Abstract: A color liquid crystal display projector having a light source with a radiating element and a liquid crystal display (LCD). The LCD includes an array of multiple picture elements or pixels that each has separate color component elements. A microlens array is positioned adjacent to the liquid crystal display to direct light from the light source into the picture elements. Illumination imaging components cooperate with the microlens array to image the radiating element toward the separate color component elements of the liquid crystal display. Multiple differently inclined dichroic mirrors split the light into light beams of different color components that are imaged onto the appropriate color component elements of the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A high efficiency polarizing converter receives generally collimated light of arbitrary polarization and converts it to light of a selected polarization with minimal loss or absorption of light. In one embodiment, the polarizing converter has a generally planar configuration that is suitable for flat panel displays, LCD projectors, and other display applications.

Abstract: An image display system such as an LCD projection display includes an illumination homogenizer and a centrifugal relay lens system. The illumination homogenizer, such as a reflective tunnel homogenizer or integrator, efficiently provides uniform distribution of light over a region matched to the configuration of an LCD, or other type of image source. The centrifugal relay lens system includes, for example, an S-curve aspheric lens surface that functions to increase the illumination distribution toward the edges and corners of the image source relative to the center. The projection system provides illumination with improved uniformity and efficiency while also providing a shortened optical pathway.

Abstract: The present invention includes an invertible and orthoscopic LCD projector having a LCD panel for providing display information that is projected toward a display screen to form a display image. In a preferred embodiment, a converging Fresnel lens is positioned to receive the display information from the LCD panel and form a display object corresponding to the display image. The converging Fresnel lens has an optical center offset from the optical center of the LCD panel in an elevation direction and defines a projection optical axis that extends toward the display screen along an elevation angle in the elevation direction. The Fresnel lens is tilted automatically about a tilt axis transverse to the projection optical axis and the elevation direction by an amount proportional to the elevation angle to cooperate with the offset of the Fresnel lens optical center to form an orthoscopic display image.

Abstract: A conventional illumination system is supplemented by auxiliary reflectors to "fill-in" corner areas of a rectangular frame, providing more uniform illumination. The auxiliary reflectors intercept light that is emitted from the source in directions away from the system's condenser lens and any primary reflector, resulting in increased efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention includes a projector illumination system having a light source positioned between a condenser lens and a light-collecting reflector. The light source includes a bulb that is urged under compression against a surface of the condenser lens. The condenser lens receives a flow of cooling air over a surface opposite that against which the light source is in contact to minimize deformation of the condenser lens caused by heat emanating from the light source.

Abstract: The two ends of an elongated, flexible, elasticized cord are side by side aligned and then passed through a manually opened barrel-shaped fastener having a spring biased plunger. The spring biased plunger is then released. This operating forms a loop from the elasticized cord. The two aligned ends of the cord are then bound together to form an enlarged end portion that will not pass back through the barrel fastener even when the fastener has been manually opened.

Abstract: An LCD projector includes: a light source assembly for supplying light source required for the LCD projector; an image generating mechanism for generating image to be projected, having an LCD panel; a projection objective lens assembly for projecting the image generated by the image generating mechanism onto a screen; and a cooling mechanism for cooling off the surface of the LCD panel of which the temperature is raised due to the radiation of the light source. A thermal diffusion film having good transparency and thermal diffusivity is attachd to the surface of the LCD panel on the one side nearer to the light source assembly so as to facilitate homogeneous thermal diffusion in the surface of the LCD panel, and thus prevent deterioration of quality of projected image due to thermal shimmering caused by cooling air flow coming from the cooling mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention includes a LCD projector having a light source for directing light through a LCD and a projection lens assembly toward a display screen to form a display image. The light source and the LCD being encased within a main projector housing. The projection lens assembly being supported and carried by a retractable carrier between operating and stowage positions. In a preferred embodiment, the retractable carrier positions the projection lens assembly in its operating position outside the main body housing.

Abstract: The present invention includes a projector illumination system having a light source positioned between a condenser lens and a light-collecting reflector. The light source includes a bulb that is urged under compression against a surface of the condenser lens. The condenser lens receives a flow of cooling air over a surface opposite that against which the light source is in contact to minimize deformation of the condenser lens caused by heat emanating from the light source.

Abstract: The present invention includes an invertible and orthoscopic LCD projector having a LCD panel for providing display information that is projected toward a display screen to form a display image. In a preferred embodiment, a converging Fresnel lens is positioned to receive the display information from the LCD panel and form a display object corresponding to the display image. The converging Fresnel lens has an optical center offset from the optical center of the LCD panel in an elevation direction and defines a projection optical axis that extends toward the display screen along an elevation angle in the elevation direction. The Fresnel lens is tilted automatically about a tilt axis transverse to the projection optical axis and the elevation direction by an amount proportional to the elevation angle to cooperate with the offset of the Fresnel lens optical center to form an orthoscopic display image.