Plural Patents (Class 353/99)
  • Patent number: 7562987
    Abstract: A rear projection display according to the present disclosure includes a complex mirror as an optical element to simplify the optical design. The mirror may be symmetrical about at least one axis to require optimization of only half the optical system. The mirror may also provide a geometrically distorted image that may be corrected in software of the image generator. This display uses a mathematical formulation which inherently creates a surface which is symmetric about one linear axis but free form in an orthogonal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Fakespace Labs, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian McDowall
  • Publication number: 20090180083
    Abstract: A light production system and apparatus for adjusting the uniformity of light is provided. The apparatus comprises a light reducing portion, having an area less than that of an exit of an integrator, for reducing the brightness of a central area of light emitted from the exit. The apparatus further comprises a mounting portion for mounting the light reducing portion in general longitudinal alignment with a center of the exit, the mounting portion enabled to transmit the light emitted from the exit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc.
    Inventor: John Parkin
  • Patent number: 7559671
    Abstract: An illumination system including a beam splitter, a first lamp, a second lamp, a first reflector, a second reflector, and a light uniforming element is provided. The first and the second lamp emit a first beam and a second beam to the beam splitter, respectively. A part of the first beam reflected by the beam splitter and a part of the second beam passing through the beam splitter constitute a third beam, and the other part of the first beam passing through the beam splitter and the other part of the second beam reflected by the beam splitter constitute a fourth beam. The first reflector and the second reflector reflect the third beam and the fourth beam, respectively. The light uniforming element is disposed on transmission paths of the reflected third beam and the reflected fourth beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Young Optics Inc.
    Inventors: Yu-Tsung Lee, Ya-Ling Hsu, Chin-Yuan Cheng
  • Patent number: 7556384
    Abstract: A trifold display device comprising panel opening mechanism(s) which open the device, in a damped motion, from a closed position wherein display surfaces are concealed from view to an open configuration wherein three display surfaces are exposed. The panel operating mechanisms exert forces on two panels, thereby urging the panels toward an open position. Upon actuation of a release latch, the opening mechanisms move a support panel around to the back of the mirror, thereby raising the device into a tilted position (if the device is resting on a surface). Preferably simultaneously, the two movable display panels are also moved to an open configuration wherein they are exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: C.C. & L Company Limited
    Inventor: Sik Leung Chan
  • Publication number: 20090168030
    Abstract: A display is provided including a light source, a light valve, a projection lens, a first planer reflector, a second planer reflector, a curved reflector and a projection plane. The light source is capable of emitting a light beam. The light valve is disposed on a light path of the light beam to transform the light beam into an image light beam. The projection lens is disposed on a light path of the image light beam. The first planer reflector reflects the image light beam from the projection lens. The second planer reflector reflects the image light beam from the first planer reflector. The curved reflector reflects the image light beam from the second planer reflector. The image light beam from the curved reflector is projected on the projection plane to form a projection image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: YOUNG OPTICS INC.
    Inventors: Jung-Yao CHEN, Ching-Lung LAI, Tung-Hua CHOU
  • Publication number: 20090168031
    Abstract: An oblique projection optical system enlarges an image formed on a display device surface, and obliquely projects the enlarged image on a screen surface. The oblique projection optical system has, in the order from a reduction side: a refraction optical portion having a positive optical power, a concave reflection surface having a positive optical power, and a convex reflection surface having a negative optical power. The refraction optical portion includes a rotationally symmetric coaxial refraction group. An intermediate image of the image formed on the display device surface is formed between the refraction optical portion and the concave reflection surface. An aperture stop image is formed between the concave reflection surface and the convex reflection surface. The concave reflection surface and the convex reflection surface fulfill prescribed conditional formulae.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.
    Inventors: Masayuki Imaoka, Keiko Yamada
  • Patent number: 7553033
    Abstract: To provide a projector or the like, which use a solid-state light-emitting element as light source and which provides a bright, stable, and uniform projection image, the present invention includes: a light source to emit light; a spatial light modulator to modulate the light from the light source in accordance with an image signal; and a projector lens to project the light modulated by the spatial light modulator. The spatial light modulator is a tilt mirror device including a movable mirror element that reflects the light from the light source in the direction of the projector lens or in the direction other than that of the projector lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hideya Seki
  • Publication number: 20090161080
    Abstract: A displaying method of a digital light processing (DLP) projector includes the steps of: providing a light modulation device including a driver printed circuit board and a digital micromirror device (DMD), wherein the DMD includes a plurality of micromirrors each having a first stable state and a second stable state, and a predetermined light incident direction, the DMD is installed on the driver printed circuit board; providing an illumination light beam being incident on the DMD along an operating direction different from the predetermined light incident direction, modulating the illumination light beam to an imaging light beam by the DMD and directing the imaging light beam to a projection lens for projecting an image. A DLP projector made thereby has a relatively lower manufacturing cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Chin-Ku LIU
  • Publication number: 20090153808
    Abstract: A condenser for directing light from a UHP arc lamp or other generally cylindrical source onto a target such as a microdisplay in line with a front end of the lamp comprises a primary mirror to direct light from the source towards the back end of the condenser, and a secondary mirror at the back end of the condenser to direct the light from the primary mirror onto the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: LIGHT PRESCRIPTIONS INNOVATORS, LLC
    Inventors: Pablo Benitez, Juan Carlos Minano, Jose Blen Flores
  • Publication number: 20090153809
    Abstract: A projection optical system includes a first refracting optical system having a plurality of lenses, a first reflecting optical system, and a second reflecting optical system. The first reflecting optical system is disposed on a side of a projection port with respect to an optical axis of the first refracting optical system, and has a positive optical power to reflect light incident through the first refracting optical system in a direction opposite to the side of the projection port. The second reflecting optical system is operable to reflect the light reflected on the first reflecting optical system toward the projection port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicants: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD., RICOH OPTICAL INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryuhei AMANO, Takashi Ikeda, Shinichi Okuno, Osamu Nagase, Yoshitsugu Kohno
  • Patent number: 7547103
    Abstract: A LCoS projection display system using two LCoS chips and a variable color filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Fakespace Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian E. McDowall, Mark T. Bolas
  • Patent number: 7543945
    Abstract: A projection display includes three illumination units to emit red, green, and blue beams, at least one optical modulator to modulate the red, green, and blue beams to be suitable for image data, and projection optics to magnify and project the light beams emitted from the at least one optical modulator. Each of the illumination units includes: a collimator including a parabolic first reflective surface; a compact light source located at a focal point of the first reflective surface; a polarizer that transforms a light beam emitted from the collimator into a P- or S-polarized beam; and an integrator that transforms the light beam emitted from the polarizer to be emitted at a uniform intensity of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-chol Lee, Dong-ha Kim, Yasunori Kuratomi, Il-kweon Moon
  • Patent number: 7542211
    Abstract: A high-performance image-forming optical system made compact and thin by folding an optical path using reflecting surfaces arranged to minimize the number of reflections. The image-forming optical system has a single prism. When image-side three surfaces of the prism are defined as a surface A, a surface B and a surface C in order from the image plane side thereof, at least one of the surfaces B and C has a rotationally asymmetric curved surface configuration that gives a power to a light beam and corrects aberrations due to decentration. The optical system leads light rays from an object to the image plane without forming an image in the prism and has a pupil in the prism. The surface A is a transmitting surface through which rays exit from the prism. The surfaces B and C are internally reflecting surfaces, which are positioned to face each other to form a Z-shaped optical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Takayoshi Togino
  • Publication number: 20090128786
    Abstract: An imaging system comprises a light valve having an array of light valve pixels. For processing grayscale/color images, each light valve pixel represents a discrete grayscale level. During image processing, desired grayscales can be accomplished by imaging the light valve pixels onto the target such that the perceived grayscale of each target pixel is a sum of grayscales represented by a plurality of light valve pixels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: David Foster Lieb, Jason Ryan Thompson, Terry Alan Bartlett, Steven Monroe Penn, Andrew Ian Russell
  • Publication number: 20090128883
    Abstract: The present invention provides a display apparatus, comprising: a light source; at least one spatial light modulator for modulating a luminous flux emitted from the light source; and controller for processing video image information, which is input, and controlling the light source and the spatial light modulator, wherein the controller controls the light source and the spatial light modulator so as to perform pulse emission of the light source during a period shorter than a period in which the spatial light modulator is controlled under a modulation state and also controls the light source so as to modulate the pulse emission during a period shorter than a period in which the spatial light modulator is controlled under a modulation state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Taro Endo, Kazuma Arai, Yoshihiro Maeda, Fusao Ishii
  • Publication number: 20090128784
    Abstract: A projection display device is discussed, which includes an optical system having an improved arrangement, thereby being capable of reducing the size of the projection display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Chan Young YOON
  • Publication number: 20090128782
    Abstract: A MEMS-based projector may be included in various user devices. A selective fold mirror, a MEMS-based projector, and a polarization rotator may be oriented to reflect a beam within the device for external projection. Alternatively, a total internal reflection prism may take the place of a selective fold mirror or a polarization rotator and may reduce the number of necessary components in the user device. Various optical components may be placed in the MEMS-based projector and arranged in different positions to reflect a light beam in a desired direction for external projection. The components that make up the MEMS-based projector may depend on the available footprint in the device and the direction in which the light beam is to be projected. Some optical components may provide multiple functionalities which would otherwise require multiple components and may reduce the size of the projector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Microvision, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua O. Miller, Richard A. James, Christian Dean DeJong, Robert A. Sprowl, Maarten Niesten
  • Patent number: 7533996
    Abstract: A contrast adjustable projector apparatus including a body, a light source, an illumination unit, a lens assembly and a regulation device is disclosed. The light source is disposed in the body for generating light beams. The illumination unit connects the light source and the lens assembly to guide the light beams to project onto the lens assembly. The illumination unit includes a digital micromirror device (DMD) which is controlled by a controller to rotate at a specific angle according to the transmitted signals, thereby projecting the light beams transmitting from the light source as an on-state light, a flat state light or an off-state light. The regulation device is provided at an outer side of the lens assembly to adjustably shield at least a part of flat state light which is incident to a light inlet, in order to the contrast of the light emitted out of the lens assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Shengwei Lin, Kuotung Wu
  • Patent number: 7535648
    Abstract: An image that has been displayed on the display screen of an image generator is first passed through a projection lens section consisting of a front group and a rear group. Next after being reflected on the reflecting surface of a free-form surface mirror, the image is further reflected by a planar reflecting mirror and then obliquely projected from the lower section of a projection screen onto the screen. The front group of the projection lens section is provided for enlarging the image. In order to correct aberration due to oblique projection onto the projection screen, the rear group uses a free-form surface lens that forms a concave shape with respect to the exit side of light from the lens. The free-form surface mirror corrects trapezoidal distortion due to oblique projection onto the projection screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Yoshikawa, Takanori Hisada, Tetsu Ohishi, Koji Hirata, Naoyuki Ogura
  • Publication number: 20090122279
    Abstract: A projector includes a screen; a reflection unit having at least one curved surface mirror disposed on the projection side of the screen; a bending mirror disposed before the reflection unit on the optical path and disposed on either the non-projection side of the screen or on an extension plane of the screen; a refraction unit disposed before the reflection unit on the optical path and having at least a part disposed on either the non-projection side of the screen or on the extension plane of the screen; and an image forming unit disposed before the refraction unit on the optical path and disposed on the non-projection side of the screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Nobutaka MINEFUJI
  • Patent number: 7530698
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: Tai-Li Chang, Wen-Chi Fu, Chun-How Shao
  • Patent number: 7530694
    Abstract: A flat projection television comprising an imagine engine mounted adjacent a top of an enclosure and optically coupled to a collimator mirror, a flat mirror, a mirror assembly comprising a plurality of cylindrical mirrors, and a diffuser screen. The image engine includes a cylindrical lens which expands an outgoing image horizontally. The image engine projects the image downward from the top of the enclosure toward the bottom of the enclosure where the horizontally expanding image encounters the collimator mirror which collimates the expanding beam bringing the horizontal lines back into parallel with one another. The collimator mirror also reflects the collimated image towards the front of the enclosure where it encounters the flat mirror oriented to deflect the image upward into the mirror box location of the enclosure at an appropriate angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry B. Lowe
  • Patent number: 7529024
    Abstract: A polarization conversion system includes at least one beam splitting and combining unit having a polarization beam splitting element and a dichroic element, a dichroic unit, a polarization beam splitting unit, a first half wave plate (HWP) and a second half wave plate. The polarization beam splitting element reflects a first portion beam of the first light beam and allows a second portion beam of the first light beam to pass through. The dichroic unit reflects the first portion beam. The polarization beam splitting unit reflects a third portion beam of a second light beam and allows a fourth portion beam of the second light beam to pass through, and the dichroic element reflects the third portion beam. In addition, the first HWP is disposed between the beam splitting and combining unit and the polarization beam splitting unit, while the second HWP is disposed between the beam splitting and combining unit and the dichroic unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Young Optics Inc.
    Inventor: Sung-Nan Chen
  • Patent number: 7527998
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling a depth of a cavity between two layers of a light modulating device. A method of making a light modulating device includes providing a substrate, forming a sacrificial layer over at least a portion of the substrate, forming a reflective layer over at least a portion of the sacrificial layer, and forming one or more flexure controllers over the substrate, the flexure controllers configured so as to operably support the reflective layer and to form cavities, upon removal of the sacrificial layer, of a depth measurably different than the thickness of the sacrificial layer, wherein the depth is measured perpendicular to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Qualcomm Mems Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ming-Hau Tung, Lior Kogut
  • Patent number: 7524071
    Abstract: A high-performance image-forming optical system made compact and thin by folding an optical path using reflecting surfaces arranged to minimize the number of reflections. The image-forming optical system has a single prism. When image-side three surfaces of the prism are defined as a surface A, a surface B and a surface C in order from the image plane side thereof, at least one of the surfaces B and C has a rotationally asymmetric curved surface configuration that gives a power to a light beam and corrects aberrations due to decentration. The optical system leads light rays from an object to the image plane without forming an image in the prism and has a pupil in the prism. The surface A is a transmitting surface through which rays exit from the prism. The surfaces B and C are internally reflecting surfaces, which are positioned to face each other to form a Z-shaped optical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Takayoshi Togino
  • Patent number: 7524068
    Abstract: A projection optical system that performs enlargement projection of an image on a display device surface formed of a plurality of pixels onto a screen surface, in which pixel shift by less than a pixel pitch is performed on the screen surface in a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, an oblique direction, or a vertical and horizontal directions, and in which conditional formulae (1) and (2) below are fulfilled over the entire image range: (1)|?RG|?0.5 d and (2)|?BG|?0.5 d, where d represents the amount of pixel shift (>0), ?RG represents lateral chromatic aberration in the direction of pixel shift of colored light R having a wavelength of 640 nm with respect to colored light G having a wavelength of 546 nm, and ?BG represents lateral chromatic aberration in the direction of pixel shift of colored light B having a wavelength of 450 nm with respect to the colored light G having a wavelength of 546 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.
    Inventors: Kohtaro Hayashi, Masayuki Imaoka, Yuichi Atarashi, Hiroshi Kibayashi
  • Publication number: 20090103058
    Abstract: A peripheral projection, display screen system including (a) a display screen having a rear side and a diagonal dimension, (b) an image-projection source coupled to a peripheral of the system and disposed at a defined, image-projection system depth rearwardly of the screen's rear side, (c) an optical path structure operatively interposed and optically coupling the source and the rear side of the screen, coupling the image from the source to the screen's rear side, and within the mentioned, defined image-projection system depth, a displayable image projected by the source, and (d) system geometry structure organizing the screen, the source, and the optical path structure, whereby the depth ratio of the diagonal dimension of the screen to the image-projection depth is equal to or more than 10:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Edmund Sandberg
  • Patent number: 7520615
    Abstract: A display apparatus is provided which can display different text/image information depending on the viewing angle and the viewer, display a high reality three-dimensional image viewable from any direction and realize stereoscopic viewing without glasses or the like. The display apparatus includes a display unit having a view angle-limiting filter on its surface, a rotary mechanism to rotate the display unit and a control unit which implements control so that when the display unit, rotated by the rotary mechanism, is faced to each of plural directions, the display unit displays a different text/image content associated with the direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Hoshino, Rieko Otsuka, Atsushi Ishibashi, Youichi Horii, Manabu Yanagimoto, Yukinobu Maruyama
  • Patent number: 7517090
    Abstract: A device using a low-cost plastic curved mirror and several combinations of methods for reducing aberrations to improve a real image projection system is provided, so as to reduce ghost and astigmatism phenomenon. The real image projection system includes a curved mirror having two different optical surfaces of revolution, one on a convex surface and the other on a concave surface. The real image projection system may include at least a curved reflector positioned in a tilted configuration, and an optical axis of the reflector does not coincide with a viewing axis. A beampath between a target source and the curved reflector neither passes through a beamsplitter nor is reflected thereby. The real image projection system may further include a circular polarizer for circularly polarizing a light beam in a primary light path between the mirror and the real image, eliminating ghost image caused by outside light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Provision Interactive Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Vrachan, Curtis L. Thornton
  • Patent number: 7517096
    Abstract: A micro-mirror light modulator and associated projection display system. The projection display system includes a light source, a linear light source illumination system that transforms a light emitted from the light source into a thin linear light, a micro-mirror light modulator that selectively diverts the direction of the incident thin linear light to create reflected light, a light transmitting layer that selectively transmits or filters out the reflected light, a condenser lens that focuses the light transmitted by the light transmitting layer, and a scanner that scans the focused light such that the light forms a projected image. The micro-mirror light modulator includes a reflection electrode that deflects toward an electrode when a voltage is applied. The reflection electrode reflects light depending on its deflection state. The micro-mirror light modulator is driven by low voltage, is easily fabricated such that the cost is reduced, and exhibits enhanced image contrast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Chan Young Park
  • Patent number: 7517094
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Jena GmbH
    Inventor: Eberhard Piehler
  • Patent number: 7513624
    Abstract: A laser projection device suitable for displaying full color images is disclosed. The LPD includes a variety of techniques for modulating laser beams produced by one or more lasers with image data to controllably produce the image using a modified raster scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dmitriy Yavid, Paul Dvorkis, Ron Goldman, Joseph Katz, Narayan Nambudiri, Miklos Stern, Chinh Tan, Carl Wittenberg, Frederick F. Wood
  • Patent number: 7506985
    Abstract: A light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged around the perimeter of a reflective optical element, wherein each of the light emitting diodes selectively generates a light beam directed to the reflective optical element. The reflective optical element generates a light path by collimating and reflecting the selectively generated light beams from each of the light emitting diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: George Z. Radominski, Charles Otis, Chris Carl Aschoff, Patrick V. Boyd, Eugene W. Oliver
  • Patent number: 7506986
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Koba, Shinichi Shiotsu, Motoshi Tahara, Katsumi Terada, Hideki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7503661
    Abstract: In a projection optical system for obliquely performing enlargement projection of an image formed on a display device surface onto a screen surface, a plurality of reflective surfaces are provided, at least one of which is a curved reflective surface having an optical power. Letting the curved reflective surface, out of said at least one curved reflective surface, having the largest effective optical region be the largest curved reflective surface, the reflective surface other than the largest curved reflective surface is slightly decentered with the largest curved reflective surface kept in a fixed state so as to perform pixel shift on the screen surface in a vertical direction, or a horizontal direction, or an oblique direction, or vertical and horizontal directions within the range of a pixel pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.
    Inventors: Tomokazu Masubuchi, Masayuki Imaoka, Jun Ishihara
  • Patent number: 7503660
    Abstract: A reflection mixing member (13) has an alignment in which light from a first light source is incident on a reflecting surface (13a) and light from a second light source is incident on a reflecting surface (13b). A relationship between a pitch Wp, which is a pitch between portions (triangular prisms) respectively formed of the reflecting surface (13a) and the reflecting surface (13b) in the reflection mixing member (13), and a lens pitch Wf is set to be (Wp/Wf?1). As a result, light fluxes of respectively different distribution are incident on each lens portion of fly's eye lens 14a, so that it is possible to prevent luminance non-uniformity in light incident on a liquid crystal display panel (5) from being generated and prevent color non-uniformity from being generated on a screen at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Ikeda, Yoshitaka Kurosaka, Hideyuki Kanayama, Koji Ishii
  • Publication number: 20090066920
    Abstract: A projection type image display device includes a reflector 5 having an ellipsoidal reflection surface 4 as an inner surface thereof, a light source 35 in which at least a light emitting portion 1 is substantially planar, a light distribution thereof is within ±90° with respect to a normal line perpendicular to the plane, and the light emitting portion 1 is located optically at a first focus 3 of the spheroid forming the ellipsoidal reflection surface 4 of the reflector 5, a rod integrator 8 having an entrance opening portion in which a second focus 7 of the spheroid forming the ellipsoidal reflection surface 4 of the reflector 5 is located at the entrance opening portion thereof, a light modulator 11 capable of modulating an output of transmission light in accordance with an external signal, a relay optical system 10 for transferring an image of an exit opening portion of the rod integrator 8 onto the light modulator 11, and a projection lens 15 for enlarging and projecting the image on the light modulator 1
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigekazu Yamagishi, Yusaku Shimaoka, Yoshimasa Fushimi, Mitsuhiro Wada
  • Patent number: 7494228
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Philips Lumileds Lighting Company, LLC
    Inventors: Gerard Harbers, Laurie Scheffel, Matthijs H. Keuper, Robert H. Holman
  • Publication number: 20090040473
    Abstract: A projection image display apparatus includes a lens unit into which light modulated in accordance with an image signal is entered, a first reflecting mirror having a reflecting surface into which the light passing through the lens unit is entered and by which the light is converged, a second reflecting mirror for reflecting the light reflected by the first reflecting mirror, and a mirror actuator for changing a tilt angle of the second reflecting mirror with respect to the light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryuhei Amano, Takashi Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20090033887
    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: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ming-Te Lin, Wen-Pin Yeh
  • Patent number: 7484853
    Abstract: A light source device includes: a light emitting tube having a light emitting portion that generates light by an electric discharge between a pair of electrodes and first and second sealed portions provided on either side of the light emitting portion; a main reflecting mirror provided along the first sealed portion of the light emitting tube and having a main reflecting portion that reflects light radiated from the light emitting tube so as to converge at a predetermined position; and a sub-reflecting mirror provided along the second sealed portion of the light emitting tube and having a sub-reflecting portion and a base portion, the sub-reflecting portion sending light radiated from the light emitting tube toward a side opposite to the main reflecting mirror back to the light emitting portion of the light emitting tube, and the base portion being provided at a side of the second sealed portion of the sub-reflecting portion and formed in a stepped manner with respect to the sub-reflecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Nishida, Takeshi Takezawa
  • Publication number: 20090027628
    Abstract: An image by means of a projection light is projected without any distortion both onto a surface approximately parallel to an installation surface, and onto a surface approximately perpendicular to the installation surface. In a case in which reflecting surfaces are held in a horizontal condition, and a reflecting surface of a reflecting mirror on which a projection light falls is formed into a planar surface, individual light rays fall on positions on a table surface. As these positions are evenly spaced, an image projected onto the table surface becomes a non-distorted image. On the other hand, in a case in which the surfaces are held in an inclined condition, and a surface on which the projection light falls is formed into a curved surface, individual light rays caused to emerge from a light modulation device at even intervals fall on a wall surface. Incidence positions of the individual light rays being evenly spaced, an image projected onto the wall surface becomes the non-distorted image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hidetaka HOSHINO, Yoshito Hosoi, Tomoyuki Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20090021703
    Abstract: A projection optical system for use in an image projection apparatus illuminating a lightbulb forming an image in accordance with a modulating signal with illumination light from a light source is disclosed. 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 lightbulb. 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 lightbulb is formed as an intermediate image in the optical path, and the intermediate image is magnified and projected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Atsushi TAKAURA, Kazuhiro Fujita, Nobuo Sakuma
  • Publication number: 20090015801
    Abstract: A projection optical system for use in an image projection apparatus illuminating a lightbulb forming an image in accordance with a modulating signal with illumination light from a light source is disclosed. 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 lightbulb. 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 lightbulb is formed as an intermediate image in the optical path, and the intermediate image is magnified and projected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Atsushi TAKAURA, Kazuhiro Fujita, Nabuo Sakuma
  • Publication number: 20090009731
    Abstract: To provide a technique that can contribute to improvement of an optical characteristic of an optical beam scanning device while realizing an increase in scanning speed of a light beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takashi Shiraishi
  • Publication number: 20090009732
    Abstract: The present invention provides a projection apparatus that includes a mirror element and a drive circuit for driving a laser light source for projecting an illumination light. The projection apparatus further includes mirror device for modulating the illumination light and a projection lens for projecting the modulated light from the mirror element. The mirror device is disposed on a device substrate and packaged in a package substrate made of a transparent silicon material with a metallic thermal transfer path connected to the device substrate and a cover glass covering the package substrate. The distance between the mirror and the bottom surface of the cover glass is larger than the focal length of the projection lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Maeda, Hirokazu Nishino, Akira Shirai, Hirotoshi Ichikawa, Fusao Ishii
  • Publication number: 20090009730
    Abstract: A digital micromirror projection display system is disclosed in which “off” pixel light is recaptured and recycled. In the disclosed system, a digital micromirror device directs incident light for “on” pixels in the image to be displayed through projection lenses to a projection screen. The digital micromirror device directs incident light for “off” pixels back toward the light source for recapture by a light integrator. Both the incident and projected light can pass through a rear group of projection lenses, with the first projection lens being disposed near the digital micromirror device. A mirror directs the incident light toward the digital micromirror device, and the “off” pixel light from the digital micromirror device toward the light integrator. As a result, “off” pixel light can be recycled without degrading image contrast, in a manner that can place fast projection lenses close to the digital micromirror device to save cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Patrick R. Destain
  • Publication number: 20080309890
    Abstract: A light integration rod having a light input end and a light output end opposite to each other is provided. The light integration rod includes a first reflective plate, a second reflective plate, a third reflective plate and a fourth reflective plate. The second reflective plate is opposite to the first reflective plate. The third reflective plate and the fourth reflective plate connect the first reflective plate and the second reflective plate, and are disposed opposite to each other. A long side of the first reflective plate is not equal to a long side of the second reflective plate. A short side at the light output end of at least one of the first reflective plate and the second reflective plate is separate from a short side of the third reflective plate and a short side of the fourth reflective plate at the light output end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: YOUNG OPTICS INC.
    Inventors: Jiunn-Lih Lin, Huang-Ming Chen, Pei-Ching Liu, Tzu-Kai Wang, Chih-Hsien Tsai
  • Publication number: 20080309888
    Abstract: A projector structure, such as a stage use projector, is provided for managing light projection and suitable for replacing a “Gobo” device. The projector structure has a digital micromirror device (DMD) and a refraction and/or reflection device for circulating light beams (R) around the digital micromirror device and maintaining the coaxiality between the light source and the projection lenses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: SGM Technology For Lighting S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gabriele Giorgi
  • Patent number: 7463415
    Abstract: A system (and its methods of use) for collecting and displaying images so as to create a visual effect and, more particularly but not by way of limitation, a three-dimensional visual effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Eugene Lee Shafer