Placement tool for retro-reflective calibration points

• US 5,825,538 A
• Filed: 02/18/1997
• Issued: 10/20/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 07/23/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Evans & Sutherland Computer Corp. (Elevate Entertainment, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Evans & Sutherland Computer Corp. (Elevate Entertainment, Inc.)
• Inventors: Walker, Joe L.
• Primary Examiner(s): MALLEY, DANIEL PATRICK
• Application Number:
  US08/802,326
• Time in Patent Office: 609 Days
• Field of Search: 359/443, 359/451
• US Class Current: 359/451
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 21/56 Projection screens

Abstract

In a multiple-projector concave-screen display system, spacial alignment of images on the screen, is enabled by designating calibration points with retro-reflective dots and illumination markers. The manufacture of the screen involves locating calibration points and depositing the dots with a tool utilizing a rotary mechanism for loading and applying the dots from solenoid actuated pod units. Areas for retro-reflective dots, versus illumination markers, are defined on the basis of reflectance angles between vectors to the screen from a projector and from the screen to a viewer.

Claims

1. A tool for applying retro-reflective dots from a sheet of retro-reflective material to a display screen to identify defined calibration points for spacially aligning images, said tool comprising:

a support platen for said sheet of retro-reflective material;

a punch mechanism for punching dots of material from said sheet of retro-reflective material;

a carrier for said punch mechanism for variously supporting said punch mechanism with respect to said support platen for taking dots from said sheet of retro-reflective material;

a transport mechanism for transporting said punch mechanism to a position remote from said support platen and for activating said punch-mechanism to deposit a dot of material from said sheet of retro-reflective material on said screen at a calibration point; and

a frame affixed to support said support platen, said punch mechanism, said carrier and said transport mechanism.

2. A tool according to claim 1 wherein said punch mechanism incorporates a solenoid for actuation to punch a dot.

3. A tool according to claim 1 wherein said carrier comprises a rotary structure for rotating said support platen with reference to said punch mechanism.

4. A tool according to claim 1 wherein said transport mechanism includes a rotary structure for revolving said punch mechanism from a loading position to a deposition position.

5. A tool according to claim 1 further including a target structure for alignment of said tool with reference to a laser beam.

6. A tool according to claim 1 further including an elongate handle affixed to said frame.