Abstract: An image display system includes: an image input apparatus and an image display apparatus connected thereto that displays an image obtained. The image input apparatus includes an image pickup unit, a movable holding unit selectively brought into an imaging state or a non-imaging state and a state detection unit. A control unit brings the image input apparatus and the image display apparatus into a disconnected state where a transmission path for transferring data between the image input apparatus and the image display apparatus is logically disconnected when in the non-imaging state, and brings the image input apparatus and the image display apparatus into a connected state when in the imaging state.

Abstract: A video projector includes a reduced size spatial light modulator (400) that spatially modulates light from a light source (502) according to only a portion (e.g., ½) of a video frame at a time. A beam steerer (508, 600, 1600) steers spatially modulated light from the spatial light modulator to a correspond region (e.g., upper half, lower half) of a projection screen/surface (512) and one or more lenses (506, 510, 702, 802, 1002, 1008, 1100, 1300, 1502) insure that the spatially light modulator (400) is imaged onto the projection screen/surface (512).

Abstract: A projector for acquiring a coordinate of a bright spot includes a half transparent and half reflecting mirror (22), an imaging device (24), and a processing system (25). The half transparent and half reflecting mirror (22) is provided on a light path between the light source (21) and the zooming system (23). The imaging device (24) captures an external light ray reflected by the half transparent and half reflecting mirror (22). The processing system (25) acquires the coordinate of the bright spot according to the image of the image of the bright spot captured by the imaging device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for Reveal. Reveal includes a lens and a light source mounted within a housing. The light source projects light through the lens onto a projection surface. A first slide, a second slide and a motion slide are mounted in the housing between the light source and the lens. The first slide causes light from the light source to project a first defined image upon the projection surface. The second slide, which is less focused than the first defined image, causes light from the light source to project a second defined image upon the projection surface. The motion slide includes motion elements movable in response to a stimulus, such as airflow. Movement by the motion elements introduce an interference in light cast by the light source onto the projection surface. The interference provides an appearance of movement of an image projected by the second slide.

Abstract: A method includes generating a plurality of beams that each illuminate a separate portion of a spatial light modulator. The spatial light modulator has a first dimension of a first length and a second dimension of a second length. Each of the beams spans a portion of the first length of the first dimension and a portion of the second length of the second dimension. The method also includes scrolling the plurality of beams along the second dimension of the spatial light modulator while maintaining at least a first gap between each of the plurality of beams.

Abstract: This installation includes: a light source; means for storing film photoresist for exposure and exposed photoresist; a film carrier for positioning said film photoresist at an exposure plane; a projection lens capable of projecting the digital images at the exposure plane; a liquid crystal matrix where the various digital images to be exposed are displayed; a retractable mirror oriented at 45° to an optical axis of the projection lens; and an image analysis device positioned symmetrically to said exposure plane with regard to the plane containing said mirror when the latter is in place on the optical axis. When said mirror is positioned on the optical axis, the image analysis device is suitable for receiving the image transmitted by the liquid crystal matrix issuing from the projection lens. The signals thereby detected are processed using an associated software, for setting the characteristics of the optical members of the installation.

Abstract: Methods of operating a frequency-converted laser source are disclosed. According to particular disclosed embodiments, a laser diode is driven in a pulsed mode to define pixel intensity values corresponding to desired gray scale values of image pixels in an image plane of the laser source. The pixel intensity values are a function of a laser control signal comprising a discontinuous pulse component, a relatively constant intensity component I, and a continuously variable intensity component I*. The pulse width w of the discontinuous pulse component is selected from a set of discrete available pulse widths according to a desired pixel gray scale value. A low-end pulse width w of the set of available pulse widths is established for a range of low-end pixel gray scale values and progressively larger pulse widths w are established for ranges of progressively higher pixel gray scale values.

Abstract: A method includes generating a plurality of beams that each illuminate a separate portion of a spatial light modulator. The spatial light modulator has a first dimension of a first length and a second dimension of a second length. Each of the beams spans a portion of the first length of the first dimension and a portion of the second length of the second dimension. The method also includes scrolling the plurality of beams along the second dimension of the spatial light modulator while maintaining at least a first gap between each of the plurality of beams.

Abstract: Injection-molding materials comprised of polycarbonate can be processed into optically isotropic films in a chill roll extrusion method. The optically isotropic films for protecting data carriers (CD-ROMS) from becoming scratched, or they are used as supporting materials for the information layer.

Abstract: In a projection arrangement for projecting an image onto a projection surface, there are provided a light source (26), a control unit (25), a light modulator (10), which is controllable by said control unit (25) in order to generate an image on the basis of predetermined image data, an optical device (11), arranged following said light modulator, for projecting said image onto the projection surface (34), a film stage (2) for holding a positive image recorded on a carrier medium, projection optics (3), arranged following the film stage (2) when projecting the positive image, and a control device (6), allowing either to direct light from the light source (26) to the light modulator (10) or to illuminate a positive image, which is held by the film stage (2), with said light. Thus, a projection arrangement is provided which can project both positive images and images generated on the basis of predetermined data onto a projection surface (34).

Abstract: The invention provides an animated display in which an illumination source projects light through a platen and a transparency that contains alternative translucent images. The invention involves using an electronic processor to drive two highly controllable motors. Light sensors are used to determine the alignment of a mask over said transparency relative to the light source. The sensors provide input to the processor to allow the two motors to align the mask horizontally. The motors are used to drive the mask vertically in order to change the projected image. In a second embodiment, the lens is a lenticular lens behind the translucent raster multiple image film. A motor acts to drive the mask to align the opaque or image portions of the raster to the focusing portion of the lenticular lens. A lenticular lens may focus on the image line for one of the images on the film.

Abstract: The present invention is a beam splitter for splitting an incident beam into first and second beams so that the first and second beams have a fixed separation and are parallel upon exiting. The beam splitter includes a first prism, a second prism, and a film located between the prisms. The first prism is defined by a first thickness and a first perimeter which has a first major base. The second prism is defined by a second thickness and a second perimeter which has a second major base. The film is located between the first major base and the second major base for splitting the incident beam into the first and second beams. The first and second perimeters are right angle trapezoidal shaped. The beam splitter is configured for generating equal optical path length beams.

Abstract: An image projector including a film assembly, a motor, a light source, and a lens. The film assembly mounts a plurality of films such that the film assembly secures a first film of the plurality of films in a stationary position with respect to the film assembly and rotatably secures, with respect to the film assembly, a second film. The motor rotates the second film. The light source projects light through the plurality of films. The lens focuses the light projected through the plurality of films. The light projected through the plurality of films and the lens forms an image having a stationary portion and a rotating portion.

Abstract: A projection display that combines both overhead projector and electronic display functionality in a single projector. This invention provides a single comprehensive solution, which addresses both overhead projection display needs, as well as electronic projection display needs and further provides a new function that allows superimposed images from the two functions to be captured and stored for future projection through the electronic display function.

Abstract: A method of transparency viewing, including, placing the transparency at a viewing surface, forming a light pattern and projecting the light pattern to back-illuminate the transparency. Preferably, the light pattern is formed by spatially modulating a beam of light using a plurality of light-valves.

Abstract: A viewgraph projector having a light above the transparency receiver and jecting downward through the transparency is provided. The projected image is received below the transparency by a condenser lens and further transmitted by a flexible fiber-optic cable. A projecting lens is provided at the output end of the fiber-optic cable for projecting the images to a screen. Structurally associated with the projecting lens is a device or means which enables removably affixing the projecting lens relative to a suitable support in a conference room environment, which device may for example constitute a clip, hooking means, clamp, or weights. This enables a subset of the aforesaid elements comprising the light source, transparency receiver, and condenser lens to be located independently of the projecting lens, as for example, to locations where they do not obstruct the audience's field of view or where backscattered illumination from the light source does not annoy the audience.

Abstract: A transparent viewing sheet has a plurality of facial features outlined thereon and is used for form am image by viewing the facial features thereon. Rotatably concentric transparent facial feature rings are disposed in overlaid relation with each other and have different facial features outlined thereon but in different shapes and sizes. The facial feature rings are rotatably movable relative to each other and are arranged to align a plurality of facial features at a common point in their overlaid position to form an image as is it appeared in the viewing sheet. The facial feature rings are mounted on a base sheet having a viewing window therein whereby to view the formed image. The transparent viewing sheet may be used in combination with a mirror to form an image to be used to form the completed image.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator is disclosed with a first lens array disposed adjacent to a matrix of light modulators, and in proximity to a liquid crystal light valve containing a photoconductive element. Low intensity light is collimated by a lens element to illuminate an optical aperture which has geometric configuration similar to that of the matrix element. The first lens array focuses light from the illuminated aperture into the pupil of a matrix addressed spatial light modulator element. The second lens array collects light emitting from the light modulator element, and focuses the image of the aperture onto the photoconductive element of the liquid crystal light valve so as to preserve the geometrical and positional configuration of the optical aperture, and magnify the size of the illuminated region on the photoconductor. The design of the optics is such that when adjacent apertures are imaged onto the photoconductor, the proximate boundaries of the illuminated regions are contiguous.

Abstract: An interactive image projection apparatus for the projection of computer generated images on a projection surface in cooperation with a light source and projection optics for projecting a beam of light from the light source onto the projection surface. The apparatus includes a substantially transparent image display device disposed in the beam of light and including means for receiving image-defining signals from a computer and producing an image based on the image-defining signals that is projected onto the projection surface in the beam of light. A touch screen, at least a portion of which is substantially transparent, is disposed in the beam of light between the image display device and the projection surface and includes means for generating a signal when touched for use as input information at the computer. Preferably, the touch screen is supported directly over the image display device.

Abstract: A TV viewer having a light source and an image pick-up device is provided which is spaced from the light source at a predetermined distance, the viewer having a film holding plane and a slide holding plane which are spaced from one another along the optical axis direction of the image pick-up device, between the light source and the image pick-up device, a film feeding device for feeding the film to the film holding plane, and a slide feeding device for feeding at least one slide to the slide holding plane.

Abstract: An illumination lamp including a frame formed of plastics material support boards (10-12) mounted in parallel relation perpendicular to the main axis of the lamp and spacers (14, 16) spacing said support boards from one another. Mounted on the frame is an illumination source (24), projecting a beam of light therefrom along the main axis of the lamp. A gobo disk (44) rotatable about an axis parallel to the main axis and includes a plurality of shaped apertures (52-57) distributed circumferentially of the gobo disk and selectively positionable in the beam; an iris (40) is mounted forwardly of gobo disk and a lens assembly (36) is mounted forwardly of the iris. The lens assembly (36) is moved so that its focal point is either accurately in the plane of gobo disk (44) or in the plane of the iris (40).

Abstract: A film projector toy is described, including a projector casing and a film cassette received by the casing. The film cassette includes a plurality of films movable one relative to another. Indicia representing different portions of a complete, predetermined picture image are illustrated on each film and the films are superimposed in the cassette. The indicia are then projected, for example, on a wall, so as to form the complete picture image. At least one film is then moved relative to the other films so that the indicia are moved, thereby creating a moving picture image.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical method of inserting a subject image into a background image to create a composite image by projecting the background image onto a light-reflecting countermatte of the subject image and causing the subject image to appear in the non-reflective part of the countermatte. The invention includes an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Two microfiches carrying information recorded in different colors which can be detected independently of each other by means of color separation optical system are superposed in the direction of the optical axis of a projection optical system. The two kinds of information recorded in different colors on the two microfiches are separately displayed on a single or two display devices through color separation optical system such as color filters or a dichroic filter. When the two kinds of information are displayed on a single display device, the information is changed over by changing over the color separation system. When the two kinds of information are displayed on two display devices, they are displayed simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus for altering an optically projected member includes a writing light which is directed at the apparent projected image of the member, which may be a transparency or workpiece or the like. The writing light is transmitted backwards through the projection optics, and is focussed to an intensely illuminated writing spot near the projection member. A recording member, such as a recording transparency which is sensitive to the writing light and insensitive to the projection beam, is disposed adjacent to the projection slide. The recording member is altered by the focussed writing light to form a locally marked area which becomes incorporated in the apparent projected image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying data which is stored in a medium of hival quality. The original data is left unmodified, and a modification document is prepared which has addition and deletion data thereon. The original and modified data is combined in a given way to generate a correctly modified composite.

Abstract: A viewing device with a series of image bearing films that are individually positioned to form a composite image. Each film is wound from one roller, past the composite image forming area and onto a take-up roller. In one embodiment a single knob for the entire device operates a drive-chain which is capable of separately engaging the pair of rollers for each film. In another embodiment a control knob and a one-way mechanism is provided for each roller pair to permit the film to be wound precisely back and forth without any binding of the film. The device can be used for facial identification.

Abstract: A visualizer has a case containing spools arranged in sets of two. A different film strip is wound around the two spools of each set and the portion of the film strip located intermediate the two spools passes through a gate where all the film strips are superimposed. Each spool has a pinion gear which is normally located adjacent to a large drive gear rotated by a hand crank on the case. An actuating mechanism brings the pinion gear of either spool for a set into engagement with the drive gear, causing the spool to rotate and advance the film strip of that set through the gate, the direction of advancement being dependent on which of the spools is engaged with the spur gear. Hence, it is possible to change the composition of the composite illustration formed by the superimposed film strips.

Abstract: A visualizer apparatus for composing composite illustrations has a housing with a viewing tunnel and a lamp house therein and a film gate between the tunnel and lamp house. A plurality of film strips having illustrations thereon pass through the film gate where they are superimposed on each other to form a composite illustration which is visible through the tunnel. Beyond both ends of the film gate, these film strips are wound around spools which are also within the housing. Each spool has a spool pulley which normally rotates freely relative to it, and all of the spool pulleys are connected to an electric drive motor by a series of belts. The spools are individually engageable with their spool pulleys so that the film strips may be advanced one at a time in either direction to vary the composite illustration formed in the gate. The lamp house and viewing tunnel slide out of the housing, as does a lamp assembly which is in the lamp house.

Abstract: A multiple pattern display device comprising a plurality of strips interlaced in a weave to expose selected sections thereof. The strips are attached to rollers at the ends thereof, and as the rollers are driven in rotation the exposed sections of the strips within the weave are varied. In this manner various messages can be sequentially displayed. The weaved arrangement of the strips is maintained in a coherent relationship by gearing the rollers such that as the rollers are turned various messages are formed by the exposed group of strip segments. During the transition between messages a kaleidoscopic effect is produced which typically is interesting to viewers.

Abstract: An apparatus for composing composite illustrations includes a plurality of film strips having successive frames, each of which possesses a separate illustration, a registration mark, and a number identifying the frame. All of the film strips pass through a gate where they are superimposed on each other. One side of the gate is a light transmitting material which is illuminated by a light source. The other side of the gate is a transparent window having a separate registration mark for each film strip. When the registration marks on selected frames of the several film strips are aligned with their appropriate registration marks on the window, a composite illustration is formed and this illustration is visible through the window. The composite illustration may be altered by moving one or more of the film strips to bring other frames thereof into the proper position within the gate, that is, with the frame registration mark aligned with the appropriate window registration mark.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a composite microfiche including a first emulsion bearing lamina on which one or more permanent data image frames are located and a second emulsion bearing lamina on which one or more updating data image frames are located, wherein the image or images on the first lamina are inverted and in different planar positions with respect to the image or images on the second lamina such that when the emulsion on the first lamina is superimposed on the emulsion on the second lamina, the laminae can be read together as one microfiche, the images appearing in the different planar positions in a substantially common focal plane.A three-reflective surface microfiche image inverter is also provided.