Curved Patents (Class 359/451)
  • Patent number: 11921413
    Abstract: A projection screen and a projection system using the projection screen. The projection screen includes a microstructure layer and a light absorbing layer sequentially stacked from the side where a projected light is introduced. The microstructure layer includes multiple microstructure units. Each microstructure unit includes one reflective surface and one lens surface opposite the reflective surface; moreover, the reflective surface is provided at a position matching the focus of the lens surface. The projection screen and the projection system can resist ambient light and have a high gain and a high contrast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: APPOTRONICS CORPORATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Lin Wang, Wei Sun, Jie Wang, Fei Hu, Yi Li
  • Patent number: 11514608
    Abstract: Provided are a fisheye camera calibration system, method and an electronic device. The system includes a hemispherical target, a fisheye camera and an electronic device. The hemispherical target includes a hemispherical inner surface and multiple markers provided on the hemispherical inner surface. The fisheye camera is used for photographing the hemispherical target and acquiring a target image, where the hemispherical target and the multiple markers provided on the hemispherical inner surface are captured in the target image. The electronic device is used for acquiring initial values of k1, k2, k3, k4, k5, u0, v0, mu and mv, and using a Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm to optimize the initial values of k1, k2, k3, k4, k5, u0, v0, mu and mv, so as to determine imaging model parameters of the fisheye camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: SICHUAN VISENSING TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xianyu Su, Jia Ai, Shuangyun Shao
  • Patent number: 11022873
    Abstract: A transparent screen includes a plurality of transparent plates arranged in a front-rear direction; and a screen main body, interposed between the transparent plates, configured to display video images projected from a front side or a rear side of the transparent screen to a user on the front side, and enable a rear background to be visually recognized by the user. In a cross section orthogonal to a part of an outer edge of the transparent screen, the transparent screen has a curved shape, and a length of a center line in a plate thickness direction of the transparent plate on an external side of the screen main body in a curvature radius direction of the curved shape is greater than a length of a center line of the transparent plate on an internal side of the screen main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: AGC Inc.
    Inventors: Ryuichi Shiraishi, Yuriko Kaida, Yoshinori Iguchi, Yukihiro Tao
  • Patent number: 10616565
    Abstract: A system includes a head mounted display (HMD), a processor, and a memory. The HMD is configured to generate sensor data indicative of a gaze vector of a user and a position of the user. The processor is configured to communicate with the HMD. The memory is coupled to the processor and stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to obtain data indicating the gaze vector of the user and the position of the user. The instructions also cause the processor to determine a component vector for a virtual component of a virtual reality simulator based on the position of the user and a position of the virtual component. The instructions further cause the processor to calculate an alignment value based on the gaze vector and the component vector, and adjust a simulation setting of the virtual component based on the alignment value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: William Wai Ho Cheung
  • Patent number: 10510206
    Abstract: In one aspect, improved gaming machines are disclosed herein, which provides a first projection display for each gaming machine, and a second projector for displaying video on a plurality of the gaming machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Aruze Gaming (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Akira Shimizu, Akira Osawa
  • Patent number: 10114599
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an image simulation method and an image simulation device of curved display. The image simulation method comprises: obtaining an arc length and a radius of curvature of a curved display to be simulated; converting a curved image to be displayed of the curved display into a plane simulation image on a visual plane according to the arc length and the radius of curvature. Through the image simulation method according to the present disclosure, it can simulate the displayed image of the curved display as the image on the visual plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Lixuan Chen
  • Patent number: 9720314
    Abstract: A theatre system is described that includes a screen and a projection system. The projection system includes a first mirror and a second mirror that are positionable within axes for imaged light and between projection lenses of projectors and the screen. The axes include a first axis and a second axis. The first mirror and the second mirror are configured for causing the first axis and the second axis to be parallel to each other and to have a displacement between the first axis and second axis along a dimension by which the screen is curved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: IMAX Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Charles Read, John William Bowron
  • Patent number: 9535314
    Abstract: A projector system using a screen comprised of either a plurality of miniature, reflective, and concave or convex curved surfaces that are arranged in a pattern to create a screen surface for front projection, or a plurality of miniature, transparent, and curved convex or concave lenses that are arranged in a pattern to create a screen surface for rear projection, and a projector system with the pixel capacity to control the color and brightness focused onto many different subsections of each curved surface. Each curved lens or curved mirror surface is small enough so that when viewed from the viewing area, the lit and unlit areas seen within each individual curved surface blend together so that only the average brightness and color of each curved surface can be seen by a viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: Jeremy Richard Nelson
  • Patent number: 9509939
    Abstract: A system utilizes a screen having a compound curvature to simulate an environment viewable from multiple vantage points. The compound curvature of the screen is such that the screen is curved in at least two directions about at least two axes. The display can be positioned behind a wall opening to provide a window effect. The display terminates its active image area outside of a region from which the display can be viewed to create a seemingly infinite simulated environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: David Henion, Matthew Gall, Brian B. McQuillian, Alex Smith, Justin M. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 9447592
    Abstract: An Eco-acoustic Theater is a truncated-spherical architectural structure appropriate for listening three-dimensional reconstructions of authentic natural soundscapes and eco-acoustic compositions. It is comprised of: a support structure that holds an external soundproof covering and an internal sound absorbing paneling; terraces of cylindrical concentric steps with decreasing or increasing diameter going upwards, built on grating; an annular screen placed onto the internal surface as to surround the terraces; loudspeakers embedded inside the support structure which convey distinct sound signals towards the terraces to reconstruct three-dimensional soundfields of acoustic ecosystems of primary rainforests (recorded or in streaming); projectors fixed to the said support structure to cast towards the said screen a real-time spectrogram of the average sound signal emitted by the loudspeakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: David Monacchi
  • Patent number: 9289969
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are materials and methods used to form a three dimensional (3D) article having a printed layer thereon. The 3D articles are capable of displaying rear projected images, effectively as a 3D “screen” for displaying an image or a movie. The 3D articles are used as standalone articles or as a portion of an animatronic figure. The articles are made by forming a substantially planar thermoformable laminate including a rear projection screen material, printing and curing a radiation curable ink onto one or both sides of the laminate, and thermoforming to impart a shape to the laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Dolce Lin Wang, Thomas F. LaDuke
  • Patent number: 9256325
    Abstract: A curved display apparatus includes a projector, first and second mirrors, a curved screen, an infrared illuminator, an infrared camera, and a controller. The projector is configured to project an image onto a projection area. The first mirror is configured to reflect the image projected from the projector. The second mirror is configured to reflect the image reflected from the first mirror. The curved screen is configured to display the image reflected from the second mirror. The infrared illuminator is configured to output infrared rays onto the curved screen. The infrared camera is configured to capture an infrared image of the curved screen. The controller is configured to determine the image displayed on the curved screen and control the projector according to the determined image, determine a light reflection area based on the infrared image, and control the projector to rearrange an image displayed in the light reflection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Jong Bok Lee
  • Patent number: 9118895
    Abstract: A reproduction apparatus reproduces image data of a left eye image and a right eye image of a 3D content recorded in a recording medium. The recording medium stores information about black border widths according to each parallax amount in periphery of right and left image frames between the left eye image and the right eye image. A post processing unit generates and outputs a border-attached left eye image and a border-attached right eye image by inserting an image having the obtained black border width according to the parallax amount in the periphery of the right image frame and an image having the obtained black border width according to the parallax amount in the periphery of the left image frame into the left eye image and the right eye image. The present invention can be applied to an image processing apparatus for processing image data of 3D images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignees: SONY CORPORATION, SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Suguru Ushiki, Kuniaki Takahashi, Takafumi Morifuji
  • Patent number: 8982286
    Abstract: A chart generation unit generates an adjustment chart, and a projection unit projects the adjustment chart onto a circular cylinder. A parameter acquiring unit acquires 12 parameters in total, relating to the positions of four corners and middle points of a top side and a bottom side of a chart and lateral expansion of the chart, the chart being input by a user through manipulations of an operation unit. A transform function determination unit calculates, from the total of 12 parameters, an accurate transform function for projecting an image onto the circular cylinder. An image conversion unit applies geometric transformation to the image based on the calculated transform function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuro Narikawa
  • Patent number: 8884883
    Abstract: A method for displaying images on a curved display surface is described herein. The method includes receiving a graphical object and distorting the graphical object at run-time such that an appearance of the graphical object on the curved display surface will be substantially similar regardless of a position of the graphical object on the curved display surface when viewed at a viewing axis that is approximately orthogonal to a plane that is tangential to the curved display surface at a center of the graphical object. The method may further include displaying the graphical object on the curved display surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Hrvoje Benko, Andrew Wilson
  • Patent number: 8808586
    Abstract: A molded part prepared by a mold transfer method using a die, including a surface which includes a slope, wherein a direction of a normal line of the slope is different from a die releasing direction; and a pattern which is formed on the surface and which includes grooves located on a portion of the slope so as to extend along the slope in the slanting direction of the slope. An optical element, which has an anti reflection function, including the molded part mentioned above, wherein the interval between two adjacent grooves is not greater than the wavelength of light irradiating the optical element. An optical device including a light source configured to emit light; and the optical element mentioned above which processes the light emitted by the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Endo
  • Patent number: 8736774
    Abstract: A chart generation unit generates an adjustment chart, and a projection unit projects the adjustment chart onto a circular cylinder. A parameter acquiring unit acquires 12 parameters in total, relating to the positions of four corners and middle points of a top side and a bottom side of a chart and lateral expansion of the chart, the chart being input by a user through manipulations of an operation unit. A transform function determination unit calculates, from the total of 12 parameters, an accurate transform function for projecting an image onto the circular cylinder. An image conversion unit applies geometric transformation to the image based on the calculated transform function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuro Narikawa
  • Patent number: 8733939
    Abstract: In an example, a content projecting system includes a communication module configured to receive an instruction to project content. The content projecting system further includes a projector configured to be affixed to a vehicle. The projector is further configured to project the content onto a projection surface separate from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Cloudcar, Inc.
    Inventor: Konstantin Othmer
  • Publication number: 20140043678
    Abstract: A projection apparatus, in which an image projection unit and a screen unit are integrally mounted on one mounting unit, is provided. The screen unit includes a screen configured to display an image, and a screen attaching part to which the screen is attached. The screen attaching part includes a front plate to which the screen is attached, a rear plate, and a strength reinforcing member interposed between the front plate and the rear plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae-geun LIM, Hak-young KIM, Jun-seok PARK, Jean HUR
  • Patent number: 8611005
    Abstract: Projection systems and methods handle images to be viewable on a concave surface, wherein the projected image is modified to account for surface-to-surface reflections due to the concave surface, by determining geometric surface parameters, determining the ideal image, determining a model for reflected light that is a result of surface-to-surface reflections given the ideal image, wherein the model is expressible in closed form, determining a compensation image to compensate for at least some of the surface-to-surface reflections, taking into account at least the ideal image and the reflected light, and combining the compensation image and the ideal image to form a projectable image that can be projected onto a surface having the determined geometric parameters. The surface can be defined by a portion of an interior of a sphere and the reflection of a given pixel can be modeled as a constant over the concave surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Wojciech Jarosz, Derek Nowrouzezahrai, Scott Watson
  • Publication number: 20130308183
    Abstract: A curved back-projection screen having an angle of curvature greater than 180° is described such as a wrap-around cylindrical or dome screen. The screen includes a first layer and a second synthetic resin diffusing layer on the first layer, the second synthetic resin diffusing layer containing a light absorbing material and light diffusing particles embedded in a resin material, with the second synthetic resin diffusing layer having a value of the product of the absorption coefficient and thickness of between 0.1 and 2. The second synthetic resin diffusing layer can be applied by spraying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: BARCO N.V.
    Inventors: Koenraad Vermeirsch, Stefaan Ducasteele, Geert Matthys, Patrick Candry
  • Patent number: 8526106
    Abstract: Methods to substantially reduce or eliminate optical non-uniformity across an interface may also substantially improve the strength and ease of seam manufacturing, including joining substrates. The methods may include managing optical non-uniformities at least by broadening a region over which a change in optical loss may occur and/or by maintaining a substantially constant average optical loss across an interface. The methods may also include forming a seam that substantially reduces the appearance of optical non-uniformities at the seam, which may include maintaining approximately constant average loss in the vicinity of the seam by substantially controlling reflectivity in the vicinity of the seam, in which substantially controlling reflectivity in the vicinity of the seam may include employing a backer treated to minimize optical reflectivity over a range of angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Coleman, Gary D. Sharp
  • Patent number: 8416495
    Abstract: To provide a display apparatus which can use a general purpose projector, has a simple structure, including a hemispherical rear projection screen, a projector for projecting an image to be displayed on the rear projection screen, and a computer system for creating an image projected from the projector and characterized in that the computer system includes a recording medium for storing image data of a plane image, creation device that corrects the image data stored in the recording medium and creating image data of a curved image, and a transmission device to transmit the image data of the curved image created by the creation device to the projector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: GK Tech Inc.
    Inventor: Ryuichi Iwamasa
  • Patent number: 8395841
    Abstract: A reflective projection screen for receiving images, for a projector having short focal length of short projection distance, and particularly a reflective projection screen applicable to 2D and 3D imaging. The reflective projection screen has multi-incident angles where every reflection surface is prepared from a projection angle of the projected image and where incident angles are formed differently from each reflection surfaces so that the projection images from different angles are reflected into one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Hae-Young Choi
  • Patent number: 8358317
    Abstract: An image display system for displaying a planar image on a curved viewing surface, such as a theater dome, with minimized image distortion. In order to display the image, a virtual surface, which is a representation of the curved viewing surface, is textured with the image using an angular distribution to thereby form a textured virtual image. The textured virtual image is then displayed onto the curved viewing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20120275021
    Abstract: Depth-enhancing screens for producing a simulated 3D image. According to one aspect, the depth-enhancing screen comprises a Fresnel lens and the screen is adapted to be arranged adjacent an image source such that the Fresnel lens is arranged between the image source and a viewer and the optical centre of the Fresnel lens is offset from the geometric center of the screen. The screen may be formed from multiple overlaying Fresnel lens, which may different optical centers. The Fresnel lenses may be flat or curved along their height and/or width to form an apex in the central region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Catherine Ansbro, Eamonn Ansbro, John Braithwaite
  • Patent number: 8300311
    Abstract: The invention concerns a rear projection system in the form of a table consisting of at least one glass panel which has a diffusion coating containing hollow glass balls, whereas the hollow glass balls are arranged in a transparent or translucent binder matrix on the lower or upper surface of the glass panel and is illuminated from below with at least one projector having a projection field and that at least one projection image can be viewed by an observer at an observation angle of at least 176 degrees. The second embodiment involves a rear projection system in the form of a curved, two-dimensionally shaped glass panel having a diffusion coating containing hollow glass balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Glasstech DOO
    Inventors: Mitja Jelusic, Alex Miletic
  • Patent number: 8241038
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a simulator comprising at least one projector arranged to project an image, and a non-spherical, generally continuous, dome-like projection surface on which the image is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Edward W. Quinn, Randall W. Wallace, Michael R. Vogel, Jason L. Seeliger
  • Publication number: 20120169999
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of assembling three-dimensional display apparatus, comprising the steps of: providing a support unit comprising a projector mounting and a screen mounting surface with a first aperture therethrough; providing a screen unit, the screen unit comprising a diaphragm and an inflatable screen affixed thereto, the diaphragm defining a second aperture in communication with the interior of the inflatable screen; bringing the screen mounting surface and the diaphragm into contact so as to align the first aperture with the second aperture; and securing the support unit to the screen unit to thereby create a seal between the support surface and the diaphragm around the first and second apertures, wherein the seal is sufficiently gas tight to enable inflation of the screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: William George Grey Cavendish, Oliver Roland Collier, Andrew Charles Crofts, Alan Miller Suttie, Alex Graham Mitchell
  • Patent number: 8184369
    Abstract: A screen unit includes: a screen having a first side, a second side, and a pair of crossing sides which cross the first side and the second side; a winding shaft holding the first side and functioning as a shaft around which the screen is wound; a supporting portion supporting the second side; a pair of string-shaped members provided between the winding shaft and the supporting portion and disposed outside the pair of the crossing sides of the screen in the directions along the pair of the crossing sides; and a plurality of connecting members provided on the pair of the crossing sides to connect the screen and the pair of the string-shaped members, wherein the pair of the crossing sides are curved toward the inside of the screen, and cushioning members are provided in such a manner as to cover at least the pair of the string-shaped members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Kuroi
  • Patent number: 8144397
    Abstract: A laminated sheet for a display screen. The laminated sheet includes a multilayer sheet A including two or more layers with different linear expansion coefficients. The laminated sheet further includes a single sheet B which is a sheet other than the multilayer sheet A. When all sheets are stacked, a viewing-side sheet is convex on an image light source side, and an image light source-side sheet is convex on the viewing side, or the viewing-side sheet and the image light source side-sheet are both convex on the image light source side, and a curvature of the viewing-side sheet is greater than a curvature of the image light source-side sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: KURARAY Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryuuichi Iwakawa
  • Publication number: 20120057132
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for projecting images, comprising an optical element serving as projection surface and at least one projector (1, 1?) at a spacing from the projection surface by a projection spacing (S1) for projecting respectively an image onto the projection surface, the optical element being designed such that light emanating from the projector (1, 1?) is directed into a spatially delimited viewing zone (6, 6?) which is consequently assigned unequivocally to this projector (1, 1?), a viewing zone (6, 6?) being defined as the region from which the image projected by the projector (1, 1?) to which this viewing zone (6, 6?) is assigned is completely visible, and a viewing plane being definable as a plane which is at a spacing from the projection surface by a viewing spacing (S2) and in which a width of the viewing zone (6, 6?) is maximum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Hans Röder, René de la Barré
  • Patent number: 8066378
    Abstract: A projection system that projects coherent light rays from a coherent light (e.g., laser) source onto an inner surface of a three-dimensional projection surface is disclosed. A compact and low-power laser light image can thereby be formed and seen by an observer from outside the properly constructed three-dimensional projection surface. The three-dimensional projection surface thereby allows more accurate and interesting and useful projections of images of three-dimensional objects thereon. Examples of things that can be represented on such a surface are celestial bodies and planets like the Earth and anatomical organs. Special geometric and spatial correction is optionally applied to create the desired image onto a three-dimensional projection screen. Useful and entertaining information can also be displayed, optionally as dynamic and moving images, onto the projection screen as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventors: Marc Lalley, Matthew Lalley
  • Patent number: 8066379
    Abstract: A projection system that projects coherent light rays from a coherent light (e.g., laser) source onto an inner reflective surface of a three-dimensional viewing space is disclosed. A relatively compact and low-power laser light image can thereby be formed and seen by an observer from inside the viewing space. Raster scanning or simultaneous projection onto large solid angles of said viewing space are possible. Useful and entertaining information can also be displayed, optionally as dynamic and moving images, onto the projection screen as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventors: Marc Lalley, Matthew Lalley
  • Patent number: 8049960
    Abstract: A three-dimensional rear projection screen that has substantially improved contrast by using a tinted layer disposed between the source of the projected light and the light diffusion layer. This tinted attenuation layer diminishes the back-scattered light more than it diminishes the desired forward-scattered light which makes up the image on the screen. The contrast of the image is thus improved because the reduction of the back-scattered light relative to the forward-scattered light diminishes the degradation of contrast caused by the impingement of spurious light onto opposite portions of the rear projection screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas R. Ligon
  • Patent number: 7990613
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a depth-enhancing screen for producing a simulated 3D image. The screen comprises a multi-curved Fresnel lens which when viewed in cross-section along the or each longest line linking two points on the edge of the lens, has a curved cross-section with an apex in the central region of the lens, and wherein each end of the curve flattens before it reaches the edge of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: RealView Innovations Limited
    Inventors: Catherine Ansbro, Eamonn Ansbro, John Braithwaite
  • Patent number: 7980702
    Abstract: An image display device of the present invention comprises projectors, a reflecting mirror, a screen, an image signal processor which performs a distortion correction, and a base for supporting the projectors, the reflecting mirror, and the screen. The projectors, reflecting mirror, and screen are assembled in one to constitute a single moving unit, and the image display device further comprises a lifting device capable of moving the moving unit in a vertical direction with respect to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hoshino, Ryo Kawamura, Atsuyuki Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20110109882
    Abstract: A topper for an entertainment machine (1) is provided. The topper includes a display comprising a screen (9) arranged such that an image projected onto one side of the screen may be viewed from the opposite side of the screen. The invention enables a display of a gaming machine or associated topper to be provided by a back projected image. This enables the display content to be changed without having to physically change the screen or any associated artwork. Screens on to which images can be back projected are much less costly than electronic displays and can easily be provided in any desired shape. A further topper for an entertainment machine is also provided, the topper including a display comprising a screen (9) onto which an image can be projected, and a projector (11) arranged to project an image onto the screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: Gamesman Limited
    Inventors: James Cove, Richard Loffler
  • Publication number: 20110102889
    Abstract: A display screen system comprising a screen, a projector for projecting images onto the screen and a driving mechanism, the system having a flat configuration and a curved configuration, the driving mechanism arranged to move the screen from bring substantially flat when the system is in the flat configuration to being curved along at least one dimension when the system is in the curved configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Vinesh Raja
  • Patent number: 7791799
    Abstract: A method of projection provides a frame structure that has a base and a top, couples a first membrane layer to the frame structure, and couples a second membrane layer to the first membrane layer, thereby forming a cavity enclosed by the first membrane layer and the second membrane layer. The method removes air from the enclosed cavity such that the second membrane layer is drawn toward the frame structure, and projects an image onto a surface of the second membrane layer. Some embodiments include a system for implementation of the foregoing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Obscura Digital
    Inventors: Chris Lejeune, Travis Threlkel
  • Publication number: 20100123880
    Abstract: A front-projection display system having a screen with improved brightness and/or resolution of an image displayed on outer portions thereof. The screen has a display surface that is generally a convex shape having a curvature of the display surface in the vertical direction of an image projected thereon that is less than a curvature of the display surface in the horizontal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: BARCO N.V.
    Inventor: Moshe Oren
  • Patent number: 7710646
    Abstract: A home cinema theater projection screen structure and method of making same are provided wherein a sheet of projection screen material of selected size is formed to a configuration having concave top and/or bottom edges, the projection screen material then being attached under tension to a mounting structure that defines an inwardly curved projection surface in the mounted condition whereby bulging of the projection surface of the screen is substantially eliminated. Movable side masking panels are included the structure in order to define a selected aspect ratio for the projection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Stewart Filmscreen Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick H. Stewart, Joaquin Rivera
  • Publication number: 20100079861
    Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a display screen for a scanned beam display system comprises an exit pupil expander comprising a reflective layer to reflect an incoming beam from a scanned beam projector to an eyebox. Exit numerical aperture cones emanating from the exit pupil expander resulting from the reflected incoming beam are angularly redirected toward an eyebox disposed near an image plane to result in at least partially overlapping zeroth-order diffraction pattern from multiple spots on the exit pupil expander.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: MICROVISION, INC.
    Inventor: Karlton D. Powell
  • Patent number: 7667891
    Abstract: A curved display device comprising a continuous, curved, concave viewing surface having a surface width W greater than or equal to 48 cm and less than or equal to 200 cm, and wherein a distance D from the center of a straight line segment which connects the centers of the display edges in the width dimension, to the center of the display surface in the horizontal dimension is less than or equal to ((0.215W)?6.5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Ronald S. Cok, Michael E. Miller, Michael J. Murdoch
  • Patent number: 7583437
    Abstract: A compound curved projection screen having a curvature about at least one region, such as a cylinder cross section curved about an axis or an ellipse about a plurality of axes, is provided. The compound curved screen comprises a plurality of angled planar reflective surfaces oriented to generally provide light energy in a direction of a screen centered axis. Compound curvature exists by the plurality of angled planar reflective surfaces being positioned in a generally curved and stepped manner about a second region different from the first region, such as a second axis orthogonal to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Real D
    Inventors: Lenny Lipton, Matt Cowan
  • Patent number: 7545563
    Abstract: A screen for a trade show or like environment that is lightweight, flexible and compactible. The screen may be patterned to include a plurality of ridges extending from a top to a bottom thereof that serve to reflect projected light into a larger field of view. The screen may be concave about a horizontal axis of otherwise arranged to reflect projected light toward a desired audience. Various releasable, biased mechanisms for attaching a flexible screen member to a disassembleable frame structure are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Shane Chen
  • Patent number: 7463415
    Abstract: A system (and its methods of use) for collecting and displaying images so as to create a visual effect and, more particularly but not by way of limitation, a three-dimensional visual effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Eugene Lee Shafer
  • Patent number: 7453633
    Abstract: A perforate projection screen for movies, planetariums and the like having inconspicuous seams and uniform reflectivity throughout its visible surface. The screen is made from a plurality of perforate panels and is mounted, when in use, with a dark non-reflective chamber behind the screen. Any overlapped areas of the panels and any frame members or other objects, in close proximity to the back of the panels are covered with a black velour type material to prevent light reflection from panel holes where objects are in close proximity to the back of the panel. The edges of adjacent panels overlap to form seams with the overlapped edges of the panels being crimped to form recesses to receive the overlapping edge strip of an adjacent panel, thereby hiding the overlapping panel edge to reduce shadow lines and make the panel edges inconspicuous to viewers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Astro-Tec Manufacturing, Inc
    Inventors: Clayton L Hopper, Kevin P McGrew
  • Publication number: 20080084542
    Abstract: A projection system that projects coherent light rays from a coherent light (e.g., laser) source onto an inner surface of a three-dimensional projection surface is disclosed. A compact and low-power laser light image can thereby be formed and seen by an observer from outside the properly constructed three-dimensional projection surface. The three-dimensional projection surface thereby allows more accurate and interesting and useful projections of images of three-dimensional objects thereon. Examples of things that can be represented on such a surface are celestial bodies and planets like the Earth and anatomical organs. Special geometric and spatial correction is optionally applied to create the desired image onto a three-dimensional projection screen. Useful and entertaining information can also be displayed, optionally as dynamic and moving images, onto the projection screen as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: Marc Lalley, Matthew Lalley
  • Publication number: 20080062516
    Abstract: A home cinema theater projection screen structure and method of making same are provided wherein a sheet of projection screen material of selected size is formed to a configuration having concave top and/or bottom edges, the projection screen material then being attached under tension to a mounting structure that defines an inwardly curved projection surface in the mounted condition whereby bulging of the projection surface of the screen is substantially eliminated. Movable side masking panels are included the structure in order to define a selected aspect ratio for the projection surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Patrick H. STEWART, Joaquin Rivera