Integrated front projection system

• US 6,394,609 B1
• Filed: 07/14/2000
• Issued: 05/28/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/03/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Original Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Inventors: Vanderwerf, Dennis F., Rodriguez, Ernesto M. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dowling, William
• Application Number:
  US09/616,563
• Time in Patent Office: 683 Days
• Field of Search: 353/79,69,70,119,122 248/917-920
• US Class Current: 353/79
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 21/10 Projectors with built-in or built-on screen
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 21/147 Optical correction of image distortions, e.g. keystone
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 21/2053 Intensity control of illuminating light controlled by video signal processing H04N5/74 or H04N9/31
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/74 Projection arrangements for image reproduction, e.g. using eidophor
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/3185 Geometric adjustment, e.g. keystone or convergence optical or mechanical adjustment of convergence H04N9/317; using scanning means H04N3/22; optical or mechanical adjustments of projectors not peculiar to the presence of an electronic spatial light modulator G03B21/14
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/3194 including sensor feedback

Abstract

A front projection display system that integrates an optical engine, having control and power supply electronics, and a dedicated projection screen to provide a compact video display device. The projection engine is coupled to a high gain projection screen, having an optimized reflection pattern to give optimum optical performance in ambient H& and viewing angle sensitive environments. Components of the projection engine are modularly placed in a retractable arm pivotally connected to the screen. The arm offers precise registration to the screen apparatus and thus repeatably precisely aligns optically and mechanically to the screen. The projection wall system has an open projection position and a closed storage position. Use of a radically offset projection head having matching keystone correction features allows the arm to protrude above the head of the presenter and offer a sharp and unobtrusive projection zone.

Claims

1. An integrated front projection display comprising:

a) a front projection screen;

b) an arm movably coupled to the projection screen, the arm being capable of moving from an arm storage position to an arm projection position while remaining coupled to the screen; and

c) a front projection head coupled to the arm, wherein when the arm is in the arm projection position, the front projection head is at a predetermined head projection location with respect to the front projection screen.

2. The front projection display of claim 1,

a) wherein the front projection screen has a generally flat surface, the generally flat surface defining a horizontal axis and a vertical axis;

b) the projection head having a projection lens defining a projection point source, wherein the predetermined head projection location determines a specific point source spatial location with respect to the front projection screen, the front projection screen having a reflection distribution pattern tuned to receive and reflect light rays emanating from the specific point source spatial location.

3. The front projection display of claim 2, wherein the reflection distribution pattern of the screen is tuned to an expected audience viewing configuration with respect to the screen.

4. The front projection display of claim 2, wherein the serum is tuned to reflect the light rays in a normal direction with respect to the vertical axis.

5. The front projection display of claim 2, wherein the light rays generally are reflected along an illumination spread with respect to the horizontal axis.

6. The front projection display of claim 1, further comprising an electronic module and an imaging module, wherein the imaging module is modularly placed separately from the electronic module.

7. The front projection display of claim 1, wherein a normal to the center of the front projection screen determines a projection axis, wherein the predetermined head projection location is at an angle in excess of 22°

off the projection axis, the projection head including keystone correction.