Curved Patents (Class 359/451)
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Patent number: 7334902Abstract: A wide angle display system includes a linear array projector, a curved display surface, and an n-sides scanning mirror. The projector is configured to project an image along an optical axis to the scanning mirror. The scanning mirror continuously rotates about a rotational axis at a speed 1/n the refresh rate, so as to reflect and scan the image onto the display surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2005Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Evans & Sutherland Computer CorporationInventors: Harry Streid, Robert R. Christensen, Allen H. Tanner
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Patent number: 7317565Abstract: A projection viewing system of simplified construction and high illumination efficiency, which enables at least two images varying with viewing directions to be simultaneously displayed in a viewable fashion. The system includes at least two display devices 11 and 12, at least two projection optical systems 21 and 22 for magnifying and projecting images appearing on the display devices 11 and 12, a common diffusing plate 4 located near to images projected through the projection optical systems 21 and 22 and a common eyepiece optical system 3 for projecting exit pupils of the projection optical systems 21 and 22 on the eyeballs E1 and E2 of viewers.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2003Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventor: Takayoshi Togino
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Patent number: 7236278Abstract: A projection optical apparatus is provided that is fast and of satisfactory illumination efficiency albeit being of simple construction and compact size including at least three projection optical systems for magnifying and projecting an image appearing on a display device, and further including a concave mirror for projecting exit pupils of the projection optical systems onto a viewer side and a diffusing plate comprising a transmission hologram, which is located near to images projected through the projection optical systems for magnifying the images of the exit pupils of the projection optical system upon projected by the concave mirror. The image of the exit pupil of each projection optical system projected by the concave mirror and magnified through the diffusing plate comprising a transmission hologram is projected in a mutually, at least partially overlapping fashion.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2004Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventor: Takayoshi Togino
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Patent number: 7227683Abstract: Disclosed are a spherical reflective screen for displaying an image and a method for manufacturing the screen. The screen has a spherical surface with a radius of curvature of a circle drawn centering around a point, and a focal length of the screen is the same as a projection length of a projector so that the projector is located at a focal point of the screen, thus allowing the image formed by means of light projected from the projector to be straightly reflected on the screen but ambient light to be diffused to the outside. A frictional surface and diffusing lines are simultaneously formed on an aluminum foil by rubbing the double-layered aluminum foils together in one direction, therefore, viewing angle and resolution of the screen are improved two times or more.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2004Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Inventor: Hae-Yong Choi
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Patent number: 7180663Abstract: When any observer receives an image of a scene having the same relative size, shape and location on the retina of each of his two eyes at any instant and the image of the scene has some component of horizontal motion in any direction, the image viewed is three dimensional. If the motion occurs, all scene-object points are spatially located in playback since all of the original ray angles between camera and scene points are reproduced for both eyes by the ray cross-overs at the scene image points. When successive frames are presented, the brain cognizes the motion in linking the frames by persistence of vision. For the brain to perceive an item as moving it must connect these frames, but because of intersecting rays coming from any spatial location in successive frames, the brain cannot connect the frames without also locating the points in space.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2002Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventors: Robert Bruce Collender, Michael Arthur Collender
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Patent number: 7177079Abstract: A system and method for providing biosynchronized therapy to a patient that creates a therapeutic environment and therapeutic stimulations that are sensitive to psychological and sensory human issues, including those particular to the patient, and that reduce psychological stress experienced by the patient so that other forms of treatment provided to the patient are enhanced and benefited. In one embodiment, the environment and stimulations can be predetermined. The therapy is applied using an overhead system that includes a suspended, multi-function that performs predetermined tasks and a lighting system, both of which provide the room with natural ambient light, artificial ambient light and predetermined task lighting. An image display system is also included for applying preselected images to the canopy over a bed of the patient. The overhead system can be used in a variety of circumstances such as a home, commercial facilities and health care facilities.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.Inventors: Archie E. Cromer, Bonnie K. Johnson
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Patent number: 7131733Abstract: A method for creating brightness filters. The brightness filters are used in a projection system in which divided images are projected on a curved screen from a plurality of projectors with adjacent divided images overlapped partially, in order to adjust brightness of the divided images beforehand so that brightness of overlapping areas between the divided images is in harmony with brightness of non-over-lapping areas. The feature of the present invention resides in that the method includes a step of allocating one of the divided images to a reference image and allocating each of the adjacent divided images to a peripheral image, setting a view point that is coincident with the projection point of the reference image, and obtaining a 2-dimensional reference area of the reference image that is rendered on the screen model and is viewed from the view point.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2004Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.Inventor: Nobuyuki Shibano
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Patent number: 7111943Abstract: A display apparatus for providing an image on a curved display surface includes a line image generation apparatus for generating a modulated line image, where the line image generation apparatus includes a laser light source for providing an illumination beam, a linear spatial light modulator for modulating the illumination beam to provide a modulated line image as at least one diffracted order of the illumination beam, a projection lens for directing the modulated line image toward a line image scanner for scanning the modulated light beam to form a two-dimensional image on the curved display surface, wherein the line image scanner is optically disposed near the center of curvature of the curved display surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2003Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: John A. Agostinelli, David Kessler, Marek W. Kowarz
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Patent number: 7088508Abstract: In order to provide a dual-surface lens sheet in which a color shift is reduced and positions of unit lenses on a front surface and a back surface are easily aligned even if the unit lenses are disposed in fine pitch when used for a rear projection screen which is used for a display device using a plurality of projector as light sources, a half-column-cylindrical-convex-lens is used in a lens sheet having lens sections on front surface and a back surface such that pitch ratio for disposing the unit lenses on the front surface and the back surface is in a range of 1:2 to 1:30 and disposition directions of the lens sections are uniform.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2002Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuyoshi Ebina, Takashi Abe, Masaru Miyashita, Susumu Takahashi
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Patent number: 7019898Abstract: A three-dimensional surface shape is produced from input numerical data. The shape of an elastic surface is determined by the positions of a first matrix of memory rods. The position of each of the memory rods is determined by a flexible sheet which is contoured by a second matrix of control rods and is computer-controlled. After control rods transfer the contour data to the memory rods, the control rods are reset to receive new contour data. Both the memory rod and control rod are 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2002Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Inventor: Derrick John Page
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Patent number: 7012669Abstract: A panoramic display system includes a curved projection screen, a panoramic projector, and a substantially conically shaped barrier. The projector is configured to project an image onto the projection screen from a projection point located substantially above the projection screen. The conical barrier has a base disposed toward the bottom of the projection screen, and an apex region disposed toward the projection point. The barrier blocks scattered light from reflecting from portions of the curved screen to other portions thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2004Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Evans & Sutherland Computer CorporationInventors: Harry Streid, Rob Christensen, Allen H. Tanner
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Patent number: 6988939Abstract: In a hand-guided electrical tool 3 with a housing 2 that has a receiving collar 20 embodied on it and with a guard hood 1 that can be attached to the receiving collar 20 and has a clamping strap 16, which can move freely around the receiving collar 20 in a first position and rests snugly against the receiving collar 20 in a second position, a secure connection between the guard hood 1 and the housing 2 is achieved by virtue of the fact that the receiving collar 20 has at least one protrusion 21, which protrudes beyond the second area in the radial direction away from the spindle axle 5, and between the protrusion 21 and the housing 2, there is a distance h, which approximately corresponds to the width b of the clamping strap 16, and by virtue of the fact that that the clamping strap 16 has at least one indentation 12 so that the first diameter d1 of the opening 10 of the clamping strap 16 in the vicinity of the indentation 12 is greater than the second diameter d2 in the remaining region, wherein the first diType: GrantFiled: April 18, 2002Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Albrecht Hofmann, Harald Krondorfer, Markus Heckmann, Thomas Schomisch
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Patent number: 6944581Abstract: Collimated visual display apparatus comprising an aspheric screen (12) and a curved collimating mirror (16), characterised in that the aspheric screen (12) is not a surface of revolution about an axis, the aspheric screen (12) comprises first and second parts (6, 8) which are separated from each other by a third part (10), the first and second parts (6, 8) are curved in cross section and if connected together then they would form a surface of revolution, the third part (10) is straight in cross sectional view and is a short cylindrical centre section, and the collimated visual display apparatus is such that the aspheric screen (12) has an outer curved surface that is viewed via the curved collimating mirror (16) by a user of the collimated visual display apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2001Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: SEOS LimitedInventor: Roy Edward Creek
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Patent number: 6926412Abstract: A projection display apparatus with red (R), green (G), and blue (B) monochromatic cathode ray tubes (CRTs) and three projection lenses, disposed in front of the R, G, and B monochromatic CRTs respectively, along with a screen having a predetermined curvature concave in a view direction to control a view distance and focus the light rays projected from the respective projection lenses. The screen includes a Fresnel screen converting the light rays incident from the projection lenses to have predetermined optical directional characteristics in an optical axis direction, and a Lenticular screen, disposed in front of the Fresnel screen and having a curvature corresponding to the Fresnel screen, for forming images from the light rays passing through the Fresnel screen, controlling a view angle, and enhancing an entire screen luminance. The view distance is determined based on a focal length and a curvature radius of the Fresnel screen.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2003Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sung-gi Kim, Seok-il Yoon, Suk-sun Lee
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Patent number: 6909543Abstract: An improved theater geometry which is capable of providing improved image resolution and improved image contrast over prior systems is achieved with a unique projection geometry and image re-mapping technique. The projected image is provided with a continuously variable image resolution and brightness over the surface of a preferably dome-shaped screen which is to receive the image, concentrating the resolution and the brightness of the image within the central field-of-view of viewers that are unidirectionally seated in the theater, and sacrificing resolution and brightness toward the outside edges of the viewers' field-of-view. The result is a more efficient use of available projector resolution and brightness, an increase in the number of quality seats available in the theater, and an enhanced image contrast due to reductions in the light which is scattering from image elements to the rear of the screen.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2003Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Spitz, Inc.Inventor: Edward J. Lantz
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Patent number: 6906860Abstract: The present invention provides an immersive rear projection display capable of providing aspect ratios of 2.66:1 or 4:1, or even greater. This allows viewers to be “immersed” in the images being displayed because the images can encompass both the direct and the peripheral views of a viewer. In one implementation, the immersive rear projection display includes two or more electronic projectors (e.g., three) that are positioned behind a curved translucent display screen. The electronic projectors project respective display images adjacent each other onto the display screen.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2004Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventor: Gary K. Starkweather
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Patent number: 6903871Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2002Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Inventor: Derrick John Page
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Patent number: 6865023Abstract: The present invention relates in general to 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: GrantFiled: October 29, 2002Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Inventor: Eugene Lee Shafer
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Patent number: 6813074Abstract: The present invention provides an immersive rear projection display capable or providing aspect ratios of 2.66:1 or 4:1, or even greater. This allows viewers to be “immersed” in the images being displayed because the images can encompass both the direct and the peripheral views of a viewer. In one implementation, the immersive rear projection display includes two or more electronic projectors (e.g., three) that are positioned behind a curved translucent display screen. The electronic projectors project respective display images adjacent each other onto the display screen.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventor: Gary K. Starkweather
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Publication number: 20040212879Abstract: A reflection screen apparatus in which a projection apparatus projects an image based on received image data and an observer observes the image comprises a screen reflection surface which visibly diffuses and reflects the image projected by the projection apparatus to the observer. The reflection screen apparatus further comprises a light distribution correction section configured to change a state of a distribution direction of a light reflected on the screen reflection surface so as to more reflect a diffused light reflected on the screen reflection surface to the observer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2004Publication date: October 28, 2004Applicant: Olympus CorporationInventor: Shinichi Imade
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Patent number: 6752500Abstract: A rear projection display device capable of reducing the depth of a display device itself, comprising an optical engine, first, second, third reflective mirrors arranged at such positions as to be easily held integrally with each other, a fourth reflective mirror, a plane reflective mirror for turn-back of light flux, and a screen.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., LTDInventors: Syoichi Yoshii, Takahiro Totani, Hideyuki Kanayama, Kenji Tateishi
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Patent number: 6739725Abstract: An inflatable display includes an inflatable balloon, a projector having a projection lens, an internal support structure that supports the inflatable balloon and the projector so that the projection lens is eccentrically disposed inside the inflatable balloon. The inflatable display also includes an external support structure that supports the internal support structure. Also included is a method to control an inflatable display according to wind conditions. The method includes the steps of operating in a sensing mode, operating in a collapsing mode and operating in a recovery mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2002Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Inventor: Ronen Ben-Ari
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Patent number: 6735015Abstract: Display apparatus (50) comprising a front projection screen (60), at least one projector (54) which is for providing a display on the screen (60) and which is positioned outside an enclosed display volume, the screen (60) being optimised to preferentially set the image distance in different regions when viewed by an observer (58) via a collimating mirror (62).Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2000Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: SEOS LimitedInventor: Geoffrey Howard Blackham
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Patent number: 6712477Abstract: A visual workstation for use by a viewer includes a dome having an open front end and a truncated spherical inner dome surface. A work surface is disposed in front of and adjacent the dome front end. The work surface defines a viewer area on a side of the work surface opposite the dome. The viewer area is sized and configured to receive the viewer and is positioned relative to the spherical inner dome surface such that the viewer, when located in the viewer area, may view the spherical inner dome surface. A projector is disposed between the viewer area and the dome. The projector is operative to project a truncated spherical projection onto the inner dome surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2003Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Elumens CorporationInventors: Raymond L. Idaszak, Richard W. Zobel, Jr., D'nardo Colucci, Suresh Balu
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Publication number: 20040017608Abstract: An improved theater geometry which is capable of providing improved image resolution and improved image contrast over prior systems is achieved with a unique projection geometry and image re-mapping technique. The projected image is provided with a continuously variable image resolution and brightness over the surface of a preferably dome-shaped screen which is to receive the image, concentrating the resolution and the brightness of the image within the central field-of-view of viewers that are unidirectionally seated in the theater, and sacrificing resolution and brightness toward the outside edges of the viewers' field-of-view. The result is a more efficient use of available projector resolution and brightness, an increase in the number of quality seats available in the theater, and an enhanced image contrast due to reductions in the light which is scattering from image elements to the rear of the screen.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventor: Edward J. Lantz
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Patent number: 6665985Abstract: An interactive theater for creating a perception on the part of the audience that they are immersed in a boundless environment. The projection surface surrounds the audience platform and the ceiling to form a cavity providing a full or apparent 360° projected environment horizontally and apparent 360° projected environment vertically.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1999Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: ThincInventor: Thomas Hennes
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Patent number: 6665117Abstract: An enlarged computer graphic image of borehole data is displayed on a concave three-dimensional surface, preferably a semi-cylindrical shape. Thus providing an enlarged image of a borehole surface where the data is spatially correct in three-dimensions, and which increases the ease with which interpreters can locate geological features such as surfaces, faults, and fractures.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2002Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventors: Dennis B. Neff, John R. Grismore, Jacquelyn K. Singleton, Jesse E. Layton
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Publication number: 20030223113Abstract: The present invention provides an immersive rear projection display capable or providing aspect ratios of 2.66:1 or 4:1, or even greater. This allows viewers to be “immersed” in the images being displayed because the images can encompass both the direct and the peripheral views of a viewer. In one implementation, the immersive rear projection display includes two or more electronic projectors (e.g., three) that are positioned behind a curved translucent display screen. The electronic projectors project respective display images adjacent each other onto the display screen.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Gary K. Starkweather
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Patent number: 6646800Abstract: A visual and audio system for theaters includes a spherical screen having a desired radius of curvature while having a surface reflectivity of 5-50%, and a projector located at a focal point of the spherical screen. The curvature radius of the spherical screen corresponds to the projection distance of the projector. The image projected from the projector at the focal point of the spherical screen is reflected from the spherical screen in a horizontal direction. Accordingly, viewers can view images projected on the screen corresponding to 5-50 time the brightness of images viewed on conventional theaters screens. Central speakers are arranged at the focal point of the spherical screen, so that viewers perceive the sound effect as coming directly from the spherical screen. This visual and audio system can be effectively used in theaters for stereoscopic moves, theaters for high resolution images, and theaters for viewing of images at a higher brightness such as sports arenas, and restaurant theaters, etc.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Inventor: Hae-Yong Choi
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Patent number: 6644816Abstract: The invention relates to a display device for displaying visual information, comprising: at least one image-forming element; at least one light source for generating a light beam, which in cooperation with the image-forming element produces an illuminated image; optical means for processing the light beam and/or illuminated image; and a projection surface for receiving the illuminated image, wherein the image-forming element is flat and the projection surface forms at least a part of a cylinder wall.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2001Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Evolution Technology N.V.Inventors: Antonio Guiseppe Perra, Johannes Quant
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Patent number: 6571043Abstract: This invention encompasses a method for the manufacture and rapid assembly of large screen fiber optic displays (1, 2) containing a very large number of individual fibers (thousands to hundreds of thousands, or more). The display surface is modularized into relatively small, thin, interchangeable, injection-molded square or rectangular tiles (3) to simplify manufacture and assembly. The hundreds of fibers (7) required for each tile (3) are machine-configured into a plurality of flat, flexible fiber optic ribbon cables (4), each cable (4) comprised of a planar geometric array of optical fibers (7) embedded in a thin adhesive matrix (8). The image emission end of each flat, flexible fiber optic cable (4) is a fiber manifold (20) joined to an injection-molded thermoplastic array of light guides (11), each fiber terminating in a single light guide or emitter (12).Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2000Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: TransvisionInventors: Brian C. Lowry, Jerald F. Lowry
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Patent number: 6530667Abstract: A visual workstation for use by a viewer includes a dome having an open front end and a truncated spherical inner dome surface. A work surface is disposed in front of and adjacent the dome front end. The work surface defines a viewer area on a side of the work surface opposite the dome. The viewer area is sized and configured to receive the viewer and is positioned relative to the spherical inner dome surface such that the viewer, when located in the viewer area, may view the spherical inner dome surface. A projector is disposed between the viewer area and the dome. The projector is operative to project a truncated spherical projection onto the inner dome surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2000Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Assignee: Elumens CorporationInventors: Raymond L. Idaszak, Richard W. Zobel, Jr., D'nardo Colucci, Suresh Balu
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Patent number: 6501599Abstract: A projection screen apparatus comprises a support blank of a lightweight, rigid material defining a front face surface having a smooth concave curvature in two orthogonal directions. The front face surface terminates at a mounting rim skirting the front face surface peripherally. A projection screen is fixed to the front face surface of the support blank thereby assuming its doubly concave curvature. A box-like fixture supports the blank while suction is drawn between the front face of the blank and the screen material so as to draw the screen material into intimate contact with the surface of the blank in order to bond the screen to the blank.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2001Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Inventors: John William Randolph, Roderick Ray Randolph
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Publication number: 20020171927Abstract: An aerial image projection system is provided for use on an airship, balloon, or other inflatable structure which obtains its lift from gas or hot air, and may be used for advertising or other video projection and display. A defined surface area of the envelope of the inflatable structure serves as the projection screen for receiving a video image effective for viewing from a location external to the inflatable structure. A projector apparatus is mounted to the exterior framework or envelope opposite the projection screen for projecting a video image through a window in the envelope and through the interior of the inflatable structure to the opposing projection screen. The projector apparatus utilizes a projector array for establishing the required illumination for viewing long distances.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2001Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventor: Alfred C. Barnes
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Patent number: 6466369Abstract: A colapsible rear projectrion screen assembly for a portable visual display device. Embodiments are presented that include a flexible screen supported by a surrounding rigid screen that collapses by a ssimple folding movement for easy transport while also removing any risk of opticql or physical damage to the screen member material in the collapsing process.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2000Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Inventor: Alan Maddock
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Patent number: 6424464Abstract: An enlarged computer graphic image of seismic data is displayed on a concave three-dimensional surface having a shape corresponding to the shape of selected data extracted from a three-dimensional seismic volume. Thus providing an enlarged image of a seismic surface where the data is spatially correct in three-dimensions, and which increases the ease with which interpreters can locate geological features such as horizons, faults, and channels. An auxiliary paddle screen is provided to display an interactive video image for exploring the volume within the hybrid screen.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Phillips Petroleum CompanyInventors: Dennis B. Neff, John R. Grismore, William A. Lucas, Jacquelyn K. Singleton, Jesse E. Layton, Steven B. Wyatt
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Patent number: 6407798Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a theater having a first screen and a second screen movable relative to the first screen. The first and second screens are typically designed for different movie formats. The second screen is mounted to a frame in sections, and a rotating member is operable to move sections of the second screen away from the first screen. A projection system disposed in front of one of the screens is operable to project screen images alternatively on the first screen or on the second screen. A plurality of speakers are mountable to the frame to provide a sound system.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1999Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Entertaiment Properties, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey P. Graves, William Neil Grant, Kevin P. Johnson, Joe M. Pacitti
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Patent number: 6396985Abstract: An apparatus for use in contoured architectural milieus includes a contoured large screen display having a mounting means to which modular flat display tiles including, tiles of diverse or non-standard shapes and sizes are attached, each display tile having a plurality of optical fibers affixed behind the tile and communicating with a front surface of the tile.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2001Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Transvision, Inc.Inventors: Brian C. Lowry, Jerald F. Lowry
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Patent number: 6369943Abstract: A projection screen, having a projection surface formed of at least two segments, of which at least two segments are sound radiating segments capable of radiating sound waves from the projection surface and designed to reproduce different frequency ranges.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Harman Audio Electronic Systems GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Bachmann, Gerhard Krump, Hans-Jürgen Regl
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Publication number: 20020039229Abstract: Light from a light source 23 is processed on the image display element 30 by an image signal outputted from an image control section 19 to be projected on the screen of a predetermined curved surface shape. When the light from the light source is processed by the image signal, the image control section 19 processes an aberration shape of a projected image so as to coincide with the shape of a projection curved surface of the screen. Thus, a desired image can be clearly projected on the screen having the curved surface shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2001Publication date: April 4, 2002Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Satoru Hirose, Hiroshi Watanabe, Masao Sakata
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Patent number: 6347012Abstract: A rear projection system having a display screen and a Fresnel lens wherein each of the incident faces of the viewing segments old the Fresnel lens are angularly positioned so that incoming light rays, which enter each old the viewing segments at different angles, are reflected by each of the segments so that the light rays emerging from each of the viewing segments emerge in a direction parallel to a v viewing axis to thereby limit luminosity differences in images viewable on the display screen.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2000Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Robert James Monson, Michael Edward Smith
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Patent number: 6335828Abstract: A micro-lens array sheet having a wide field angle, a field angle control, a high light efficiency, a high brightness and a high contrast, which is provided with a layer of micro-lenses each shaped to be a centro-symmetry convex or concave micro-lens. A layer of either a light diffusion sheet or a sheet filled with light diffusive agent is attached on a light transmitting side of the micro-lens array sheet. The micro-lenses are aligned in a diamond grid array or an array including a combination of diamond-shape and hexagonal-shape micro-lens blocks.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1999Date of Patent: January 1, 2002Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Takahiro Hashimoto, Tsutomu Sakamoto
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Patent number: 6313946Abstract: A screen is disclosed for viewing depth of field images. The screen includes a prismatic screen mounted between a flat image and a viewer. Additional optical elements may be provided to enlarge a viewed image. A light hood may be provided to reduce glare and other effects of ambient light. Coating the screen with an anti-reflective coating may provide further protection from ambient light. Restructuring the image into smaller image elements provides image quality for a video image or the like. An aspherical lens may be used to minimize or remove distortion of the image perceived by a viewer to the side, above or below the center viewing axis of the screen. The present invention may find particular application in computer monitor systems, medical and obstetric imaging such as sonograms, musculo-skeletal imaging, vascular imaging, angiograms, angioplasty, dental probes, catheter probes, ear probes, endoscopy, laparoscopy, pelviscopy and arthroscopy.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2000Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Inventors: Tony Petitto, Stanislaw Loth
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Patent number: 6304703Abstract: A fiber optic display apparatus consists of a plurality of optical fibers which convey a projected image from an input, or first surface, to a display, or second surface, whose area is greater than or equal to that of the first surface, such that any image projected on to the first surface appears enlarged on the second surface. The second surface is comprised of tiles which attach to adjoining tiles by means of flexible tabs and pliable locator rods in such a fashion as to allow the second surface to follow general contours (e.g. concave or convex), while the optical fiber bundles from each tile are collected into a fixture to form the first planar surface. Because of the modular design of the display it can be assembled or disassembled rapidly.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2000Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Transvision, Inc.Inventor: Brian C. Lowry
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Patent number: 6283598Abstract: A pair of projectors are arranged for projecting an image. These projectors are disposed in optically conjugate relationship with the observer's eyes respectively. An image of an object to be viewed by the observer is projected from the projectors and is allowed to appear on a screen, the shape of which corresponds to that of the object.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1999Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masahiko Inami, Naoki Kawakami, Yasuyuki Yanagida, Taro Maeda, Susumu Tachi
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Patent number: 6224218Abstract: An off-axis backscreen visual display system having an increased vertical field of view (FOV) is disclosed. The lower edge of the backscreen member in the display system is contoured in accordance with the structure of the aircraft and the observer's point of view. The contouring of the lower edge of the backscreen increases the upward FOV coverage without changing the eyepoint/display relationship.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1996Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: L-3 Communications CorporationInventor: James A. Turner
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Patent number: 6188517Abstract: A desktop based projector screen having an inner concave display surface upon which a video image or a series of images is projected with a sense of realism comparable with natural viewing of three-dimensional physical reality. The viewing surface combines three concave sections which are derived from solid figures including a dome, cylinder and a plane.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1999Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Phillips Petroleum CompanyInventors: Dennis B. Neff, John R. Grismore, Steven B. Wyatt, William A. Lucas
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Patent number: 6144490Abstract: A video display system is provided having a projector source for projecting a video image on a screen assembly including a plurality of screen panels having a concave or convex curvature, arranged at varying angles and distance to one another, such that each panel exists at different, intersecting planes in space. An animated video image displayed on the screen assembly appears to pass over the screen panels, undulating along the curved surfaces such that a viewer is provided with the sense that parts of the projected image move independently within the whole at various speeds, depending on the curvature of the screen panels and the relative position of the viewer to the video display system.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1999Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Inventor: Kathryn A. Marsan
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Patent number: 6128130Abstract: A projection screen is formed from a plurality of translucent fabric panels joined along overlapping peripheral edge portions to produce a reflective, curved front screen surface. Overlapping peripheral edge portions extend outwardly from the back surface of the screen and are configured to be substantially less reflective than the front or projection surface of the screen. Accordingly, the visibility of seams between adjacent fabric panels to a viewer viewing images projected onto the screen is diminished.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1997Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Alternate Realities CorporationInventors: Richard W. Zobel, Jr., Joseph Gerard Fitzpatrick
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Patent number: 6088158Abstract: A rear projection screen free from lowering of resolution which is caused when the screen set undergoes separation or undesirably warps due to a change in the external humidity. The rear projection screen is composed of a plurality of sheets, a front surface sheet 13, a lenticular lens sheet 11 and a Fresnel lens sheet 12. The front surface sheet 13 and the Fresnel lens sheet 12 are respectively composed of two layers, an inner layer 13a, 12a and an outer layer 13b, 12b. The inner layer 13a, 12a is made from a material having susceptibility to water higher than that of a material from which the outer layer 13b, 12b is made.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Makoto Kimura