Abstract: A method includes initiating an accelerated daily light and darkness cycle experience at a first color palette position within the accelerated daily light and darkness cycle that corresponds to a current time at a destination geographic location that a user will travel to. The accelerated daily light and darkness cycle experience is executed at a second color palette position within the accelerated daily light and darkness cycle that corresponds to the current time at the destination geographic location of the user. The accelerated daily light and darkness cycle is less than six minutes and includes projecting a dark virtual sky in a digital space, transitioning the dark virtual sky to a dawn virtual sky in the digital space, altering the dawn virtual sky to introduce a daytime virtual sky in the digital space and modifying the daytime virtual sky to produce a dusk virtual sky in the digital space.

Abstract: A method includes projecting a dark virtual sky in a digital space. The dark virtual sky is transitioned to a dawn virtual sky. The dawn virtual sky is altered to introduce a daytime virtual sky. The daytime virtual sky is modified to produce a dusk virtual sky. These operations are performed via color palette transitions in the virtual sky in a time period of less than six minutes. A collection of gaze points in the digital space includes an apex gaze point, a left descendent gaze point and a right descendent gaze point. The apex gaze point maintains a constant size, the left descendent gaze point has a first oscillation sequence that fluctuates between a minimum size, a medium size and a maximum size. The right descendent gaze point has a second oscillation sequence that fluctuates between a maximum size, a medium size and a minimum size during the time period of less than six minutes.

Abstract: A lunar image projection system is configured primarily for projecting and viewing images on the lunar surface, eg for lunar advertising, and which utilizes a projector that suitably operates to project and target an image onto an area in the dark phase and suitably on the far side of the moon, the system may further include a camera that operates to capture the image as projected on the moon and a transmitter to transmit the captured image to a remote viewer back on earth, the system thereby facilitating the use of the moon as a display screen for images, without obtruding on the appearance of the moon as viewed from earth, and when deployed on the far side with further advantage of avoiding the effect of contrast loss due to earth shine that the moon's near side surface is exposed to.

Abstract: A method includes projecting a dark virtual sky in a digital space. The dark virtual sky is transitioned to a dawn virtual sky in the digital space. The dawn virtual sky is altered to introduce a daytime virtual sky in the digital space. The daytime virtual sky is modified to produce a dusk virtual sky in the digital space. These operations are performed via color palette transitions in the virtual sky in the digital space in a time period of less than six minutes. The color palette transitions are in proportional time segments of a twenty-four hour day punctuated by periods of light and darkness of variable length corresponding to the revolution of the earth around the sun. A gaze point is formed in the digital space. The gaze point experiences size changes between a minimum size and a maximum size during a gaze point size change cycle. The gaze point size change cycle is repeated throughout the time period of less than six minutes.

Abstract: A method includes projecting a dark virtual sky in a digital space. The dark virtual sky is transitioned to a dawn virtual sky in the digital space. The dawn virtual sky is altered to introduce a daytime virtual sky in the digital space. The daytime virtual sky is modified to produce a dusk virtual sky in the digital space. These operations are performed via color palette transitions in the virtual sky in the digital space in a time period of less than six minutes. The color palette transitions are in proportional time segments of a twenty-four hour day punctuated by periods of light and darkness of variable length corresponding to the revolution of the earth around the sun. A collection of gaze points is formed in the digital space. Each gaze point in the collection experiences cyclic changes between a minimum position and a maximum position during a gaze point size change cycle.

Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a wheel defining a first axis; a first electric motor including a first stator and a first rotor rotatable relative to the first stator about the first axis, the wheel fixed relative to the first rotor; a second electric motor including a second stator and a second rotor rotatable relative to the second stator about a second axis, the first stator fixed relative to the second rotor; and a third electric motor including a third stator and a third rotor rotatable relative to the third stator about a third axis, the second stator coupled to and movable with the third rotor. The first axis, the second axis, and the third axis are mutually transverse.

Abstract: A hovering air fort containing an inflatable housing having an open base defined by a periphery surrounding the opening, an aperture tor receiving air flow for inflation and at least one connecting panel affixed to at least two of the inflatable housing side walls about the open base periphery that does not cover a majority of the open base and wherein the air flow through the aperture provides structure and lift tor the inflatable housing when the open base is positioned over an external surface to create the hovering air fort.

Abstract: A method includes projecting a dark virtual sky in a digital space. The dark virtual sky is transitioned to a dawn virtual sky in the digital space. The dawn virtual sky is altered to introduce a daytime virtual sky in the digital space. The daytime virtual sky is modified to produce a dusk virtual sky in the digital space. All of the virtual sky transitions are performed in a time period of less than six minutes.

Abstract: A rear-facing camera may be disposed on a headset or other device. Input from the rear-facing camera may be used to present graphical objects on a display of the headset, such as breadcrumbs indicating previous movement of the headset and/or a virtual tether to a device different from the headset.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present application provide a screen projection system, method and apparatus. The system includes a display screen, wherein the display screen is of a fully-closed or partially-closed housing structure, and an inner wall of the housing structure is configured to provide continuous images with a view angle of 180 degrees to 360 degrees in a horizontal direction. The system further includes: at least two groups of projectors, each group including at least one projector. The at least two groups of projectors are hierarchically arranged in a central axis direction of the display screen, each group of projectors is configured to carry out projection onto a portion of an inner wall of the display screen, and light paths of the at least two groups of projectors are configured to avoid audiences and seats. According to the present application, the technical solutions may be applied to different screens.

Abstract: In one aspect, a device includes at least one processor, a display accessible to the at least one processor, and storage accessible to the at least one processor. The storage includes instructions executable by the at least one processor to receive input regarding an object at which one person is looking and to present, to another person via the display, a graphical indication regarding the object.

Abstract: An LED driver circuit capable of overcoming the issues in that a brightness change is perceived as a stepped change in a very low light amount region or light abruptly goes out by using PWM control and of realizing smooth dimming even at a very low amount of light is provided. In the LED driver circuit, a first circuit including a first resistor and a first power transistor connected in series and a second circuit including a second resistor and a second power transistor connected in series are connected in parallel with each other and are connected to an LED. First and second PWM signal generator circuits drive the first and second power transistors, respectively. When the first and second power transistors are in an on-state, currents flow through the LED via the first and second resistors, respectively, which enable a smooth brightness change even in a low illuminance region.

Abstract: A projection system having a set of projectors that cast images: (i) onto the concave surface of a hemispherical dome, as is usual in planetariums and (ii) onto the surface of a centrally located sphere. The images thus cast may be coordinated by a controlling computer program, so that changes in the content or orientation of the images on the sphere result in corresponding changes in the images on the dome and vice versa.

Abstract: Light emitted from a light source passes through a stellar base plate, a fixed aperture, and a wide-angled projection lens via a condenser lens and projects a starry sky on a screen. The stellar base plate is a light-shielding disk having a number of through holes which correspond to positions and brightness of actual stars, is supported by an inner ring of a ball bearing having the center at a position corresponding to the axis of rotation so as to be capable of rotating about the axis of rotation, and is driven by a motor via a belt. The centers of the projection lens, a window of the fixed aperture, the condenser lens, and the light source are all arranged on the optical axis, and the centers of the stellar base plate, the pulley and the ball bearing correspond to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: Featured is a portable planetarium device suitable for use in projecting clear bright images of stars, planets, and other celestial objects onto a curved viewing surface. The portable planetarium devices of the invention comprise a point light source generators, a light dispersing lens assembly, and an opaque enclosure having transparent domains surrounding the light dispersing lens assembly. Also featured is a portable point light source comprising a light source, a light collection element and a light conducting conduit suitable for use in providing high intensity light with a small cross-sectional area.

Abstract: As an imaging prevention method for interfering unauthorized imaging of a number of visual images projected on a screen, there is employed a method for projecting infrared light to a viewer/audience direction from at least one or more infrared light projector devices. According to the method, infrared light may be directly incident into an imaging apparatus of a person conducting an unauthorized copying act so as to adversely affect the unauthorized copying.

Abstract: As an imaging prevention method for interfering with the unauthorized imaging and recording of a visual image projected on a screen, there is employed a method for projecting infrared light to a viewer/audience direction from at least one or more infrared light projector means disposed at a rear side of the screen. According to the method, an amount of the infrared light is directed to be incident into an imaging apparatus attempting to record an image from the screen, increasing a pirating prevention effect.

Abstract: Provision of a projector used for a planetarium which is capable of reducing electrical power consumption and size. The projector comprises a light source 1 constituted by an array of a plurality of light emitting diodes L for emitting illumination light. The emitted illumination light passes through a condenser lens 2 to impinge onto a original projection plate 3 provided with a light-permeable pattern P, and then a transmitted image is projected through a projection lens onto a dome screen.

Abstract: In a planetarium apparatus, a first controller controls a projector for projecting a state of celestial bodies as observed from a selected first viewpoint onto a dome, and a second controller controls a display and/or a video projector for displaying said state of celestial bodies as observed from a selected second viewpoint onto the dome and/or on other screen.

Abstract: A planetarium of the present invention has a plurality of projectors for projecting astronomical bodies and the like, input device and the like for entering data relating to the attitude of said projector, controller for controlling the attitude of said projector in accordance with said data, and memory device. The memory device stores variety information relating to planets, constellations, astronomical phenomena, and so one. When the attitude of projectors is entered, suitable information from among the information stored in the memory device is selected and displayed on a display device.

Abstract: A digital solar system model includes a display with a center representing the sun, and discrete lamps arranged in concentric loops around the sun representing the planetary orbits. The lamps are controlled by a processor. The orbital motion of each planet is represented by sequentially illuminating the lamps in a corresponding orbit. Each planet must wait through a predetermined count between adjacent lamp positions, and the count is proportional to the size of the orbit. Upon startup, the planets are set to their proper relative positions on a default starting date, then set in motion at their proper relative orbital rates. The speed, direction, and starting/stopping of orbital motion are controlled via a motion control keypad. Time passage is shown on a digital date display. Numeric keys are provided on the motion control keypad for entering a GOTO date of a desired Earth year and month within a permitted range of past and future dates.

Abstract: A controllable horizon diaphragm for planetaria with a housing and a cup-shaped diaphragm arranged in the beam path of a lens projecting fixed star transparencies into a dome. The controllable horizon diaphragm comprises a housing, a first and second bevel gear and a bearing ring. The housing, bevel gears and bearing rings are supported so as to be rotatable about an optical axis of the projecting lens. Separate driving devices drive each of the first and second bevel gears. The driving devices are coupled to a control unit. A third bevel gear is included which is rotatable about an axis extending vertically to the optical axis supported in the bearing ring. The diaphragm has a diaphragm body which is arranged at the third bevel gear in a stationary manner. The third bevel gear engages with the first and second bevel gears.

Abstract: A planetarium has a console, a host computer, and a plurality of mutually separate and independent projection apparatus for projecting a star field, the sun, moon and planets. Each projection apparatus incorporating a high performance CPU. Time and date and viewer coordinates inputted by the console are transmitted to the host computer. The host computer computes the Julian calendar date, and transmits the results to a plurality of the high performance CPUs in parallel. Each high performance CPU calculates in parallel data relative to the positional orientation of the projection apparatus which incorporate the high performance CPU in accordance with data transmitted from the host computer. The high performance CPU controls the positional orientation of the corresponding projection apparatus based on the results calculated.

Abstract: A hybrid simulation system that provides realistic indoor starlight and mlight simulation. At least two light sources provides light where each is coupled to an aperture so that the light source is focused. At least one variable aperture control is provided for one of the apertures so that variability of that aperture area size can be performed. Fiber optic bundles coupled for each aperture which receives the focused light where each bundle contains at least one fiber optic which provides a light conduit. Each bundle is coupled to an overhead position so that there is directed in a substantially downward direction from the overhead position the bundle. The area is illuminated with a simulated constant starlight and a simulated moonlight that may be varied by varying aperture size.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a hollow globe including a plurality of apertures which are formed substantially throughout the entire surface of the globe. Formed within the globe and disposed in laminar juxtaposition to the interior surface of the globe's sphere, a bladder means is formed of an opaque flexible material. A plurality of cross slits are formed on the bladder in substantial alignment with the globe's surface. An internal light source is disposed within said bladder at approximately the midpoint of the globe's sphere, and a plurality of luminescent pegs are provided for insertion into the apertures formed in the globe's surface. The present invention provides the user with the plurality of luminescent, differently colored pegs to design a picture or art form. The present invention may additionally serve as a night light and the luminescent pegs may be specially adapted to project light from the interior of the globe's surface to the exterior of the globe and onto surrounding walls and ceilings.

Abstract: A projector for creating a night-sky illusion on a planar surface such as a ceiling or a wall. The projector includes a base having two pairs of opposing walls and a shelf assembly adapted to be mounted in the base including a light bulb, a battery connected to the bulb, and a switch. It also includes a top adapted to be slidably mounted on the base and a transparency extending across an opening formed in the lid. The transparency is generally opaque, but includes a array of transparent dots fixed in predetermined positions. The disclosed method involves using the projector to produce an array of light spots resembling the night sky on a surface, applying luminescent paint to the spots and then exposing the painted spots to light energy, causing the paint to glow.

Abstract: Projection devices (2, . . . ,9) for representing the orbital curves of planets are fitted in several planes beneath the main instrument (1) for fixed star projection. The projection devices (2, . . . , 9) can be moved, respectively independently of each other, around a common vertical axis (14). They include, in addition to the projection units proper, deflecting mirrors which are rotatable relative to the projection units. The spacings of the deflecting mirrors from the common vertical axis of rotation (14) increase in the direction from above to below the apparatus.

Abstract: A star projection device is formed from an opaque film sheet folded to form a six-sided, cubical enclosure, the film having transparent spots extending over its entire area representing star positions when projected onto a surrounding surface, and a small, point-like light source is positioned at the center of the enclosure for projecting light simultaneously through all of its six sides to produce a substantially 360.degree., horizonless projection of the stars onto surrounding surfaces. Nearby stars are represented by linear extensions from the transparent spots representing vectors corresponding to the magnified heliocentric parallax motion of the star.

Abstract: This planetarium is remarkable in that it comprises a sphere (5) consisting of two separate hemisphere (1-2) with diametrically opposed planes facing each other, defining between them a space (e) which can be varied as required, the said hemispheres being joined together by means of connection located at their centre, these being attached to a means (6) located between the two hemispheres, having at least a fixing function in relation to a supporting structure, the said hemispheres being capable, by virtue of their supports, of assuming different positions along the 3 geometrical axes, without any encroachment by the said structure during the projection of the flux onto the vault; the said hemispheres being equipped with means permitting the projection of a luminous flux onto the vault of the planetarium room, and means (11-T) representing certain celestial bodies.

Abstract: A system for painting images of stars and other objects on the interior surfaces of a room with phosphorescent paint utilizes a projector to project symbols on the surface to indicate locations of points to be painted. The projector is adjustable to accomodate rooim size and position of the viewer.

Abstract: A light projecting toy musical box projects a light pattern which is synchronized with musical sound generated by an acoustic mechanism. The projected light patterns are formed by providing a lamp within a base and rotatably mounting a dome over the lamp and substantially on top of the base. The dome is made out of translucent material which is patterned with a semi-opaque coating so as to form light patterns on the dome itself and project the light patterns on adjacent ceilings and/or walls of a room.

Abstract: An improved projector for projecting fixed stars in planetaria increases the brightness and the brilliance of the projected sky by using fiber optical light guides. The device comprises at least one light source, one condenser, one star plate or templates and one lens, which projects the star plate template on the planetarium dome. A fiber optical light guide cable, the light-entry end of which faces the condenser and which consists of fiber optical light guides or fiber optical light guide bundles, is provided between the condenser and the associated star plate or template. The other end of the fiber optical light guide cable is split up into fiber optical light guides and/or fiber optical light guide bundles, the light-emergence ends of which are assigned to the locations on the star plate or template which are to be illuminated.

Abstract: A planetarium comprises a star field projector which projects the star field, a ring-shaped member which supports the star field projector rotatably about a first axis, a first rotating member which supports the ring-shaped member rotatably about a second axis orthogonally crossing the first axis, a support base which supports the first rotating member rotatably about a third axis orthogonally crossing the second axis, a second rotating member provided on the support base rotatable about the third axis independent of the first rotating member, and a coordinates projector provided on the second rotating member.

Abstract: A planetarium includes a fixed star field projector and a plurality of planet projectors spaced from the star field projector. A computerized control controls the rotation of the projectors, each of the planet projectors being controlled in its rotation about a pair of perpendicular axes alternatively in two modes, in the first mode the projected image traversing normal apparent orbital or other path in the star field and in the second mode the image traversing the shortest path from an initial point to a terminal point in the star field which points represent different times and/or points of observation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a light shutter mechanism for lens projector used in a planetarium and being capable of any required rotation. The light shutter mechanism comprises a plurality of inwardly slanted annular plate members positioned in surrounding relation to the lens projector and stacked at prescribed intervals in substantially parallel relationship to each other. The light shutter mechanism operates so as to shield light toward a region below a projection limit and to allow passage of light toward a region above the projection limit.

Abstract: A fixed-star projecting machine for a planetarium includes a fixed-star projection lens unit in each polygon of the globe surface of a fixed-star projection globe divided into a plurality of parts. Of these projection lens units, one whose projection range covers both sides of the equator is adapted to have its optical axis shifted in the direction which increases the attaching angle. The star positions of the fixed-star negative of the shifted projection lens unit are corrected to the normal projection positions according to the amount of shift.

Abstract: A dome surface includes patterned perforations which allow light passing through to form various star constellations on a separate external surface. The dome rests upon a base which houses both a light source and a lens system, which may be adjustable, to control the spread of light. The base also has a compass attached to it for the purpose of orienting the planetarium to the actual direction of "true North." A tap player might also be attached to the base of offer recorded instructions. Above the dome there can be placed an opaque mask which blocks the light coming through most of the dome perforations while allowing light to be projected only through one or several sets of perforations which represent selected star constellations. A support placed under one side of the planetarium base tilts the planetarium to an angle corresponding to the local latitude.

Abstract: The invention relates to a projection device for star projections in planetaria in which a plurality of star projectors are provided in the wall of a substantially spherical housing in the center of which a light source is arranged. The projector mounts and/or the condenser lenses of the projectors preferably are polyhedrons. The sides of the polygonal condenser lenses have bevel edges via which they are contacting neighboring condenser, lens sides so that substantially no light losses are involved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a planet projecting system for simulating the motions of planets and in particular for visualizing the rotations and the phase changes of the Earth. The planet projecting system comprises two cylindrical image mounts which rotate independently of each other, the curved surface of one cylindrical mount is provided with an image of the planet, the curved surface of the other cylindrical mount carries an image of clouds. Two illumination systems illuminate the two image mounts and via respective means the images are projected upon the dome of a planetarium. The spheric shape of a planet is effected by a distortion optical system inserted into the projection beam.