Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a circuit that includes a plurality of projector units to modulate and project light from a light source based on image information, a transmissive screen to which projection images from the plurality of projector units are projected, an image-capturing device disposed in a housing to capture predetermined regions of the projection images projected onto the transmissive screen, a unit image information generating unit to generate image information to be inputted to each of the plurality of projector units, and a unit image information correcting unit to correct the unit image information based on a result captured by the image-capturing device. Therefore, it is possible to perform easily the adjustment process and to further reduce the adjustment time.

Abstract: An optical position of a display device with respect to an optical axis of a projection optical system is displaced in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis in accordance with a change in the size of a projected image. For instance, a transparent flat plate is disposed in front of a projection lens, and the transparent flat plate is tilted in association with a rotation of a zoom adjustment ring. As the transparent flat plate is tilted, the apparent position of the display device relative to the projection lens is displaced in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the projection optical system. Thereby, the projected image on a screen is located at a proper position corresponding to a zoom state. Tilt control of the transparent flat plate is realized by a cam mechanism, for instance.

Abstract: A projector displays an image on a projection surface. The projector has a zoom adjusting module and a keystone correcting module. The zoom adjusting module adjusts zoom level of a zoom lens for enlarged projection of image light. The keystone correcting module corrects trapezoidal distortion of the image displayed on the projection surface by means of forming the effective panel image in a revised image formation area, the revised image formation area being part of the image formation area of the panel surface.

Abstract: A projection lens that, though designed for right projection, shows good aberration performance and can realize specifications required for a projection display apparatus, such as a low F number, a wide angle, a long back focus, and a high relative illumination, with a rational configuration is provided. A projection lens 1 of the present invention for magnifying and projecting an optical image formed on a spatial light modulator (disposed near an image plane 5) onto a screen 4 is constituted by a front lens group 2 and a rear lens group 3 that are arranged in this order from the screen 4 side toward the image plane 5 side. The rear lens group 3 is provided with a aperture stop 6 that is eccentric with respect to an optical axis 7 common to the front lens group 2 and the rear lens group 3. Focus adjustment is performed by moving the rear lens group 3 in a direction of the optical axis 7 without rotating it.

Abstract: A laser projection device includes: an incidence optical system condensing laser light, a scanning device deflect the laser light in a first scanning direction and a second scanning direction with a mirror, and a projection optical system guiding the deflected light to a surface to be scanned. The scanning device performs the deflection in the first scanning direction by resonant driving and performs the deflection in the second scanning direction by non-resonant driving. The incidence optical system has different optical powers in the first scanning direction and the second scanning direction, and makes light incident on the scanning device in a convergent state in the first scanning direction and in a substantially parallel light state in the second scanning direction. The projection optical system has a negative optical power in the first scanning direction.

Abstract: A projection type video display has a sensor which includes an image pick up device to take a projected image and the projection type video display projects an adjustment image to automatically implement the focus adjustment and the keystone distortion correction on the basis of output of the sensor.

Abstract: A temperature control system and method for projection device lenses. The temperature control system includes a controllable heater for selectively heating one or more lenses pad a controller for adjusting heat from the heat source responsive to an operating condition.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide a projector for displaying an image on a projection surface. The projector can include a test pattern projecting unit that projects a predetermined test pattern on the projection surface, a focus changing unit that moves a focal point of the projector, an imaging unit that performs imaging the projected test pattern to generate a shot image, an indicator value calculating unit that calculates an indicator value relating to a focus state of the shot image varying with movement of the focal point, and a focus adjustment unit that performs focus adjustment for focusing the focal point on the projection surface using the indicator value. The test pattern including a first kind and a second kind of density areas alternately arranged and having different density with each other, and at least the first kind of density areas include a narrow area and a broad area.

Abstract: An optical unit has a first lens holder holding a first lens and a second lens holder holding a second lens, the first lens holder and the second lens holder being mounted on a common lens base. The first lens holder is movable in the direction of one side of the exit end face of a light tunnel, and the second lens holder is movable in the direction of another side, adjacent to the one side, of the exit end face of a light tunnel. The first lens holder and the second lens holder are independently moved to bring an illuminating light area on a DMD, as an image forming device, into alignment with an image forming area on the DMD. The illuminating light area can thus be accurately positioned in the image forming area on the DMD. The optical unit has a high light utilization efficiency and can easily be operated for positional adjustment of the illuminating light area. The optical unit is incorporated in a projection display apparatus.

Abstract: A lens module (800) includes a lens barrel (20), a base (10), and a temperature compensation module (30). A first lens (201) is disposed in the lens barrel. The lens barrel is disposed in the base. The temperature compensation module is detachably installed in the base, and the temperature compensation module includes a temperature compensation lens (302). The temperature compensation lens is configured for compensating for deformation of the first lens caused by temperature changes.

Abstract: A focusing mechanism allowing a user to adjust the focus from infinity to a close distance rapidly and precisely, and an optical device utilizing such a focusing mechanism. The focusing unit includes an optical member movable along an optical axis of an optical system, a screw body put into rotation via the rotation of an operation member, a nut body meshing with the screw body and including a cam follower, a cam follower restricting means including a rotation restricting portion for restricting the cam follower from rotating or revolving about a rotation or revolution axis of the operation member, and a rotation restriction releasing portion for releasing the restriction which prevents the rotation or revolution of the cam follower about the rotation or revolution axis of the operation member, and an optical member moving means for moving the optical member along the optical axis via the movement of the nut body along its rotation axis.

Abstract: At the time of manual adjustment, a motor driving signal corresponding to a user's key operation is fed to a focusing motor from a microcomputer through a switch. At the time of automatic adjustment, the switch selects a motor driving signal from a sensor and feeds the selected motor driving signal to the focusing motor. The sensor contains a dedicated microcomputer. The dedicated microcomputer samples an image pick-up signal of a CCD line sensor in the sensor to generate contrast data, and automatically drives the focusing motor, to automatically make focusing adjustment.

Abstract: A lightweight, compact image projection module, especially for mounting in a housing having a light-transmissive window, is operative for causing selected pixels in a raster pattern to be illuminated to produce an image of high resolution of VGA quality in color.

Abstract: A lens module includes a frame, a guide bar, a lever, a first lens and a second lens. The frame is for carrying an image sensor with a photosensitive surface. The guide bar is disposed on one side of the frame and parallel to a normal of the photosensitive surface. The lever includes a pivot part coupled with the frame and an extended part capable of rotating around the pivot part. The first lens and the second lens coupled with the guide bar are leaned against the extended part. When the extended part rotates around the pivot part, the extended part drives the first lens and the second lens to slide along the guide bar, for changing a first distance between the first lens and the photosensitive surface and changing a second distance between the second lens and the photosensitive surface.

Abstract: An improved lens mount and related alignment methods are provided. In one example, a lens mount includes a ring member and a base member connected with the ring member. The base member has a bottom surface. First and second coplanar mounting pads are provided on the bottom surface of the base member. In another example, a method of aligning a lens mount relative to a stage includes providing a lens mount comprising: a ring member and a base member connected with the ring member. A stage having a top surface is provided. A plurality of alignment members on a bottom surface of the base member are aligned with a corresponding plurality of apertures in the stage. The alignment members are inserted into the apertures, and first, second, and third mounting pads on the bottom surface of the base member are contacted with the top surface of the stage.

Abstract: A projector includes a light source; an optical modulator; a projection lens, which has a lens barrel containing plural lenses, for projecting the optical image; as well as a structure showing a substantially L-shaped lateral contour and including an inner horizontal section, to which the optical modulator is attached, and an outer vertical section, to which the projection lens is attached; and a lens shifting mechanism for shifting the projection lens along the outer vertical section. The lens barrel has a flange projecting to the outside of the lens barrel at the base end side of the projection direction so that the lens barrel is fitted to the outer vertical section. The outer vertical section has a lens contacting surface projected and curved in accordance with curvature amount of the image forming surface on the base end side of the projection lens so as to contact the flange.

Abstract: A video projector generates a black screen. Further, the video projector reduces the brightness of the light source which reduces the power level of the video projection system. Since the light source's power is reduced, less heat is generated by the video projector and the video projector's cooling fan may be slowed down. As a result, the video projector produces less noise.

Abstract: A projector includes illumination optics for providing light beams, a light modulating apparatus for receiving and modulating the light beams provided by the illumination optics, a projection lens for projecting an image of the light beams received from the light modulating apparatus, a first adjusting device for adjusting a position of the illumination optics and adjusting an angle of incidence of the light beams emitted onto the light modulating apparatus, and a second adjusting device for adjusting a position of the projection lens in response to the adjustment of the position of the illumination optics for creating an offset of a position of the image projected by the projection lens.

Abstract: A projection position adjuster (8) of a projector includes a fixing plate (81), a first moving plate (82) that can move in a Y-axis direction and an X-axis direction orthogonal to each other in a plane orthogonal to a projection direction, a first adjusting driver (86) that moves the first moving plate (82) in the Y-axis direction, a second moving plate (83) that can move in the X-axis direction and moves the first moving plate (82) in the X-axis direction by engaging with the first moving plate (82), and a second adjusting driver (87) that moves the second moving plate (83) in the X-axis direction. The first moving plate (82) and the second moving plate (83) are superposed onto the fixing plate (81) in a projection direction. The first moving plate (82) is movably abutted on the fixing plate (81) and supports and fixes the projection lens (3).

Abstract: An image stabilization mechanism moves a movable lens or an imager in first and second directions perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to a light axis of the lens or an incident light axis of the imager. The mechanism includes a support member for supporting the movable lens or imager, a base member, a guide shaft secured to the base member and extending in the first direction, where the guide shaft is disposed in an elongate hole formed in the support member in a slidable manner in the first and second directions, an anti-rolling member fitted into the guide shaft in a slidable manner in its axis direction and engaged with the support member in a slidable manner in the second direction so as to prevent rolling of the support member about the light axis, and two drivers for moving the support member independently in the first and second directions.

Abstract: A front projection type multi-projection display includes a plurality of projector units to modulate and project light from a light source based on image information, an image-capturing device disposed in a housing to capture predetermined regions of the projection images projected onto the screen, a unit image information generating unit to generate image information to be input to each of the plurality of projector units, and a unit image information correcting unit to correct the unit image information based on a result captured by the image-capturing device. Therefore, it is possible to perform the adjustment process and to further reduce the adjustment time.

Abstract: To provide a projector having a configuration for reflecting correction by lens shift on keystone correction and preferentially using a lens shift function.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjusting light intensity for discharge lamp projectors with an optical assembly that contains a spherical mirror and a discharge lamp, and a Fresnel lens provided in front of the lamp of the optical assembly. The device is characterized in that an iris diaphragm (5) is provided on the optical assembly, in front of the lamp, in correspondence with the focus of the optical assembly.

Abstract: An object is to provide a high-resolution zoom lens system which has fewer lens elements and therefore, can be retracted into a compact form when not in use; and the zoom lens system, in order from the object side, comprises a first lens unit G1 having negative power, a second lens unit G2 having positive power and a third lens unit G3 having positive power, wherein magnification is varied with change in intervals between each lens unit by independently moving each lens unit along an optical axis, in which the first lens unit G1 comprises one negative lens element L1 and one positive lens element L2, the second lens unit G2 comprises only a cemented lens element having set of three lens elements L3, L4 and L5 which are cemented with each other, and the third lens unit G3 comprises one positive lens element L6.

Abstract: Provided are a focusing apparatus of an optical projection device having a simple structure and capable of a precisely in focusing and a projection optical system. The focusing apparatus includes: a frame including a female screw part having a first pitch; a body tube moveably installed in the frame and comprising a male screw part having a second pitch smaller than the first pitch; and an adjusting ring including a male screw part corresponding to the female screw part having the first pitch and a female screw part corresponding to the male screw part having the second pitch to support the body tube in the frame and move the body tube toward an optical axis direction.

Abstract: There is provided a projection lens for a projector which utilizes a reflection type display device, comprising a movable aperture 70 which is movable as a movable lens components moves, wherein an opening 75 in the movable aperture 70 is formed into a circular shape which is centered at the center of an optical axis 69 of the projection lens and has a swollen portion 73 on part of the opening 75 in such a manner as to project from a circumferential portion in a direction of the center of a beam of stray light into the interior of the opening 75.

Abstract: A projection type display apparatus includes a projection portion for projecting an image onto a surface to be projected, a light receiving portion disposed apart from the projection portion by a base line length and used for detecting a reference image projected onto the surface to be projected, and a scanning portion for scanning the reference image on the surface to be projected in a direction of the base line length, in which the projection portion is focused based on information about a scanning position of the reference image upon predetermined detection with the light receiving portion. With the projection type display apparatus, a system can be configured with a simple processing circuit, and cost reduction can be realized.

Abstract: A lightweight, compact image projection module, especially for mounting in a housing having a light-transmissive window, is operative for causing selected pixels in a raster pattern to be illuminated to produce an image of high resolution of VGA quality or higher in color. A laser beam focusing arrangement aligns a mechanical axis of a focusing lens with an optical axis along which a laser beam is directed to reduce pointing errors.

Abstract: There is disclosed a light projection optical system comprising a light source; a relay lens unit which has a negative lateral magnification and which converts a luminous flux that has diverged from the light source into converged light; and a projection lens unit which reduces a divergent angle of the luminous flux from the relay lens unit to convert a state of the luminous flux into a state close to that of a parallel luminous flux and which projects light toward a target region, wherein the following conditions are satisfied: 0.9<?r<3.0 ; and ??(1) 1.0<(1+?r)(fr/|fo|)<6.0 , ??(2) in which ?r is an absolute value of the lateral magnification of the relay lens unit, fr is a focal length of the relay lens unit and fo is a focal length of the projection lens unit.

Abstract: A system and method of multi-directional projection in which the optical output from a projector is modified in response to characteristics of nearby surfaces, upon which projection can be directed. The multi-directional projection system can provide beneficial output as a primary indicator or a secondary indicating device that can be controlled by itself or synchronously with other devices, such as output from a computer monitor. One implementation incorporates an optical sensor coupled to the projector for registering object characteristics (e.g., distance, reflectance, texture, color, and ambient lighting), such as during a mapping operation performed across the pan and tilt range of the projector. The projection system preferably incorporates a focusing assembly and may include other controllable optical elements such as zoom. Control is preferably provided through commands within an application programming interface (API), such as executing on a personal computer or other form of computer device.

Abstract: A video projector (1) comprises a projection lens (18) which projects an image on a screen (S), a zoom ring (19) which varies a magnification ratio of the projection lens (18), a drive wheel (32) which is partially protruded from a bottom face of a housing (2), and a plurality of gears (310, 311, 312) that constitutes a power transmission mechanism (31) between the drive wheel (32) and the zoom ring (19). When the video projector (1) is moved in an anteroposterior direction to the screen with rotating the drive wheel (32), the zoom ring (19) is turned in conjunction with the rotation of the drive wheel (32) through the power transmission mechanism (31). Since the magnification ratio of the projection lens (18) is varied with the turning of the zoom ring (19), the size of the image projected on the screen is varied without a direct operation of the zoom ring (19) by a user.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for generating images. There is provided a method comprising directing light through a projecting lens (28) at a first pixel position (60a) on a screen (32), and shifting the projecting lens (28) such that the light is directed on at a second pixel position (66) on the screen (32), wherein the second pixel position (66) is diagonally offset from the first pixel position (60a).

Abstract: Described herein are devices that provide projection-type video output in a portable and flexible design. The design includes a projection chamber, a base, and an interface that permits relative positioning between the projection chamber and base. The base maintains the position of the display device. The projection chamber includes components responsible for the production of images based on received video data and components responsible for the projection of those images. Relative pointing between the projection chamber and base allows the projection chamber to be pointed—and an output projected image to be positioned—with minimal effort.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lens mechanism made of a flexible support with a lens positioned on the support. A sensor is positioned below the lens so that it senses photons passing through the lens. At least one actuator is positioned around the lens such that a change in an electric charge on the actuator causes the lens to move. In one embodiment, the lens moves along its optical axis. In another embodiment, the lens moves so that its optical axis tips from the original orientation. In yet another embodiment, the lens moves due to a change in electric charge on an electrostatic charge layer that is substantially coincident with the lens. Embodiments of the invention can provide a dynamic actuator mechanism for positioning a small lens.

Abstract: A rotational member inhibitable from coming off a support member is obtained. This rotational member comprises a rotational portion rotatably mounted on a support member, a pair of arcuate portions provided on a side of the rotational portion closer to the support member to extend from the rotational portion and opposed to each other and a hook portion so provided as to extend from a circumferential end of at least one of the pair of arcuate portions in an outward direction intersecting with a mounting direction for the rotational portion for engaging with the support member.

Abstract: A lens cover that may be secured to a case of a projector is herein disclosed. The lens cover has incorporated therein a lens that may be aligned with a lens of the projector to modify the throw ratio of the projector lens.

Abstract: A projector includes an image forming device, a projection lens for projecting an image produced by the image forming device, and an external case which accommodates the image forming device and at least a part of the projection lens and has an opening through which a light emission end of the projection lens is exposed. The projection lens has a lens barrel and a plurality of lenses equipped within the lens barrel. The lens barrel has a fixed part and a movable part. A turn table for shifting the movable part of the lens barrel in the direction of the optical axis of the projection lens is provided. The direction of the rotation axis of the turn table is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the projection lens. The top surface of the turn table is exposed through the outer surface of the external case.

Abstract: There is disclosed a projection optical system which is capable of moving a projected image within a predetermined region (effective projection region). The projection optical system, which projects an image of an object surface in the effective projection region of a predetermined image surface comprises two or more optical systems, among which a first optical system on the object surface side comprises a zoom portion which zooms the projected image. The projection optical system further comprises one or more rotatable members which rotate around the position of an exit pupil of the first optical system or its vicinity. In addition, by rotating the one or more rotatable members, the projected image is moved within the effective projection region.

Abstract: A lens barrel, including, a moving frame (2) to hold a lens (8), a direct-advance ring (4) provided on an outer periphery of the moving frame and movable relative to the moving frame in an optical direction, a resilient member (6) provided between the moving frame and the direct-advance ring, and a control part (10) provided on the moving frame to control an amount of movement of the direct-advance ring in the optical direction.

Abstract: An optical projection device including an illumination system, a reflective light valve and a projection lens is provided. The adjustable reflection sheet is disposed behind the adjustable rod integrator along the light transmission path of the light beam. In addition, the reflective light valve is disposed behind the adjustable reflection sheet along the light transmission path of the light beam. The adjustable rod integrator can shift the light transmission path of the light beam so as to be incident to the reflective light valve. Moreover, the projection lens is disposed behind the reflective light valve along the light transmission path of the light beam. The adjustable reflection sheet can shift the light transmission path of the light beam so as to pass through the stopper of the projection lens.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for stabilizing components is provided. In some embodiments, an apparatus for positioning an optical component relative to a frame is provided including a stabilizer. The stabilizer may be configured to be coupled to the optical component and the frame, wherein in a first configuration the stabilizer is configured to enable select adjustment of the optical component in at least two directions and in a second configuration a position of the optical component may be fixed.

Abstract: A projection display apparatus is provided with a control unit that drives a focus lens included in a projection lens based on outputs from a focus sensor and a temperature sensor. The control unit provided in the projection display apparatus compensates the output value of the temperature sensor according to the amount of change in the output value of the temperature sensor with time and drives the focus lens using the value thus compensated.

Abstract: A projection apparatus having a single reflective light valve is provided. The projection apparatus includes a non-telecentric illumination system, a movable projection lens and a reflective light valve. The non-telecentric illumination system includes a light source and a lens. The light source is suitable for providing a light beam and the lens is disposed on the transmission path of the light beam. The movable projection lens is disposed behind the lens on the transmission path of the light beam for projecting an image. An image projected from the projection apparatus has an offset between 100%˜150%. The reflective light valve is disposed between the lens and the movable projection lens on the transmission path of the light beam. The reflective light valve has rows of horizontally arranged pixels.

Abstract: A projection device is provided. In one embodiment, the projection device may include an optical system mounted within the projection device and having an optical system axis substantially parallel to the optical system. The projection device further may include a combination control operatively coupled to the optical system and having a control axis that is non-parallel to the optical system axis.

Abstract: A projector with a rotatable lens module is provided in this invention. The projector includes a lens module, a base module, and a connecting module. The connecting module connects the lens module and the base module such that the lens module and the base module are relatively rotatable with each other.

Abstract: A projector system of this invention includes a camera and a projector. The projector includes a projection image forming unit which forms an image to be projected to a projection surface and a projecting lens. When photographic information in photographing a projection image and distance information to the projection surface are input, a display control unit controls the focal length of the projecting lens in accordance with the photographic information and switches the size of the image formed by the projection image forming unit at the variable control limit of the focal length.

Abstract: A projector having a plurality of cameras for adjusting the focus of projected images, correcting projected images that are distorted and correcting projected images to match the outer profile of a screen if the screen is used as a projection object. The projector having a projection device, a projection lens, a focus adjuster, a zoom adjuster, an imager having the plurality of cameras for capturing respective images of a projection object a projection area calculator for calculating a projection area of an image depending on the distance from the projection lens based on the zoomed position from the zoom adjuster, a three-dimensional position detector for detecting the three-dimensional position of a predetermined object point corresponding to identical object points in the respective images captured by the cameras, and a distance detector for detecting the distance up to the object point from the three-dimensional position of the predetermined object point.

Abstract: An image projection apparatus is disclosed with which problems, caused by performing focusing control in a state in which the light amount of a light source is insufficient, can be avoided. The image projection apparatus comprises a controller, performing focusing control of a projection optical system, and a brightness detector which detects at least one of a brightness of the light source and a brightness of a reflected light on a projection surface. After turning the light source on, the controller restricts the focusing control until the brightness detected by the brightness detector reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A projector apparatus is disclosed which has a projection unit which projects image corresponding to an input image signal, an instruction unit which issues an instruction for performing keystone correction, a distance survey unit which surveys distances between the projector apparatus and a plurality of positions on the image projected by the projection unit in accordance with an instruction from the instruction unit, and a focus control unit which performs keystone correction of the image projected by the projection unit in a manner that the image becomes a rectangle having an appropriate aspect ratio based on the distances obtained by the distance survey unit, while bringing the image projected by the projection unit into focus at the center position of the image after being keystone-corrected.

Abstract: A projection lens for use with LCD panels is provided. The lens has a first lens unit which includes a strong negative lens element having an aspherical surface which provides distortion correction, and a second lens unit which includes a first lens subunit separated by an airspace from a second lens subunit, wherein the first lens subunit has a strong positive power and the second lens subunit has a weaker power. The second lens subunit can include a negative lens element, followed by a positive lens element, followed by a plastic lens element having an aspherical surface. The projection lens has a field of view of at least 35° so that the overall projection lens system has a compact size.