Use of a CCD camera in a projector platform for smart screen capability and other enhancements

• US 20070030460A1
• Filed: 08/04/2005
• Published: 02/08/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/04/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Texas Instruments, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Texas Instruments, Inc.
• Inventors: Mehrl, David
• Granted Patent: US 7,410,260 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 353/79
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/48 adapted for combination with other photographic or optical apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/54 with projector
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 21/26 Projecting separately subsidiary matter simultaneously with main image

Abstract

Described is an optical projection and capture system having an image sensor integrated with an optical projection device. Additionally, the integrated device may be coupled with a laser pointer to deliver interactive presentations. The laser pointer may be pulsed to improve identifying and tracking a laser light spot on a projected image. These applications may be extended to rear projection systems for gaming and interactive graphics.

Claims

1. An optical projection and capture system, comprising:

a projection device operable to project a first image onto a screen;

an image sensor operable to capture a second image from the screen; and

an input device operable to produce a directed output light that is projected onto the screen, wherein a frequency pulsation of the directed output light facilitates in identifying and tracking the directed output light on the screen, and wherein the directed output light is received and detected in the image sensor.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the input device is a laser pointer.

3. A system according to claim 1, wherein the frequency pulsation of the input device is about 15 Hz.

4. A system according to claim 1, wherein the frequency pulsation of the input device is synchronized to the first image of the projection device or the second image of the image sensor.

5. A system according to claim 1, wherein the directed output light is further modulated to provide commands to electronic processing circuitry coupled to the image sensor.

6. A system according to claim 1, wherein the frequency pulsation of the input device comprises time-encoded signals and oscillations.

7. An optical rear projection and capture system, comprising:

a projection device operable to project a first image through a screen for viewing on the front of the screen;

an image sensor operable to capture a second image from the screen back at the screen; and

an input device operable to produce a marking on the front of the screen and also through and on the back side of the screen, wherein the marking is detected by an image sensor.

8. A system according to claim 7, wherein the marking is operable to be captured by the image sensor.

9. A system according to claim 7, wherein the input device is a laser pointer.

10. A system according to claim 7, wherein a frequency pulsation of the input device facilitates in identifying and tracking the marking on the screen.

11. A system according to claim 10, wherein the frequency pulsation of the input device is about 15 Hz.

12. A system according to claim 7, wherein the frequency pulsation of the input device is synchronized to the first image of the projection device or the second image of the image sensor.

13. A system according to claim 7, wherein the frequency pulsation of the input device comprises time-encoded signals and oscillations.