Abstract:
A projector controller includes an object detector and control electronics, and is configured to protect audience members from intense light imposing an exclusion zone in front of a projector. The object detector is configured to optically sense a presence of an object in a detection region beneath the exclusion zone and above the audience members. The control electronics is configured to control the projector when the object detector indicates the presence of the object in the detection region. A method for protecting audience members from intense light imposing an exclusion zone in front of an output of a projector includes: (i) optically sensing a presence of an object in a detection region between the exclusion zone and the audience members, and (ii) controlling the projector when the presence of the object is sensed in the detection region.
Abstract:
A projector includes a light source, an integrating rod, an image panel, a beam shaper, and an actuator mechanically connected to the beam shaper. The image panel is configured to display an image at a displayed aspect ratio. The beam shaper includes multiple prisms shaped and oriented such that when the beam shaper intersects an optical path of the illumination between the integrating rod and the image panel, the illumination transmitted by the beam shaper is collinear with the illumination incident on the beam shaper. The actuator is configured to switch the projector between (i) a first configuration, in which the beam shaper does not change an aspect ratio of the illumination, and (ii) a second configuration, in which the beam shaper intersects the optical path between the integrating rod and the image panel and changes the aspect ratio of the illumination.
Abstract:
A projector controller includes an object detector and control electronics, and is configured to protect audience members from intense light imposing an exclusion zone in front of a projector. The object detector is configured to optically sense a presence of an object in a detection region beneath the exclusion zone and above the audience members. The control electronics is configured to control the projector when the object detector indicates the presence of the object in the detection region. A method for protecting audience members from intense light imposing an exclusion zone in front of an output of a projector includes: (i) optically sensing a presence of an object in a detection region between the exclusion zone and the audience members, and (ii) controlling the projector when the presence of the object is sensed in the detection region.
Abstract:
Dual or multi-modulation display system are disclosed that comprise projector systems with at least one modulator that may employ non-mechanical beam steering modulation. Many embodiments disclosed herein employ a non-mechanical beam steering and/or polarizer to provide for a highlights modulator.
Abstract:
A light absorbing configuration for a venue in which images are projected to a display screen located at or near a front of the venue, may comprise a light absorbing structure deployed on one or more front portions on one or more of a ceiling, side walls, or a floor of the venue. The light absorbing structure comprises grooves formed at least in part by a first type of light reflective surfaces configured to receive a portion of light rays directly reflected off the display screen and a second type of light reflective surfaces configured to receive light rays reflected off the first type of light reflective surfaces.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a cinema screen that improves audience perception of brightness at, for example, a premium theater without additional illumination cost. The screen is produced from materials that also help mitigate speckle from laser illumination. The screen has properties and includes structures that may be tuned to the specific capabilities of the projection system, arrangement of the theater, and projector (and angle of projection, angle of viewing). Light reflected from the screen are direct toward audience members and away from walls and ceilings.
Abstract:
Systems and methods of rendering DCI-compliant image data on Enhanced Dynamic Range (EDR) display systems are disclosed. One embodiment of an EDR projector system comprises a first modulator and a second modulator. One method for rendering DCI-compliant image data on an EDR projector system comprises: receiving input image data, said image data comprising a plurality of image formats; determining whether the input image data comprises DCI image data; if the input image data comprises DCI image data, then performing dynamic range (DR) processing on the DCI image data; and rendering the dynamic range processed DCI image data on the EDR projector system. One DR processing method is to set the first modulator to a desired luminance level - e.g., fully ON or a ratio of DCI max luminance to the EDR max luminance. In addition, a desired minimum level of luminance may be set for the EDR projector.
Abstract:
Projection systems and/or methods for efficient use of light by recycling a portion of the light energy for future use are disclosed. In one embodiment, a projection display system is disclosed comprising a light source; an integrating rod that receives light from said light source at a proximal end that comprise a reflective surface which may reflecting/recycle light down said integrating rod; of reflecting light down said integrating rod; a relay optical system, said relay optical system further comprising optical elements that are capable of moving the focal plane of the projector display system; and a modulator comprising at least one moveable mirror that reflects light received from the integrating rod in either a projection direction or a light recycling direction.
Abstract:
Projection systems and/or methods for efficient use of light by recycling a portion of the light energy are disclosed. In one embodiment, a projection display system is disclosed comprising a light source; an integrated rod that receives light from said light source at a proximal end that comprise a reflective surface which may reflecting/recycle light down said integrating rod; and a modulator comprising at least one moveable mirror that reflects light received from the integrating rod in either a projection direction or a light recycling direction. In other embodiments, dual and multiple modulator projector display systems are disclosed. A first modulator may affect either a pre-modulated halftone image or may affect a highlights modulated image for a desired image to be displayed. A second modulator may be provided for primary modulation of a desired image.
Abstract:
A speckle damping system for dampening speckle on a projection screen for a projection display system employing coherent or partially coherent light sources (e.g., lasers, LEDs) are disclosed. In one embodiment, a rotatably coupled system is disclosed, comprising: a set of actuators; a set of rotatably coupled mounts, each of said set of rotatably coupled mount capable of mounting at least one said actuator; and wherein said at least one actuator mounted on said rotatably coupled mount is in moveable mechanical communication with said projection screen. In another embodiment, a linearly coupled system is disclosed comprising: a set of actuators; a set of linearly coupled mounts, each of said set of linearly coupled mount capable of mounting at least one said actuator; and wherein said at least one actuator mounted on said linearly coupled mount is in moveable mechanical communication with said projection screen.