Abstract: A lightweight, compact image projection module has a controller operative for causing selected pixels in a raster pattern to be illuminated to produce an image of high resolution of VGA quality in color. The controller has a video data channel for receiving video data from a host, and a control data channel for bidirectionally transmitting and receiving control data to and from the host. A plurality of input communication ports is provided on the controller. Each input communication port is operative for communicating the control data at a different communication standard. A selected one of the input communication ports having a communications standard matching the communications standard of the host is connected over the control data channel to the host.

Abstract: The invention relates to a projector (1) for projecting an image (6), comprising: a light source (2) for generating a light bundle (12); a pivotable deflection unit (3) designed for deflecting the light bundle (12) generated by the light source (2) onto a projection surface (5); and an imaging device (7, 8, 9) for imaging an aperture of the deflection unit (3) onto the projection surface (5); wherein the imaging device (7, 8, 9) comprises a mirror objective (7) having at least two mirror elements (8, 9). The invention further relates to a corresponding method.

Abstract: In a coherent light projection system including an image forming system, a relay system, a speckle reduction element, and a projection subsystem, the relay system can have a first f-number, and the projection subsystem can have a second f-number less than the first f-number. The relay system can have a first working distance, and the projection subsystem can have a second working distance less than the first working distance. The image forming system can project an initial image having a first size, and an intermediate image can have a second size greater than or equal to the first size. The speckle reduction element can have a curved surface through which the intermediate image is transferred. The speckle reduction element can include a lenslet arrangement formed on a surface thereof. The speckle reduction element can be moved in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the speckle reduction element.

Abstract: In a coherent light projection system including an image forming system, a relay system, a speckle reduction element, and a projection subsystem, the relay system can have a first f-number, and the projection subsystem can have a second f-number less than the first f-number. The relay system can have a first working distance, and the projection subsystem can have a second working distance less than the first working distance. The image forming system can project an initial image having a first size, and an intermediate image can have a second size greater than or equal to the first size. The speckle reduction element can have a curved surface through which the intermediate image is transferred. The speckle reduction element can include a lenslet arrangement formed on a surface thereof. The speckle reduction element can be moved in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the speckle reduction element.

Abstract: In a coherent light projection system including an image forming system, a relay system, a speckle reduction element, and a projection subsystem, the relay system can have a first f-number, and the projection subsystem can have a second f-number less than the first f-number. The relay system can have a first working distance, and the projection subsystem can have a second working distance less than the first working distance. The image forming system can project an initial image having a first size, and an intermediate image can have a second size greater than or equal to the first size. The speckle reduction element can have a curved surface through which the intermediate image is transferred. The speckle reduction element can include a lenslet arrangement formed on a surface thereof. The speckle reduction element can be moved in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the speckle reduction element.

Abstract: An image projector having one or more broadband lasers designed to reduce the appearance of speckle in the projected image via wavelength diversification. In one embodiment, a broadband laser has an active optical element and a nonlinear optical element, both located inside a laser cavity. The broadband laser generates an output spectrum characterized by a spectral spread of about 10 nm and having a plurality of spectral lines corresponding to different spatial modes of the cavity. Different individual spectral lines effectively produce independent speckle configurations, which become intensity-superimposed in the projected image, thereby causing a corresponding speckle-contrast reduction.

Abstract: A display device (500) comprises a micro-display (22) and imaging optics (24) to transmit a light beam (BO), and a diffractive beam expander (10) having an output grating (16). The combination of said micro-display (22) and said imaging optics (24) is together adapted to form a virtual image (710) which is observable through the perimeter (15) of said output grating (16) when said diffractive beam expander (10) is positioned to at least partially intercept said light beam (BO). The combination of said micro-display (22) and said imaging optics (24) may also be adapted to project said light beam (BO) onto an external screen (600) in order to display a real image (610). The display device (500) may comprise a movable optical component (10, 380) to switch the device (500) from a virtual display mode to a projecting mode.

Abstract: Particular embodiments relate generally to laser projection systems and, more particularly, to systems and methods of reducing the appearance of speckle in laser projection images. According to one embodiment, a laser projection system comprising a light source and scanning optics is provided. The scanning optics include a plurality of frame generating optics configured to scan the output beam across a given projection surface to generate an image frame. The frame generating actuators are spatially separated such that output beams scanned by the frame generating actuators illuminate each common pixel portion of the image frames at a different incidence angle. The scanning optics also include an actuator selector positioned in an optical path of the output beam and configured to direct the output beam towards a selected one of the plurality of frame generating actuators.

Abstract: Particular embodiments relate generally to systems and methods of reducing the appearance of speckle in laser projection images. According to one embodiment, a laser projection system includes a light source, scanning optics and spinning optics. The light source includes at least one laser configured to emit an output beam. The scanning optics is positioned in an optical path of the output beam and configured to scan the output beam across a plurality of image pixels onto the spinning optics. The spinning optics is configured to create a virtual image of the scanning optics, translate the virtual image and change the angle of incidence of the output beam. The laser projection system is programmed to generate at least a portion of a scanned laser image, execute the translation of the virtual image by moving the spinning optics, and compensate for a relative image shift resulting from the translated virtual image.

Abstract: A method for controlling a dual lamp module applied to a projection apparatus is provided. The dual lamp module includes a first lamp and a second lamp. The method for controlling a dual lamp module includes providing a first operating power to the first lamp, and then determining whether the first lamp is turned on or not. If the first lamp fails to be turned on, stopping providing the first operating power to the first lamp, and providing a second operating power to the second lamp. The second operating power is greater than the first operating power.

Abstract: A color separation device includes a first color separation member having a first polarization direction changing element and a second polarization direction changing element, and a first polarization separation element, and a second color separation member having a second polarization separation element. Linearly polarized light may be made incident on the first color separation member so as to separate the light into reflected light and transmitted light, both lights having different colors and one of the different colors corresponding to one of three colors, and one of the lights may be made incident on the second color separation member so as to separate the one of the lights into further reflected light and further transmitted light, both further reflected light and further transmitted light corresponding to the other two of the three colors, respectively.

Abstract: A design layout projection system including a cube-like, solid case and housing compartment encasing several components including a laser projector system, a built-in computationally controlled system, multiple input and output connectors, a scaling knob, on/off switch and a power supply for projecting construction designs unto a work surface by inputting different types of input files, generating different output levels depending on the laser type used and optimizing and guiding the generated images unto a work surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a method, apparatus, and system for a mirror assembly sequentially optically coupling a plurality of light sources to downstream projection components. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display device adapting a resolution improvement device capable of effectively improving a resolution in a projecting display device and a method thereof. A display device according to the present invention comprises: a light source; an image forming means for forming an image using a light emitted from the light source and an input image signal; a projection means for projecting an image formed in the image forming means on a screen; a displacement means for displacing an image displayed on the screen to be displaced; a driving means for driving the displacement to be moved; and an input signal applying means for applying an input signal to the driving means for the displacement means to be rotated in a predetermined direction. According to the present invention, different images are displayed on a screen periodically. It seems that the greater number of pixels is used than the real number in a sense of sight.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention involve novel three-dimensional display systems. Multi-view-window-based display systems are used to generate floating three-dimensional displays. In embodiments, an optical focusing element is positioned at a distance that is greater than or equal to the focal length of the optical focusing element from the viewing windows to form projected viewing windows through which a user can see a floating 3D image. In alternative embodiments, an optical focusing element is positioned at a distance that is less than the focal length of the optical focusing element from the viewing windows to form a rear-projection-like three-dimensional display system. In embodiments, a retro-reflective light diffusion screen is used in the multi-view-window-based display systems.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for projecting an image from a vehicle onto a surface, such as a road or sidewalk. A laser diode assembly is installed in the vehicle and comprises: a light beam source; a power source; a power regulating chip; an image creation means; and, power activating means. A lens is secured to an output end of the laser diode assembly, and comprises a light diffraction image which can be a message, logo, or graphic design Activation is initiated by switching on the assembly from a position within the interior of the vehicle, or by an activity such as the opening of a door. The activation is ramped up to a full-on state over a pre-set period of time.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention involve novel display screens comprising light diffusion and retro-reflectivity. In embodiments, a retro-reflective light diffusion screen can be used to generate a three-dimensional autostereoscopic display by generating a plurality of viewing windows wherein each viewing window depicts a unique perspective image view. In embodiments, the retro-reflective light diffusion screen comprises a transparent medium layer between the retro-reflector surface and the light diffuser layer to help reduce ghost images. In embodiments, the retro-reflective light diffusion screen comprises a lenticular layer positioned such that the light diffuser layer is between the lenticular layer and the retro-reflective surface and is also positioned so that the light diffuser layer is at a focal plane of the lenticular layer.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention involve novel display screens comprising light diffusion and retro-reflectivity. In embodiments, a retro-reflective light diffusion screen can be used to generate a three-dimensional autostereoscopic display by generating a plurality of viewing windows wherein each viewing window depicts a unique perspective image view.

Abstract: A projection system that projects a text or subtitle box onto an image minimizes the contrast between the text box and the image. A transition region surrounding the text box minimizes visual disruption to the image onto which the text box is projected. The positions of optical elements of a text projector enable the text box to gradually fade out. The text projector has a lamp that defines an object plane and a light path modifier. The light path modifier is offset from the object plane, toward the lamp to blend the borders of the text box into the image projected by an image projector.

Abstract: A display has a screen which incorporates a light modulator. The screen may be a front projection screen or a rear-projection screen. Elements of the light modulator may be controlled to adjust the intensity of light emanating from corresponding areas on the screen. The display may provide a high dynamic range.

Abstract: There is provided a projection apparatus including a plurality of light-emitting devices for respectively emitting lights of a plurality of colors, a projecting unit for forming an optical image of a plurality of color components for each frame and sequentially projecting the optical image, and a power control unit for adjusting power to be supplied to the plurality of light-emitting devices to correct a decrease in luminance due to heat generation of the plurality of light-emitting devices.

Abstract: Application of dual photography is simplified by reducing the number of captured images needed to generate a light transport matrix T of (p×q) projection pixel array from (p×q) images to (p+q) images. Manipulation of the light transport matrix is also simplified by replacing the use of a matrix T with an index associating each projection pixel to only non-zero light transport values. By eliminating the use of zero-valued light transport coefficients, the memory and processing requirements for implementing dual photography are greatly reduced. This dual photography technique is applied to the calibration of projector-camera systems. A second method for calibrating projector-camera systems uses a known projection test pattern and a calibrated camera to associate projected markers on a real image to a captured image.

Abstract: A projector includes: first and second lamps; a combining member configured to combine the light from the first and second lamps; a light modulation device arranged on the downstream side of an optical path of the combining member configured to provide higher modulation contrast with respect to the light emitted from the first lamp and entering in a state of being inclined in a first direction with respect to a system optical axis than modulation contrast with respect to the light emitted from the second lamp and entering in a state of being inclined in a second direction; and an illumination control device configured to turn ON the first lamp having the higher contrast with respect to the light modulation device on a priority basis for illumination of the light modulation device in a one-lamp mode in which only one of the first and second lamps is turned ON.

Abstract: An optical system is provided. The optical system comprises a first polarizing beamsplitter (PBS), a first reflecting image-forming device, and a first quarter-wave retarding element. An optical system is also provided that comprises an image-forming device, a reflective polarizing layer, at least a first birefringent element disposed on an optical path between the image-forming device and the polarizing layer, and a quarter-wave retarding element. Further provided is an optical system comprising a color combiner unit, at least two polarizing beamsplitters (PBSs), and a first quarter-wave retarding element. The present application also provides methods of compensating for birefringence in an image projection system.

Abstract: A screen device of the present invention has a light collecting element array including a plurality of light collecting elements that collect incident light from a projector and a back surface sheet. The back surface sheet includes a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, a photoconductive layer disposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, and an image recording layer disposed between the first electrode plate and the photoconductive layer. At the back surface sheet, a light reflecting portion is formed at a light collecting region to which the light collected by the light collecting elements is irradiated, and a light absorbing portion is formed at a non-light collecting region to which the light collected by the light collecting elements is not irradiated.

Abstract: A mobile device having a projector module and a camera provides a visual presenter function. A method for executing such a visual presenter function in the mobile device includes selecting a visual presenter mode in a menu of the mobile device, and activating the camera of the mobile device when the visual presenter mode is selected. The method further includes acquiring an image of a target object through the camera, activating the projector module of the mobile device, and projecting the acquired image onto an external display screen through the activated projector module. A holder may be used to securely support the mobile device and selectively adjust the position of the mobile device.

Abstract: A display system includes and image-guiding substrate with input and/or output structures configured to improve image quality.

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 mobile device has a projector module which projects data onto an external display screen. A method for displaying data in the mobile device includes activating the projector module and detecting output property information in at least one of content and an application. The method further includes determining a display format of output data of the content or the application based on the detected output property information. Also, the method includes projecting the output data in the determined display format through the activated projector module in a horizontal or vertical orientation. Such a display format may be changed according to a user's preference or a device presetting environment.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a display apparatus comprising a light source is provided, said light source comprising at least one superluminescent light emitting diode (SLED), the apparatus further comprising at least one light modulating device arranged in a beam path of a light beam emitted by said light source and operable to emit influenced light upon incidence of said light beam, the light modulating device being operatively connected to an electronic control, the display apparatus further comprising a projection optics arranged in a beam path of said influenced light.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a visual-collaborative system enabling geographically distributed groups to engage in face-to-face, interactive collaborative video conferences. In one aspect, a visual-collaborative system (400) comprises a display screen, a camera system, and a projector. The display screen (402) has a first surface (410) and a second surface (416), and the camera system is positioned to capture images of objects through the display screen. The projector (404,602,702) is positioned to project images onto the first surface that can be observed by viewing the second surface. The wavelengths of light used to produce the projected images are different from with the wavelengths of light used to capture images.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for compensating for spoke light in a video unit. More specifically, there is provided a method comprising measuring a first light level during a non-spoke time of a color wheel to generate a non-spoke light level; and setting a spoke light compensation value based on the measured non-spoke light level. There is also provided a video unit comprising a light source configured to generate a first light level during a non-spoke time of a color wheel, a photodiode assembly configured to measure the first light level to generate a non-spoke light level, and a processor configured to set a spoke light compensation value based on the non-spoke light level.

Abstract: To provide a projector apparatus capable of giving attention stably and clearly to a specific area within an image projected and displayed on a screen, and to provide a display output method and display output program of the apparatus. For that purpose, the projector apparatus for projecting and displaying an image on a screen comprises an input section which accepts an indication of a specific area within the projected and displayed image; and an image processor that subjects a specific area and/or an other area within the image to image processing for emphasizing the specific area, the other area being an area other than the specific area in the image.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, a system and method for displaying an image are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a laser through a rotary diffuser. The rotational speed of the rotary diffuser may be continuously varied to reduce the effect of an image artifact in a light pattern. The image artifact may be caused by an imperfection in the rotary diffuser. The light pattern is projected on a display device.

Abstract: A coherent light source system is presented. The system comprises at least one coherent light emitter producing a coherent light beam, a focusing lens unit, and a beam shaper unit, the beam shaper unit being accommodated between the coherent light emitter and the collimating lens unit being in a front focal plane of the focusing lens unit, thereby providing a substantially uniform profile and high-degree collimation at a desired plane in an optical path of light propagation.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a projector display device includes an enclosure configured with a projection hole and a translucent display screen configured over an aperture in the enclosure. The projection hole receives a light beam generated by a projector. The light beam is directed toward the translucent display screen for producing imagery on the translucent display screen.

Abstract: A projector includes: a projecting portion that projects an image based on input image data; an image data producing portion that produces the image data and then outputs the image data to the projecting portion; an image sensor that captures the projected image and thus produces a captured image; a movement detection sensor that is arranged on a plane parallel to the imaging plane of the image sensor and produces movement information on the basis of the detected movement, the movement detection sensor being arranged at an angle in the direction not equal to the horizontal direction and vertical direction of the imaging plane; a determining portion that determines whether the movement information meets an adjustment condition or not; and a control portion that, when the movement information meets the adjustment condition, controls the image data producing portion so as to adjust the image data on the basis of the captured image.

Abstract: An image display apparatus acquires a high-quality image by suppressing positional fluctuation of projected dots due to a positional offset of an optical path deflecting element. A spatial light modulation element (1) displays an image by projecting a light from an illumination light source. A projection optical system (3) enlarges and projects the image formed on the spatial light modulation element (1). An optical path deflecting element (2) is provided between the spatial light modulation element (1) and the image formed on a screen (4) so as to deflect an optical path in accordance with a screen frame period. The optical path deflecting element (2) shifts the optical path for the image projected on the screen (4) at a high rate so as to apparently increase a number of picture elements. The optical path deflecting element (2) is located within the projection optical system.

Abstract: A display has a screen which incorporates a light modulator. The screen may be a front projection screen or a rear-projection screen. Elements of the light modulator may be controlled to adjust the intensity of light emanating from corresponding areas on the screen. The display may provide a high dynamic range.

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: Laser projection device comprising an image generating unit, intermediate imaging optics configured to generate an intermediate image at an image focal plane (210), an image diffusing element (300) and a projection lens (400) with an object focal plane (410), wherein the image diffusing element (300) is arranged in the image focal plane (210) and in the object focal plane (410) and comprises a superimposed microstructure (310) formed of constituent parts (311), which are regularly distributed within a surface plane (320) of the image diffusing element (300).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for compensating for color loss of an image in an image projector. A light source has Red (R), Green (G) and Blue (B) lamps. An optical image modulator receives R, G and B lights generated in the light source, receives an electrical image signal, modulates the lights according to the image signal, and outputs the lights so that an associated image is projected on a screen. A camera photographs an area on the screen where the image is projected. A lamp driving controller with a color-temperature table, in which optimal brightness setting values of the R, G and B lamps are stored for each screen color, checks brightness setting values of each of the lamps upon receipt of screen color information from the camera. A lamp driver drives each of the lamps in the light source according to control information from the lamp driving controller.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a projector apparatus projecting an image in provided. The apparatus includes an input unit for inputting layout information relating to a layout of the images projected by a plurality of projector apparatuses, an obtaining unit for obtaining respective projection areas of the plurality of projector apparatuses, a determination unit for determining a correction amount of the respective projection areas of the plurality of projector apparatuses based on the layout information input by the input unit and the projection areas obtained by the obtaining unit, and a notifying unit for notifying the plurality of projector apparatuses of the correction amount determined by the determination unit.

Abstract: A projector adapted to modulate light emitted from a light source and project the light modulated, includes: a light source lighting device adapted to perform a starting operation for starting lighting of the light source; a past result information storing section adapted to store past result information when the light source lights due to the starting operation; and a starting condition adjustment section adapted to adjust an operation condition in the starting operation to be performed later, based on the past result information stored in the past result information storing section.

Abstract: Throughput efficiency of an optical system is enhanced by using a directional light source coupled to a non-imaging optical element matched to a size and acceptance angle of an imaging lens. In various embodiments, a beam projection system and accompanying method are described that include a lamp body formed from a dielectric material. A bulb, placed adjacent to the lamp body, has a fill that forms a plasma when RF power is coupled to the fill from the lamp body. An optical train is optically coupled to the bulb to transform light generated by the plasma. The optical train includes a non-imaging optical element, an aperture, and at least one imaging lens element.

Abstract: A projector adapted to perform a keystone distortion correction for correcting keystone distortion of an image projected on a projection surface, includes: a fluctuation detection section adapted to start detection of fluctuation state of the projector in response to a predetermined instruction signal; an angle detection section adapted to detect an installation angle of the projector; a distortion correction section adapted to perform the keystone distortion correction, in response to detection of a fluctuation settled state by the fluctuation detection section, in accordance with the installation angle detected by the angle detection section; and a control section adapted to terminate the detection of the fluctuation state by the fluctuation detection section in response to elapse of second time while keeping the fluctuation settled state from completion of the keystone distortion correction by the distortion correction section.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying images from a video projector. The apparatus includes a virtual projector screen assembly with an elongate screen element, such as a rod, that is mounted at one end to a base. The base is adapted for pivoting about its axis, arid a driver mechanism pivots the, base at high frequencies. During operation, the screen element oscillates between two edge positions with images projected from the projector being displayed on a side of the screen element facing or proximate to the projector. The two edge positions can be thought of as intersecting at the base and define a sweep angle (e.g., the angular difference between the two outer travel points of the screen element that is typically less than about 90 degrees). The driver may include a motor with an oscillating output shaft that pivots the base such as with a belt attached to the base.

Abstract: A projector which modulates light emitted from a light source and projects the modulated light, includes: a light source drive device which includes a light source drive unit for driving the light source and a light source control unit for controlling operation of the light source drive unit; and a control unit which includes a first communication unit connected with the light source control unit and a second communication unit connected with the light source drive unit, and allows the light source control unit to control operation of the light source drive unit by outputting control command from the first communication unit. The control unit determines whether the control corresponding to the control command has been normally performed, and outputs control information from the second communication unit to control the light source drive unit when it is determined that the control has not been normally performed.

Abstract: A method for driving a high-pressure gas discharge lamp of a projector system, which is suitable to produce and to supply to a light valve device during a projection interval (4) a light beam of a basic color which is selected from several basic colors (G, R, B). The lamp is driven by a lamp current. During said projection interval light valves of the light valve device are controlled in a pulse width modulation manner to have each valve provide a respective wanted light integral over said projection interval. During at least one of a number of successive projection intervals associated with one basic color a magnitude of the lamp current is temporarily reduced for at least a time that all light valves can be controlled for said one basic color.

Abstract: A reflective mirror manufacturing method for manufacturing a reflective mirror used in an illumination device including an arc tube including a light-emitting portion and a reflective mirror including a reflective surface that reflects light from the light-emitting portion in a predetermined direction, includes: a first step of forming a tube by heating a tube including a material of the reflective mirror, thereafter putting the tube in a form block, applying internal pressure with an inert gas to cause a center portion of the tube to expand, so that part of an inner surface of the expanded center portion includes a shape corresponding to the reflective surface of the reflective mirror; a second step of cutting the tube at the center portion to form a reflective mirror member; and a third step of forming a reflective layer on an inner surface of the reflective mirror member.