Stereoscopic Patents (Class 353/7)
  • Patent number: 8177367
    Abstract: A 2D/3D switchable display system having a selector for selecting a two-dimensional (2D) or a three-dimensional (3D) image processing path; a first processor for processing image data through the two-dimensional image processing path; a second processor, independent of the first processor, for processing image data through the three dimensional image processing path; a first set of at least three emitters having corresponding first wavelengths; a second set of at least three emitters having corresponding second wavelengths; and a controller that during a 2D operation activates both first and second sets of emitters to present a single image, while during a 3D operation activates the first set of emitters to present a first image having one half of stereo image information and activates the second set of emitters to present a second image having a second half of stereo image information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Carolyn R. Ellinger, Paul J. Kane
  • Patent number: 8177366
    Abstract: A stereoscopic image projection system using a circular polarization filter module is provided. Even though this system uses a single projector, it allows left and right images to have different polarization directions using the circular polarization filter module, thereby reducing crosstalk compared to an LCD-shutter-based system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Masterimage 3D Asia, LLC
    Inventors: Young Hoon Lee, Yong Bi Jung
  • Publication number: 20120105806
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to rear projection and front projection image viewing systems. In one aspect, an image viewing system includes a screen composed of a lens and a reflective diffuser with a microstructured surface. The system also includes an array of projectors. Each projector is to project an image onto the screen with a particular angle of incidence such that each image is to pass through the lens and is to be reflected back though the lens by the reflective diffuser with a horizontal scattering angle determined by the microstructured surface. The lens is to direct each reflected image to a particular viewing area so that a viewer located in at least one viewing area receives a reflected image that enters one or both of the viewer's eyes when the viewer looks at the screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Huei Pei Kuo, Alexandre M. Bratkovski
  • Publication number: 20120105807
    Abstract: A laser projector compatible with wavelength multiplexing passive filter techniques comprises a scanning system and a plurality of laser systems, wherein each output beam of light has a unique wavelength and is similar in hue to at least one other output beam of light, wherein the output beam of light is received and deflected by a scanning system to produce stereoscopic 3D images on a projection surface. The integrity of the inherent properties of coherent laser light sources, in particular collimation, monochromacity, and speckle, is maintained, contributing to the unique appearance of the resulting stereoscopic images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: David James Volpe, Christopher Michael Volpe
  • Publication number: 20120105805
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to image viewing systems. In one aspect, an image viewing system includes a curved screen with a concave viewing surface, and an array of projectors. Each projector is positioned to project a different image onto the viewing surface from a different angle and the viewing surface is to reflect each image to a different viewing area with a horizontal scattering angle that defines the size of each viewing area. A viewer located in at least one viewing area is to receive a reflected image that enters one or both of the viewer's eyes when the viewer looks at the viewing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Huei Pei Kuo, Alexandre M. Bratkovski
  • Publication number: 20120098754
    Abstract: A mobile terminal having an image projector module and controlling method therein are disclosed, by which a plurality of planes capable of displaying at least one portion of an image displayed on a display unit are rearranged in a 3-dimensional space to be projected on an external plane via a projector module. The present invention includes displaying a first display including at least one planar object on a display unit, selecting a pattern for arranging a plurality of facets in a 3-dimensional space on a second display, selecting an image to be mapped to each of a plurality of the facets from the at least one planar object, mapping the selected image to each of a plurality of the facets, and projecting the second display including a plurality of the facets having the selected image mapped thereto on a prescribed external plane via a projector module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Jong Hwan Kim
  • Publication number: 20120098941
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) display device creating 3D illusions or effects within a contained space or volume. The device includes a front sidewall providing a viewing window to an interior of the display device. The device includes a transparent rear projection screen with a front surface facing the viewing window that is spaced apart a distance from the front sidewall. A media source projects a two dimensional (2D) image onto a back surface of the projection screen in a direction that is oblique to the front sidewall. The projection screen is positioned such that the front surface is angled away from the front sidewall, whereby the front surface is oblique to the viewing window. A leading edge of the projection screen is proximate to the front sidewall and a trailing edge of the projection screen is distal to the front sidewall with the front surface angled away from the front sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Joseph, Mark A. Reichow
  • Patent number: 8162482
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for stereoscopic 3D image projection and viewing using a single projection source, alternating polarization, and passive eyewear. This approach is applicable to frame sequential video created using existing 3D graphics APIs, as well as other video signal formats, and is compatible with existing digital light processor (DLP) technology for both front and rear projection systems. A alternating polarizer filter actuator in the form of a closed feedback loop with pulse width modulated control is used to modulate the projected image. A preferred embodiment enables an existing DLP projection system to be enhanced with 3D capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Casimer M. DeCusatis, Timothy M. Trifilo
  • Patent number: 8159528
    Abstract: A visual display apparatus suitable for use with a viewing apparatus capable of providing stereoscopic view of an image from 360-degree directions around it, or a display apparatus capable of displaying an observation image that changes depending on what angle it is viewed at or who views it, is described. The visual display apparatus comprises a main optical system that is concentric and rotationally symmetric about a center axis and a plurality of subordinate optical systems of identical construction, which are juxtaposed on a circumference concentric about the center axis. A combined optical system comprising the main optical system and each subordinate optical system has an exit pupil positioned on a side of the main optical system that faces away from each subordinate optical system and on a side of the center axis that faces away from each subordinate optical system on an optical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Togino Takayoshi
  • Patent number: 8157382
    Abstract: An image display system that includes: a projector; and a screen device that displays a projection image being a projection result from the projector. In the image display system, the screen device includes a plurality of light diffusion units each having characteristics of light transmission and characteristics of light diffusion, and among the plurality of light diffusion units, the projection image is diffused by a second light diffusion unit after passing through a first light diffusion unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hasegawa, Akihiko Yamamoto, Toshiki Fujimori, Noritaka Uchibori
  • Patent number: 8157381
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting synchronization information at the output of a projection apparatus, without modifying its rotating color segmented filter wheel or drive electronics. Three photodiodes, each with a different principle color filter, is placed at the projector output to detect output of the different colors in the filter wheel. An exclusive OR circuit is used to detect white light passing through the filter wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Casimer M. DeCusatis, Timothy M. Trifilo
  • Patent number: 8152303
    Abstract: In a stereographic projector that places a single linear polarizing wheel in the light path of the projector to impart a desired polarization state onto the projected light, a method and apparatus for periodically slowing the wheel down while in optimal states, and accelerating through invalid states. Stereo separation is greatly increased providing a marked improvement in visual quality and perceived depth when this invention is applied to such a polarizing filter wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Casimer M. DeCusatis, Timothy M. Trifilo
  • Patent number: 8154800
    Abstract: A multiple view directional display comprises a pixellated image display layer having a plurality of first pixels (P1) assigned to display a first image and a plurality of second pixels (P2) assigned to display a second image, and a parallax barrier aperture array (21) for directing light from the first pixels generally into a first viewing window (2) and for directing light from the second pixels generally into a second viewing window (3) not overlapping the first viewing window. The display further comprises first light directing means (31) for re-directing light emitted from a first lateral edge region (25) of each first pixel away from the second viewing window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Diana Ulrich Kean, Jonathan Mather
  • Patent number: 8142021
    Abstract: In a light projection system, potentially hierarchical levels of light intensity control ensure proper laser-light output intensity, color channel intensity, white point, left/right image intensity balancing, or combinations thereof. The light projection system can include a light intensity sensor in an image path, in a light-source subsystem light-dump path, in a light-modulation subsystem light-dump path, in a position to measure light leaked from optical components, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Barry D. Silverstein, Richard P. Corey
  • Patent number: 8142020
    Abstract: The invention relates to an autostereoscopic projection arrangement, comprising at least one projector (4) and at least one filter array (F1, F2), which has a multitude of filter elements arranged in columns and rows, in which arrangement bits of partial information from views of a scene or object are projected by the projector/the projectors (4) onto a projection screen (3), where these bits of partial information are rendered on image rendering elements and, having passed one or several of the filter arrays (F1, F2), are made visible to at least one observer (5), and in which, as regards the propagation direction of the bits of partial information, the image rendering elements correspond with correlated filter elements in such a way that an observer (5) will see predominantly bits of partial information from a first selection of views with one eye and predominantly bits of partial information from a second selection of views with the other eye, and thus will have a spatial impression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Phoenix 3D, Inc.
    Inventors: Ingo Relke, Stephan Otte, Markus Klippstein, Thomas Bruggert, Bernd Riemann
  • Publication number: 20120069180
    Abstract: An information presentation apparatus includes a display frame having a display surface to display a display object, wherein an arbitrary information provision image is generated on an information provision region included in at least part of a region in which the display object is present, a display object image for projecting an image on the display object is generated, a display object region of the information provision region in which the display object is present is set, a projection image obtained by synthesizing the information provision image and the display object image is generated, and the projection image is drawn to be projected by an image projecting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC ELECTRIC WORKS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ryo Kawamura
  • Publication number: 20120057131
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a full parallax three-dimensional display device. It comprises a projector array and an orthogonal cylinder raster screen. The orthogonal cylinder raster screen comprises the first cylinder raster and the second cylinder raster. The projector array and the orthogonal cylinder raster screen are put in order. The projector array projects images on the orthogonal cylinder raster screen. The raster directions of the first cylinder raster and the second cylinder raster of the orthogonal cylinder raster screen are parallel to the x-axis and the y-axis, respectively. The advantage of the present invention is that it can generate 3D images of high image resolution and high view-field resolution. The extremely tiny view field intervals can bring completely continuous and jumping-free 3D perception for the viewer, reduce the fatigue caused by discontinuous view field in conventional 3D display, and achieve full parallax 3D display including horizontal parallax and vertical parallax.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Haifeng Li, Shuai Li, Xu Liu, Yifan Peng
  • Publication number: 20120057132
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for projecting images, comprising an optical element serving as projection surface and at least one projector (1, 1?) at a spacing from the projection surface by a projection spacing (S1) for projecting respectively an image onto the projection surface, the optical element being designed such that light emanating from the projector (1, 1?) is directed into a spatially delimited viewing zone (6, 6?) which is consequently assigned unequivocally to this projector (1, 1?), a viewing zone (6, 6?) being defined as the region from which the image projected by the projector (1, 1?) to which this viewing zone (6, 6?) is assigned is completely visible, and a viewing plane being definable as a plane which is at a spacing from the projection surface by a viewing spacing (S2) and in which a width of the viewing zone (6, 6?) is maximum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Hans Röder, René de la Barré
  • Publication number: 20120050266
    Abstract: A viewing system for viewing video displays having the appearance of a three dimensional image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: XpanD, Inc.
    Inventors: Boyd MacNaughton, Rodney W. Kimmell, David W. Allen, Jure Bezgovsek, Andrej Kocan
  • Patent number: 8125710
    Abstract: Primary colors red, green and blue are each transmitted in three adjacent frequencies to create stereoscopic 3D images. A true center frequency for each primary color is transmitted to one eye while two straddling frequencies, on either side of the center frequency, are transmitted to the other eye. Untinted, notch filtered stereoscopic 3D eyeglasses may be used to segregate light frequencies and direct one channel to each eye of the viewer. A new dual channel laser illumination projection engine may be used to homogenize, condense, combine, and polarize light from red, blue and green lasers to create stereoscopic images suitable for projection on either white of sliver screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventors: Bradley Nelson, Edmund Sandberg
  • Patent number: 8125583
    Abstract: A stereoscopic image display apparatus of this invention includes a half mirror having a ½ wavelength plate and a half mirror layer. Therefore, a direction of polarization of light incident on a surface of a transmission side of the half mirror can be rotated and emitted. This can be manufactured at lower manufacturing cost than a construction having the ½ wavelength plate on the front display plane of one of the two image display devices with linear polarization plates having the same polarizing direction, or preparing two image display devices with linear polarization plates having different polarizing directions. A high-quality stereoscopic image can be observed by adjusting the orders and positions of sub-pixel colors of the two image display devices at the time of composition and display through the half mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Eizo Nanao Corporation
    Inventors: Akinori Hayashi, Hiroshi Ito, Shinichi Honda
  • Patent number: 8118438
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Optimet, Optical Metrology Ltd.
    Inventors: Yitzhak Daniel, Kalman Wilner, Freddy Paz
  • Publication number: 20120026468
    Abstract: A projector adapted to switch between a right-eye image and a left-eye image at predetermined timings to output the right-eye image and the left-eye image alternately, includes: a discharge lamp; a discharge lamp drive section adapted to supply the discharge lamp with a drive current for driving the discharge lamp; and a control section adapted to control the discharge lamp drive section, wherein a period between the switching timings temporally adjacent to each other starts with a first period and ends with a second period, and the control section performs a second period alternating-current control process for controlling the discharge lamp drive section so that an absolute value of the drive current becomes relatively small in the first period, and becomes relatively large in the second period, and an alternating current is supplied to the discharge lamp as the drive current in the second period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tetsuo TERASHIMA, Takeshi TAKEZAWA
  • Patent number: 8104899
    Abstract: A beam projection apparatus and method with automatic image adjustment. A beam projection apparatus includes an actuator module being operable to move the beam projection apparatus, a beam projector being operable to project images, and a control module being operable to search surrounding structures around the beam projection apparatus and select a plane portion of the surrounding structures as a screen, to control the actuator module to move the beam projection apparatus for image display on the selected plane portion, and to control the beam projector to project the images on the selected plane portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae-Sin Ha, Dong-Soo Kim, Hyun-Sik Shim
  • Patent number: 8087784
    Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying three-dimensional (3D) images are described. In particular, the systems can include a display block made from a transparent material with optical elements three-dimensionally disposed therein. Each optical element becomes luminous when illuminated by a light ray. The systems can also include a computing device configured to generate two-dimensional (2D) images formatted to create 3D images when projected on the display block, by a video projector coupled to the computing device. The video projector is configured to project the 2D images on the block to create the 3D images by causing a set of the passive optical elements to become luminous. Various other systems and methods are described for displaying 3D images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Shree K Nayar, Vijay Anand Nagarajan
  • Patent number: 8086025
    Abstract: Stereoscopic images may be represented in four coordinates where a first image is represented in three coordinates and a second image is represented of one coordinate. The brightness contrast is the property largely used in stereoscopic perception. The brightness and color of the first image is represented in three coordinates while the brightness of the second image is represented in the one coordinate. Color perception is dominated by the first image. A universal file format with four channels allows the stereoscopic images to be displayed as anaglyphs or as two full color images or as non-stereoscopic images. The anaglyphs may be rendered in three primary colors or four primary colors providing wide compatibility with traditional and specialized display apparatus. The universal file format facilitates methods to capture, display, convert, and communicate stereoscopic images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Monte Jerome Ramstad
  • Publication number: 20110310348
    Abstract: A viewing system for viewing video displays having the appearance of a three dimensional image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: XpanD, Inc.
    Inventors: Boyd MacNaughton, Rodney W. Kimmell, David W. Allen
  • Patent number: 8075138
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a true 3-D display, where each of a viewer's eyes not only sees a different scene, but the scene changes continuously as the viewer moves his/her head or change his/her position from one angular location to another angular location with respect to the display screen. In one embodiment, a system comprises a set of 2-D image projectors and a display screen. The 2-D image projectors are configured to project individual 2-D images substantially in focus on the display screen. The display screen then diffuses (or reflects) each pixel from each of the 2-D images into a small angular slice. This enables the viewer observing the display screen to see a different one of the 2-D images with each eye. Further, the image seen by each eye varies as the viewer moves his or her head with respect to the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Third Dimension IP LLC
    Inventor: Clarence E. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8066377
    Abstract: A system and method for improving stereoscopic images produced by a projecting device containing a single chip DMD, seen through an eye-switching device, such as a pair of liquid crystal (LC) shutter glasses. The system and method are used with a video projector designed to be used with a multiple-color, color switching device, such as a color wheel. The color wheel includes at least three critical color segments. The color wheel may also physically include or be electronically re-defined to include at least one non-critical segment. A color sequencing firmware resident in the video projector is used to align a non-critical segment in front of the projector's main light source during the eye-switching device's unstable transition phase. If the non-critical segment is transmissive, the firmware controls the DMD so that light is discontinued. If the non-critical segment is non-transmissive, the light is physically blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Lightspeed Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Michal Husak, Joseph D. Lawrence, Robert Mueller, Chris Ward
  • Publication number: 20110285962
    Abstract: A 2D/3D switchable display system having a selector for selecting a two-dimensional (2D) or a three-dimensional (3D) image processing path; a first processor for processing image data through the two-dimensional image processing path; a second processor, independent of the first processor, for processing image data through the three dimensional image processing path; a first set of at least three emitters having corresponding first wavelengths; a second set of at least three emitters having corresponding second wavelengths; and a controller that during a 2D operation activates both first and second sets of emitters to present a single image, while during a 3D operation activates the first set of emitters to present a first image having one half of stereo image information and activates the second set of emitters to present a second image having a second half of stereo image information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Carolyn R. Ellinger, Paul J. Kane
  • Patent number: 8059118
    Abstract: A stereoscopic image display device for displaying a three dimensional (3D) stereoscopic image in real-time by using a 3D graphic contained within a 2D image. The stereoscopic image display device includes a controller, a 3D graphic processor, a driver, and a display unit. The controller receives 3D graphic data and a synchronization signal, and outputs a control signal and the 3D graphic data. The 3D graphic processor generates a plurality of stereoscopic matrices used to generate 3D stereoscopic image data for a plurality of viewing points according to the control signal, and transforms the 3D graphic data into 3D stereoscopic image data using the plurality of stereoscopic matrices. The driver generates a driving signal based on the image data output from the 3D graphic processor and the output control signal. The display unit displays an image corresponding to the image data according to the driving signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Mobile Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Myoung-Seop Song, Jang-Doo Lee, Hyoung-Wook Jang, Hag-Keun Kim, Duck-Myung Lee, Han-Jun Choi, Hyun-Sook Kim, Woo-Jong Lee
  • Patent number: 8040617
    Abstract: A 3-dimensional image display device having wide viewing angles using Fresnel lenses is disclosed. According to an embodiment of the invention, the 3-dimensional image display device includes an image source providing part for providing an image source, a first Fresnel lens refracting and transmitting the image source that is incident from the image source providing part, and a second Fresnel lens for generating a 3-dimensional image by refracting and transmitting the image source transmitted from the first Fresnel lens. At least one of the first Fresnel lens and the second Fresnel lens is a curved type Fresnel lens surface. The present invention can maximize the display area for a 3-dimensional image and realize the 3-dimensional image having wide viewing angles without distortion on the left and right boundaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: 3Dis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sun-Joo Jang
  • Patent number: 8032245
    Abstract: An optical projection system for use with a display surface includes at least one image source comprising an array of source image pixels, a projector to project a first projection of the array of source image pixels, and at least one mirror including at least one curved reflecting surface having a curved profile. The at least one curved reflecting surface is adapted to convert the first projection to a curved second projection directed onto the display surface to provide an array of displayed image pixels on the display surface corresponding to the array of source image pixels, wherein the array of displayed image pixels have constant pixel pitch among adjacent displayed image pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventors: Suresh Balu, Jason Coposky, Ray Idaszak, Warren Ginn, Tim Fletcher
  • Patent number: 8029139
    Abstract: A 2D/3D switchable display system having a selector for selecting a two-dimensional (2D) or a three-dimensional (3D) image processing path; a first processor for processing image data through the two-dimensional image processing path; a second processor, independent of the first processor, for processing image data through the three dimensional image processing path; a first set of at least three emitters having corresponding first wavelengths; a second set of at least three emitters having corresponding second wavelengths; and a controller that during a 2D operation activates both first and second sets of emitters to present a single image, while during a 3D operation activates the first set of emitters to present a first image having one half of stereo image information and activates the second set of emitters to present a second image having a second half of stereo image information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Carolyn R. Ellinger, Paul J. Kane
  • Publication number: 20110228229
    Abstract: Implementations for a stereoscopic viewing device and image disc system are generally disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Evangelia Vensel
  • Patent number: 8011786
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multiperspective backprojection system for autostereoscopically displaying three-dimensional representations. Said backprojection system comprises a backprojection screen (2) and an image generation unit (1) which is disposed behind the backprojection screen (2) and is provided with a projector (7a to 7p) for each perspective of the three-dimensional representations. The rear face (3) of the backprojection screen (2) is fitted with a first lenticular screen plate (8) while the front face (4) thereof is equipped with a second lenticular screen plate (9). The inventive backprojection screen (2) encompasses a third lenticular screen plate (10) between the first lenticular screen plate (8) and the second lenticular screen plate (9). The three lenticular screen plates (8, 9, 10) are provided with parallel cylindrical lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Siegbert Hentschke
  • Patent number: 8007109
    Abstract: A three-dimensional display device includes a display panel displaying first to nth partial images along a circumference; and an n-gonal pyramid mirror including first to nth mirrors at n side surfaces, respectively, of the n-gonal pyramid mirror, wherein the first to nth mirrors reflect the first to nth partial images, respectively, and wherein each of the first to nth mirrors substantially makes a 45 degree angle with the display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: LG Display Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyung-Ki Hong
  • Publication number: 20110205494
    Abstract: Spectral separation filters for channels of a 3D image projection incorporate passbands of primary colors. In at least one of the filters, passbands are present in more than 3 primary colors. A set of two filters include a first filter having passbands of low blue, high blue, low green, high green, and red, and a second filter having passbands of blue, green, and red. The additional primary passbands of the first filter allow for an increased color space in projections through the filters compared to filters only having red, green, and blue primaries. The added flexibility of the increased color space is utilized to more closely match a color space and white point of a projector in which the filters are used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Martin John Richards, Gary D. Gomes
  • Patent number: 7993016
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Chunyu Gao, Jing Xiao
  • Publication number: 20110176114
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to a stereoscopic projection system and methods. An exemplary disclosed projection system includes an optical component disposed between the lenses of a lens arrangement. An exemplary lens arrangement includes a first power group, a second power group, and an aperture stop. In an embodiment, the optical component is disposed between the first power group and the aperture stop. In an exemplary embodiment, the optical component is proximate to the aperture stop. By disposing the optical component closer to or proximate to the aperture stop in the lens arrangement, various benefits may be realized, including improved contrast uniformity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, III, Michael G. Robinson, Gary D. Sharp
  • Patent number: 7980702
    Abstract: An image display device of the present invention comprises projectors, a reflecting mirror, a screen, an image signal processor which performs a distortion correction, and a base for supporting the projectors, the reflecting mirror, and the screen. The projectors, reflecting mirror, and screen are assembled in one to constitute a single moving unit, and the image display device further comprises a lifting device capable of moving the moving unit in a vertical direction with respect to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hoshino, Ryo Kawamura, Atsuyuki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7976164
    Abstract: The application relates to a rear projector and a rear projection method. There is provided at least one projection screen, at least two beamers, each of the at least two beamers generating one view of a scene into at least one viewing direction and projecting the view onto the rear side of the projection screen, at least one switcheable diffuser which is switcheable between a transparent state and a diffuse state, wherein in the transparent state each beamer generates a different view of a scene, and wherein in the diffuse state the beamers generate one view of a scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Adrianus Johannes Stephanus Maria De Vaan
  • Patent number: 7972001
    Abstract: A method for compensating for a shift in color in a light source and a system of color illumination for a projection visual display (PVD) system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven M. Penn, Harold E. Bellis, II, Gregory J. Hewlett, Dana F. Segler, Jr., Gregory S. Pettitt
  • Publication number: 20110157330
    Abstract: Projection systems, including projectors and projection screens, that support the presentation of two-dimensional and three-dimensional images for viewing are described, as well as methods for operating the same. In each of the example projection systems, a projection screen is used in conjunction with a light manipulator, such as a parallax barrier or a lenticular lens, that is disposed adjacent to (and may be integrated with) the projection screen to support the viewing of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: BROADCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: James D. Bennett, Jeyhan Karaoguz
  • Publication number: 20110157555
    Abstract: An image signal storing unit stores an image signal provided from the outside. An image processing unit appropriately processes the image signal stored in the image signal storing unit in accordance with the instruction from an adjusting unit. A projecting unit projects, onto a display area, light corresponding to an image created by the image processing unit. A display size determination unit computes the display size of the picture plane displayed on a screen based on an image captured by the camera provided adjacent to the projection-type video-image display device. The display size determination unit then determines whether or not the display size of the picture plane is equal to or larger than a predetermined upper-limit size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ken MASHITANI, Masutaka INOUE, Hideyuki KANAYAMA, Takashi IKEDA, Takahisa ANDO, Kazuhiro ARAI, Ryuhei AMANO
  • Patent number: 7959295
    Abstract: Spectral separation filters for channels of a 3D image projection incorporate passbands of primary colors. In at least one of the filters, passbands are present in more than 3 primary colors. A set of two filters include a first filter having passbands of low blue, high blue, low green, high green, and red, and a second filter having passbands of blue, green, and red. The additional primary passbands of the first filter allow for an increased color space in projections through the filters compared to filters only having red, green, and blue primaries. The added flexibility of the increased color space is utilized to more closely match a color space and white point of a projector in which the filters are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Martin John Richards, Gary D. Gomes
  • Patent number: 7959296
    Abstract: A multiple path stereoscopic projection system is disclosed. The system comprises a polarizing splitting element configured to receive image light energy and split the image light energy received into a primary path and a secondary path, a reflector in the secondary path, and a polarization modulator or polarization modulator arrangement positioned in the primary path and configured to modulate the primary path of light energy. A polarization modulator may be included within the secondary path, a retarder may be used, and optional devices that may be successfully employed in the system include elements to substantially optically superimpose light energy transmission between paths and cleanup polarizers. The projection system can enhance the brightness of stereoscopic images perceived by a viewer. Static polarizer dual projection implementations free of polarization modulators are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Cowan, Lenny Lipton, Jerry Carollo
  • Patent number: 7959294
    Abstract: An apparatus and an associated method for displaying 3D images includes a screen and a screen illuminating system. The screen has diffusion characteristics for direction selectively forwarding light. The screen illuminating system includes modules for generating light beams incident on points of the screen. The apparatus is configured to impart an exit divergence to the exiting light beams being transmitted through or reflected from the screen. Each module provides one beam in one direction with a convergent section. The beams are focused on the screen where the convergence (?c) of an incident light beam is not greater than the exit divergence (?x) of an exiting light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Tibor Balogh
  • Publication number: 20110128503
    Abstract: A stereoscopic image projector is provided with a display device, a characteristic-differentiation member, an optical-path separation member, an optical-path combining member, and a single projection lens. The display device displays a left-eye image which is a left parallax image and a right-eye image which is a right parallax image on different regions of an image display surface. The characteristic-differentiation member gives projection light beams each carrying a different one of images displayed on the display device optical characteristics that are different from each other. By using the difference in optical characteristic, the optical-path separation member separates optical paths of the left-eye and right-eye images from each other, and the optical-path combining member coaxially combines the separated optical paths together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.
    Inventors: Yasumasa SAWAI, Jun ISHIHARA
  • Publication number: 20110116049
    Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying three-dimensional (3D) images are described. In particular, the systems can include a display block made from a transparent material with optical elements three-dimensionally disposed therein. Each optical element becomes luminous when illuminated by a light ray. The systems can also include a computing device configured to generate two-dimensional (2D) images formatted to create 3D images when projected on the display block, by a video projector coupled to the computing device. The video projector is configured to project the 2D images on the block to create the 3D images by causing a set of the passive optical elements to become luminous. Various other systems and methods are described for displaying 3D images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Shree K. Nayar, Vijay A. Nagarajan