Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for providing an end user with a digital pen embedded with a spatially-aware miniature projector for use in a design environment. Paper documents are augmented to allow a user to access additional information and computational tools through projected interfaces. Virtual ink may be managed in single and multi-user environments to enhance collaboration and data management. The spatially-aware projector pen provides end-users with dynamic visual feedback and improved interaction capabilities.

Abstract: A display device (100) of the present invention has a first switch (3) and a second switch (4) on an upper surface of its casing, and includes a control circuit (18) for controlling the first switch (3) and the second switch (4) and a light source (19) inside the casing. The control circuit (18) performs control so that the light source (19) is turned on when the second switch (4) is pressed after a predetermined period of time has passed from when the first switch (3) was pressed. Thereby, the display device (100) of the present invention prevents entering of a person into a projection area before projection of video, and controls inadvertent start-up.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for projecting a tangible image of data characterizing an object onto a surface of the object itself. Three-dimensional measurements of the object are obtained, the measurements are processed for projection, and a tangible image is projected onto the object, the image conveying information based on the three-dimensional measurements. The image may be projected concurrently with performance of measurements. In an exemplary dental context, information derived in part from three-dimensional measurements of a tooth or replica may be projected onto the actual tooth or replica. In interactive application, a work piece is be measured during the course of fabrication, and three-dimensional information, derived from contemporaneous non-contact measurement, is projected onto the work piece in order to direct the user with the formation of the work piece.

Abstract: There is provided a projector having a projecting unit, a projecting system which projects video onto a projection surface by use of the projecting unit, a projecting direction judgment system which judges a projecting direction of the projecting system, and a menu image generating system which generates a menu image, as video generated in the projector as the video to be projected by the projecting system, so that the menu image suits the projecting direction judged by the projecting direction judgment system.

Abstract: A data presentation apparatus having a function to generate a pointer image pointing a position in a presentation image is provided and includes: an image transmission section that transmits an image data of the presentation image to a terminal; a receiver that receives a control signal to determine a display position of the pointer image in the presentation image, the control signal being transmitted from the terminal; and an image generation section that generates an image data of a composite image based on the control signal, the composite image including the presentation image and the pointer image displayed in the presentation image.

Abstract: An integrated interactive drawing and entertainment projector comprises a base having a top surface defining a receptacle for a sheet of paper. The housing is attached to the base. A film having at least one image thereon is received in the housing. A projector within the housing is operatively associated with the film to project the at least one image on to the top surface of the base defining the receptacle.

Abstract: A holding unit holds a plurality of types of white balance adjustment color data with respect to colors of the plurality of projection surfaces. A projection control unit causes a projection unit to simultaneously project patterns having a plurality of colors based on the plurality of types of held color data, upon dividing the patterns into areas configured to be selected for each pattern. A selection control unit causes a designation unit to select a pattern which is whitest from the patterns having the plurality of projected colors. When a given pattern is selected from the patterns having the plurality of colors projected, a color data acquiring unit acquires color data corresponding to the selected pattern from the plurality of types of held color data. A color correction unit performs color correction of an image to be projected.

Abstract: A high-reliability display system is disclosed. The display system includes a plurality of projection channels. Each projection channel projects a substantially mutually exclusive portion of an image onto a display area. A controller determines the content and size of each portion that each projection channel projects onto the display area so that the image substantially fills the display area during normal conditions. When one of the projection channels is inoperative, the controller adjusts the portions of the image that are projected by the operative projection channels to optimize the image on the display area.

Abstract: Disclosed are a projector and the protector thereof having superior safety and practicality. The projector for projecting an image on a screen comprises sensors for performing detection in an area to be subjected to detection that is a local space. The local space is located on the outside of a projection space area which projecting light passes through, and extends along an outer edge of the projection space area. When the sensors detect an object in the area to be subjected to detection, a general controller of the projector turns off a power source of a lamp unit that is a light emitting source, and thus the general controller causes the projector to stop projecting. This prevents damage to the eyes of a person who carelessly looks into a projection lens.

Abstract: An apparatus for quickly and accurately aligning a layout to be duplicated having a copy board with an upper work surface for receiving a layout to be aligned and duplicated; an alignment pattern member including an alignment pattern; a wave energy projecting member positioned adjacent the upper work surface of the copy board for projecting an image of the alignment pattern onto the upper work surface; a duplicating member positioned adjacent the upper work surface of the copy board for duplicating the image of the layout; an orienting member for orienting the projected image of the alignment pattern with the duplicating member; and a cut off member for removing the projected image of the alignment pattern from the upper work surface of the copy board prior to the operation of the duplicating member.

Abstract: A drawing production aide is disclosed which is designed to be placed over a working surface where an artist, engineer or architect is drawing. The device includes a carrier for a drawing and a light and lens system designed to project the drawing on the working surface. In a further aspect, the inventive aide includes an adjustable grid device designed to be used to visualize a scene in terms of a plurality of subsections, to best facilitate drawing the scene.

Abstract: A hand-held calculator has a transparent window carrying a liquid crystal display as well as transparent number and function key locations such that when placed on an overhead projector, the calculator can be used to demonstrate to a classroom of students all operations performed in a sequence of mathematical operations. The plastic casing of the calculator has one or more small holes passing through the casing at corners. Another feature of the calculator is an improved keyboard of relatively small domain size for each key, with a spacer grid on the back surface of the keyboard membrane panel overlay element, effective to provide pressure isolation of an active key from adjacent keys and also to prevent other pressures on the keyboard from causing mistaken entries. A further feature of the calculator is a protrusion or foot at each corner of the back of the calculator casing.

Abstract: A rear projection screen assembly comprising a transparent screen suitable for passage therethrough of a light beam emanating from a rear projector apparatus, means for supporting the screen such that it is positionable to intercept the light beam, means in operative association with the screen, for supporting at least one sheet of translucent material, such that the transluscent material can be releasably fixed to the screen adjacent a screen surface opposite the screen surface first encountered by the light beam; and a kit suitable for construction of a rear projection screen assembly; and further includes a method of graphically modifying an image projected by a rear projection apparatus.

Abstract: A system for painting images of stars and other objects on the interior surfaces of a room with phosphorescent paint utilizes a projector to project symbols on the surface to indicate locations of points to be painted. The projector is adjustable to accomodate rooim size and position of the viewer.

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: In a method of establishing and writing a pattern which, when placed in a light beam from a projector, produces an illuminated area of any shape and size displayed on a screen, a reference point is defined which, when projected onto the screen, forms a contrasted light area thereon. The reference point is moved in the light beam so that its trajectory defines an illuminated area of required shape displaying this movement. This trajectory is written onto a pattern storage device simultaneously with or subsequently to movement of the reference point. The device for implementing this method comprises a plate incorporating a plurality of writable locations, a displacement device for moving from location to location, a pattern defining device, a memorizing device and a pattern writing device. The method and device are primarily intended for use in the theatre and entertainment for producing luminous decorative effects and luminous areas related to the decor, objects and persons in the projection space.

Abstract: A projection and viewing apparatus having a hollow housing with an open top and front and back walls is also provided with an optical system carriage which is mounted within the housing for rotational movement with respect to the housing. This carriage is capable of rotation from an upright position to a substantially horizontal position. The carriage is composed of a lower portion which is mounted to the housing for the rotational movement and an upper portion which is pivotally mounted with respect to the lower portion so as to be able to move from an extended position in which the upper and lower positions define the operational carriage, to a retracted position in which either the upper or lower portion is withdrawn into the other. Provision is made for locking the upper and lower portions together in the extended position. The lower carriage portion is provided with a depth dimension which is no greater than the distance between the front and rear walls of the housing.

Abstract: A hand-held calculator for use in conducting classroom demonstrations of the operation thereof, including use of the operation instruction key means. The calculator comprises a frame, a keyboard section, data processing means and a display section and where both the keyboard and display sections are transparent to permit images thereof to be projected on a screen for teaching purposes.

Abstract: In a device for projecting a primary image from a transparency along an optical path and for altering the image by selectively directing a writing light source reversably along the optical path toward the transparency, a transparent recording film includes a pre-recorded primary image layer and a secondary layer annotatable by the marking light. The two layers are congruent, and in one embodiment comprise superimposed substrates which are joined mechanically. In another embodiment, the two layers are coated jointly on one substrate, and in a further embodiment the two layers are intimately mixed to form one bifunctional layer. Various means are disclosed whereby the primary image layer is unaffected by the marking light, and the annotatable secondary layer is unaffected by the projection illumination.

Abstract: A desk top microfilm reader and work station having a rectangular base enclosing a film housing and projection system. The base has a flat top surface which functions as an operator work surface and an image projection surface. A support arm rises vertically from the base and a hood is attached near the top of the support arm. There are illumination lamps and a mirror in the hood. The lamps illuminate the work surface and are turned off when a micro image is to be projected onto the image projection surface. The optical projection path from the projection system to the mirror in the hood and back to the projection surface is unenclosed.

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: An apparatus for projecting images simulating the phenomenon of combustion on a display media is provided with a control means for quickly positioning, expanding, and diminishing the images. Light from a light source is passed through orange and grey translucent filter segments, a light dispersal means, and an animating means to project animated orange and grey light images upon the media, the orange light representing the flame component of combustion and the grey light representing the smoke component. The control means comprises a transparent tray situated between the dispersal means and the display media which is overlaid with opaque or translucent particulate material which may be cleared by the finger of an operator or the like from a small area at a selected position on the tray surface to project an image at a corresponding position on the media, the dimensions of the projected image corresponding to the dimensions of the cleared area.

Abstract: A device for inscribing additional informations on microfilms of a construction, wherein informations already recorded on microfilms are projected on an image screen by means of an enlarging and projecting device, additional informations to be entered on this microfilm are written in on the projected enlarged information images on the screen by a pen through guide means which moves on the projected image on the screen, the additional informations thus written-in on an appropriate portion on the projected image on the screen are reduced by a scale reducing means interlinked with the guide means and which reduces the movement of the guide means, and the thus reduced additional informations are then inscribed on the microfilm by means of write-in needle attached to the scale-reducing means.

Abstract: In an optical transformation drawing apparatus in which an image is projected by a projector on to a rear face of a projection screen so that a draftsman can trace on the front face of the screen the image transmitted through the screen, both the projection screen and a projector support frame supporting the projector are mounted on a fixed frame to pivot about an axis with the projector support frame and the projector thereon acting as a counterweight for the screen and with the projector support frame arranged parallel to the pivot axis, a mirror being provided to deflect the image from the projector on to the rear face of the screen.

Abstract: The design of a large copy projector is such that its projection path extends rearwardly and obliquely so that the projector and the viewing screen can be viewed side-by-side. This projector uses an opaque copy sheet characterized by a lower specularly reflecting face that is accessible to the optical system from below but that can be marked from above by a chemical reactant ink from a user's pen or the like. Simultaneously, the upper face is unobstructedly available for direct observation and manual access, and the lower face is unobstrusively available for imaging projection through a folded optical path below the copy sheet and a wide angle projection lens positioned at the side of the copy sheet.