Remote image projector for hand held and wearable applications

• US 20030038928A1
• Filed: 12/01/2001
• Published: 02/27/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/27/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Ray M. Alden
• Original Assignee: Ray M. Alden
• Inventors: Alden, Ray M.
• Application Number:
  US10/016,006
• Publication Number:
  US 20030038928A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 353/122
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0202 Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets constructional features of telephone transmitters or receivers, e.g. of speakers or microphones H04M1/03
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0272 for a projector or beamer module assembly constructional features of projectors per se G03B21/00; constructional details of projectors using electronic spatial light modulators per se H04N9/31
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/12 including a sensor for measuring a physical value, e.g. temperature or motion
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/74 Projection arrangements for image reproduction, e.g. using eidophor
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/3141 Constructional details thereof details not peculiar to the presence of an electronic spatial light modulator G03B21/14

Abstract

The invention described herein represents a significant improvement for the presentation of visual information when using handheld or wearable devices. In one embodiment, a handheld device such as a cell phone is modified to include a means for projecting an image onto a remote surface such as a remote surface (wall). Also integrated are a means to sense when the cell phone moves relative to the image on the remote surface (wall) and to offset said relative movement through a means for stabilizing the image. This invention thus enables the user of the cell phone to produce and interact with a large visual media display while the size of the cell phone is not significantly increased. Many handheld devices will be improved by incorporating the means to project a large stable image disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A visual information display system, comprising,

a means for projecting an image onto a surface,

a means for sensing motion of said means for projecting relative to said surface, and

a means for compensating for said motion such that said image is maintained in a stable position on said surface.

2. The visual information display system of claim 1 wherein said means for projecting is configured to be operated while being worn by a user.

3. The visual display system of claim 1 wherein said means for projecting comprises a transmissive projection means.

4. The visual display system of claim 1 wherein said means for projecting comprises a reflective projection means.

5. The visual display system of claim 1 wherein said means for detecting motion comprises a means for detecting change in proximity to said surface relative to said means for projecting.

6. The visual display system of claim 1 wherein said means for detecting motion comprises a means for detecting the angular tilt of said means for projecting.

7. The visual display system of claim 1 wherein said means for detecting motion comprises a means for detecting a change in horizontal and/or lateral position coordinates of said means for projecting.

8. The visual display system of claim 1 wherein said means for compensating comprises a means for digitally altering said image.

9. The visual display system of claim 1 wherein said means for compensating comprises a means for digitally altering a means for transmissive projection.

10. The visual display system of claim 1 wherein said means for compensating comprises a means for digitally altering a means for reflective projection.

11. The visual display system of claim 1 wherein said means for compensating comprises a means for changing the position of a mirror.

12. The visual display system of claim 1 wherein said means for compensating comprises a mechanical process.

13. The visual display system of claim 1 wherein said means for compensating comprises an optical means.

14. The visual information display system of claim 1 wherein said means for projecting is configured to be operated while being held in a user'"'"'s hand.

15. The visual display system of claim 1 wherein said means for projecting comprises a LCD component.

16. The visual display system of claim 1 wherein said means for projecting comprises a DMD component.

17. The visual display system of claim 1 wherein said means for compensating comprises a means for digitally altering a LCD.

18. The visual display system of claim 1 wherein said means for compensating comprises a means for digitally altering a DMD.

19. An image display system comprising

a means for projecting an image onto a surface,

wherein an image is produced in response to software instructions, and

said display system is adapted so as to be operated while in a users hand.

20. The image display system of 19 wherein a means for transmitting signals to a remote computer is provided.

21. The image display system of 19 wherein a means for receiving signals from a remote computer is provided.

22. An image display system comprising

a means for projecting an image onto a surface,

wherein an image is produced in response to software instructions, and

said display system is adapted so as to be operated while worn by a user.

23. The image display system of 22 wherein a means for transmitting signals to a remote computer is provided.

24. The image display system of 22 wherein a means for receiving signals from a remote computer is provided.