Abstract: A method and system for projecting an image. An image projection system may include a sensor configured to detect the presence of an observer within a proximity of a medium, e.g., screen, window. In response to the sensor detecting the presence of an observer within a proximity of the medium, one or more portions of the medium may be switched from a transparent state to a substantially translucent state. At a substantially concurrent time as switching the one or more portions of the medium to a substantially translucent state, an image may be projected onto such portion(s). Hence, an image may be displayed in response to detecting an observer within the proximity of the medium.

Abstract: An illumination obscurement device for controlling the obscurement of illumination from a light source which is optimized for use with a rectangular, arrayed, selective reflection device. In a preferred embodiment, a rotatable shutter with three positions is placed between a light source and a DMD. The first position of the shutter is a mask, preferably an out of focus circle. This out of focus circle creates a circular mask and changes any unwanted dim reflection to a circular shape. The second position of the shutter is completely open, allowing substantially all the light to pass. The third position of the shutter is completely closed, blocking substantially all the light from passing. By controlling the penumbra illumination surrounding the desired illumination, DMDs can be used in illumination devices without creating undesirable rectangular penumbras.

Abstract: A computerized projector system which automatically adapts projected images emanating from projectors to fit the size and conditions of screens on which the images are displayed. Moreover, disclosed is a novel method of utilizing a computerized projector system which automatically adapts projected images to a shape and condition in correlation with the size and configuration of the screens onto which the images are projected.

Abstract: A stackable mechanical package for a digitally addressed projector (12N) includes a housing portion (22) having top and rear surfaces (44) that are shaped to form a contoured recess (46), and a pedestal portion (20) having bottom and front surfaces (60) that are sized to mate with the contoured recess when the package is in a shippable configuration. When a top side (50) of the pedestal portion is mated to a bottom side (32) of the housing portion, the stackable package is in a first operational configuration. Alternatively, when the stackable package is stacked below another similar stackable package (12F), the shippable configuration further forms a second operational configuration. The stackable package includes legs (24, 26) attached to and protruding from the pedestal portion to support the package apparatus in the first operational configuration or to fasten together the housing and pedestal portions when the package is in the shippable configuration.

Abstract: Selective reflective optical apparatus includes a projection screen. The projection screen has structure constructed and arranged to selectively reflect only incident optical energy of a predetermined number of narrow bands of optical wavelength regions.

Abstract: An image projection system comprises an image projector, such as a film or television projector and a projection screen. The projection screen is fabricated of a substantially transparent material, such as glass or plastic. The screen of transparent material has one or more areas or portions formed therein which areas or portions may be made to be translucent upon the application of a stimulus. Once in a translucent condition, the projected image can be received and viewed on the translucent portion.

Abstract: There is described an improved system for retaining a video screen in a frame comprising a video screen, a frame for supporting the video screen along at least a portion of the screen's peripheral edges, and a mechanism for biasing the edges of the screen against the frame to hold the screen in position relative to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a beaded rear projection screen that has performance properties such as gain and viewing angle that can be tuned by using a mixture of two or more types of microbeads having different refractive indices and varying the mixture. The present invention further provides methods of selecting microbeads and the construction of the screen so that transmission through the screen can remain sufficiently high throughout the range of tunability.

Abstract: A resin composition for production of an optical element being adapted to form the optical element has a characteristics of which, when W1/2 (° C.) represents, regarding a crest portion in a loss factor/temperature curve obtained by measuring the loss factor of the resin composition relative to a change in the temperature, the width of the crest portion at the position of ½ of the maximum value of the loss factor in the crest portion temperature range; W0.1 (° C.) represents, regarding the crest portion, the width of the crest portion at the position of 0.1 of the maximum value of the loss factor; and &Dgr;W (° C.), the difference between the widths of the two crest portions, is set to be &Dgr;W=W0.1−W1/2, the &Dgr;W is in the range of from 16° C. to 31° C.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus is provided that includes a projection screen located on a wall of a workspace. The apparatus also includes a frontal-view camera located behind the projection screen. The frontal view camera captures a frontal-view image of the workspace through a hole in the projection screen. Additionally, the apparatus includes a projector to project an image of an individual outside the workspace onto the projection screen, such that the hole is located within a face of the image of the individual.

Abstract: A projection system is provided having an aerosol generator for producing aerosol in a defined space. At least two light beam generators are arranged to direct light beams from at least two different positions onto the aerosol. Projection controls are adapted to convert three-dimensional image data into projection signals which are supplied to the light beam generators to project the three-dimensional image to become visible in the aerosol space.

Abstract: A system and method directed to an integrated fiber optic splitter assembly having at least two fused splitters disposed in a common substrate. An integrated optical splitter assembly includes a plurality of input fibers, a plurality of output fibers, and a plurality of splitters disposed on a single substrate to either split or couple optical signals between the input and output optical fibers.

Abstract: An avionics display includes a first predefined display area for high priority information and a second predefined display area for normal priority information. A viewing screen is disposed between the avionics display and a design eye point. A first portion of the viewing screen, corresponding to the high priority information, includes metallized tapered waveguides to direct light including the normal priority information at a limited vertical viewing angle and to direct light including the high priority information at an extended vertical viewing angle.

Abstract: An active screen reflects a high contrast projected image. The screen has (1) an active layer having visible optical properties changed by an electric field provided by electrodes and (2) a photosensitive layer. The photosensitive layer is such that the electric field across a localized area of the active layer depends on the illumination incident on the photoconductor in that area. The local reflectance of the projection screen thus depends on the intensity of light incident upon it. In one embodiment, the reflectance of the screen increases with increasing light intensity to produce a high contrast reflected image.

Abstract: A system detects reflected light from a projection screen associated with a projection display. Reflected light may be analyzed to determine whether the projector is in focus. This information may be used to create input signals that automatically focus the projection display.

Abstract: A front projection screen and associated system and method are disclosed that utilize a back structured layer and a front diffusing layer to provide improved viewable image quality. The structured layer is formed with a plurality of grooves and can operate to direct light into a defined audience view region. The diffusing layer is coupled to the structured layer and is formed from a matte polyester film to provide dry erase capability on a front surface of the diffusing layer. For example, the matte polyester film can be TEKRA Marnot XL matte Melinex polyester film. Further, the structured layer can be formed as an acrylate linear prismatic structure having a gloss white coating. The acrylate linear prismatic structure and the matte polyester film can be coupled, for example, by lamination or can be coupled by being extruded as a unitary construction.

Abstract: A viewing surface capable of high contrast and high resolution comprising one or more materials that preferentially reflect or transmit or scatter monochromatic light at the primary wavelengths necessary to generate the color gamut appropriate for a given display application. A viewing surface capable of high contrast and high resolution comprising one or more materials which can include rare earth ions, etc. and may be combined with absorbing substrates and/or interference filters.

Abstract: To provide a sheet take-up device for a projection screen and the like, said device being capable of simplifying the device in structure by omitting a one-way clutch and reducing components in number and capable of smoothly drawing out and taking up a sheet.

Abstract: A light diffusing screen is made by exposing a photopolymerisable material to polymerising light through a mask having an array of light-transmitting apertures in an opaque background or vice versa, at least some of the light being directed obliquely onto the photopolymerisable material. The resulting photopolymerised material has asymmetric light diffusing properties. In some embodiments two beams of light directed onto the photopolymerisable material are equally and oppositely inclined to the perpendicular to the plane of the material. An analogous effect may be provided, in other embodiments, by exposing the photopolymerisable material to light converging conically on the photopolymerisable material.

Abstract: A screen assembly holding mechanism is provided for multiscreen displays employing an abutted array of substantially identical display devices that each display a subdivided portion of a total image such that together they display the total image. Each display device includes a screen and a Fresnel lens that form a screen assembly. The screen assembly is connected to the display device by the screen assembly holding mechanism. The screen assembly holding mechanism provides a significantly smaller boundary between the display devices than has before been possible and does not significantly interrupt the total image. The screen assembly holding mechanism also allows for differing expansion and contraction rates of the screen and Fresnel lens and substantially lessens the likelihood of either becoming detached from the screen assembly holding mechanism. The screen assembly holding mechanism may include a safety lip that covers an outer edge of the screen for protection against injury.

Abstract: An ultrathin optical panel, and a method of producing an ultrathin optical panel, are disclosed, including stacking a plurality of glass sheets, which sheets may be coated with a transparent cladding substance or may be uncoated, fastening together the plurality of stacked coated glass sheets using an epoxy or ultraviolet adhesive, applying uniform pressure to the stack, curing the stack, sawing the stack to form an inlet face on a side of the stack and an outlet face on an opposed side of the stack, bonding a coupler to the inlet face of the stack, and fastening the stack, having the coupler bonded thereto, within a rectangular housing having an open front which is aligned with the outlet face, the rectangular housing having therein a light generator which is optically aligned with the coupler. The light generator is preferably placed parallel to and proximate with the inlet face, thereby allowing for a reduction in the depth of the housing.

Abstract: A rear projection screen assembly is described that includes a diffuser and a polarizer. The diffuser has particles dispersed within a binder. The particles and the binder have different refractive indices and are chosen such that the diffuser spreads light of an initial polarization state a cone of angles while substantially preserving the initial polarization state of the light. The diffuser also substantially depolarizing a portion of the light that is laterally scattered in the diffuser. The polarizer is disposed to receive light transmitted through the diffuser. The polarizer transmits light of the initial polarization state while absorbing a portion of the laterally scattered light that has a different polarization state. The resolution of the overall screen assembly may be made higher while also improving other characteristics of the screen assembly.

Abstract: A variable size projection screen apparatus inputs an image and generates a beam to project the image on a screen. A sizing facility can resize the image on the screen in at least two different sizes. A motor arrangement can physically resize the screen in a lateral direction to at least two distinct widths.

Abstract: An image display apparatus of a projection-type is provided which includes an illuminator with a light source, an optical modulator illuminated by light illuminator and which makes spatial modulation of the illumination light according to a to-be-displayed image for either transmission or reflection, and a projection lens to form an image of the optical modulator. The apparatus includes also a first reflecting element to reflect, towards the light source, the unwanted light of the light beam emitted from the illuminator and which will not illuminate the optical modulator, and a second reflecting element to guide, by reflecting, the unwanted light once reflected by the first reflecting element. In the apparatus, the combination of the light source and illuminator, which can recycle the unwanted light efficiently in the projector, makes it possible to inexpensively separate and recombine polarized components of the light beam.

Abstract: Ultra-wide field-of-view images are projected onto a spherical or near-spherical screen that wraps around viewers to provide a visually immersive effect. Images are acquired using a novel lens system in conjunction with standard high-resolution video or film cameras. Acquired images are then relayed onto a curved screen using a correspondingly configured, projection lens system coupled with a standard high-resolution video or film projector. A unique screen design complements the image format to provide a complete end-to-end imaging and projection system. The resulting system allows the images to be projected onto a spherical or curved screen, using a single projector and a “fisheye” or “omni” projection format, from a projection point which is approximately one radii behind the radial center of the spherical or near-spherical screen, providing a total projection distance of one screen diameter from the screen surface.

Abstract: An image system includes a screen and a beam generator. The screen has first and second regions with adjustable brightness levels. The beam generator directs first and second electromagnetic off beams and first and second electromagnetic on beams onto the first and second regions, respectively. The first and second off beams respectively change the brightness levels of the first and second regions according to a first polarity, and the first and second on beams change the brightness levels of the first and second regions according to a second polarity. For example, the system may simultaneously scan multiple tiles of an image onto respective regions of the display screen with respective image (on) beams, and erase the regions with respective erase (off) beams. Scanning an image as multiple tiles often provides the image with a higher resolution for a given scan rate, and using on and off beams often increases the quality of the image.

Abstract: A projector 10 projects an image onto a set of screens 14 for image formation. The set of screens 14 includes a first screen 50 and second screens 54 and 56. The projector includes a housing 20, a first screen fixture 74 and a second sceen fixture 76. The housing 20 has an opening 30 for fitting the first screen 50 therein. The first screen fixture 74 positions the first screen 50 in the housing opening 30 and fixes an inner surface of the first screen 50 adhesively to the housing 20. The second screen fixture 76 is positioned between the first screen 50 and the first screen fixture 74, and fixes the second screens 54 and 56 between itself and the inside of the first screen 50.

Abstract: An image display apparatus includes an image generator for displaying an image on a display surface constituted by a plurality of pixels, an illuminator for illuminating the image, and an optical system for guiding a light beam outgoing from the illuminated image to the pupil of the obesever. This causes the observer to observe a virtual image formed by the light beam image. In addition, a angle converter sets a first direction and a second direction substantially perpendicular thereto on the plane of formation of the virtual image and causes the light beam outgoing from each pixel to be incident on the optical system making diverging angles in the first and second directions different.

Abstract: A display system including a lenticular screen; a support assembly movably supporting the lenticular screen; and a drive mechanism which during operation causes the lenticular screen to repeatedly sweep through a volume of space.

Abstract: Light scatter control is provided in rear projection and front projection of light images focused upon a screen having a liquid crystal droplet film, and modulated light gain control of single and multi panel screens is provided, without size restriction, maximizing light transmission and reflection, for brilliant high resolution viewing of cinema and video regardless of high degree of ambient light. Panels of liquid crystal film lamina and associated laminates are joined by imperceptible optical splicing.

Abstract: A light managing screen may provide a rear projection screen, front projection screen or component thereof. The screen may comprise a polymeric composition including a first polymeric material, and a second polymeric material disposed as a plurality of elongated structures within the first polymeric material. Each elongated structure has a major axis and the major axes are substantially aligned. The first polymeric material has an index of refraction that differs by at least 0.01 from an index of refraction of the second polymeric material. In some instances, a pressure sensitive adhesive material is selected as the first polymeric material. The orientation of the elongated structures and the difference in indices of refraction results in the polymeric composition scattering light asymmetrically.

Abstract: A system for use with a releasable screen is described. The system may be used in a method of influencing purchasing decisions.

Abstract: The enamelled projection screen includes a substrate which is coated with at least one enamel layer which includes a pearlescent pigment and the gloss degree of which is between 1 and 40% on the 60° measuring head according to the ISO 2813 standard. This screen is manufactured by applying an enamel slurry on a substrate and burning it in at a high temperature, whereby, before the burning-in takes place, a quantity, preferably between 0.5 and 50 weight % in respect to the quantity of enamel in dry form, of a pearlescent pigment is added to the enamel slurry. The contents of pearlescent pigment are chosen sufficiently high and the temperature of burning-in sufficiently low in order to obtain the aforementioned gloss degree.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article, useful as a dry erasable substrate and projection screen, comprising a top layer which is dry erasable and whose surface has a 60° gloss of less than about 60. The article provides a projection surface which has low gloss and therefore causes little eye strain and viewer fatigue. The dry erase board provides good write/rewrite characteristics, erasability, including wet erasability and has good image projection. The article may additionally have one or more of layers which include a pressure sensitive adhesive, support layer, a pigmented layer which is a pressure sensitive adhesive or a pigmented polymer or polymer blend, and a back coat which is optionally pigmented.

Abstract: A colapsible rear projectrion screen assembly for a portable visual display device. Embodiments are presented that include a flexible screen supported by a surrounding rigid screen that collapses by a ssimple folding movement for easy transport while also removing any risk of opticql or physical damage to the screen member material in the collapsing process.

Abstract: A display device is provided which permits viewing of both hardcopy and digital images. An embodiment of an image viewing station comprises a housing having an internal light source and a light transmissive display panel coupled to the housing such that light from the internal light source passes therethrough. Hardcopy images affixed to an outer surface of the display panel may be transilluminated by the light passing through the display panel. Digital images may also be displayed on the display panel, by projecting the digital images onto either the inner or outer surface of the display panel. Alternatively, the panel could include a light emitting or light transmissive display panel, such as a liquid crystal display or an electroluminescent panel. Light emitted by the display panel may be sufficient to transilluminate a hardcopy image disposed on an outer surface of the display panel.

Abstract: A projection screen (30) for representation of images by back-projection comprises a plurality of holographic-optical elements (10) arranged in one plane. The holographic-optical elements are illuminated by a projector (14) comprising three projection devices (22,24,26). Each projection device (22,24,26) generates a light bundle (16,18,20) respectively including the chromatic components of an image to be projected. Each holographic-optical element (10) comprises at least one lens and one diffraction grating which are diffracted in such a manner by the different light bundles (16,18,20) that the holographic-optical element (10) will emit an exiting light bundle (28) with an identical exit angle (&bgr;) in the direction of the viewer (12). Such a projection screen will scatter the light only to a small extent so that the projection screen can be used also at daylight and for large-surface image projection.

Abstract: A screen mounting device for a projection TV includes a mask for protecting an edge of a screen on which an image is displayed which is arranged to enclose an edge portion of the screen and having a hooking socket formed at a back side thereof, and a holder member for fixing the screen s and the mask to the cabinet. The holder member includes a coupling portion fitting in a front edge portion of the cabinet and fixed thereto, a hooking portion inserted in the hooking socket of the mask and coupled thereto, and a screen fixing portion in which the edge portion of the screen is inserted. Also, the coupling portion, the hooking portion and the screen fixing portion are integrally formed.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus is constructed to illuminate an effective range of a surface, rectangular in shape, to be illuminated with light from a light source via a first lens array, a second lens array, and a condensing optical system. Wherein the illumination apparatus satisfies conditions defined by the length along a longitudinal direction of the area to be illuminated, a length along a transverse direction thereof, a focal length of individual lenses forming the second lens array, a focal length of the optical system, a width of transverse aberration caused by the optical system in the longitudinal direction against an object at infinity, a width of transverse aberration caused by the optical system in the transverse direction, a length along a longitudinal direction of individual lenses of the first array, and a length along a transverse direction of the lenses of the first lens array.

Abstract: A front projection type screen includes a transparent base; a diffusion member formed on one surface of the transparent base; and a retroreflection prism array formed on another surface of the transparent base. Thus, a wide angle of visibility can be secured in a horizontal direction while an angle of visibility in a vertical direction is limited to a narrow scope. Also, a wide viewing angle can be achieved and high efficiency and brightness of light may be obtained.

Abstract: A process of producing an optical diffusion film which comprises at least a transparent base layer on a transparent substrate, a layer of transparent microspheres over the transparent base layer and a light absorbing layer over said transparent base layer comprises the steps of: distributing transparent microspheres in a layer over the transparent base layer so that each the transparent microsphere is partly embedded in the transparent base layer; and by coating a solution layer of coloring material that is convertible into fine metal particles and treating the solution layer of coloring material under specified conditions so as thereby to convert the solution layer of coloring material into a layer of fine metal particles that are light absorbable.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image forming system consisting mainly of an optical sheet and an image projector. The optical sheet is constructed by joining a plurality of sheet members with adjoining sheet members met to form a joint line. The image projector produces an image and projects the image to the optical sheet through a projection optical system. The relative positional relationship between the image projector and optical sheet is such that the optical axis of the projection optical system included in the image projector perpendicularly intersects the joint line in the optical sheet. Thus, reflection or scatterings of light at the joint line is minimized.

Abstract: A workspace display comprises a sidewall partition defining a workspace with a portal opening and a door partition to selectively close the portal. A first display screen is disposed on the interior side of the door partition for individual viewing from inside the workspace. A second display screen is disposed exterior of the sidewall partition and positioned a spaced apart distance in general alignment therewith, without substantial interference with user ingress and egress through the portal opening. A video device is positioned overhead in optical communication with the first display screen when the door partition is in its fully closed position to support individual activities. The video device is in optical communication through the portal opening with the second display screen when the door partition is in its fully open position to support group activities. An image on the second display screen can be viewed on either the interior or exterior screen surfaces.

Abstract: An image display system a projector for emitting projection light for generating an image on a light-backscattering projection surface. The wavelengths of the projection light lie in one or more discrete wavelength regions in the visible spectrum and the projection surface is covered on the projector side by an optical filter which passes only light with wavelengths corresponding to those of the projection light.

Abstract: A projection surface includes scattering microparticles that are in constant motion in relation to each other and to a source of laser radiation in a laser projection system. The microparticles reduce the formation of spots that normally occur when viewing the contents of images which are uniformly illuminated by means of laser projection and which are reflected off a projection surface. The microparticles are reflective in a suspension fluid and move due to Brownian molecular motion. A mirror is placed on the back wall of the screen so that the viewer sees both the backscattered light from the incident beam as well as the forward scattered light from the reflected beam. A cellular structure is located in the suspension fluid to laterally confine the scattered light increasing the sharpness of the laser light seen by the viewer.

Abstract: A laser projection video system and a holographic screen. The system includes a pulsed laser video image system with a holographic screen to receive the full color video image, which screen has a holographic layer (layer 1) to reflect back the full color video image to the viewer and to transmit through the screen the ambient light to provide high video picture contrast.

Abstract: A transmission type projection screen includes a diffusion layer on which projection light is focused, and a neutral gray layer positioned behind the diffusion layer on a rear side of the diffusion layer at which the projection light enters. The optical density of the neutral gray layer is in the range of 0.05 to 0.7.

Abstract: A scanning and detection device has a radiation source emitting radiation onto an object to be scanned. The device also has a detection screen with fluorescent elements converting incident radiation of the radiation source into different fluorescent radiation. The fluorescent elements are inorganic elements, organic elements, or inorganic and organic elements.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a theater having a first screen and a second screen movable relative to the first screen. The first and second screens are typically designed for different movie formats. The second screen is mounted to a frame in sections, and a rotating member is operable to move sections of the second screen away from the first screen. A projection system disposed in front of one of the screens is operable to project screen images alternatively on the first screen or on the second screen. A plurality of speakers are mountable to the frame to provide a sound system.

Abstract: A reflection type screen having a high SG value, a wide view angle and an excellent color reproducibility of bright parts of projected image is provided. The reflection type screen comprises a substrate having a light reflecting property such as a white plastic film and a light diffusion layer 2 formed on the substrate, which contains a light diffusion agent and a pearl pigment dispersed in a binder resin. The pearl pigment is mica covered with titanium dioxide and has an optical characteristic reflecting blue component of light projected by a projector and transmitting light of a color complementary to blue. When PC images having many white parts or the like are projected on the screen, the bright part of the images does not become yellowish and projected images with high whiteness can be obtained. The content of pearl pigment is preferably 5-100 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the binder resin and 10-150 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the light diffusion agent.