Image reception system

• US 4,597,633 A
• Filed: 02/01/1985
• Issued: 07/01/1986
• Est. Priority Date: 02/01/1985
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Charles H. Fussell
• Original Assignee: Charles H. Fussell
• Inventors: Fussell, Charles H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wintercorn, Richard A.
• Application Number:
  US06/697,516
• Time in Patent Office: 515 Days
• Field of Search: 350/125, 40/212-215, 353/67, 353/74, 353/79, 353/119, 353/13, 352/69, 244/24, 244/31
• US Class Current: 359/451
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 21/56 Projection screens

Abstract

An image reception system is provided with an inflatable viewing surface. A video projection system is arranged within the volume defining the viewing surface to form images on interior concave surfaces. The projected image is viewed on the outside convex surface. The concave image reception surfaces permit large area projection surfaces with a projection system having a short focal length.

Claims

1. An image reception system for video projection apparatus comprising:

a flexible material forming an inflatable volume enclosing said projection apparatus having a first plurality of arcuate surfaces,

said first plurality of arcuate surfaces further including a second plurality of arcuate reception surfaces having an inflated interior surface contour and orientation for receiving from said projection apparatus a video image effective for viewing from a location external to said enclosed volume, and

heater means for introducing heated air within said inflatable volume effective to establish a pressure differential across said flexible material effective to extend said first plurality of arcuate surface and inflate said inflatable volume,

wherein said heater means includes fan means for directing air about said projection apparatus to remove heat therefrom.

2. An image reception system according to claim 1, further including:

a base connected to said flexible material for securing said flexible material adjacent said heater means for establishing a pressure differential to inflate said volume and for storing said flexible material when said volume is not inflated.

3. An image reception system according to claim 1, wherein said heater means includes a gas flame generator.

4. An image reception system according to claim 2, wherein said base further includes telescoping means for erecting said flexible material for inflation and for supporting at least a portion of said projection apparatus within said inflatable volume.

5. An image reception system according to claim 3, wherein said inflatable volume, said projection apparatus and said gas flame generator cooperate to obtain a buoyancy effective to maintain a desired elevation of said image reception system.