, which can be positioned a predetermined distance away from an illumination optical system and a projection optical system. The optical modulation element is capable of modulating light received from the illumination optical system and projecting the modulated light to a projection optical system in the direction of a projection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Nishikawa, Shigeru Sawamura, Katsuhiro Takamoto
  • Patent number: 6575577
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a lamp which produces a first light which may be a white light; a first light valve, a second light valve, a first color separator, and a first aperture device. The first color separator receives the white light from the lamp, and separates the white light into a first color light and a first residual light. The first aperture device receives the first color light and the first aperture device can be controlled to modify a frequency of the first color light to the first light valve. The second light valve receives at least a portion of the first residual light. The first aperture device could also be controlled to substantially block at least a portion of the first color light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Richard S. Beliveau
  • Patent number: 6561653
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a lamp which produces a first light which may be a white light; a first light valve, a second light valve, and a first aperture device, which may be a first electronically switchable filter. The first aperture device or the first electronically switchable filter function as selectively variable color separators. The first aperture device or the first electronically switchable filter each can be placed in a first state where the first light is separated into a first color light and a first residual light, and a second state where the first light is separated into a second color light and a second residual light. The first light valve receives the first light in the first state and the second light in the second state. The second light valve receives at least a portion of the first residual light in the first state or at least a portion of the second residual light in the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 6505939
    Abstract: Projection system comprising at least two light sources, a projection lens and a spatial light modulator located between the light sources and the projection lens, which light modulator comprises a plurality of light-deflection devices each provided with an element which is tiltable about a tilt axis. The light sources are arranged with respect to the spatial light modulator in such a way that, in operation, the centers of the light beams coming from the light sources and projected on each element are located on a projection line which extends substantially parallel to the tilt axis of the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Serge Joel Armand Bierhuizen, Marten Sikkens, Anthonie Hendrik Bergman
  • Patent number: 5264953
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display apparatus comprises a liquid crystal display element comprising an active matrix substrate having an active element for each picture element electrode, a counter electrode substrate provided with a counter electrode and a liquid crystal and solidified matrix composite material, disposed between the active matrix substrate and the counter electrode substrate, which includes a nematic liquid crystal dispersed and held in a solidified matrix, said nematic liquid crystal being such that the refractive index of the liquid crystal is changed depending on states of applying a voltage wherein in a state, the refractive index of the liquid crystal substantially coincides with that of the solidified matrix to thereby pass light and in the other state, the former doesn't coincide with the latter to thereby cause the scattering of light, and a driving circuit to drive the liquid crystal display element, wherein plural kinds of voltage is selectively applied to the picture elements in order to dis
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Hirai, Masaya Kunigita, Tomoki Gunjima
  • Patent number: 4854697
    Abstract: In a mixing projector, a guide element for the slide magazine extends transversely with respect to the optical axes of the objective lens systems of the optical assembly. Disposed between the two projector units for projecting the respective slides is a main slider member which is displaceable parallel to the optical axes of the optical assembly, for transportation of slides between the magazine and a slide turning mechanism which turns the respective slides through 90.degree.. Transverse slider members then provide for transportation of the turned slides into and out of the positions thereof for projection through the objective lenses of the optical assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Reflecta GmbH Foto-Flim Projection
    Inventors: Hermann Kronbauer, Hermann Kupper, Christian Rehm
  • Patent number: 4474440
    Abstract: The slide projector includes side-by-side image-projection systems and a circular slide tray, with slides passing in operation directly between the slide tray and either of two slide gates, the slide gates moving between a first position in which slides are acquired and released, and a second position in which slides are projected onto a screen. A slide lifter, a slide tray lock, slide clamps on each slide gate, and the slide gates are operated in a particular sequence relative to the movement of the slide tray to insure proper handling of the slides in the projector. The slide tray fits on a central hub which in turn is independently driven. Sensors are provided to continuously detect the position of the lifter, the slide gates, and the slide tray. A front end assembly which incorporates lenses which move laterally and vertically, with the longitudinal axes of the lenses remaining parallel at all times, provides precise image alignment, including image overlap and separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1984
    Assignee: Source Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Milo G. Kramer, Albert S. Ballard
  • Patent number: 4466716
    Abstract: The slide projector includes side-by-side image-projection systems and a circular slide tray, with slides passing in operation directly between the slide tray and either of two slide gates, the slide gates moving between a first position in which slides are acquired and released, and a second position in which slides are projected onto a screen. A slide lifter, a slide tray lock, slide clamps on each slide gate, and the slide gates are operated in a particular sequence relative to the movement of the slide tray to insure proper handling of the slides in the projector. The slide tray fits on a central hub which in turn is independently driven. Sensors are provided to continuously detect the position of the lifter, the slide gates, and the slide tray. A front end assembly which incorporates lenses which move laterally and vertically, with the longitudinal axes of the lenses remaining parallel at all times, provides precise image alignment, including image overlap and separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1984
    Assignee: Source Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Milo G. Kramer, Albert S. Ballard, Gideon A. Kramer
  • Patent number: 4416520
    Abstract: The slide projector includes side-by-side image-projection systems and a circular slide tray, with slides passing in operation directly between the slide tray and either of two slide gates, the slide gates moving between a first position in which slides are acquired and released, and a second position in which slides are projected onto a screen. A slide lifter, a slide tray lock, slide clamps on each slide gate, and the slide gates are operated in a particular sequence relative to the movement of the slide tray to insure proper handling of the slides in the projector. The slide tray fits on a central hub which in turn is independently driven. Sensors are provided to continuously detect the position of the lifter, the slide gates, and the slide tray. A front end assembly which incorporates lenses which move laterally and vertically, with the longitudinal axes of the lenses remaining parallel at all times, provides precise image alignment, including image overlap and separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1983
    Assignee: Source Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Milo G. Kramer
  • Patent number: 4088401
    Abstract: An optical system is disclosed for substantially doubling the capacity of a photocopying apparatus or the like. It provides alternative modes of operation; adjacent imaging of adjacent objects or double imaging of a single object. In the adjacent imaging mode, a single projection lens projects adjacent images of two adjacent objects in a straightforward way. In the alternative double imaging mode, a pair of projection lenses projects twin images of a single object along "parallel" optical paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1978
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Rees, Kent W. Hemphill