Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Single display system having stacked superimposed display... – Three-dimensional arrays
Reexamination Certificate
2000-10-20
2004-07-20
Awad, Amr (Department: 2675)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Single display system having stacked superimposed display...
Three-dimensional arrays
C353S051000, C359S197100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06765544
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to image projection apparatus and to lighting apparatus for use in conjunction with image projection apparatus, in particular to apparatus for projecting dynamic images.
2. Related Art
In the entertainment lighting industry, wide ranges of apparatus are known for creating lighting effects with both static and movable and controllable spotlights and there are a host of devices for altering the output of these lights; these devices include diffusers, gobos and coloured glass and plastic filters. Video and slide projectors are also increasingly used to enhance the range of techniques available to designers of entertainment, promotion, advertising and corporate presentations.
WO 98/18040 describes a light projector and associated methods of achieving various effects.
A projector based upon an array of digital micromirrors is made by Texas Instruments Inc., of Dallas, Tex., USA, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,828,485 describes uses of such a projector in obtaining gobo effects.
A further device is known from WO 98/18037 in which a beam is reflected from a mirror and an image generator is moved in tandem with movement of the mirror so as to correct for distortion caused by the movement of the mirror.
Designers at the current time seek ever to introduce further innovation in the effects they achieve through new combinations of existing equipment and faster and more accurate control of that equipment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to provide and open up a new field of light and image projection, both using static and dynamic images, and thus including video projection as well as stage and other lighting effects.
Accordingly, the present invention provides, in a first aspect, lighting apparatus, comprising:
a deflector to deflect a light beam in a plurality of directions;
image processing means to process image information, comprising an input to receive raw image information, a processor to process the raw image information into processed image information, and an output to output processed image information; and
a controller that controls operation of the processor of the image processing means according to the status of the deflector.
This apparatus is especially useful in combination with a video projector and an image source, designed for static projection of an image onto a viewing surface. In operation of one such known projector, data in an image source such as a graphics store is fed to the projector input, processed by the projector to form a projection beam and then projected. Focus and zoom controls are included on the projector as per usual. Using a personal computer (PC) an extensive range of images can be produced. The graphics store is typically in computer memory, in or adjacent the projector or remote from the projector, and used to store imagery, such as artwork, an image library, static and moving images, vector and bit map images, full-streaming video (VCR, Vcam), data output from a PC and the like. Suitable storage includes floppy disk, optical disk, DVD, mini-disk and videotape.
The present invention provides apparatus optionally in modular or kit form that modifies or updates existing video projection systems. The apparatus suitably has connections so as to intercept the data output from the graphics store, that is to say the input signal to the projector, optionally further process that data and then pass the data on to the projector. The apparatus includes a deflector which is positioned so as to deflect the light beam output from the projector. The deflector may as a side effect of deflecting the beam impart distortion to the image when its direction of projection is altered. The function of the image processor is to introduce a correction to the image data in anticipation of the distortion that occurs as a result of passing through the deflector. The function of the processor is optional in as much as the correction can be turned off or on according to the type of effect wanted. It is in addition optional to use the image processor deliberately to distort the image and/or to superimpose further and different effects upon the raw or corrected data. With knowledge of the video image desired to be seen on the viewing surface, the controller can direct appropriate processing by the processor according to the status of the deflector.
It is thus the case that the apparatus of the present invention enables a wide variety of effects to be achieved using known video projection equipment, effects not envisaged or imagined in design of the projectors. Projectors can be used dynamically to project images onto different viewing surfaces, switching from surface to surface and scanning images across surfaces whilst the apparatus continuously corrects for image distortions caused by movement of the deflector. Still and moving images can be moved like scenery without the need for heavy equipment or multiple projection systems.
The image processing means can comprise a first memory to store the raw image information and a second memory to store the processed image information. The contents of the second memory are then used for generation of the image by, for example, a projector.
In use, the deflector rotates an image in the projection beam as a consequence of deflecting the beam, and a function of the controller is to direct the processor to process the raw image information so as to provide a correction therefor in the processed image information. It is an advantage that as a result the projected video image can therefore remain upright.
It may further be necessary to correct keystoning of the image, introduced e.g. by a tilted single mirror or by the projection beam striking the screen at an angle, and a suitable correction may be achieved using a pair of prisms or a moveable lens which enable horizontal and vertical keystone to be corrected independently. Alternatively, keystoning maybe corrected by adjusting the image during or after image generation. Hence, it is further preferred that the apparatus is arranged such that when the deflector introduces a keystone effect into an image in the light beam the controller directs the processor to process the raw image information so as to provide a correction therefor in the processed image information. In apparatus that is especially preferred, there is provided the option that when the deflector both rotates an image in and introduces a keystone effect into an image in the light beam the controller directs the processor to process the raw image information so as to provide corrections for both distortions in the processed image information. In this way these two separate distortions are dealt with.
A particular apparatus of the invention also has means to correct the focus according to the direction of projection, and this correction is optionally achieved by moving an objective lens of the image projector. The correction may be calculated with reference to the distance from the image projector to the surface, and this distance may be measured using a distance detector such as an electronic range-finding device utilising the Doppler-shift effect, with a sensor mounted on the image projector. The focus correction may also be known from calibration of the equipment and pre-programmed so that when the deflectors of the apparatus are directed to deflect the beam in a given direction the distance to the viewing surface is known and the required focus adjusted according to a look-up table or similar. As will be appreciated by those in this art, the focusing means may be located in the path of the light beam between the projector and first light deflection means. Alternatively, the focusing means may be located in the path of the light beam between the first and second light deflection means. As another alternative, the focusing means may be located in the path of the light beam to focus the image deflected by the second light deflection means. The processor can thus be programmed in software so as to direct the status of the focusing means ac
Awad Amr
Sterne Kessler Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C.
Wynne Willson Gottelier Limited
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