WO2007052261A2

WO2007052261A2 - A screen projection system

Info

Publication number: WO2007052261A2
Application number: PCT/IL2006/001253
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Fireman; Dorian Natan; Steve Kisilove
Original assignee: Mark Fireman; Dorian Natan; Steve Kisilove
Priority date: 2005-10-31
Filing date: 2006-10-31
Publication date: 2007-05-10
Also published as: WO2007052261A3

Abstract

A screen projection system (100) comprising a screen unit (200) having a light dispersing surface (210) with at least one surface contour inversion point (221) centrally located thereon and a projection unit (300) having an electronic input means (310) for receiving an input image, an electronic processing means (320) for forming an output image of the input image by distorting the input image proportionally to respective distances between an electronic output means (340) and a preponderance of locations on the surface, and the electronic output means (340) for converting the output image into an optical projection wherein the optical projection is pointed at the screen unit

Description

A SCREEN PROJECTION SYSTEM

ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION: A screen projection system comprising (I) a screen unit having a light dispersing surface with at least one surface contour inversion point centrally located thereon and (II) a projection unit having an electronic input means for receiving an input image, an electronic processing means for forming an output image of the input image by distorting the input image proportionally to respective distances between an electronic output means and a preponderance of locations on the surface, and the electronic output means for converting the output image into an optical projection wherein the optical projection is pointed at the screen unit.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an optical screen projection system having a projector and a screen. More specifically, the present invention relates to a screen projection system having image distortion and respective distinct screen surface shape.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Optical projections systems for celluloid film movies and slides have been substantially replaced by modern digital projections systems for the optical projections of video images, computer graphics, television, and the likes. The most common projection system uses a flat screen oriented perpendicular to the axis of the optical projection beam(s). When large screens are used, there are some corrective measures for the distortions that occur on the periphery of the screen. These measures include using a corrective lens shape, curving the corners of the screen towards the projector in the case of front projection, and curving the corners of the screen away from the viewer in the case of rear projection.

Alternatively, various odd shaped screens have been used - ostensibly ignoring resultant distortions as acceptably aesthetic. Similarly, various image distortion effects are well know in cinematography, computer graphics, and the likes - however here too these effects are for aesthetic purposes. Accordingly, there remains a long felt need in the art for more general-purpose complementarities between odd screen shapes and projected distortion effects.

The following prior art references generally fall into the aforementioned categories:

US 4,991,955 Circular Projection And Display System Using Segmented Trapezoidal Screens - A circular projection system using segmented trapezoidal screens arranged in a continuous acute array about a central vertical axis. The top of each screen is tilted downward. Each screen is illuminated by a projector which is mounted above and behind the screen which opposes it. The image from each projector is also angled downward. For an eight-screen system, each screen is tilted by approximately 8. degree. For a nine-screen system, each is tilted by approximately 7.degree. For maximum linearity, the ratio of the distance between the projector lens and the top of the screen on which it projects to the width of the top of said screen is substantially equal to the ratio of the distance between the projector lens and the bottom of said screen to the width of the bottom of said screen.

US 6,813,074 Curved-Screen Immersive Rear Projection Display - An immersive rear projection display capable or providing aspect ratios of 2.66:1 or 4:1, or even greater is provided. This allows viewers to be "immersed" in the images being displayed because the images can encompass both the direct and the peripheral views of a viewer. In one implementation, the immersive rear projection display includes two or more electronic projectors (e.g., three) that are positioned behind a curved translucent display screen. The electronic projectors project respective display images adjacent each other onto the display screen.

US 6,644,816 Display Device Having A Cylindrical Projection Surface Such That An Image Projected Onto The Inside Is Visible On The Outside - The invention relates to a display device for displaying visual information, comprising: at least one image-forming element; at least one light source for generating a light beam, which in cooperation with the image-forming element produces an illuminated image; optical means for processing the light beam and/or illuminated image; and a projection surface for receiving the illuminated image, wherein the image-forming element is flat and the projection surface forms at least a part of a cylinder wall.

US 6,739,725 Inflatable Three-Dimensional Display - An inflatable display includes an inflatable balloon, a projector having a projection lens, an internal support structure that supports the inflatable balloon and the projector so that the projection lens is eccentrically disposed inside the inflatable balloon. The inflatable display also includes an external support structure that supports the internal support structure. Also included is a method to control an inflatable display according to wind conditions. The method includes the steps of operating in a sensing mode, operating in a collapsing mode and operating in a recovery mode.

US 5,724,775 Multi-Pieced, Portable Projection Dome And Method Of Assembling The Same - A multi-piece dome is constructed from a plurality of rigid panels and configured to receive a hemispherical optical projection on a truncated spherical inner surface. The inner view surface has a predetermined retro-reflectivity. The multi-piece dome is lightweight, portable, self-supporting, and easily assembled, disassembled and transported from one location to another.

US 6,712,477 Optical Projection System Including Projection Dome - A visual workstation for use by a viewer includes a dome having an open front end and a truncated spherical inner dome surface. A work surface is disposed in front of and adjacent the dome front end. The work surface defines a viewer area on a side of the work surface opposite the dome. The viewer area is sized and configured to receive the viewer and is positioned relative to the spherical inner dome surface such that the viewer, when located in the viewer area, may view the spherical inner dome surface. A projector is disposed between the viewer area and the dome. The projector is operative to project a truncated spherical projection onto the inner dome surface.

US 6,937,210 Projecting Images On A Sphere - A system for projecting images on an object with a reflective surface. A plurality of image projectors are spaced around the object and synchronized such that each projector projects an individual image whose union on the surface of the object forms a composite image. The composite image displayed totally covers the surface. The object may represent the Earth with the projected images representing topographical features of the Earth. If environmental satellite data, such as data from a Geostationary Orbiting Environmental Satellite System is used, real time weather conditions may be displayed on this Earth representation.

US 6,926,412 Projection Display Apparatus With A Curved Screen - A projection display apparatus with red (R), green (G), and blue (B) monochromatic cathode ray tubes (CRTs) and three projection lenses, disposed in front of the R, G, and B monochromatic CRTs respectively, along with a screen having a predetermined curvature concave in a view direction to control a view distance and focus the light rays projected from the respective projection lenses. The screen includes a Fresnel screen converting the light rays incident from the projection lenses to have predetermined optical directional characteristics in an optical axis direction, and a Lenticular screen, disposed in front of the Fresnel screen and having a curvature corresponding to the Fresnel screen, for forming images from the light rays passing through the Fresnel screen, controlling a view angle, and enhancing an entire screen luminance. The view distance is determined based on a focal length and a curvature radius of the Fresnel screen.

US 6,903,871 Reconfigurable Surface - A three-dimensional surface shape is produced from input numerical data. The shape of a sheet elastic material is determined by the positions of a matrix of control rods. The position of each of the rods is determined by a computer-controlled' system. Each rod is fitted with two pneumatically controlled locking mechanisms, one for the X coordinate and one for the Y coordinate. When both locks on a particular rod are released the rod is free to move to a new position determined by an elevator. Once all of the rods have been adjusted they are locked in position and the surface has been configured. In one application, the surface can be used as a mold for casting a replica or in another application can be used as the screen in an image projection system.

US 5,376,980 Segmented Torus Screen - The present invention is a projection system. The projection system comprises a plurality of screen segments, each defining a surface in the shape of a toroidal segment having geometric proportions approximating the shape of a predetermined ellipsoidal segment having a first focal point and a second focal point. The screen segments are arranged such that an edge of the surface of one of the screen segments is essentially adjacent along its entire length to an edge of the surface of another screen segment. The projection system also comprises a plurality of projectors equal to the number of screen segments wherein each of said projectors projects an image upon one of the screen segments from the second focal point of the ellipsoidal segment approximated by the screen segment. Preferably, the screen segments are arranged such that the first focal point of each ellipsoidal segment approximated by the surface of the screen segments essentially coincide with each other.

US 6,700,701 Three Dimensional Imaging Screen For Multiviewer - The present invention employs a beam dividing prism corresponding to a size of a single pixel on a screen in order to create a plurality of viewing zones for multi-viewer, in which a prism panel having an 1 -dimensional or 2-dimensional arrangement of a prism cell for dispersing beam in various directions is coupled to the 3 -dimensional image projection screen in order to increase the number of the viewing zones, and in which the number and position of the available viewing zones are determined by the number and a relative position of disperse surfaces in the prism cell. By using the present invention, the desired number of the viewing zones can be created by selectively adopting the prism cells, so realizing the 3 -dimensional image display system for multi-viewer.

US 6,188,517 Three-Dimensional Hybrid Screen Having Multiple Viewing Sections - A desktop based projector screen having an inner concave display surface upon which a video image or a series of images is projected with a sense of realism comparable with natural viewing of three-dimensional physical reality. The viewing surface combines three concave sections which are derived from solid figures including a dome, cylinder and a plane.

US 6,304,703 Tiled Fiber Optic Display Apparatus - A fiber optic display apparatus consists of a plurality of optical fibers which convey a projected image from an input, or first surface, to a display, or second surface, whose area is greater than or equal to that of the first surface, such that any image projected on to the first surface appears enlarged on the second surface. The second surface is comprised of tiles which attach to adjoining tiles by means of flexible tabs and pliable locator rods in such a fashion as to allow the second surface to follow general contours (e.g. concave or convex), while the optical fiber bundles from each tile are collected into a fixture to form the first planar surface. Because of the modular design of the display it can be assembled or disassembled rapidly. A light-diff-using thin sheet or film is applied to the front of each tile of the second surface to effectively increase the numerical aperture of each fiber, thus producing a uniform wide-angle distribution of light from each fiber end and enabling viewing from any angle in front of the display.

US 6,144,490 Video Display System Having Multiple Panel Screen Assembly - A video display system is provided having a projector source for projecting a video image on a screen assembly including a plurality of screen panels having a concave or convex curvature, arranged at varying angles and distance to one another, such that each panel exists at different, intersecting planes in space. An animated video image displayed on the screen assembly appears to pass over the screen panels, undulating along the curved surfaces such that a viewer is provided with the sense that parts of the projected image move independently within the whole at various speeds, depending on the curvature of the screen panels and the relative position of the viewer to the video display system.

US 3,292,491 and US 3,384,432 and US 3,450,469 also teach fundamental aspects of these aforementioned prior art patents; as do virtually all of the cited references therein - all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Returning now to the long-standing problems of the art (introduced above), it appears surprising to observe that (with the exception of corner curved and continuously curving surfaces) there has been no convergence between screen shapes and image distortion as a method for compensating for those screen shapes. Furthermore, the compensating image distortion has been essentially implemented in the physical optical elements and not in an image processing step. This has left the field of projection displays in the odd position of having the ability to make virtually any complex surface into a viable realistic-image transferring media - and simultaneously not making any use of this incredible advantage. What is more surprising here is that (simultaneously) the market has virtually exploded with countless systems for grabbing visual attention - the vast majority of which are peculiarly complex and conceptually narrow. Simply stated, there is a need in the art for a simple system for allowing complex surface shapes to be used for the presentation of realistic images wherein these surfaces are so enabled using optical projection means.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aforesaid longstanding needs are significantly addressed by embodiments of the present invention, which specifically relates to a screen projection system. Generally, the instant invention is especially useful in application where the public or private viewing of a still image or of motion image sequences are desirable - particularly for those viewing situations where distortion-transformation of the image is suitable for allowing complex surfaces to be used as screens for receiving a projection which will then be perceived as having substantially natural proportions, even though stereoscopic depth perception of the projected image will improperly align with the surface contours; the otho-photographic perception of the projected image(s) will appear properly (naturally) proportioned. By simple non-limiting example, we include in this list - light dispersing optical treatment of surfaces such as the converging region between walls and ceiling, the contours of a mannequin, the repeating folds of a curtain, and the tessellation of projections characteristic of "egg-carton" acoustic paneling, and the likes.

More particularly, the present invention relates to embodiments of a screen projection system comprising (A) a screen unit having (A.i) a light dispersing surface with at least one surface contour inversion point substantially centrally located thereon and (B) a projection unit having (B. i) an electronic input means for receiving an input image, (B. ii) interfaced to the input means, an electronic processing means for forming an output image of the input image by distorting the input image proportionally to respective distances between an electronic output means and a preponderance of locations on the surface, and (B.iii) interfaced to the processing means, the electronic output means for converting the output image into an optical projection, wherein the optical projection is pointed at the screen unit. Simply stated, the system of the present invention facilitates realistic object appearance on screens, which would otherwise convey perceptual distortion. For example, if the projection setup was a projector pointed at a pyramid shaped screen such that the center of the image forms on the point of the pyramid (closest to the projector) and the peripheral portions of the image form on the pyramid nearest its base (furthest from the projector), then one would ordinarily expect to see the image portion on the point of the pyramid appearing small and the image near the base appearing large. However, in such a circumstance, an embodiment of the instant system would introduce proportional distortion to the image (prior to projection) such that the image portion directed to the point would be enlarged and the image portion directed to the base would be reduced; and in accordance with the screen shape, likewise all other portions would be morphed proportionally to their respective distance between the screen and the projector.

Generally, the distortion follow a heuristic: screen portions furthest from the projector contain image portions that have been reduced in size; screen portions closest to the projector contain image portions that have been enlarged in size; and intermediate screen portions have proportional distortions substantially in accordance to their distance from the projector and their distances from the aforementioned furthest and closest screen portions. Note: The core concept of this heuristic effect is to produce an image on the screen that would appear realistically proportioned - either if it were viewed from the vantage of the projector - or more preferably if it were viewed by an observer looking straight at an imaginary plane that bisects the screen so that about half of the screen in front of the plane and about half of the screen in behind the plane and the bisection results in a minimum area of the behind the plane being obscured from the view of the observer by portions in front of the plane. Since most preferred positions of the projector with respect to the screen are set up to avoid screen self- shadowing, these two core concept descriptions should be equivalent. However, according to more obscure embodiments of the instant invention, screen self-showing because of the projector orientation, are allowed.

Now, it is simple to appreciate that there is neither a profound trick of mathematics nor of optics that is required to implement the instant invention. Rather, the projection unit must be preset (or reset in real time) to accomplish the requisite distortion of the image(s) to be projected in accordance with the shape of the screen and the respective distance(s) of portions of that screen to the projector.

Please note that our use of the term "inversion point" is generic and not precisely mathematically correct. For multifaceted screens, such as those having a shape of part of a platonic solid or of part of a crystal or cut gem, a plurality of inversion points will define edge(s) (on the screen and in a projection units screen model) over which the distortion of the processor switches from getting larger to getting smaller, etc. Of course, this will be true in a more complex sense when there are screen segments that switch from being convex with respect to the projector location to being concave with respect to the projector location. Accordingly, our notion of inversion is from the perspective of the distortion that is required by the processor and not strictly from the perspective of the screen surface topology, per se; even thought these will coincide for a proper subset of examples.

Another thing to note is that our use of the term "substantially centrally located thereon" relates to a distinguishing feature used to differentiate between (A) the prior art references where the screen shape was bent to accommodate natural optical distortions in the peripheral projection regions, and (B) the screens of the present invention - where intentional distortion (gradients) are introduced in the central region of the projection to accommodate inversion points of the screen surface contour shape.

Returning for a moment to the prior art, we consider the typical hemisphere display screen planetarium ceiling and similar entertainment and/or advertising applications. In these examples, multiple projectors overcome the problems of distortion over the extended curved screen surface. Alternatively, perceived distortion of graphic items was perceived as either aesthetic or acceptable. However, according to embodiments of the instant invention, the projector no longer needs to be kept substantially equal distant from all parts of the screen surface receiving the projected image. Rather, the image undergoes a distortion transformation prior to projection - and this transformation compensates for varying distances of points on the screen surface from the projector. Simply stated, the hemisphere ceiling may be completely illuminated with images coordinated from a number of symmetrically arranged projectors along the circumference. This provides a grand distortion-less display. Of course, in the context of this example, care should be take to balance brightness in segments of overlapping projection - or - digital masking should be provided to guarantee perfect seamless interfaced images.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to embodiments of a screen for use in a screen projection system, the screen comprising a light dispersing surface with at least one surface contour inversion point substantially centrally located thereon.

In addition, the present invention relates to embodiments of an image processing unit comprising (A) an electronic input means for receiving a digital input image, (B) interfaced to the input means, an electronic processing means for forming a digital output image of the input image by distorting the input image proportionally to respective distances between an optical projection means and a preponderance of locations on a light dispersing surface, the surface substantially as herein described and illustrated, and (C) interfaced to the processing means, an electronic output means capable of interface to a means for converting the digital image to an optical image.

Furthermore, the present invention - in the context where the projection surface shape is predetermined (known in advance) and the basic geometric relationship between the projector and the surface is predetermined (known in advance) - will allow the images (that are to be projected from the projector onto the surface) to be pre-processed and stored in a convenient electronic data storage media (or even old fashion celluloid). Thus, it is reasonable to suggest that the instant invention also includes a data storage media having a preprocessed imagery stored thereon, specifically for the purpose of projection according to the predetermined projection with screen surface relationship. Likewise, a projection system (including a projector and a complex surface shape screen in predetermined geometric relationship there-between) capable of using the preprocessed imagery as stored on the data storage media - is also considered to be an integral expressing embodiment of the instant invention.

Thus, one may take a basic definition of the instant invention and divide it into Sub- System ONE and Sub-System TWO in the following manner: A screen projection system comprising [Sub-System ONE] (I) a screen unit having a light dispersing surface with at least one surface contour inversion point centrally located thereon and (II) a projection unit having an electronic input means for receiving an input image, an electronic processing means for forming an output image of the input image by distorting the input image proportionally to respective distances between an electronic output means and a preponderance of locations on the surface, and the electronic output means for converting the output image into an optical projection wherein the optical projection is pointed at the screen unit; wherein the means for receiving an image receive [Sub-System TWO] an image having a predetermined distortion that is proportional to respective distances between an electronic output means and a preponderance of locations on the surface — such that the distortion of the output image by the projections means is a direct result of the nature of the distorted input and not necessarily a result of any special optical distortion that is enabled in the projection unit. Accordingly, Sub- System TWO is a remotely located processing means that takes an ordinary image and reprocesses it to have the necessary distortion to comply with the relationship between the projection means and the screen contour. Then there is provided a data transfer means between Sub-System TWO and the means for receiving an image of Sub-System ONE - such as a CD or DVD disk or an Internet download or even an old fashion celluloid film strip , or the likes; wherein the data transfer means includes the encoding or impression of the image with the predetermined distortion. According to the preferred embodiment the data transfer means is for a large series of images (e.g. movie or interactive video game) while according to an ordinary embodiment the data transfer means is for a sing image or a collection of images (e.g. a photo or a slide show).

Turning now to a brief review of Advantages, Objects and Benefits of the instant invention, we find that there are a few noteworthy technical, ergonomic, and economic issues.

Technical Issues: Basic embodiments of the instant invention simply demand a new use for known image distortion algorithms and software. What is required is to carefully match the screen shape and the projection-to-screen attitude to the distortion algorithm parameters. Intermediate embodiments are those that require coordination of multiple projectors. More advanced embodiments are those that give rise to complex screen surface shapes; while most advanced embodiments are those require screen and/or projector motion detection for live or predetermined updating of the algorithm parameters.

Ergonomic Issues: This is really the most interesting aspect of the present invention. We conjecture that the proportionally distorted transformed images seen on the complex surface topology screen shape of the instant invention will cause confusion in the visual cortex. Normally, the stereoscopic focusing of the eyes onto a surface gives the brain the necessary queues for modeling depth. Likewise, normally some higher region in the brain recognizes objects and interprets variations in the relative sizes of their components as queues of depth by virtue of orientation. Now, according to embodiments of the instant invention, there will be a conflict between the stereoscopic depth queues and the relative component size depth queues. Therefore, it is likely that the same conflicting visual depth queues will not be resolved the same way by all people. Simply stated, there will be some people who will perceive images on the screen(s) of the instant invention as if they were really 3D; while at the other end of the population, there will be people who will probably not be able to maintain, focus and attention on an entire instant invention screen. It may be that a person remaining in a fixed position will come to some focus accommodation with the depth proportion disparities, however a person in motion will become intrigues as portion come into and out of view as a function of his viewing position - somewhat as real objects do.

Economic Issues: This is a particularly open-ended category when one considers the physical scale of various embodiment of the system of the present invention. However, as we will catalogue by example, each scale embodiment of the instant invention is essentially the composite cost of known off-the-shelf type components - which means that the scale of the application is as cost effective as the application that it comes to innovate. On a grand scale, one may use a building exterior from any angle as a screen surface - so long as the optical scattering of the material is adequate for viewing (white brick good, shiny glass bad, etc.). These grand scale embodiments require super high illumination projectors - which are typically expensive. However the distortion transformation algorithms are scale independent. Turning to a first intermediate scale example, one may use the interior walls and/or ceiling of a theater, conference lobby, or living room as a screen surface - again so long as the surface treatment is adequately optically dispersing. Turning to a second intermediate scale example (the preferred embodiments), one may have specially constructed volume enclosing screens fabricated. These screens may be for acceptance of back projection or front projection. These screens may have heretofore peculiar projection screen shapes, such as a pyramid, a prism, a platonic solid, or the likes; or even a mannequin, a ripple folded hanging curtain, or an acoustically anechoic egg-carton shaped wall (typically a grid of "fingers" alternating with indentations or a grid pattern of alternating orientation wedges) or the likes. Finally, turning to a new class of small scale screens, one may use a tiny projector to image-illuminate a desktop, display-case, or hand-held screen surface. Typical in this new class are such items as a fold-out or pop-up screen surface for a 3 G mobile telephone or for a hand held computer or for a video-I-Pod type apparatus (e.g. hand-held MPEG enabled display article) or for the likes. Because of the wide variety of shapes that the screen unit of the present invention may have, countless known origami and mechanical engineering constructions are applicable. Furthermore various smooth contour and accordion contoured materials are useful as screen materials.

NOTICES: Numbers, alphabetic characters, and roman symbols are designated herein for convenience of explanations only, and should by no means be regarded as imposing particular order on any method steps. Likewise, the present invention will forthwith be described with a certain degree of particularity, however those versed in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and alterations may be carried out without departing from either the spirit or scope, as hereinafter claimed. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, explanations are presented in light of currently accepted scientific-technological theories (including physiological & psychological-perception) or mercantile models. Such theories and models are subject to changes, both adiabatic and radical. Often these changes occur because representations for fundamental component elements are innovated, because new transformations between these elements are conceived, or because new interpretations arise for these elements or for their transformations. Therefore, it is important to note that the present invention relates to specific technological actualization in embodiments. Accordingly, theory or model dependent explanations herein, related to these embodiments, are presented for the purpose of teaching, the current man of the art or the current team of the art, how these embodiments may be substantially realized in practice. Alternative or equivalent explanations for these embodiments may neither deny nor alter their realization.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments including the preferred embodiment will now be described, by way of non- limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description in consideration of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features and wherein: Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of the screen projection system; Figures 2 illustrates a schematic systems view of a mobile screen variation of the screen projection system; Figure 3 illustrates a schematic view of a multi-screen embodiment of the screen projection system; and Figure 4 illustrates a schematic systems view of an image processing appurtenance used in the preferred embodiments of the screen projection system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning to Figure 1, which illustrates a schematic view of the screen projection system, the present invention relates to embodiments of a screen projection system 100 comprising (A) a screen unit 200 having (A.i) a light dispersing surface 210 with at least one (and preferably many) surface contour inversion point(s) 220 221 222 substantially centrally located 230 thereon and (B) a projection unit 300 having (B.i) an electronic input means 310 (e.g. cable connection to data buffer) for receiving an input image, (B.ii) interfaced to the input means, an electronic processing means 320 (e.g. image processing microprocessor) for forming an output image of the input image by distorting the input image proportionally to respective distances 330 331 332 between an electronic output means and a preponderance of locations on the surface, and (B.iii) interfaced to the processing means, the electronic output means 340 (e.g. back-lit LCD & lens apparatus) for converting the output image into an optical projection, wherein the optical projection is pointed at the screen unit (preferably so as to cause minimal shadow regions on the screen and maximal illumination of the screen).

According to a first variation embodiment of the present invention, the screen unit is affixed to a rigid support. This in turn allows the projector to likewise be places in a stable fixed position. Accordingly, the projector focus may be preset, and the necessary relative screen portion to projector distances parameters may likewise be preset.

Turning now to Figures 2, which illustrates a schematic systems view of a mobile screen variation of the screen projection system, according to a second variation embodiment of the present invention 100 , (A) the screen unit 200 includes means for moving 240 the screen (e.g. electro-mechanical motor, solenoid, gears, pulleys, etc.) along a predetermined path and the path is selected form the list: a track, a cable, a rotator, a vibrator, a robotic vehicle, and a combination of the aforesaid, and (B) the processing means 320 includes means for updating 350 the respective distances (e.g. sensor and data interface), and (C) the output means 340 includes means for keeping the optical projection pointed 360 at the screen unit (e.g. solenoids and/or means for paralleling the motion of the screen unit).

According to a third variation embodiment of the present invention, the light dispersing surface includes at least one predetermined discontinuity selected from the list: a cut-out hole, an optical opaque area, an optical reflective element, a mirror, an optical absorbing black area, a lens, a lenticular surface, a prism, a structural support, and a combination of any of the aforesaid.

According to a fourth variation embodiment of the present invention, the at least one surface contour inversion point substantially centrally located thereon characterizes the screen as having a shape selected from the list: a cone, a prism, a pyramid, a crystallographic "cut shape", a sinusoidal curtain, an X-and-Y sinusoidal "egg carton shape", a saw-tooth curtain, an X-and-Y saw-tooth "egg carton shape", a propeller with at least two symmetrically distributed blades, an automotive vehicle, a mask, a mannequin, a statue, at least two interfacing sides of a building, at least two interfacing sides of a room, at least two sections of any of the aforesaid and the at least two sections are positioned such that any imaginary contiguous attachment of the at least two sections would result in the at least one contour inversion point, and any combination of the aforesaid. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the screen includes a plurality of surfaces having distinct angular edge(s) at their respective interface. According to the preferred embodiment, at least two of these surfaces are substantially flat. These distinct angular edges need not be knife like, since there are certain screen surfaces that may be continuously molded to cover the surfaces and to bend over the edges.

Now, Figure 3 illustrates a schematic view of a multi-screen embodiment of the screen projection system - wherein the screen unit 200 in this example is a plurality of cloth screen material tubes 251 252 253 that are independently free standing (either by being hung from a ceiling or by being hung from respective internal skeleton structure). Since these tubes receive their projection from a single distant projector (not shown), only the projector facing side of each tube receives an image portion. For convenience of an observer, regions of the projection "light cone" that would fall between tubes have been "blacked out" by the processing unit.

Depending on the scale of the screen size and the distance between the projector(s) and the screen surface, various focusing optics are employed (note: each projector with screen (portion) may constitute a separate embodiment of the instant invention). The actual specifications for optics, focal length, image quality (data/pixel density) etc will vary according to the application and the scale of the projection- with-screen configuration - all of which are well known parameters to the ordinary man of the art. According to a fifth variation embodiment of the present invention, the projection unit is arranged so that the optical projection that is pointed at the screen unit is focused on an imaginary plane that divides the screen surface so that half of the screen surface is in front of the plane and half of the screen surface is behind the plane. According to a sixth variation embodiment of the present invention, the projection unit is arranged so that the optical projection that is pointed at the screen unit is focused on an imaginary plane that divides the screen surface whereby at least three locations of the screen that are most distant from the projection unit are substantially equally distant from the plane to at least three locations of the screen that are closest to the projection unit. There are also aspects of the embodiments of the instant invention that relate to accommodating kinematical dynamics. According to a seventh variation embodiment of the present invention, the electronic processing means includes a digital model of the screen surface. According to an eighth variation embodiment of the present invention, the electronic processing means includes means for monitoring motion of the screen, and therewith the processing means includes means for updating the respective distances.

According to a ninth variation embodiment of the present invention, the means for forming an output image is arranged for a projections orientation selected from the list: front projection, rear projection, lateral projection, and a plurality of the aforesaid wherein the optical projection of the output means includes pointing at respective portions of the screen unit. In general the output image is digitally transferred, but there are special embodiments (especially for one or a small number of still images) where the output image media is a transparency image film - such as that used in slide projectors.

Now, the present invention also relates to embodiments of some particular appurtenances, such as a screen (mutatis mutandis) for use in a screen projection system, the screen comprising a light dispersing surface with at least one surface contour inversion point substantially centrally located thereon. According to a present invention first appurtenance variation embodiment, the surface includes means for affixing to a rigid support. Furthermore, according to a present invention second appurtenance variation embodiment, the light dispersing surface includes at least one predetermined discontinuity selected from the list: a cut-out hole, an optical opaque area, an optical reflective element, a mirror, an optical absorbing black area, a lens, a lenticular surface, a prism, a structural support, and a combination of any of the aforesaid. In addition, according to a present invention third appurtenance variation embodiment, the at least one surface contour inversion point substantially centrally located thereon characterizes the screen as having a shape selected from the list: a cone, a prism, a pyramid, a crystallographic "cut shape", a sinusoidal curtain, an X-and-Y sinusoidal "egg carton shape", a saw-tooth curtain, an X-and-Y saw-tooth "egg carton shape", a propeller with at least two symmetrically distributed blades, an automotive vehicle, a mask, a mannequin, a statue, at least two interfacing sides of a building, at least two interfacing sides of a room, at least two sections of any of the aforesaid and the at least two sections are positioned such that any imaginary contiguous attachment of the at least two sections would result in the at least one contour inversion point, and any combination of the aforesaid.

Figure 4 illustrates a schematic systems view of an image-processing appurtenance used in the preferred embodiments of the screen projection system. Finally, the present invention furthermore relates to embodiments of additional particular appurtenances, such as an image processing unit 400 (mutatis mutandis) comprising (A) an electronic input means 410 for receiving a digital input image, (B) interfaced to the input means, an electronic processing means 420 for forming a digital output image of the input image by distorting the input image proportionally to respective distances between an optical projection means and a preponderance of locations on a light dispersing surface, the surface substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated, and (C) interfaced to the processing means, an electronic output means 430 capable of interface to a means for converting the digital image to an optical image. The preferred variations of this embodiment are preset distortions configurations in the processing means - so that (for example) the processing appurtenance may be placed in line between on the one side a VCR, TV receiver, or the likes and on the other side a video projector; all of which is designated for a predetermined screen unit and preferably for a substantially predetermined orientation between the projector and the screen unit.

Turning now to a straightforward substitution for elements of the instant invention screen projection system, one should note that substantially all of the aforementioned embodiments relate to an "optical" projection unit projecting onto an essentially non- proximate screen "surface" unit. However, according to an additional class of instant invention embodiments, at least one virtual projection unit is physically incorporated with the screen unit - which remains "a light dispersing surface with at least one surface contour inversion point substantially centrally located thereon." More specifically, to accomplish the virtual projection substitution, using a plurality of rigid display modules - based on a technology selected from the list: LED, LCD, CRT, Plasma or like surface as the screen unit (having the requisite at least one surface contour inversion point), one may configure the respective projection unit to be in virtual integration with the corresponding screen unit.

Now, on the one hand, the virtual projection unit is identical to the ordinary embodiment projection unit, in that both respectively include an electronic input means for receiving an input image, and interfaced to the input means, an electronic processing means for forming an output image of the input image by distorting the input image proportionally to respective distances between an electronic output means and a preponderance of locations on the surface. However, on the other hand, in the virtual projection unit, interfaced to the processing means, the electronic output means for converting the output image into an optical projection, wherein the optical projection is pointed at the screen unit "by being physically integrated therein" such that each portion of light dispersing surface of the screen unit includes integrally therein a micro projection element - selected from the list: LED, LCD, CRT, Plasma, or the likes.

Now we will turn to further variation substitution embodiments wherein the plurality of rigid electronic display screens are replaced by contiguous flexible component(s). Certainly, it is herein envisioned that the LED may be of the current-use plug in matrix variety or of the more recently innovated printed-on-substrate variety or flexible OLED. Likewise, the LCD may be of the glass-sandwich variety or of the more recently innovated flexible membrane variety. Furthermore, the Plasma may be of the standard rigid display module type or of the more recently innovated microspheres-in-addressable-flexible-substrate form, dynamic optical fiber fabric displays. In addition, electrophoretic monochrome displays are a potential equivalent substitute. Not withstanding the aforesaid, the Cordis-FP6- NANOPAGE project is developing a flexible large area display made by assembly of microCRTs into a polymer canvas. The microCRTs are millimetre size cold-emission cathode ray tubes, used as elementary color dots, 3 microCRTs, red, green and blue, making a complete pixel; wherein the microCRTs use nanometer scale Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) as cold electron sources. (See: USDC Flexible Display Report -2004- by United States Display Consortium www.usdc.org ) Summarizing these straightforward substitutions for elements of the instant invention, we observe that these give rise to further embodiment equivalents having the virtual projection feature. In the context of embodiments of the screen projection system of the present invention, the virtual projection feature allows performance of substantially the same function in substantially the same way - to yield substantially the same result. The function is the dispersion of light from the screen surface, the way this is accomplished is by having a light source and means for modifying the optical texture of that light source with respect to predetermined areas of the screen surface - all of which obey the novel criteria of "distorting the input image proportionally to respective distances" between a virtual electronic output means "and a preponderance of locations on the surface" wherein the virtual electronic means whereby the distortion is appropriate to compensate for a real front projection, rear projection, lateral projection, or the likes. Essentially, using image distortion to correct for the distance between a real optical output projector and a real multi-curved or multi-angled projection screen will all come to the same image on that screen. Likewise using the virtual projection unit, the image on screen remains identical to that presented by the real projection unit.

While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

I/We Claim:

1. A screen projection system comprising

(A) a screen unit having

(A.i) a light dispersing surface with at least one surface contour inversion point substantially centrally located thereon and

(B) a projection unit having

(B.i) an electronic input means for receiving an input image,

(B.ii) interfaced to the input means, an electronic processing means for forming an output image of the input image by distorting the input image proportionally to respective distances between an electronic output means and a preponderance of locations on the surface, and

(B.iii) interfaced to the processing means, the electronic output means for converting the output image into an optical projection, wherein the optical projection is pointed at the screen unit.

2. The system according to claim 1 wherein the screen unit is affixed to a rigid support.

3. The system according to claim 1 wherein

(A) the screen unit includes means for moving the screen along a predetermined path and the path is selected form the list: a track, a cable, a rotator, a vibrator, a robotic vehicle, and a combination of the aforesaid, and

(B) the processing means includes means for updating the respective distances, and

(C) the output means includes means for keeping the optical projection pointed at the screen unit.

4. The system according to claim 1 wherein the light dispersing surface includes at least one predetermined discontinuity selected from the list: a cut-out hole, an optical opaque area, an optical reflective element, a mirror, an optical absorbing black area, a lens, a lenticular surface, a prism, a structural support, and a combination of any of the aforesaid.

5. The system according to claim 1 wherein the at least one surface contour inversion point substantially centrally located thereon characterizes the screen as having a shape selected from the list: a cone, a prism, a pyramid, a crystallographic "cut shape", a sinusoidal curtain, an X-and-Y sinusoidal "egg carton shape", a sawtooth curtain, an X-and-Y saw-tooth "egg carton shape", a propeller with at least two symmetrically distributed blades, an automotive vehicle, a mask, a mannequin, a statue, at least two interfacing sides of a building, at least two interfacing sides of a room, at least two sections of any of the aforesaid and the at least two sections are positioned such that any imaginary contiguous attachment of the at least two sections would result in the at least one contour inversion point, and any combination of the aforesaid.

6. The system according to claim 1 wherein the projection unit is arranged so that the optical projection that is pointed at the screen unit is focused on an imaginary plane that divides the screen surface so that half of the screen surface is in front of the plane and half of the screen surface is behind the plane.

7. The system according to claim 1 wherein the projection unit is arranged so that the optical projection that is pointed at the screen unit is focused on an imaginary plane that divides the screen surface whereby at least three locations of the screen that are most distant from the projection unit are substantially equally distant from the plane to at least three locations of the screen that are closest to the projection unit.

8. The system according to claim 1 wherein the electronic processing means includes a digital model of the screen surface.

9. The system according to claim 1 wherein the electronic processing means includes means for monitoring motion of the screen, and therewith the processing means includes means for updating the respective distances.

10. The system according to claim 1 wherein the means for forming an output image is arranged for a projections orientation selected from the list: front projection, rear projection, lateral projection, and a plurality of the aforesaid wherein the optical projection of the output means includes pointing at respective portions of the screen unit.

11. A screen for use in a screen projection system, the screen comprising a light dispersing surface with at least one surface contour inversion point substantially centrally located thereon.

12. The screen according to claim 11 wherein the surface includes means for affixing to a rigid support.

13. The screen according to claim 11 wherein the light dispersing surface includes at least one predetermined discontinuity selected from the list: a cut-out hole, an optical opaque area, an optical reflective element, a mirror, an optical absorbing black area, a lens, a lenticular surface, a prism, a structural support, and a combination of any of the aforesaid.

14. The screen according to claim 11 wherein the at least one surface contour inversion point substantially centrally located thereon characterizes the screen as having a shape selected from the list: a cone, a prism, a pyramid, a crystallographic "cut shape", a sinusoidal curtain, an X-and-Y sinusoidal "egg carton shape", a sawtooth curtain, an X-and-Y saw-tooth "egg carton shape", a propeller with at least two symmetrically distributed blades, an automotive vehicle, a mask, a mannequin, a statue, at least two interfacing sides of a building, at least two interfacing sides of a room, at least two sections of any of the aforesaid and the at least two sections are positioned such that any imaginary contiguous attachment of the at least two sections would result in the at least one contour inversion point, and any combination of the aforesaid.

15. An image processing unit comprising

(A) an electronic input means for receiving a digital input image,

(B) interfaced to the input means, an electronic processing means for forming a digital output image of the input image by distorting the input image proportionally to respective distances between an optical projection means and a preponderance of locations on a light dispersing surface, the surface substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated, and

(C) interfaced to the processing means, an electronic output means capable of interface to a means for converting the digital image to an optical image.