Abstract: A mirror actuator system is provided for aligning images projected onto a curved screen by dual projectors. According to a preferred embodiment, a unique screw mechanism is provided for selectively slightly warping the mirror. The screw mechanism includes a load spreader in contact with the mirror, having a groove for receiving an screw actuator for applying positive or negative pressure to the load spreader and thereby to a local area (i.e. zone) of the mirror. The actuator system of the present invention provides low cost static pressure adjustment to the mirror for maintaining the focus quality while locally modifying the geometric ‘aim’ of the mirror. The groove in the load spreader provides tolerance to prevent thermal coefficient of expansion (TCE) distortion.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for blending overlapping images are provided. Image areas mapped to a common image space that includes a blend region: fixed image values are assigned to areas outside the blend region. Pixels from the blend region are iteratively sampled in the common image space, and for each respective sampled pixel corresponding to the sampled pixel in a respective image area: a value of the respective sampled pixel is changed to an average of neighbouring pixel values in the respective image area; and, when each respective sampled pixel in each of the at least two image spaces is changed to the average of the neighbouring pixels, each averaged respective sampled pixel value is normalize to a blended value, wherein iterations are repeated until a convergence criteria is met. One or more blend masks is output, each comprising at least normalized blended pixel values in the blend region.

Abstract: A projector system includes an image generator and at least one projector for receiving an image from the image generator and projecting the image onto a screen to provide a final projected image. A computer generates correction data based on a calibration process that includes comparing an uncorrected image projected by the at least one projectors with a geometrically correct image. Wherein the at least one projector maps incoming pixel locations from the image generator to corrected pixel locations in the final projected image based on the correction data.

Abstract: A projector system includes an image generator and at least one projector for receiving an image from the image generator and projecting the image onto a screen to provide a final projected image. A computer generates correction data based on a calibration process that includes comparing an uncorrected image projected by the at least one projectors with a geometrically correct image. Wherein the at least one projector maps incoming pixel locations from the image generator to corrected pixel locations in the final projected image based on the correction data.

Abstract: An infrared detector and image projector system is set forth comprising an IR imager/projector for capturing an image of a vein and a needle and projecting the image on a surface; and a discrimination and guidance system for discriminating the needle from the image, calculating parameters of the needle and based on these parameters causing the IR imager/projector to project the image of the needle and vein and additional information to assist in visualizing needle insertion through tissue into the vein.

Abstract: A coincident fastener for use with a display unit of a configurable imaging system, comprising a screw for insertion through the display unit, wherein the screw includes a head portion, a threaded male portion at an end of the screw opposite the head portion, and an anti-rotation locking mechanism for locking the screw relative to the display unit.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for determining locations in a projected image are provided. The apparatus comprises a light sensor; a body comprising the light sensor, the body enabled to position the light sensor proximal to a screen to detect light from a projector; a communication interface for communicating with a projector system comprising at least the projector; and, a processor enabled to transmit a request to the projector system to project a structured light pattern using the projector; and when at least one pixel in the structured light pattern projected by the projector is detected at the light sensor, transmit a detection indication to the projector system to communicate detection of the at least one pixel.

Abstract: A method of reducing visual artefacts in a blend zone of at least two projector images is provided. The method comprises determining a maximum intensity variance for each pixel group within a blend curve of the blend zone, the maximum intensity variance being based on a blend multiplier selected to achieve a net light intensity specific to the location of the pixel group within the blend curve. For each pixel group, a first adjusted blend multiplier is determined, wherein the blend multiplier is increased by at least a portion of the maximum intensity variance. For each pixel group, a second adjusted blend multiplier is also determined, wherein the blend multiplier is decreased by at least a portion of the maximum intensity variance. The light intensity of each pixel in each pixel group is adjusted using the first and second adjusted blend multipliers specific to each pixel group.

Abstract: For use in an imaging system having a plurality of adjacent display units, the improvement comprising a thermal actuator in at least one of the display units for moving a screen thereof away from a chassis thereof when the said display unit exceeds a predetermined temperature, so as to prevent mechanical interference between the adjacent display units.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus, for blending overlapping images are provided. Image areas mapped to a common image space that includes a blend region: fixed image values are assigned to areas outside the blend region. Pixels from the blend region are iteratively sampled in the common image space, and for each respective sampled pixel corresponding to the sampled pixel in a respective image area: a value of the respective sampled pixel is changed to an average of neighbouring pixel values in the respective image area; and, when each respective sampled pixel in each of the at least two image spaces is changed to the average of the neighbouring pixels, each averaged respective sampled pixel value is normalize to a blended value, wherein iterations are repeated until a convergence criteria is met. One or more blend masks is output, each comprising at least normalized blended pixel values in the blend region.

Abstract: A zonal illumination system for use in a projector, comprising a source of illumination; a first modulation stage for dividing light from the source of illumination into a plurality of zones having respective light intensities based on zonal lighting intensity of an image to be projected; and a second modulation stage for modulating light from the first modulation stage to generate the image to be projected.

Abstract: A mirror actuator system is provided for aligning images projected onto a curved screen by dual projectors. According to a preferred embodiment, a unique screw mechanism is provided for selectively slightly warping the mirror. The screw mechanism includes a load spreader in contact with the mirror, having a groove for receiving an screw actuator for applying positive or negative pressure to the load spreader and thereby to a local area (i.e. zone) of the mirror. The actuator system of the present invention provides low cost static pressure adjustment to the mirror for maintaining the focus quality while locally modifying the geometric ‘aim’ of the mirror. The groove in the load spreader provides tolerance to prevent thermal coefficient of expansion (TCE) distortion.

Abstract: A tiled display rotational assembly is provided. The system uses panels connected by hinges, the panels configured to mount at least one display on each panel. A first panel has an extending hinge portion with a first bearing surface attached to an edge while a second panel has a receiving hinge portion with a second bearing surface attached to an edge. When the extending hinge portion is inserted into the receiving hinge portion the extending hinge portion and the receiving hinge portion together define an axis of rotation about which the panels may rotate.

Abstract: A light production system for a projector is provided. The light production system comprises: at least one high pressure mercury arc lamp; at least one red laser; at least one green laser; and an integrator for receiving and combining light from the at least one high pressure mercury arc lamp, red light from the at least one red laser and green light from the at least one green laser, the integrator comprising an output enabled to emit combined light into illumination relay optics of the projector.

Abstract: An integrator rod is set forth having an input face, an output face and four side walls for internally reflecting light from the input face through the output face as a rectangular beam according to a predetermined aspect ratio, wherein only one of the side walls tapers from the output face to the input face for balancing brightness between opposite sides of the rectangular beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for combining coherent light from a plurality of coherent light sources is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of light guides, each including: a first mirror at an entrance face, including an aperture for admitting light therein from a respective one of the plurality of coherent light sources; and a second partially-reflective mirror at an exit face. The apparatus further includes a second stage light guide, for combining emitted light exiting the plurality of light guides, including: a second stage entrance face and a second stage exit face, the second stage entrance face for receiving the emitted light from each the exit face of the plurality of light guides; and a third mirror, at the second stage exit face, for reflecting the light back towards the second mirror, the third mirror including an exit aperture for the light to exit the second stage light guide.

Abstract: A method of reducing visual artifacts in a blend zone of at least two projector images is provided. The method comprises determining a maximum intensity variance for each pixel group within a blend curve of the blend zone, the maximum intensity variance being based on a blend multiplier selected to achieve a net light intensity specific to the location of the pixel group within the blend curve. For each pixel group, a first adjusted blend multiplier is determined, wherein the blend multiplier is increased by at least a portion of the maximum intensity variance. For each pixel group, a second adjusted blend multiplier is also determined, wherein the blend multiplier is decreased by at least a portion of the maximum intensity variance. The light intensity of each pixel in each pixel group is adjusted using the first and second adjusted blend multipliers specific to each pixel group.

Abstract: A collimated stereo display system is provided. The system comprises: an image generator enabled to provide a stream of stereoscopic images comprising left eye images and right eye images; at least one image modulator enabled to receive the stream of stereoscopic images from the image generator and form light into the stereoscopic images for viewing at a viewing apparatus for filtering the light into the left eye images and the right eye images respectively thereby providing a three dimensional rendering of the stereoscopic images when viewed through the viewing apparatus; and, collimation apparatus enabled to receive and collimate the light from the at least one image modulator, such that rays of light are substantially parallel when the stereoscopic images are received at the viewing apparatus.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided. The imaging system comprises an image source providing a video data stream. The imaging system further comprises a plurality of microtile units for: generating respective portions of an image from the video data stream, each microtile unit connectable to a plurality of other microtile units in multiple geometrical configurations. Each microtile unit comprises circuitry for: communication with the plurality of other microtile units to control generation of each respective portion of the image; and sub-image capture from the video data stream.

Abstract: A method for use in an imaging system having an image source and a plurality of microtile units for generating respective portions of the image is provided, each microtile unit including a self-contained screen and a rear projector for projecting the image on the screen, the method for at least one of self-aligning, colour matching and brightness matching the image portions across successive adjacent microtile units. The screen is over-scanned so that a portion of an edge of each image spills over onto a side wall of the microtile unit adjacent a further one of microtile units. Light from the image is permitted to spill through the side wall into the further microtile unit. The light is detected within the further microtile unit. The image is adjusted in response to detection of the light within the further microtile unit so as to at least one of align, color match and brightness match the image between the plurality of microtile units.