Abstract: A display device is provided that includes: a projection unit emitting a light flux including image information; and a divergence angle controlling unit controlling a divergence angle of the light flux emitted from the projection unit to not more than a prescribed angle. The divergence angle controlling unit includes a transmission unit transmitting the light flux emitted from the projection unit and a light shielding unit shielding part of the light flux, and the part of the light flux is shielded by the light shielding unit so that the divergence angle of the light flux is controlled to not more than a prescribed angle.

Abstract: A projector includes a lens cover which is slidable relative to a chassis for covering and exposing a projection aperture of a projection lens. A detecting section includes a light emitting portion which projects a light beam and detects the opened state or closed state of the lens cover depending on the absence or presence of the light beam received by a light receiving portion. The light emitting portion and light receiving portion are disposed so that the optical path of the light beam projected from the light emitting portion and received by the light receiving portion intersects the slide direction of the lens cover. A light shielding portion is provided in the lens cover. The light shielding portion is formed in a predetermined width in the slide direction of the lens cover.

Abstract: An optical diaphragm for adjusting a light quantity of an incident light beam includes: a plurality of light-shielding vanes attached to a circumferential portion of an aperture of a base plate in a manner rotatable along a plane orthogonal to an optical axis of the light beam. The light-shielding vanes may be rotated to change an aperture area of the aperture of the base plate for transmitting the light beam. The plurality of light-shielding vanes each include a vane plate for intercepting the incident light beam; and a bearing integrally provided to the vane plate, the bearing each allowing a rotary shaft to be inserted therein so as to be supported by the rotary shaft. The vane plate is perpendicularly attached to the bearing. The plurality of light-shielding vanes move parallel to each other in an opening and closing direction thereof without crossing with each other.

Abstract: An image projection apparatus includes: an imaging portion that takes an image of an object; an optical element that is disposed halfway on an optical path between the object and the imaging portion, and that branches the optical path; a projection portion that projects image light onto the object through the optical element; a dust prevention cover that includes an opening on an optical axis between the object and the optical element, and that covers at least the optical element to protect the optical element from dust; and a transparent dust prevention member that is provided in the dust prevention cover to close the opening, and that has a reflection surface preventing reflection light, which is obtained by receiving the image light from the projection portion and reflecting the image light, from being incident on an entrance pupil of the imaging portion.

Abstract: A compact projector includes a main control board, an optical engine positioned on the main control board, a heat dissipation assembly, a light source control board, and a digital-micromirror-device control board. The optical engine includes a light-shading member and a projection lens module. The light-shading member includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate and the projection lens module are approximately perpendicular to the second plate to form a U-shape. The heat dissipation assembly is positioned adjacent to the first plate. The light source control board is positioned on one side of the main control board adjacent to the second plate. The digital-micromirror-device control board is positioned on one side of the main control board perpendicular to the light source control board.

Abstract: A projection display apparatus includes a light valve, a light source for producing light directed to the light valve, an integrator lens disposed in an optical path extending from the light source to the light valve and including a first lens array and a second lens array, and a light amount adjustment mechanism disposed in the optical path between the first lens array and the second lens array. The light amount adjusting mechanism includes a pair of light shielding elements pivoting in the form of a pair of double doors. The pair of light shielding elements have an opening formed in a region of tip portions thereof which corresponds to lens cells in contact with the optical axis of the second lens array. A region of the opening corresponding to one lens cell in contact with the optical axis of the second lens array is of a triangular configuration.

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.

Abstract: A projection display apparatus is provided which offers improved contrast while smoothly controlling the amount of light, with a simple structure and without deterioration of lifetime due to the heat of the light from a light source. This projection display apparatus includes a light valve, a light source for emitting light to the light valve, an integrator lens disposed on the optical path of the light propagating from the light source to the light valve, for making uniform the illuminance distribution of the light from the light source, and a shutter mechanism disposed on the light path, for controlling the amount of light that illuminates the light valve.

Abstract: An image projection system has a first lens with a defined entrance pupil. An image source has an image field and a defined exit pupil. The exit pupil of the image source is configured such that the exit pupil of the image source underfills the entrance pupil of the lens for portions of the image source that are not in the center portion of the image field.

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.

Abstract: An illuminating unit with a compact design capable of improving collimating characteristics of beams emitted from a plurality of light sources positioned at different locations, and a projection-type image display apparatus employing the illuminating unit. The illuminating unit includes a base, a plurality of light sources to emit beams of different wavelength bands, and at least one color filter with a predetermined curvature to reflect one or more beams of predetermined wavelengths from among the beams emitted by the plurality of light sources such that the reflected one or more beams propagate in a first direction and to pass one or more remaining beams of other wavelength bands. The projection-type image display apparatus includes the illuminating unit, an optical integrator, an image-forming system, a beam splitter, and a projection lens.

Abstract: A control of gobos defend by records in the gobo. The gobos are formed by menued shapes.

Abstract: To suppress the reduction of contrast caused by reduction of contrast in the case where a projection type display apparatus for displaying an image is used in a dark place. In a projection type display apparatus for displaying an image which includes a liquid crystal display element unit that modulates and emits incident light, an illumination optical system that allows emission light emitting from a light source to enter the liquid crystal display element unit, and a projection optical system that projects the emission light emitting from the liquid crystal display element unit to a screen, an optical unit includes an iris unit in which light shielding plates shut the amount of light entering the liquid crystal display element unit to be narrowed down as the brightness level of image light projected from the projection optical system is lower, and an open/close angle of each light shielding plate is set at smaller than 90 degrees.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a light source driving method for supplying electric power to a light source of a projector, and to provide a projector using this light source driving method. The projector has a lamp (2) as a light source for emitting light, a lamp driving electric power control section (3) as a light source driving section for supplying electric power for operating the lamp (2), an image pickup section (7) as an image obtaining section for receiving a projected image and obtaining image data to adjust the projected image, and a synchronous signal generating section (5) for generating a signal as an operation reference.

Abstract: A projection optical system for use in an image projection apparatus illuminating an image display panel forming an image in accordance with a modulating signal with illumination light from a light source. The projection optical system includes first and second optical systems arranged along an optical path defining an upstream-downstream direction in the order described from upstream to downstream on the downstream side of the image display panel. The first optical system includes at least one dioptric system and has positive power. The second optical system includes at least one reflecting surface having power and has positive power. The image formed by the image display panel is formed as an intermediate image in the optical path, and the intermediate image is magnified and projected.

Abstract: A projection optical system for use in an image projection apparatus illuminating an image display panel forming an image in accordance with a modulating signal with illumination light from a light source. The projection optical system includes first and second optical systems arranged along an optical path defining an upstream-downstream direction in the order described from upstream to downstream on the downstream side of the image display panel. The first optical system includes at least one dioptric system and has positive power. The second optical system includes at least one reflecting surface having power and has positive power. The image formed by the image display panel is formed as an intermediate image in the optical path, and the intermediate image is magnified and projected.

Abstract: An optical system and method of increasing the contrast of a projected image. The optical system (1800) comprises a combination of aperture stops (1810, 1812) in at least one of the illumination and projection paths to filter scattered light and/or light prone to scatter into the projection aperture.

Abstract: There is provided a projection lens for a projector which utilizes a reflection type display device, comprising a movable aperture 70 which is movable as a movable lens components moves, wherein an opening 75 in the movable aperture 70 is formed into a circular shape which is centered at the center of an optical axis 69 of the projection lens and has a swollen portion 73 on part of the opening 75 in such a manner as to project from a circumferential portion in a direction of the center of a beam of stray light into the interior of the opening 75.

Abstract: An exemplary projection system includes a light source, a color wheel, an optical channel, a lens set, an image generator, and a projection lens all located along an optical pathway of the projection system. The projection system further includes an optical shutter. The optical shutter includes a shutter element and a motor for rotating the shutter element. The shutter element includes a transparent board and a light-shielding film formed on a surface of the transparent board. The light-shielding film has a notch for light to pass through. The light-shielding film is very light in weight relative to the transparent board, thus maintaining a rotational balance of the shutter element.

Abstract: A lens cap device having a cap protecting device, an actuating device, and a lens cap. The cap protecting device has a protecting cap with a lens exposure hole. The actuating device has a push element and an actuating element. The push element is slidably disposed on the cap protecting device. One end of the actuating element is pivotally connected on the cap protecting device to form a pivot point. The actuating element and the push element are linked together. The lens cap is slidably mounted on the cap protecting device. The lens cap is pivotally connected with the other end of the actuating element. The lens cap is driven by the actuating element to cover or open the lens exposure hole.

Abstract: A light-quantity adjusting function of a diaphragm used for light quantity control for improving the contrast of a projected image is controlled to cancel light quantity variation due to variation of the driving power of the light source for increasing the service life. This control keeps the quantity of light coming into a display element at a constant value and achieves both service life extension of the light source and image projection having no brightness fluctuation.

Abstract: A projection apparatus includes a first optical system, an aperture disposed on the light exiting-side of the first optical system, a second optical system disposed on the light exiting-side of the aperture, and a reflector disposed on the optical path between the first optical system and the second optical system, the reflector having a reflection surface that reflects the light having exited from the first optical system toward the second optical system. The optical axis of the second optical system is disposed along the optical axis of the first optical system. The reflection surface of the reflector is disposed along the optical axis of the first optical system. At least part of the first and second optical systems that is on the side opposite the reflection surface of the reflector is cut off.

Abstract: A light amount adjusting component adapted a projection optical system is provided. The light amount adjusting component has a light incident surface upon which a light beam impinges, and the light incident surface is provided with a surface structure for irregularly dispersing the light beam. A slot that permits the light beam to pass therethrough and enter a light-receiving element is formed on the light amount adjusting component, and a width of the slot changes along an extension direction of the slot to allow control of the amount of the light beam entering the light-receiving element when the light amount adjusting component moves or rotates.

Abstract: A reflection optical system placed between a light valve 5 and a screen 4, wherein curved surfaces are only three reflection surfaces of first to third mirrors 1 to 3, and satisfies the following: (1) ?L<20 degrees, (2) 25 degrees<?UL<55 degrees, (3) 20 degrees<?M1<55 degrees, (4) 15 degrees<?M2<50 degrees, (5) 8 degrees<?M3<30 degrees, (6) ?L<15 degrees, (7) 30 degrees<?UL and (8) 7.5 degrees<|?F|, where ?L: minimum angle which a light beam of pupil center forms with respect to the enlargement side image surface; ?UL: difference between maximum and minimum angles which a light beam of pupil center forms with respect to the enlargement side image surface; ?M1, ?M2 and ?M3: deviation angles of the light beam of pupil center passing the center of the reduction-side image surface in first to third mirrors 1 to 3; and ?F: reduction-side pupil divergent angle.

Abstract: A rear projection type image display apparatus having a larger half-power angle and being capable of properly blocking a direct light from a projector for an observer is provided. The rear projection type image display apparatus includes a projector and a transmission type screen installed at an image formation plane of a projection light and made of a texture. The screen made of the texture is a diffusing material having a large half-power angle except for the direct light, and can prevent a gain from being decreased even at an angle of 60 degrees or larger. Also, a first polarizing plate is arranged in front of an exit pupil of the projector, and a second polarizing plate is arranged near a rear surface of the transmission type screen. Polarization axes of these polarizing plates are configured to be substantially orthogonal to each other, to eliminate the direct light.

Abstract: An optical system is disclosed which is capable of improving of its contrast characteristic and displaying of images which have a brightness according to the brightness of the use environment. The optical system comprises an optical integrator which divides and recombines the illumination luminous flux in a first axis direction and a light intensity distribution converter which converts the light intensity distribution of the illumination luminous flux in a second axis direction. The optical system further comprises a luminous flux limiting unit which has an aperture. The size of the aperture is changeable in the second axis direction and unchangeable in the first axis direction.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for increasing the effective contrast ratio and brightness yields for digital light valve image projectors using a variable luminance control mechanism (VLCM), associated with the projector optics, for modifying the light output and provide a correction thereto; and an adaptive luminance control module (ALCM) for receiving signals from the video input board, the adaptive luminance control module producing a signal on a VLCM bus connecting the variable luminance control mechanism and the adaptive luminance control module, the signal causing the variable luminance control mechanism to change the luminance of the light output and provide a corrected video signal for the projector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an illumination system (10, 50) for a projection display device. The system comprises an integrator arrangement (14, 58) having at least one entrance aperture (16, 64), a light source (24, 54), and means (26, 56, 61) for directing light from the light source towards the at least one entrance aperture. The illumination system is characterized by a retro-reflector (34, 66) being arranged directly adjacent to said at least one entrance aperture. One advantage offered by the invention is that the efficiency of use of lumen output from the light source is increased. The invention also relates to a projection display device (80) comprising such illumination system.

Abstract: A projection-type display device includes a shielding unit and image signal correction units that divide the picture plane of the spatial light modulation element into a plurality of areas and perform correction on the image signal applied to the spatial light modulation element according to the current shielding amount of the shielding unit for each of the plurality of areas. Accordingly, appropriate uniformity correction is performed even when there is a change in the angular distribution of light emitted from the spatial light modulation element and reaching the screen.

Abstract: A mirror assembly (18) for displaying an image (15) in conjunction with the reflection (14?) of a viewer comprises a mirror (2), which is equipped with a reflective polariser (13), arranged to reflect light (3) incident on its viewing side and transmit light (4) incident on its non-viewing side, where the reflected light (3) and transmitted light (4) may be of different polarization. The image (15) is displayed by a device (5) located on the non-viewing side and focused by a focusing element, e.g. one or more lenses (12, 12a), onto an image plane. The image plane may be located between the mirror (2) and viewer (14), so that a perceived image (15?) appears to stand out from the mirror (2). Alternatively, the image plane may be located so that the perceived image (15?) forms a background in which the viewer's reflection (14?) is immersed. The mirror assembly (1) may further comprise one or more detectors (19) for obtaining a silhouette (21) of the viewer (14).

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for medium wide-angle projection system. An exemplary embodiment of the present technique comprises an imaging system configured to create an image, a lens having a front surface and a back surface, the lens configured to receive an image on the back surface and produce a medium wide-angle representation of the image on the front surface, and an aperture stop positioned adjacent to the front surface of the lens to capture the medium wide-angle representation of the image from the lens.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention can provide a projector that can include a light source unit, an optical modulation element that modulates light from the light source unit on the basis of image data, a light adjusting unit that adjusts the amount of light incident on the light modulation element from the light source unit, and a control unit that controls the light modulation element and the light adjusting unit. The control unit can perform light adjustment control to adjust the amount of light according to a luminance distribution pattern of image data for the light adjusting unit and can perform correction control to correct display irregularity of image data based on the adjustment of the amount of light for the light modulation element.

Abstract: A positioning device for positioning an integration rod module disposed in an optical path between a light source device and a projection lens within a projection apparatus includes a flexible element having a fixing plate section mounted securely on an inner surface of a casing interconnecting the light source device and the projection lens and enclosing the integration rod module, and a first distal plate section extending integrally from one end of the fixing plate section toward a rod cover mounted on the casing for resiliently urging a holder of the rod module to press against the inner surface of the casing at a position opposite to the flexible element. A stop member is disposed securely on the holder adjacent to the rod cover to facilitate abutment of the first distal plate section of the flexible element against the holder to enhance retention of the rod module within the casing.

Abstract: An automatic iris diaphragm module is adapted to a projector having a casing, and is capable of adjusting a size of luminous flux of a light source of the projector. The automatic iris diaphragm module is provided with a chassis, a fixed mask, a movable mask, a drive rack, and a motor. The chassis is fixed on the casing. The fixed mask is fixed on the chassis and has an opening. The movable mask is slidably disposed on the fixed mask. The drive rack is fixed on the movable mask. The motor is fixed on the chassis and has a driving gear engaging with the drive rack for driving the drive rack to make the movable mask slide relative to the fixed mask, for adjusting the size of the luminous flux of the light source through the opening.

Abstract: In a projection device including a reflective light modulator for generating an image, a light source unit for illuminating the light modulator, and projection optics which include first and second partial optics, the projection optics have an optical axis. Each optical boundary surface of each lens of the first partial optics is curved and/or arranged such that, in a reference plane in which the optical axis of the projection optics is located and which is divided by the optical axis into upper and lower half-planes, each reflection ray bundle exiting the first partial optics proceeds completely either into the first or into the second half-plane. Thus, the invention prevents the reflection ray bundles from being projected onto the projection surface.

Abstract: A light filter for use in an optical system for displaying image. The light filter comprising, a substantially transparent substrate and an optical coating applied to the substrate. The optical coating is applied to the substrate such that a percentage of light being directed through the filter that is attenuated varies based on a position on the substrate on which the light impinges.

Abstract: A light projector, including an elongate housing assembly and a tubular light chamber assembly that comprises a plurality of tubular components and is coaxially enclosed by the housing assembly, with optical devices positioned within the light chamber assembly.

Abstract: A light source comprises a lamp such as an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp or a metal halide lamp and its irradiated light is emitted after being parallelized by a parabolic reflector. The parabolic reflector is made by pressing metal such as stainless and its light exit side aperture is covered with a transparent plate made of glass, etc. The transparent plate prevents fragments of glass of the lamp and the like from scattering when the lamp bursts. The parabolic reflector does not have an aperture (cut-out) for ventilation, but heat radiation fins are formed on the outer surface of it.

Abstract: A projector includes a casing, a light source, and a heat dissipation device. The light source and the heat dissipation device are installed inside the casing. Two openings are formed at two sides of the casing opposing to the light source. A light shield is positioned on one of the two openings. The light shield has a fixing plate, and a plurality of first parallel light-shielding plates and a plurality of second parallel light-shielding plates for blocking light leaking from the openings.

Abstract: For mixing different light colors from different LEDs or energized phosphors, an elongated mixing tunnel is used having a reflective inner surface. LEDs of different colors are optically coupled along the length of the mixing tunnel and at a first end of the tunnel. Light coupled along the length of the tunnel is reflected by an angled dichroic mirror that selectively reflects the incoming color light towards a single output port of the mixing tunnel. The dichroic mirror passes all other colors of light being transmitted towards the output port of the tunnel. Two, three, or more colors of LEDs can be used. Efficient and compact ways to energize phosphors are also described. Other optical techniques are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a projection objective comprising at least one lens and intended to transmit a divergent light beam onto a flat screen. A hyperbolically shaped mirror is oriented so as to receive, on its convex face, the light emanating from the lens. The invention also relates to a corresponding projection apparatus.

Abstract: A shaped screen rotates through one or more projected images of two or more projectors operating simultaneously, resulting in a dynamic, kinetic image surface which may be viewed equally well from a plurality of angles, up to 360° horizontally. By utilizing at least two projectors, the resultant composite image on the rotating screen is not only optimally viewed from any angle, but it is also animated by the movement of the screen itself, as well as by any animation within the projected image.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a dynamic aperture for controlling the intensity of light of projection lens, more particularly to a dynamic aperture driving apparatus and method for reducing vibration by which vibrations are minimized in spite of command for sudden location change. The dynamic aperture driving apparatus comprises rotating means, driving means, sensing means and driving control means, whereas a location control signal is characterized by minimizing vibration when the rotating means arrives at a commanded location by an increase in rising time and/or falling time of a target location signal through an RC integral circuit within the driving control means.

Abstract: A display device able to give an image giving a good impression such as a sharp contrast in a dark scene and maintaining brightness in a bright scene, that is, a display device comprising a variable aperture iris and a control circuit for controlling opening/closing of the iris in accordance with a state of a level of an input signal forming a screen, wherein the control circuit controls the iris so that a response of an open/close operation of the iris is different between a case where the signal level fluctuates from a dark level to a bright level and a case where the signal level fluctuates from a bright level to a dark level.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus used for a projection type display is provided, which can change the incident ray volume to an optical modulation device without changing the optical output intensity of the lamp, and can exhibit excellent effects in expressive power of an image and adaptability to the use environment. The lighting apparatus of the present invention comprises; a light source, two fly-eye lenses constituting a uniform lighting device, and a shading plate arranged between these fly-eye lenses and constituting a dimming device for adjusting the amount of light of the outgoing light from the light source. The angle of inclination of the shading plate is controlled based on an image signal supplied to the optical modulation device, thereby enabling adjustment of the amount of light.

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.

Abstract: An illumination system and a projection system incorporating same are disclosed. The illumination system includes a two-dimensional array of independently operable light sources. Each light source illuminates substantially the entire active area of a pixelated optical light modulator. Each light source emits light in different emission directions. Each emission direction is directed to a respective location in the active area. Each pixel in the active area is illuminated by an incident cone of light from the two-dimensional array of independently operable light sources. The cone has a cone angle and includes at least one light ray from each light source. The cone angle of at least one such cone of light can be controlled by adjusting the intensity of one or more of the independently operable light sources.

Abstract: The invention provides a projection display that achieves continuous light amount control with ease and without causing unevenness of illumination of light applied to a light valve responsive to a video signal, thereby allowing constant image display with satisfactory contrast. The projection display of the invention includes a light valve (2); a light source (3a) generating light applied to the light valve (2); an integrator lens (4) provided on an optical path between the light source (3a) and the light valve (2) and making uniform the illumination distribution of light applied from the light source (3a) to the light valve (2); and a light amount control system (9) provided on the optical path and including a turning mechanism (9a) which turns like a set of double doors in order to adjust the amount of light applied from the light source (3a) to the light valve (2). The turning mechanism (9a) is bent into a V shape in a direction to reduce the amount of light (to block the light).

Abstract: A light-shielding module including a bracket, a pendulous member, a shielding member, a first magnet, a second magnet and a first coil is provided. The pendulous member has a first end and a second end opposite to each other and is pivoted on the bracket. The first end extends along a direction from a pivoting place of the pendulous member to a top of the bracket. The shielding member is connected to the first end. The first magnet is disposed at the pendulous member and located between the pivoting place and the first end. The second magnet is disposed at the pendulous member and adjacent to the second end. A mass-of-center of the second magnet is located beside a center line passing a center-of-mass of the first magnet and the pivoting center. The first coil is disposed on one of the first side wall and the second side wall.

Abstract: A transparent document securing device, using in a flatbed scanner, includes a securing frame. The securing frame comprises at least a securing cell, wherein the securing cell further includes a concave, a cover and a clip mechanism. The concave includes a least a first opening and an open slot. The cover includes at least a second opening. The securing device employs the cover to mount a transparent document in a concave. A user is therefore be able to place the securing device along with the transparent document in the document glass of a scanning system. By a predetermined mode, the scanning system is able to directly scan the transparent document; no need to preview the scanned image to adjust the scanning area. Thus, the time for scanning is saved. Further the fixed depth of the concave is utilized to proved a precise focus of the scanning system. The quality of the scanned image is therefore improved.