Abstract: A stereo projection optical system includes a polarizing beam splitter, a 2-way wheel, a digital micro-mirror device, and a total internal reflection prism. The polarizing beam splitter is configured for emitting two light outputs. The 2-way wheel includes a reflective region and a transmissive region. The reflective region is configured for reflecting the light outputs and the transmissive region is configured for transmitting the light outputs. The digital micro-mirror device is configured for superimposing spatial information on the light outputs. The total internal reflection prism configured for coupling the light outputs of the 2-way wheel into the digital micro-mirror device and transmitting a light output of the digital micro-mirror device. The stereo projection optical systems provide viewers three-dimensional images formed by two alternative polarized light beams whose polarizations are perpendicular to each other utilizing the 2-way wheel.

Abstract: An image scanning assembly comprising at least two optics wherein at least one of the optics is movable relative to the other. An embodiment may be used to scan images for a 3D display.

Abstract: A screen includes a screen main body that has a diffusion layer, a frame that is provided along the circumference of the screen main body, and to which the diffusion layer is attached through supporting members to rock, and a driving unit that is mounted on the diffusion layer and moves the diffusion layer in parallel to a surface of the diffusion layer.

Abstract: A rear-projection screen structure, and an associated method, for creating on the front, image-viewing side of a rear-projection screen structure an anti-speckled, rear-projected, laser-beam image. Methodologically, and as implemented by the structure of the invention, the invention steps include projecting a source laser-image beam toward the rear side of such a screen structure, and while so projecting, introducing relative-motion optical diffusion in the laser beam path which exists between the source laser-image beam and the screen-structure's image-viewing side.

Abstract: There is provided a screen and a projector using a simple configuration and operation to make speckles less visible. A screen 10 on which light beams are incident includes a lenticular lens 11 as a first layer having viewing angle control means for enlarging the viewing angle and a Fresnel lens 12 as a second layer having angular conversion means for converting the angles of incidence of the incident light beams into the substantially same direction. One of the first and second layers has a diffusion capability that diffuses the incident light beams and has moving means for moving that layer relative to the other. Alternatively, the first and second layers both have the diffusion capability, and at least one of the layers has moving means for moving that layer relative to the other.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying images from a video projector. The apparatus includes a virtual projector screen assembly with an elongate screen element, such as a rod, that is mounted at one end to a base. The base is adapted for pivoting about its axis, arid a driver mechanism pivots the, base at high frequencies. During operation, the screen element oscillates between two edge positions with images projected from the projector being displayed on a side of the screen element facing or proximate to the projector. The two edge positions can be thought of as intersecting at the base and define a sweep angle (e.g., the angular difference between the two outer travel points of the screen element that is typically less than about 90 degrees). The driver may include a motor with an oscillating output shaft that pivots the base such as with a belt attached to the base.

Abstract: A screen includes; a plurality of layers including a diffusion layer that diffuses incident light; an elastic member that movably supports the diffusion layer with respect to an arbitrary holding part; and a driving unit that moves the diffusion layer in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of light that is incident to the diffusion layer.

Abstract: A screen that displays images as a result of receiving projection light, includes: a plurality of plate components that are optically transparent and are provided apart from each other; a scatterer that is placed in a light scattering space that is formed between the plurality of plate components, and is formed by dispersing a light scattering material in a gas or liquid dispersion medium; a flow path that allows the scatterer to flow through the light scattering space; and a flow device that causes the scatterer to flow through the light scattering space.

Abstract: Light emitted from a light source is modulated and projected on a screen. The screen includes a securing member, a diffuser plate supported by the securing member using a plurality of elastic members, where the elastic members are disposed so that the diffuser plate is resiliently displaced in two directions in the plane of the diffuser plate, and a driving unit that moves the diffuser plate with respect to the securing member in the two directions in the plane of the diffuser plate.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate the elimination of screen scintillation in a projection television having a laser light source. In a preferred embodiment, a display screen assembly of the television includes a liquid dispersed between the fresnel lens and lenticular screen, and sealed there between by a seal extending about the perimeter of the screen assembly. One or more vibration units are operably coupled to the liquid causes the liquid to vibrate between the Fresnel lens and lenticular screen as the light emanating from the laser light source diffuses through the liquid.

Abstract: A screen includes; a plurality of layers including a diffusion layer that diffuses incident tight; an elastic member that movably supports the diffusion layer with respect to an arbitrary holding part; and a driving unit that moves the diffusion layer in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of light that is incident to the diffusion layer.

Abstract: A projection type image display apparatus includes an optical engine that emits a light according to image signal, a Fresnel lens on which the light emitted by the optical engine is incident and emitting the light as a parallel light, and a diffusion member that diffuses the parallel light emitted by the Fresnel lens. The projection type image display apparatus further includes a driving unit that moves the Fresnel lens or the diffusion member in a plane parallel to an emitting surface of the Fresnel lens or the diffusion member, a frame the supports the Fresnel lens, the diffusion member and the driving unit, a resilient supporting body that supports a weight of the Fresnel lens or the diffusion member with respect to the frame, and a holding unit that holds the Fresnel lens or the diffusion member so as to be movable in the plane parallel to the emitting surface of the Fresnel lens or the diffusion member.

Abstract: A Fresnel lens collimates a light modulated by an image signal and outputs a collimated light. A diffusion member diffuses the collimated light and outputs a diffused light. A driver continually moves the Fresnel lens or the diffusion member on a predetermined trajectory within a plane parallel with a screen. A spring member couples the Fresnel lens or the diffusion member with a casing, including a first deformation plane flexible in a first direction within the plane, and a second deformation plane flexible in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction within the plane, while it is not flexible in a direction perpendicular to the plane.

Abstract: A display device of the present invention is provided with a light source (4) for emitting coherent light and displaying an image, and an image receiving part (1) comprising not less than two screens, onto which the coherent light is projected, wherein at least one of the screens constituting the image receiving part (1) is vibrated by an airflow applied to a front or rear surface of the image receiving part (1). Further, the image receiving part (1) has a function of a speaker. Thereby, when coherent light is used as a light source for display, it is possible to suppress spots of light intensity which are called speckle noise and occur due to interference of laser beams reflected at the image receiving part.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a display device includes a movably suspended diffuser screen, and a voice-coil mechanism coupled to the diffuser screen. A signal-processing device, such as a microprocessor, is coupled to a driver circuit to produce a drive signal at an output terminal for the voice coil in response to a voltage sensed across the voice coil. The driver circuit includes shutdown control to drive its output terminal to a high-impedance state to accommodate sensing voltage across the voice coil. Thus, the signal for the voice coil is produced by the signal-processing device in a closed-loop feedback arrangement without the need for separate position-sensing elements. In a preferred arrangement, a second voice coil is coupled to the diffuser screen and to the signal-processing circuitry to produce a second signal for the second voice coil to accommodate generating a circular motion for the diffuser screen without stationary points.

Abstract: In a projection-type image display device, a driven member of a screen is displaced in a plane parallel to the screen. The driven member can be a Fresnel lens or a diffusing member. An elastic retaining unit holds the driven member in such a manner as to be capable of moving in the plane parallel to the screen, and a pair of driving sources applies driving forces in mutually intersecting directions to the driven member. A control circuit drives the pair of driving sources with driving waveforms having a prescribed phase difference therebetween so that the driven member makes continuous motion in a plane parallel to the screen when an image is projected.

Abstract: A display apparatus is provided which can display different text/image information depending on the viewing angle and the viewer, display a high reality three-dimensional image viewable from any direction and realize stereoscopic viewing without glasses or the like. The display apparatus includes a display unit having a view angle-limiting filter on its surface, a rotary mechanism to rotate the display unit and a control unit which implements control so that when the display unit, rotated by the rotary mechanism, is faced to each of plural directions, the display unit displays a different text/image content associated with the direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying images from a video projector. The apparatus includes a virtual projector screen assembly with an elongate screen element, such as a rod, that is mounted at one end to a base. The base is adapted for pivoting about its axis, arid a driver mechanism pivots the, base at high frequencies. During operation, the screen element oscillates between two edge positions with images projected from the projector being displayed on a side of the screen element facing or proximate to the projector. The two edge positions can be thought of as intersecting at the base and define a sweep angle (e.g., the angular difference between the two outer travel points of the screen element that is typically less than about 90 degrees). The driver may include a motor with an oscillating output shaft that pivots the base such as with a belt attached to the base.

Abstract: A shaped screen rotates through one or more projected images of two or more projectors operating simultaneously, resulting in a dynamic, kinetic image surface which may be viewed equally well from a plurality of angles, up to 360° horizontally. By utilizing at least two projectors, the resultant composite image on the rotating screen is not only optimally viewed from any angle, but it is also animated by the movement of the screen itself, as well as by any animation within the projected image.

Abstract: For reducing artificial effects, especially the speckle effects, in display systems employing light valves, a movable screen is provided in the display system. The screen motion is enabled by attaching the screen to flexible elements that are connected to non-movable member of the display system.

Abstract: A Fresnel lens collimates a light modulated by an image signal and outputs a collimated light. A diffusion member diffuses the collimated light and outputs a diffused light. A driver continually moves the Fresnel lens or the diffusion member on a predetermined trajectory within a plane parallel with a screen. A spring member couples the Fresnel lens or the diffusion member with a casing, including a first deformation plane flexible in a first direction within the plane, and a second deformation plane flexible in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction within the plane, while it is not flexible in a direction perpendicular to the plane.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying a 3-D image has a projector, and a projection controller. The projector has a projection optical system, and projects a series of 2-D images on different projected-positions in a depth direction, in order, by using light passing through the projection optical system. Each 2-D image is formed on the basis of section-views of a 3-D object in the depth-direction. The projector repeatedly and successively projects the series of 2-D images so as to cause an afterimage-effect. In the present invention, the projection controller adjusts a projection-timing of the series of 2-D images, and controls the projection optical system in accordance with the projection-timing so as to focus each 2-D image and maintain a magnification of the series of 2-D images constant.

Abstract: A rear-projection screen structure, and an associated method, for creating on the front, image-viewing side of a rear-projection screen structure an anti-speckled, rear-projected, laser-beam image. Methodologically, and as implemented by the structure of the invention, the invention steps include projecting a source laser-image beam toward the rear side of such a screen structure, and while so projecting, introducing relative-motion optical diffusion in the laser beam path which exists between the source laser-image beam and the screen-structure's image-viewing side.

Abstract: A screen includes a screen main body that has a diffusion layer, a frame that is provided along the circumference of the screen main body, and to which the diffusion layer is attached through supporting members to rock, and a driving unit that is mounted on the diffusion layer and moves the diffusion layer in parallel to a surface of the diffusion layer.

Abstract: A 3D display may comprise a rotating optical diffuser screen; and a projector for projecting images through the rotating optical diffuser screen. The rotating optical diffuser screen may be structured to optically create an exit pupil, said exit pupil having a limited horizontal viewing angle for displaying 3D images in specific viewing zones as the rotating optical diffuser screen rotates.

Abstract: Light emitted from a light source is modulated and projected on a screen. The screen includes a securing member, a diffuser plate supported by the securing member using a plurality of elastic members, where the elastic members are disposed so that the diffuser plate is resiliently displaced in two directions in the plane of the diffuser plate, and a driving unit that moves the diffuser plate with respect to the securing member in the two directions in the plane of the diffuser plate.

Abstract: A lenticular sheet obtained by the method including forming lenticular lens section on the input side of the sheet; forming an irregular section having a plurality of depressions and protrusions on the output side of the sheet; forming a light-absorbing layer on each protrusion; and filling each depression with a light-transmittable resin. The lenticular sheet provides a tolerance needed for fine pitch pattern processing and can be manufactured by using a conventional printing process as it is, thereby providing excellent contrast characteristics as well as excellent moldability.

Abstract: Images are projected onto two adjacent screens whereby one screen is movable with respect to the second screen. A projection system disposed generally in front of the two screens is capable of displaying images on each screen independently when the two screen are in an “open” position or on both screens together when the two screens are configured in a “closed” position. In a first “open” configuration, the images viewable on one screen are not viewable to the viewers of images on an adjacent screen and, in a second “closed” configuration, images are displayed on both screens together so as to be viewable by all members of the audience. In addition, a berm is configured between the viewing area of one screen and the viewing area of the other screen to create an audio and visual barrier between the two screens.

Abstract: A display apparatus comprises a screen which can rotate and provides a part for controlling view angle, a mirror group which comprises a plurality of mirrors arrayed in a ring form along a surface of a circular cone which sets a central axis as an axis of rotation of the screen, and a plurality of electronic projectors arranged at positions where oppose to mirror faces of the mirrors comprising the mirror group and project different image divisions representing different sides of an object to the different mirror faces, wherein each of the electronic projectors is arranged so as to project the image division to the mirror group, and each of the mirrors is arranged on optical path of optical system which the image division projected from the electronic projector is reflected on the mirror face and is projected to the screen.

Abstract: A projection screen unit includes a first projection surface optimized for a predetermined range of ambient conditions and a second projection surface optimized for a second, different range of ambient conditions.

Abstract: A method for modeling optical scattering includes an initial step of defining a zero-th order structure (an idealized representation) for a subject including a perturbation domain and a background material. A Green's function and a zero-th order wave function are obtained for the zero-th order structure using rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA). A Lippmann-Schwinger equation is constructed including the Green's function, zero-th order wave function and a perturbation function. The Lippmann-Schwinger equation is then evaluated over a selected set of mesh points within the perturbation domain. The resulting linear equations are solved to compute one or more reflection coefficients for the subject.

Abstract: A video image rotating apparatus includes a rear projection screen rotatably disposed in a generally horizontal plane, thus allowing only a single mirror to be angularly positioned over the screen to project video images to viewers. An optical system is positioned below the screen and vertically aligned therewith for projecting video images onto the screen. Preferably, the video images are mechanically rotated by rotating a portion of the optical system at a rate of rotation that is one-half that of the screen so that all viewers surrounding the video image rotating apparatus will see the same picture substantially simultaneously and continuously. Alternatively, the video images produced by the optical system may be rotated by an electronic image rotation system that electronically rotates the images produced in synchronization with rotation of the screen.

Abstract: A three-dimensional surface shape is produced from input numerical data. The shape of a sheet elastic material is determined by the positions of a matrix of control rods. The position of each of the rods is determined by a computer-controlled system. Each rod is fitted with two pneumatically controlled locking mechanisms, one for the X coordinate and one for the Y coordinate. When both locks on a particular rod are released the rod is free to move to a new position determined by an elevator. Once all of the rods have been adjusted they are locked in position and the surface has been configured. In one application, the surface can be used as a mold for casting a replica or in another application can be used as the screen in an image projection system.

Abstract: A screen having a projection surface on which a light beam irradiated by an optical equipment such as a projector is projected to form a projection image has luminous energy sensors (4U, 4D, 4L, 4R) and an attitude controller (70) for controlling the attitude of the projection surface based on the luminous energy detected by the luminous energy sensors (4U, 4D, 4L, 4R), in which, since the luminous energy sensors (4U, 4D, 4L, 4R) and the attitude controller (70) are provided, the attitude of the projection surface can be controllably adjusted by detecting the luminous energy of the projection image from the optical equipment, so that the projection surface of the screen can be correctly positioned relative to the optical equipment, thus automatically correcting trapezoidal distortion etc. of the projection image.

Abstract: Three lines' worth of an image are displayed on a columnar display unit 11 comprising a plurality (for example, three) of one-dimensional display devices; this image light beam is made incident on perpendicular deflection means 14, and using the perpendicular deflection means 14, this image light beam is deflected and scanned at high speed in directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the columnar display unit 11 to obtain a two-dimensional image. A plurality of one-dimensional display devices is used, so that compared with conventional devices in which only a single one-dimensional display device is used, even if the rewrite speed (scanning speed) per one-dimensional display device is slow, good image quality free of flicker can be obtained. By further extending this in a configuration using a plurality of columnar display units, a single image can be divided into a plurality of images and displayed in a row on a screen.

Abstract: The invention features a volumetric display system including an optical relay, a motor, a support structure coupled to the motor, a projection screen disposed on the support structure, and a projection optic. During operation, the projection optic receives a light beam from the optical relay and projects the light beam onto the projection screen. Also, the motor rotates the support structure, the projection screen, and the projection optic about a rotation axis.

Abstract: An image projection apparatus is provided. The image projection apparatus includes a camera which acts as an image pickup device. The camera detects the position of curved surface which serves as a target for displaying projected image. Thus, an image can be projected by the projection apparatus to a surface other than a fixed planar surface. Markers are placed on the curved surface, and a marker follower follows the markers based on an image pickup signal from the camera. An attitude and/or position prediction unit is provided for predicting the attitude and/or position of the curved surface. A computer is provided having an image creating unit for creating an image based on the attitude and/or position of the curved surface. Finally, a projector is provided for projecting an image from the computer to the curved surface as a target of the projection.

Abstract: A projection screen for displaying projected images with a movable shutter that can be positioned and opened at any location within a large rectangular area of the surface of the projection screen. Physical objects and light signals may pass through the open shutter. When the shutter is closed, the projection screen appears to a viewer as a continuous, unbroken, vertical reflective surface.

Abstract: A wall and/or projection board which can be used on both sides and can be engaged in a horizontal wall rail. At least a first engagement element is connected to the wall-board element via a vertical pivot-spindle connection. The vertical pivot-spindle connection is designed such that, following disengagement of a second engagement element, the wall-board element can be pivoted through 180° about the vertical pivot-spindle connection retained by the first engagement element and can be engaged in the wall rail on the other side in relation to the first engagement element.

Abstract: A projection screen for displaying projected images with a movable shutter that can be positioned and opened at any location within a large rectangular area of the surface of the projection screen. Physical objects and light signals may pass through the open shutter. When the shutter is closed, the projection screen appears to a viewer as a continuous, unbroken, vertical reflective surface.

Abstract: A projection system incorporating a screen (2, 14) with a substantially achromatic response in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the screen. The screen (2, 14) comprises a diffraction grating (4), means (5) for attenuating zero order and a diffuse holographic optical element (6). The system further comprises a focusing element with positive optical power. The aggregate optical power of the grating and the holographic optical element is substantially less than that of the focusing element.

Abstract: A projection surface includes scattering microparticles that are in constant motion in relation to each other and to a source of laser radiation in a laser projection system. The microparticles reduce the formation of spots that normally occur when viewing the contents of images which are uniformly illuminated by means of laser projection and which are reflected off a projection surface. The microparticles are formed in a suspension fluid and move due to Brownian molecular motion. The fluid is warmed to further increase motion of the microparticles or a piezoelectric force or other mixing mechanism is used to cause turbulence that also increases motion and mixing of the microparticles.

Abstract: An image rotating apparatus presents a projected video image upon a rear projection screen that is rotated extremely rapidly about a vertical axis which exactly bisects the picture in the vertical plane. The rotational rate is such that an entire audience, regardless of their position about the apparatus, can view the projected video image simultaneously. The video image rotating apparatus utilizes light valve technology to create red, green and blue images from an analog composite video signal, and a Phillips prism that aligns the images produced by the light valves for projection through an optical system. The image produced by the light valves is rotated, either mechanically or electronically, in synchronization with rotation of the projection screen.

Abstract: A dimensional transformation apparatus and related method for creating visual effects for use in live and prerecorded entertainment. The system engages an elastic projection screen with a three-dimensional object that corresponds to visual effects to be projected. By application of vacuum between the screen and the object, the screen is conformed in skintight relation to the features of the three dimensional object. An actuator, which includes a pneumatic piston, motivates the three-dimensional object to selectively engage and disengage the projection screen, and may be sequenced with projected animation corresponding to the three-dimensional object so as to create multi-dimensional special effects. A control mechanism, including a computer and timing system, digitally controls and sequences projection, dimensional transformation of the screen and background lighting and sound effects.

Abstract: A light for an infrared ray) emitting member or a reflective (or an infrared ray reflective) medium is mounted at a predetermined position on an object upon which an image is projected. The light emitting member or the reflective medium is acquired in the coaxial direction of an image projecting unit by an (infrared ray) image pick-up means and video signals obtained by the (infrared ray) image pick-up means are digitized in an image processing unit, such that a highly luminous point of the light emitting or reflected portion occurs in a binary image. A central value of a primary moment on the binary image including the high luminous point, is calculated in real time, and the calculated data is fed back to an electrically-driven driving portion of the image projecting unit, so that the image may be continually projected at the predetermined position. The electrically-drive turntable automatically controls the image projecting direction including the direction of light.

Abstract: A three dimensional display system is shown wherein a scanned light beam is displayed upon a continuously rotating display member rotating about a fixed axis. A first embodiment provides that the display member be comprised of a pair of intersecting display surfaces. In further version the display member is fixedly positioned in a spherical enclosure which is rotatable in two different directions. In a second embodiment, the display member is formed by a bundle of fiber optic elements extending from an image projector to a viewing surface. The optical fiber bundle can be formed so that the image receiving portion has a smaller cross section than the image transmitting portion. In a third embodiment, the angle formed between the display member and the axis about which it rotates is adjusted, on or off line, by changing the length of an adjustable rod secured to the display member and a member rotating with the display member.

Abstract: A screen simulator window having a window aperture through which a scene may be viewed with a partial screen arranged immediately behind the window. The screen consists of alternately opaque screen portions and transparent screen portions. The adjacent screen portions are transposed at a speed such that the presence of the screen is not apparent to the eye of the viewer. A projector projects a scene onto rear sections of the opaque screen portions extending away from the window. A mirror behind the partial screen is viewable through the window. The scene projected onto the rear surface of the opaque screen portions is visible in the mirror and viewable through the window.