MXPA06006307A - Light masking for a segmented display system - Google Patents

Abstract

A segmented display system in which the display devices are arranged in a N x 1 array is described.. The segmented display system includes a plurality of projection devices that each project a portion of an image on a corresponding one of the display devices in the N x 1 array. Distortion from extra light is minimized using a moveable mask around each projection device lens in the N x 1 array.

Description

MASKING LIGHT FOR A SEGMENTED DISPLAY SYSTEM CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of the serial provisional US patent application no. 60/531, 732, entitled "Moveable Light Masking for Segmented Displays" (Masked moving light for segmented displays) and filed on December 22, 2003, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to the field of exhibitions, and more particularly to segmented display systems including multiple projection devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Segmented display systems generally employ multiple display devices and multiple projection devices.

Each projection device projects a portion of an image onto the corresponding one of the display devices. For many segmented display systems, the display devices are arranged in a square array (N x N), such as, for example, a 2 x 2 array, as shown in FIG. 1 . In many segmented display systems, each projection device provides extra light that can undesirably distort the projected images. Some segmented display systems use a cloth mask near the lamp to block extra light. However, the lamps used are 100 watt lamps that create a fire hazard when they are in proximity to the cloth mask. In this way, there is a need for a segmented display system that minimizes extra light distortion of the projected images.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a segmented display system, in which the display devices are arranged in an array of N x 1. The segmented display system includes a plurality of projection devices each projecting a portion of an image into the corresponding display devices in the array N x 1. The extra light distortion is minimized by using a movable mask around each projection device lens in the N x 1 array.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 shows a segmented display system, in which the display devices are arranged in a 2 x 2 arrangement; FIG. 2 shows a front view of a segmented display system of the present invention, in which the display devices are arranged in a slot N x 1; FIG. 3 shows a top view of the segmented display system shown in FIG. 2, in which the display devices are arranged in the arrangement N x 1; FIG. 4 shows a side view of the segmented display system shown in FIG. 2, in which the display devices are arranged in the array N x 1 including a movable mask in the lens of the projection device; FIGS. 5A-B show top and side views of the movable mask of FIG. 4; and FIGS. 6A-E show top, side and bottom views of a mask frame and movable mask mask shown in FIGS. 5A-B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention is directed to a segmented display system, in which the display devices are arranged in an array N x 1. Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the segmented display system 100 includes a plurality of projection devices 1 10A, 1 10B, 1 10C, 1 10D projecting a portion of an image into the corresponding one of the display devices 1 1 1A, 1 1 1 B, 1 1 1 C, 1 1 1 D in the arrangement N x 1. With reference to FIG. 4, each projection device 1 10A, 1 10B, 1 10C, 1 10D, includes a lamp 120, a mirror 125, a lens assembly 130 and a movable mask 140. The lamp 120 of each projector projects that portion of the image to be projected onto the mirror 125 and that to the corresponding one of the display devices 1 1 1A, 1 1 1 B, 1 1 1 C, 1 1 1 D in the arrangement N x 1. The mirror 125 is placed at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the lamp 120 and the devices 1 1 1A, 1 1 1 B, 1 1 1 C, 1 1 1 D. Use a mirror at approximately 45 degrees with respect to lamp 120, maintains a bulb life time due to thermal heating in lamp 120. FIGS. 5A-B show top and side views, respectively, of the movable mask on the lens of each projection device. For the 4 x 1 array, an assembled mask includes a mask frame 143 in which a mask 145 is provided for each lens 130. Individual masks and frames can also be used for each lens. The mask frame 143 may be formed of a light absorbing material. The mask 145 is fitted around the lens 130 and is movable in the mask frame 143. The mask 145 is movable in the mask frame 143, so that each projection device 10A-D can be individually aligned to its mask device. respective display 1 1 1A-1 1 1 D of the segmented display system. FIGS. 6A-6E show top, side and bottom views of a mask frame 143 and mask 145 of the movable mask 140 shown in FIGS. 5A-B.

Claims (7)

1 . A projection system, comprising: a plurality of arranged displays adjacent to each other to form a screen; a plurality of projectors, one corresponding to each display of the plurality of displays, wherein each projector includes a lens; a mask assembly disposed between each lens of the plurality of projectors and the plurality of corresponding displays.

2. The projection system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of displays is arranged in an array N x 1.

3. The projection system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of projectors further includes a mirror.

4. The projection system of claim 3, wherein the mirror is aligned at an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to a projector lamp.

5. The projection system of claim 1, wherein the mask assembly includes a mask frame and a mask.

6. The projection system of claim 5, wherein the mask is moveable relative to the mask frame.

7. The projection system of claim 5, wherein the mask is disposed on the lens. SUMMARY A segmented display system is described, in which the display devices are arranged in an array N x 1. The segmented display system includes a plurality of projection devices that each project a portion of an image into the corresponding one of the display devices in the N x 1 array. The extra light distortion is minimized by using a movable mask around each projection device lens in the N x 1 array. (54) Title: MASONADO DE LUZ FOR A SEGMENTED DISPLAY SYSTEM (57) Abstract: A segmented display system is described, in which the display devices are arranged in an N x 1 arrangement. The segmented display system includes a plurality of projection devices that each project a portion of an image onto the corresponding display devices in the N x 1 array. The extra light distortion is minimized by using a movable mask around each projection device lens in the N x 1 array.