Light Shield, Mask, Hood, Or Diaphragm Patents (Class 353/75)
  • Patent number: 9787959
    Abstract: A projection device comprising a MEMS mirror which oscillates about one or more oscillation axes to scan light from one or more lasers, across a display screen, to project pixels which define an image onto a display screen is disclosed. A method comprising selecting a laser class for the projection device; calculating relationship between maximum accessible emission limit and distance, for the selected laser class, for a predetermined number of black pixels in an image; determining the distance between a display screen and the projection device; and modifying a pixel stream which defines said image which is to be projected by the projection device, so that the pixel stream is provided with said predetermined number of black pixels is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeremy Schlachter, Nicolas Abele
  • Patent number: 8894216
    Abstract: A projector for projecting diffracted light in a selectable pattern and/or animation on a display surface. The apparatus includes a light source providing one or more beams of coherent light from one or more lasers. The apparatus includes a diffraction assembly in the path of the light source to generate diffracted light by diffracting the laser light with one, two, or more diffraction grating patterns and, optionally, with a diffraction glass or other material. An active mask is provided with a raster that receives the diffracted light and that includes a plurality of optical shutter elements that are selectively operable to project a portion of the diffracted light from the active mask toward the display surface. In one example, the active mask includes a liquid crystal display panel to provide a grid of addressable programmable pixels that are turned on and off to project portions of the diffracted light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Reichow, Daniel M. Joseph
  • Patent number: 8648291
    Abstract: A projection system includes a projection screen defining a shape and a projector configured to project an image onto the projection screen. The projector may project a static or dynamic image that has substantially the same shape as the projection screen or otherwise block portions of the projected image that are projected outside of the projection screen with the aid of a virtual mask. The virtual mask and the projection screen may be created based on a virtual shape template that defines the desired shape for the projection screen, such as with a vector outline. In some embodiments, the virtual mask and the projection screen are created based on the same virtual shape template. The virtual shape template may define a cutting path for extracting the projection screen from a suitable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Brett C. Tanis-Likkel, Vincent S. Peddle, Mark L. Schuleman, Michael L. Graetz, Russell J. Vander Wiel
  • Patent number: 8585215
    Abstract: A projector includes: a light source, a light amount control device, an electro-optic unit, and a projection device, the light amount control device includes a light-shielding member configured to shield part of the luminous flux emitted from the light source, a holding member configured to hold the light-shielding member, the holding member is formed of a material having a coefficient of thermal conductivity lower than the coefficient of thermal conductivity of the light-shielding member, and a position changing unit configured to move or rotate in order to change the position of the light-shielding member, the light-shielding member is attached to the position changing unit via the holding member, and the light-shielding member comes into contact with the holding member via a projection provided on at least one of the light-shielding member and the holding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hirohisa Nakano
  • Patent number: 8474984
    Abstract: A projection display device includes a light source, an optical intensity-equalizing element, an optical modulating element, an optical diffusion element, a relay optical system that is configured such that an output end of the optical intensity-equalizing element and a display element plane of the optical modulating element are optically conjugate, and a projection optical system. The relay optical system includes a first lens unit that condenses a light from the optical intensity-equalizing element and a second lens unit that further condenses a light from the first lens unit. The optical diffusion element is arranged between an light incident side of the first lens unit and the optical intensity-equalizing element. An optical axis of the second lens unit and a center of the output end of the optical intensity-equalizing element are shifted in a same direction from an optical axis of the first lens unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Yagyu, Koji Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 8461506
    Abstract: A projection system includes a projection screen defining a shape and a projector configured to project an image onto the projection screen. The projector may project a static or dynamic image that has substantially the same shape as the projection screen or otherwise block portions of the projected image that are projected outside of the projection screen with the aid of a virtual mask. The virtual mask and the projection screen may be created based on a virtual shape template that defines the desired shape for the projection screen, such as with a vector outline. In some embodiments, the virtual mask and the projection screen are created based on the same virtual shape template. The virtual shape template may define a cutting path for extracting the projection screen from a suitable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Brett C. Tanis-Likkel, Vincent S. Peddle, Mark L. Schuleman, Michael L. Graetz, Russell J. Vander Wiel
  • Patent number: 8444277
    Abstract: A projector includes: first and second light blocking members adapted to partially block a light beam from a light source, and a drive section adapted to make the first and second light blocking members perform an opening and closing operation. When the corresponding first and second light blocking members are located at a maximum blocking state, with respect to an opening and closing direction of the first and second light blocking members perpendicular to a system optical axis, a first and second support sections support the first and second light blocking members at predetermined positions on the system optical axis side from intermediate positions corresponding to midpoints of areas between edge portions of the first and second light blocking members on the system optical axis side and parts, to which outer edges of the light beam to be blocked are input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Daisuke Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8421002
    Abstract: A dust-proof enclosure portion which stores therein an emission portion of a projection unit and in which a projection window from which image light is emitted is formed to direct upward, and a cabinet shielding structure which holds a screen on a front side, in which an opening that introduces the image light emitted from the projection window of the projection unit is included, and in which a second reflection mirror that reflects the introduced image light toward the rear surface of the screen is arranged are included, in which a second dust-proof cover is detachably attached to the opening (light introducing and managing opening) of the cabinet shielding structure, the projection window is exposed in a state where the second dust-proof cover is removed, and the cabinet shielding structure is a sealed structure in a state where the second dust-proof cover is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichiro Okura, Haruhiko Matoba
  • Patent number: 8388147
    Abstract: A screen assembly and a rear-projection type graphic display device are provided to block overscanned light Lo projected outside a fresnel lens screen. The screen assembly 20A includes the fresnel lens screen 21, a screen retainer 22 and a light blocking member 23. The fresnel lens screen 21 forms an image on the side of a front surface 21b by image light Le incoming through a back surface 21a. The screen retainer 22 has a back surface 22a whose area is larger than the back surface 21a and the front surface 21b and which is opposed to the front surface 21b to hold it, and a front surface 22b located on opposite side of the back surface 22a to allow an image formed by the image light incoming through the back surface 21a to be visible through the front surface 22b. The screen retainer 22 has an optical transparency. The light blocking member 23 is arranged so as to surround respective side surfaces of the screen 21 in the form of a frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: JVC Kenwood Corporation
    Inventors: Toshitaka Murata, Ryusaku Takahashi, Masahiko Miyake, Manabu Kobayashi, Takatsugu Aizaki, Hironobu Fukutomi
  • Patent number: 8193480
    Abstract: A projection system includes a projection screen defining a shape and a projector configured to project an image onto the projection screen. The projector may project a static or dynamic image that has substantially the same shape as the projection screen or otherwise block portions of the projected image that are projected outside of the projection screen with the aid of a virtual mask. The virtual mask and the projection screen may be created based on a virtual shape template that defines the desired shape for the projection screen, such as with a vector outline. In some embodiments, the virtual mask and the projection screen are created based on the same virtual shape template. The virtual shape template may define a cutting path for extracting the projection screen from a suitable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Brett C. Tanis-Likkel, Vincent S. Peddle, Mark L. Schuleman, Michael L. Graetz, Russell J. Vander Wiel
  • Patent number: 8186832
    Abstract: A projector includes: a light source; a polarization conversion element array having an entrance surface on which an effective entrance area and an ineffective entrance area are disposed to form stripes; a modulation device adapted to modulate a linearly polarized light beam emitted from the polarization conversion element array in accordance with an image signal; a projection device adapted to project the modulated light beam; a first light shielding section, a part of the entrance surface being provided with the first light shielding section adapted to shield a part of the incident light beam to the effective entrance area; and a first opening section, the first opening section being another area of the entrance surface than the part provided with the first light shielding section, at least a part of the first opening section reaches an end of the entrance surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke Hayashi, Kanji Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8002482
    Abstract: A transparent screen is constructed in such a way that a plurality of Fresnel prisms 12d each of which is smaller than a plurality of Fresnel prisms 12a and has a shape approximately similar to that of each of the plurality of Fresnel prisms 12a are arranged in a sawtooth shape on a non-light incidence surface portion of a Fresnel lens 12 on a light incidence side to which any image light PB applied from a projector 1 is not applied directly because blocked by a Fresnel prism 12a placed frontwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Endo, Yuzo Nakano, Hayato Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7841727
    Abstract: A projection optical system includes a digital micro-mirror device and a light blocker disposed along the light path of the digital micro-mirror device. The digital micro-mirror device includes a base having a plurality of outer pads, a micro-mirror array disposed on the base, and a plurality of bonding wires. The bonding wires are electrically connecting the outer pads with the corresponding micro-mirror array. The light blocker is configured for blocking the light incident to the bonding wires and the light reflected by the bonding wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Te Lin, Wen-Pin Yeh
  • Patent number: 7841728
    Abstract: An image display apparatus 100 that displays an image using a light modulated according to an image signal includes a projection optical system 90 that includes a projection lens 20, a first mirror 30 that reflects a light from the projection lens 20, and a second mirror 40 that widens an angle of a light from the first mirror 30 by reflecting the light, and projects the light modulated according to the image signal from an optical engine unit 10; a third mirror 50 that reflects a light from the projection optical system 90; and a screen 50 that transmits a light from the third mirror 50. The projection lens 20 and the second mirror 40 are arranged in such a manner that an optical axis of the projection lens 20 substantially matches an optical axis of the second mirror 40, and shift the light from the optical engine unit 10 to a specific side from the optical axis of the projection lens 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Morikuni, Masatoshi Yonekubo, Toshihiko Sakai, Shunji Kamijima
  • Patent number: 7784950
    Abstract: An image projecting apparatus has an integrator for generating plural secondary-light-source images for generating illumination light with a uniform intensity; and a variable stop mechanism arranged at or near a position conjugate with the secondary-light-source images. The variable stop mechanism has a base plate having a fixed aperture; and a stop blade which moves across the aperture for changing a quantity of light. The change in the quantity of light passing through said variable stop caused by the movement of said stop blade is greater than a change in a size of an effective region of a stop aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.
    Inventor: Yasumasa Sawai
  • Publication number: 20100177284
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Frank J. Moizio, Julius G. Horvath, Jeffrey A. Garrett
  • Patent number: 7753536
    Abstract: A dynamic aperture, positioned in the path of light, includes a pair of parallel blades, a connecting member, a driving member, and a motor. The projection device includes a light source configured for generating light. The connecting member is fixed to the projection device and rotatably interconnects a same side of the blades. The driving member rotatably interconnects the opposite side of the blades so that the blades, the connecting member, and the driving member constituting a variable quadrangular frame. The motor is coupled to the driving member and is configured for rotating the driving member. Rotation of the driving member and restriction of the projection device to the connection member alter dimensions of the variable quadrangular frame and accordingly adjust a gap between the blades through which the generated light passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsieh-Tung Chung, Wen-Pin Yeh
  • Patent number: 7651226
    Abstract: A segmented display system in which the display devices are arranged in a N×1 array is described. The segmented display system includes a plurality of projection devices that each project a portion of an image on a corresponding one of the display devices in the N×1 array. Distortion from extra light is minimized using a moveable mask around each projection device lens in the N×1 array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Mark Alan Schultz, Matthew Robert Lamb, Charles Bryan Hunt
  • Patent number: 7470030
    Abstract: A projection system includes a cabinet having a surface with an aperture therein, a projector disposed within the cabinet, adapted to project light through the aperture in the surface of the cabinet, and a lens disposed in the aperture to project the light onto a screen disposed generally non-parallel to the cabinet surface having the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: John A. Devos, Gregory J. May, Rachel Fillmore Smythe
  • Patent number: 7419266
    Abstract: A projector includes a laser beam source that outputs a laser beam and modulates the laser beam in a beam form based on an image signal, a scanning unit that scans the laser beam output by the laser beam source at least in one-dimensional direction, a scan driving unit that drive controls the scanning unit by a first force, a retaining unit that stops and retains the scanning unit at a predetermined position by a second force, and a light shielding unit that shields the laser beam from the scanning unit that is retained by the retaining unit. The scan driving unit releases the scanning unit retained by the retaining unit, and drives it when the first force is larger than the second force. The retaining unit stops and retains the scanning unit at the predetermined position when the second force is larger than the first force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hideya Seki
  • Publication number: 20080180643
    Abstract: Not only abnormality of a light output to an exterior but also overturning, vibration, disassembly, deformation, or breakage of a display apparatus including a case and a screen are reliably and promptly detected. A projection display apparatus includes a light source (22) for generating illumination light, which is provided in a case (28) having a light-shielding function, a movable aperture (23) for adjusting the amount of illumination light from the light source (22), a light valve (9) for adjusting the amount of light based on an image signal to generate image light for forming an image from the illumination light, a projection optical system (10) for enlarging the image light from the light valve (9), and a transmission-type screen (29) for displaying the image, which is provided to a window of the case (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takao ENDO, Yuzo Nakano, Takeshi Utakoji, Yasuharu Koyata
  • Patent number: 7399093
    Abstract: Disclosed is a reflection mirror of a projection television to prevent the frame of the projection television from being deformed and to fabricate the projection television with ease. The reflection mirror is fabricated by forming a plurality of ribs at a section of the frame and inserting a soft shield plate between the ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Taeg Ho Kang, Deog Jin Lee, Dong Kweon Shin, Ju Young Jeong, Jong Ho Lee, Yong Joo Lee
  • Patent number: 7388666
    Abstract: A probe assembly used in testing instrument for determining optical signal within a test cell, comprising a top plate (5;205) with a through-hole (52;250) therein; a cylindrical light hood (2;202) having a central channel (21;221); the lower end of the optical pickup (1) is inserted into said channel (21;221) and surrounded by said light hood, and said light hood can slide down and up within a small distance isolating said one test cell of the sample being detected from its adjacent cells and surroundings when the lower end of said light hood is in said protruding position, so that the light interference from the adjacent test cells and surroundings with (to) the determination of the sampling being detected can be avoided. Also, the present invention further relates to the light hood included in the probe assembly and the instruments including the probe assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Beijing Yuande Bio-Medical Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Encong Liu, Jinsheng Yu, Xiaolin Yang, Xiaodong Wu
  • Patent number: 7370972
    Abstract: In a two-dimensional image display device, speckle noise is reduced by a simple construction. A two-dimensional image display device for displaying an image by projecting coherent light onto a projection plane is provided with at least one coherent light source (1a), (1b), (1c) for outputting coherent light, a polarization state modulator 6 for modulating at least one of a polarization state and a phase of the coherent light emitted from the coherent light source, and a birefringent diffusion plate (7) for spatially varying the phase of the coherent light emitted from the polarization state modulator. The polarization states of light spots in the respective pixels of the image displayed on the projection plane are spatially and temporally varied, thereby forming various speckle patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Morikawa, Ken'ichi Kasazumi, Kiminori Mizuuchi
  • Patent number: 7300158
    Abstract: The invention concerns a display apparatus with an imager illuminated by an illumination system and with an imaging system projecting an image on a viewing screen, wherein the brightness of the image on the imager has a variation over a given direction, and wherein the illumination system has light controlling elements for controlling the light distribution over the given direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Thomsom Licensing
    Inventors: Valter Drazic, Eugene O'Donnell, Pascal Benoit, Arno Schubert
  • Patent number: 6995906
    Abstract: A rear projection unit has a screen mounted in a frame which supports a projector at a desired position in relation to the screen. The projector can thereby be positioned in various ways and the frame reduced and enlarged according to the requirements of the projection unit. The projection unit has a tapering shape and light absorbing material so that internal reflections are minimized and light absorption is maximized to enhance clarity of the screen. The frame itself is configurable with the arms being pivotable and extendable. A light absorbing material is stretched over the frame and a fan included to cool a projector within the unit and draw air into the unit through the material thereby serving the dual purpose of cooling and filtering air. A new material for absorbing light is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Guy Spencer Edney
  • Patent number: 6967839
    Abstract: A cooling device includes a printed circuit board having a hole, a light valve disposed on the front surface of the printed circuit board, and a thermal diffuser disposed on the back surface of the printed circuit board. Therefore, the thermal diffuser can contact the light valve through the whole, and directly receives heat from the light valve. Guided by partition wall and channels, a fan of the thermal diffuser sucks airflows into stream channels to fully exchange heat with diffuser fins for cooling the light valve, so that the cooling efficiency of the light valve can be increased. Then, the airflows blow and cool the printed circuit board to form an integrated cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Young Optics Inc.
    Inventors: Tai-Ling Chung, Chi-Chui Yun, Ching-Chung Nien
  • Patent number: 6921174
    Abstract: A cabinet for a projection television system, the cabinet including a one-piece molded structure for mounting the components, and reference surfaces unitary with the structure, for mechanically aligning critical optical components of the television system with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing, S.A.
    Inventors: Scott Joseph Duggan, Darin Bradley Ritter
  • Publication number: 20040201826
    Abstract: A projector is provided to ensure the enhancement of contrasts while reducing the needs for alignment accuracy. The projector includes a light source, a first lens array, second lens array, a superimposing lens, and a projection lens lens. The first lens array splits light emitted by the light source into a plurality of partial light beams with a plurality of small lenses that are arranged in a matrix. The second lens array includes a plurality of small lenses corresponding to the plurality of small lenses of the first lens array. The superimposing lens superimposes a plurality of partial light beams emitted by the first lens array and the second lens array on a liquid crystal panel. The projection lens projects light modulated by the liquid crystal panel. In the projector, a diaphragm having an opening that is shaped to be nearly similar to the outline of the second lens array is provided in the vicinity of an area conjugated with the second lens array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Nishida, Katsuyuki Uehara
  • Publication number: 20040150798
    Abstract: A fixing structure for a light valve is installed on a projection apparatus having a container. The fixing structure comprises a connector and a circuit broad. The light valve is inserted into the connector, and the connector is fixed to the container by utilizing the fixing plates or adhesive. The printed circuit broad connects with the connector and is screwed to the projection apparatus by screwing devices. Thus, the light valve and the circuit broad have individually fixing structures. As disassembling the circuit broad for maintaining, the light valve can't be dismantled or removed. Hence, the fixing structure prevents damaging the light valve so that the projection apparatus has optimum performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Chien-Ming Tsao, Yung-Chuan Tseng
  • Patent number: 6631997
    Abstract: A light-source device comprising: a rod integrator having an injection end and an emitting end; a lens unit for collecting a luminous flux emitted from the emitting end; and, a diaphragm. The rod integrator forms a plurality of imaginary light-source points, each of which virtually emits the luminous flux toward the emitting end. The diaphragm is disposed in the vicinity of a plane on which the lens unit forms the images of the imaginary light-source points, and selectively blocks luminous flux emitted from each of the images of the imaginary light-source points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihisa Miyata, Shinji Okamori, Shinsuke Shikama
  • Patent number: 6494582
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a projection monitor, and in particular to a projection monitor having a darkroom casing capable of preventing a penetration of a foreign material and any leakage of light and easily assembling reflection mirrors which guide the image projected by the engine to a screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seong-Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 6400506
    Abstract: A baffle and screen arrangement for use in a rear projection display system with multiple imagers with the baffle being positionable with respect to the display screen of the console unit so that the baffle can interfere with at least one of the images produced by the imagers to allow the images to visually merge into a single, contiguous image with no halo effect, overlap, or excessive brightness and gaps. In one embodiment the baffle has an irregular, non-reflective light-absorbing surface to further reduce excessive unwanted image light from hitting the display screen and causing unwanted distortion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert James Monson, Michael Edward Smith
  • Patent number: 6356439
    Abstract: A glare reducing hood for a laptop computer monitor made of a fabric closure structure attached to and supported by an endless frame member. The closure structure has a mounting end that defines a mounting end opening and a viewing end that defines a viewing end opening. The hood is mounted on the laptop computer by placing the mounting end about edges of the monitor and the computer user views the monitor through the viewing end opening. The frame member is resiliently collapsible allowing the frame member to be folded into a flat shape for storage and allowing it to spring into a useable shape forming the glare reducing hood that conforms with a particular laptop computer monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Hoodman Corporation
    Inventor: Robert P. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6219183
    Abstract: A rear projection display is disclosed having a projection device, a screen, and a screen moving device. The projection devise projects an image, the screen is provided for displaying the image, and the screen moving device is used to move the screen in relation to the projection device. The screen moving device has a first frame attached to the screen that telescopically move over a second frame to extend and retract the screen. In the retracted position, the screen is flush with a display box that contains the projection device. As the screen moves away from the projection device, the image increases in size. The projection device includes a projection lens which may be a fixed focal length lens. Two folding mirrors of the projection device provide a folded projection path to reduce a dimension of the display. The screen moving device has an opening to move the screen toward the projection device without interfering therewith. A flexible light blocking material covers the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Fuad Elias Doany
  • Patent number: 6164780
    Abstract: An image display apparatus includes a storage display element having a screen portion which receives image light from its back side and stores and displays an image, and a light blocking mechanism. The light blocking mechanism is capable of being switched over between a light-blocked state in which the light blocking mechanism blocks light incident on the front side of the screen portion of the storage display element to shut off incidence of external light on the screen portion, and an observation-possible state in which the light blocking mechanism unblocks light incident on the front side of the screen portion of the storage display element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Goro Noto, Yasuhiro Toyoda
  • Patent number: 6109753
    Abstract: A rear-type projection display device is provided, in which even a liquid crystal panel having several point defects is used, the point defects are hardly recognized. According to the present invention, in order not to display the display defects (the bright spots or unlit defects) that take place when a light from a light source transmits a liquid crystal panel having the point defects, means for correcting the display defects is provided on the liquid crystal panel side of a screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Hirakata
  • Patent number: 6046754
    Abstract: A portable computer system having a shutter for protecting a display screen. The shutter device is disposed integrally within the bezel of a portable computer. The shutter device can be disposed proximate the two sides of a display within the bezel. In addition, the shutter device is disposed above the display screen. The device may be fabricated from paper, paper with a plastic coating, plastic, and similarly substantially rigid materials. Alternatively, other non-rigid materials can be used in conjunction with a support member for the shutter. The shutter device has a variety of forms including an accordion type structure, a fan structure. Alternatively, the shutter device comprises a plurality of panels which are hingedly coupled with support panels. The shutter device also can be in the form of a shade which coils around a coiling rod. A fastener is provided with the shutter device to maintain the device in an open and/or closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Gateway 2000, Inc.
    Inventor: James B. Stanek
  • Patent number: 5993006
    Abstract: An apparatus synthesizes the image of a viewer and a second image into a synthesized image and displays the synthesized image. The apparatus is capable of aligning the line of sight of the viewer with the line of sight of the displayed image of the viewer and correctly reproducing colors on the synthesized image. The apparatus has a transparent hologram screen (15) on which a diffuser is recorded, a camera (25) for imaging a viewer (81) through the hologram screen, a synthesizer (28) for synthesizing the image of the viewer and a second image into a synthesized image, and a projector (11) for projecting signal light (31) containing the synthesized image onto the hologram screen. In place of the synthesizer, a display unit may be arranged behind the viewer. The hologram screen (15) may be combined with a mirror or a half-mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Takeuchi, Seiichiro Suzuki, Tooru Matsumoto, Satoru Kadowaki
  • Patent number: 5690772
    Abstract: A method for mass-producing eccentric Fresnel lens sheets comprising the steps of: preparing a number of concentric Fresnel lens sheets; dividing the concentric Fresnel lens sheets into a first set and a second set each including a plurality of Fresnel lens sheets; cutting out a plurality of first sheets each corresponding to one portion of the eccentric Fresnel lens sheet from each of the Fresnel lens sheets of the first set; cutting out a plurality of second sheets each corresponding to the other portion of the eccentric Fresnel lens sheet from each of the Fresnel lens sheets of the second set; and bonding each of the first sheets and each of the second sheets in such a manner that patterns on the first sheet and the second sheet are continuous to prepare a plurality of eccentric Fresnel lens sheet. The second set can include a third set and a fourth set and a plurality of third sheets are cut out from the third set and a plurality of fourth sheets are cut out from the fourth set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideaki Mitsutake, Nobuo Minoura, Katsumi Kurematsu, Haruyuki Yanagi
  • Patent number: 5491584
    Abstract: The projection wall comprises a screen section carrying the screen and resting on two supports. The screen section can be pivoted by means of hydraulic drives about a first horizontal axis in both directions of rotation. The supports can be folded about a second horizontal axis by actuating hydraulic braces.Since the screen section can be pivoted in both directions, it is possible to yield to winds coming from the front and the back side. Furthermore, the projection wall can be moved to a horizontal position for assembly and disassembly. The device is easy to install and requires no anchoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Cinerent Open Air AG
    Inventor: Albert Schlienger
  • Patent number: 5485226
    Abstract: A hood assembly for a display such as a VDU display comprises a partially reflecting mirror made from sheet material having a relatively low light transmittance, in the range 25% to 45%, and most preferably in the range 32.5 to 37.5%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventor: John S. Chipperfield
  • Patent number: 5274480
    Abstract: A projection type display apparatus comprises a light source optical system having an anisotropic luminance distribution, a transparent-scattering type display element for controlling light emitted from the light source optical system and a projection optical system having an aperture which projects the transmitted light, wherein the aperture of the projection optical system is an aperture having a non-circular opening which is disposed in the vicinity of the focal point of the transmitted light of the transparent-scattering type display element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Hirai, Yoshiharu Ooi, Tomoki Gunjima
  • Patent number: 5160951
    Abstract: A rear view projection apparatus for viewing from a rear screen side the images projected onto the screen front side. This apparatus comprises a projector, a screen made of a transparent plastic material, a base having a recess for the screen, a projector support cantilevered from the base, and a retractable screen support having an extender scissors unit for raising the screen for use or for lowering the screen into the recess for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Inventor: Stephen Lander
  • Patent number: 4979813
    Abstract: An opaque projector includes a light source, a stage through which the light radiating from the light source passes and on which an object is placed, a projection mirror for reflecting light reflected by the object, and a projector lens for gathering the light reflected by the projection mirror to form an image of the object on an image projecting surface located outside of the projector. A reflection mirror for reflecting the light from the light source to illuminate the object is provided on each of the two sides of the projection mirror. The light source is disposed in front of the projeciton mirror and on the inner sides of the reflection mirrors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Plus Corporation
    Inventors: Ritsuo Koga, Kuroudo Hara
  • Patent number: 4730919
    Abstract: A folding slide viewer has a rear projection screen which swings into a ft position for storage. In a second, operating position, the projection screen it is provided with a lightproof bellows. The optical axis of the lens system is inclined at an angle with respect to the horizontal base of the housing. A reflector is along the optical axis of the lens system, when the screen is in its operating position, to reflect an image onto the screen. An image trap is swingable between a first position perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the slide magazine and a second position perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft fur Elektrische Gluhlampen m.b.H
    Inventor: Albert Schuch
  • Patent number: 4612583
    Abstract: An attachment for a television receiver composed of four trapezoidal panels adapted to be attached to the viewing screen of the television set and having reflective or mirrored inner surfaces whereby the image on the television receiver screen is reflected from the reflective surfaces of the four-paneled attachment. Each of the four trapezoidal panels are dimensioned so that when the attachment is mounted on the television receiver, the inner mirrored surfaces of each of the panels will define an included angle with the television screen which is between 100.degree. and 120.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Inventor: Michael Ayervais
  • Patent number: 4357771
    Abstract: An optical filter transforms defined color light images from television sets, projectors, and the like, into an endless variety of color abstracts. A plurality of light-collector channels conduct light from a color image to a translucent display screen, each channel diffusing and averaging light passing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1982
    Assignee: Mobius Communication, Inc.
    Inventor: Howard F. Olds
  • Patent number: 4229085
    Abstract: This invention presents a film reader equipped with a reflecting type screen, which is arranged in a housing of the reader and has a number of ring strip surfaces having different inclination angles and arranged concentrically. The common center of the ring strip surfaces is deviated from the center of the screen and located outside of the screen, and the end of the screen nearest to the common center is placed near an observing aperture in the housing. A light source for illuminating a microfilm having recorded images and an optical system for projecting the image of the illuminated film to the screen are provided. Further, the screen is formed by one synthetic resin or preferably at least two kinds of synthetic resins having different refractive indices and mutually nonsoluble property. A reflecting substance may be mixed with said resins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1980
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yu Yamada, Mutsuhiro Inoue, Toshio Arai, Kokichi Omi, Hiroaki Suzuki, Tetsuro Kuwayama
  • Patent number: 4213679
    Abstract: A motion picture projector in which projector mechanisms are incorporated in the body of a carrying case, the opening of which is covered by a panel structure on which a reel setting portion and an operation board are disposed. The panel structure is provided with a projection window through which a light beam from the projector mechanisms is projected. A cover attached to the case body by hinge means is provided in the inside thereof with a rear-projection screen assembly, which is adapted to engage the case body and to be supported in a predetermined angle together with the case cover when unfolded. A light beam from the projection window is reflected by a mirror disposed in the inside of the case cover so as to be projected on the screen assembly. A projector in accordance with the present invention is formed in a readily portable shape and has high versatility because films wound upon usual open-type reels are available. In addition, the projected image is easy to see because of the large screen size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1980
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Sakamoto, Yukio Tsukakoshi, Naoyuki Oie