Liquid crystal cells – elements and systems – Particular structure – Holder – support – frame – or housing
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-18
2001-10-23
Parker, Kenneth (Department: 2871)
Liquid crystal cells, elements and systems
Particular structure
Holder, support, frame, or housing
C349S057000, C359S819000, C359S829000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06307603
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to the field of electronic imaging devices, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for precision mounting of an imaging device such as a liquid crystal display (“LCD” ) imaging device. The predominant current usage of the inventive precision surface mount is in the surface mounting of reflective imaging devices in a multi channel projection system, wherein it is particularly important to maintain a precise relationship between a reflective surface of the LCD and a mounting surface.
BACKGROUND ART
Projection type imaging devices commonly use micro LCD imagers. Since the pixel size and spacing on these are so small, they must be precisely placed in relation to surface whereon they are mounted. Further, the imager must be kept perfectly flat, since even the slightest distortion of the imager will result in a portion of the pixels there being out of plane and/or out of alignment. Moreover, it is important to maintain the flatness of the imaging device in order to maintain uniformity of the focal plane and to enhance convergence with other such devices in the system.
Prior art mechanical attachment methods and means have secured the imager in position. However, it has been found that such prior art mechanical attachment methods will place stress on the imager which tends to cause the imager to be less than perfectly flat. It would be advantageous to have some method or means to mount such an imager, or other video display device, wherein there would be no such unwanted forces. However, to the inventor's'knowledge, no prior method or apparatus has existed which will consistently result in the precise placement of micro LCD imaging devices without causing the imaging device to at least tend toward a distorted condition. All previous methods have required some sort of rigid mechanical attachment in order to maintain the precise placement needed for such devices.
SUMMARY
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for mounting an imaging device which does not put any stress on the imaging device which might tend to deflect it and cause some distortion from its flat, unstressed condition.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for mounting an imaging device which will hold the imaging device securely such that it is resistant to vibration and other external forces.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for mounting an imaging device which is easy and inexpensive to implement in a production environment.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for mounting an imaging device which will result in a clearly focused image across the entire surface of the imaging device.
Briefly, the present invention is an apparatus for holding an LCD reflective imaging device in such a way that there is no stress induced on the device when it is attached to a mount. A frame is provided with corner flexible in such a way that the corners can be secured down without placing stress on the LCD device mounted therein. There is a mask attached to the glass window of the LCD, thereby occluding any artifacts other than the actual image area. This places the aperture mask in very close proximity to the display area. This assembly is designed in such a way that the surface area available for cooling the device is maximized, thereby allowing smaller packages with no reduction in cooling efficiency. A field lens can be added to slightly adjust the magnification of each device in a multi-channel system. The air gap between the LCD and the field lens is closed off so that there is no dust near the image area. This type of arrangement is used in an off axis
3
color projector. It can also be used in an on axis system.
An advantage of the present invention is an image is produced which is in focus in all areas of the image.
Another advantage of the present invention is that an imaging device can be mounted such that the imaging device is not distorted out of shape.
Still another advantage of the present invention is that an imaging device can be readily mounted in a production environment without damaging or stressing the image device.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it is easy and inexpensive to implement.
Still another advantage of the present invention is that an imaging device is securely mounted.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become clear to those skilled in the art in view of the description of modes of carrying out the invention, and the industrial applicability thereof, as described herein and as illustrated in the several figures of the drawing. The objects and advantages listed are not an exhaustive list of all possible advantages of the invention. Moreover, it will be possible to practice the invention even where one or more of the intended objects and/or advantages might be absent or not required in the application.
Further, those skilled in the art will recognize that various embodiments of the present invention may achieve one or more, but not necessarily all, of the above described objects and advantages. Accordingly, the listed advantages are not essential elements of the present invention, and should not be construed as limitations.
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patent: 5789879 (1998-08-01), Salvio
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Bui Doanh D.
Menard Jean Pierre
Aurora Systems, Inc.
Henneman & Saunders
Henneman, Jr. Larry E.
Parker Kenneth
Qi Mike
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