Optical: systems and elements – Projection screen – Border – mask – shade – or curtain
Reexamination Certificate
2000-11-30
2003-02-11
Mahoney, Christopher (Department: 2851)
Optical: systems and elements
Projection screen
Border, mask, shade, or curtain
C359S601000, C348S842000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06519086
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to apparatus and methods to prevent the alteration or degradation of images displayed on a screen. More particularly, the invention relates to apparatus including material and of a construction by which the light overhead or surrounding screens of various dimensions and positions can be largely prevented from falling onto or around the screen thereby lessening the alteration or degradation of the displayed image. Advantageously, the present invention is useful in allowing such images to be viewed even in venues that remain conventionally illuminated.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A variety of devices and systems are known for the development, production, or displaying images on a surface for their viewing. One such system utilizes a projector to “throw” or project information from slides, a length of film, tape, or another source onto a screen such that an image is visible thereon. The screen may be self supporting or wall mounted. Another system is generally more self-contained and does not require that the projector be spaced apart from the receiving screen as do embodiments of the previously described system in order to focus and size the image on the screen. An example of this other generally more self-contained system is a television that receives information and develops an image of a general uniform size on a screen. The number of people that can collectively view the image created by any of these systems is largely a function of the size of the image on the screen. A large screen can receive large projected images so that a large audience may view them simultaneously. Even large screen television monitors typically produce a relatively smaller image that can be viewed only by a generally smaller audience simultaneously. In the following, the term “screen” will mean any surface on which an image is displayed for viewing including self-supporting and wall mounted opaque flat surfaces onto which images are projected such as from a projector and the surfaces within, for example, monitors or television sets on which a generally uniform sized image is generated for viewing and include opposing upper and lower boundaries and side boundaries.
The contrast and clarity of the image produced on the screen often depends on a variety of factors including the amount of light striking the viewing surface from sources that are overhead and to the side. For purposes of this application, light—whether from overhead, side, or other sources—that may, if unimpeded, strike the viewing surface, will be termed “ambient light”. The greater the intensity of the ambient light, generally the less distinguishable and more “washed out” the image display is.
Some indoor venues—particularly new or refurbished buildings or rooms or halls—feature individual or group control systems by which the amount of ambient light such as from overhead sources can be adjusted individually or as a group so that the amount of light being cast in or about a screen can be reduced thereby preventing the degradation of the displayed image.
However, the larger number of indoor venues do not offer such controls. Projector/screen combinations are typically set up in or at these venues on an ad hoc basis for one or more presentations and then removed. To prevent the degradation of the displayed image, a large part or all of the interior space must be darkened.
Darkening a large part or all of an interior space in order that an audience may view a projected image is generally not preferred for many reasons. Low or little light is hazardous to those attempting to enter the blackened room from a lighted area. To avoid stumbling and accidents, those attempting to join the audience typically are forced to remain at or very near the entrance while their eyes adjust to the low light conditions. However, individuals remaining at or near the entrance prevent others from easily entering and others from departing the area. The darkened conditions can also create distractions such as to the audience members and speaker. Each time someone opens a door to join or depart from the audience, light streams into the darkened area from the exterior space thereby disrupting the audience or speaker and possibly requiring the individuals already in the darkened space to wait until their eyes have readjusted to the previous low light conditions. The blackened room also prevents the audience from taking notes or reading handouts or even clearly seeing the speaker or props or models that the speaker wishes to utilize during the presentation.
The blackened room may also prevent the speaker from delivering the presentation as intended or safely. When made available, some speakers utilize a lectern to work from notes or prepared text either in hard copy form or projected onto what is intended to be an inconspicuous teleprompter surface. However, unless the lectern has a working reading light, blackening the room so that the entire audience can see the projected image prevents the speaker from working from the hard copy notes or text positioned on the lectern. Blackening the room prevents also the teleprompter surface from remaining inconspicuous during the presentation. Blackening the room would prevent other speakers that follow and are at a head table from taking notes since such tables typically are not equipped with individual reading lights. The facility also may not be equipped with a lectern having a working reading light or a teleprompter or the speaker may simply choose to remain seated at the head table during the presentation. Blackening the room would prevent the speaker that utilize notes or prepared text from remaining in this position. Other speakers find it more effective to stand or walk about the room to deliver the presentation and work from notes or prepared text. These same speakers may also choose to walk up to the viewing surface to emphasize a point by directing the audiences attention to some aspect of the projected image. A blackened room would prevent the speaker from safely utilizing these presentation techniques especially because it is not uncommon for a room that is temporarily set up for a presentation to have a variety of wires and cables stretched out in the very area in which the speaker must attempt to walk around.
The room in which the presentation is going to be made may be a courtroom. Blackening the room in order that the jury, the judge, the parties and counsel, and the audience may view the projected image may not be desirable given the need to maintain the security in the room.
Other possible venues largely cannot be used to permit a large audience to view a conventionally displayed image during daylight hours because the ambient light cannot be controlled. Typical of such venues are outdoor sales events, fairs, parks, and zoos. Without the ability to control the intensity of the overhead light selectively around the viewing surface, any conventionally displayed image is degraded in clarity.
A demand therefore exists for simplified apparatus and methods by which the amount of ambient light reaching the immediate area around and the surface of a screen can be controlled simply, quickly, and even on an ad hoc or temporary basis both in indoor and in outdoor venues. The present invention satisfies the demand.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The apparatus of the present invention is a configurable shield. The shield is of a simplified self-contained construction such that the shield can be quickly assembled and disassembled by even those with little training and generally without the need for expensive, heavy, or complicated tools. The shield components are preferably of a durable, yet light weight construction such that the components can be easily transported, assembled, and moved into position for use, then disassembled by one or a few individuals. The shield components may be formed from materials that are inexpensive and disposable or recyclable. The shield components include a shielding element—of a composition and having a construction such that the shie
Edwards John M.
Edwards Paul R.
Baniak Pine & Gannon
Mahoney Christopher
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