Abstract:
A method for continuously projecting images by enabling an apparatus including a light source, an image creation unit, and a projection unit includes receiving video signals from a predetermined source; creating a plurality of images from the video signals while being impinged by light emitted by the light source; receiving the images from the image creation unit; and activating the projection unit to project the images on a projection screen in a predetermined rapid succession so as to create a motion picture effect. As such, lighting adjustment and natural beauty simulations in a vivid way can be achieved.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0002]    The invention relates to projectors and more particularly to an apparatus for continuously projecting high resolution images on a projection screen so that special effects such as lighting adjustment and natural beauty simulations can be achieved, and method therefor. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    Slide projectors are well known in the art. A slide projector is a device that projects a still image with a transparent base. In detail, a slide projector comprises a motor for rotating a slide carousel, a lamp for emitting light through the slide, a condenser for concentrating light on the slide, and a lens for projecting a still image on a projection screen or planar surface. An optical illusion, because of persistence of vision, of moving persons and objects can be created on the screen if the number of slides is sufficiently large and the motor is capable of rotating the slides in such a rapid succession. 
         [0005]    However, the typical slide projectors suffer from a number of disadvantages. In detail, the effect similar to motion picture can be obtained only if the number of slides is very large. Unfortunately, the larger of the number of slides the higher of the manufacturing cost and the larger of the size of the projector will be. Further, a visible ghosting can be created when images rapidly change. Furthermore, eye fatigue can occur. In addition, image quality is poor due to lag. 
         [0006]    Thus, it is desirable to provide a novel apparatus for continuously projecting high resolution images on a projection screen so that special effects such as lighting adjustment and natural beauty simulations can be achieved, and a method therefor in order to overcome the inadequacies (e.g., eye fatigue, poor image quality, etc.) of the prior art. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    It is therefore one object of the invention to provide an apparatus for continuously projecting images for achieving lighting adjustment and natural beauty simulations, comprising a light source for emitting light; an image creation unit for receiving video signals from a predetermined source and creating images from the video signals while being impinged by the light emitted by the light source; and a projection unit for receiving the images from the image creation unit and projecting same on a projection screen in a predetermined rapid succession so as to create a motion picture effect. 
         [0008]    In one aspect of the invention there are further provided a storage unit for storing a plurality of images; and an arranging unit for receiving the images from the storage unit, arranging same based on a predetermined order, and sending the arranged images to the image creation unit for adding additional information or images to the images being shown continuously on the projection screen. 
         [0009]    In another aspect of the invention focus of the images projected on the projection screen is adapted to adjust. 
         [0010]    In a further aspect of the invention the apparatus is highly adaptable to lighting adjustment and is capable of simulating natural beauty including simulating season changes or whether changes. 
         [0011]    It is another object of the invention to provide a method for continuously projecting images, comprising the steps of receiving video signals from a predetermined source; creating a plurality of images from the video signals while being impinged by light emitted by a light source; receiving the images from an image creation unit; and activating a projection unit to project the images on a projection screen in a predetermined rapid succession so as to create a motion picture effect. 
     
    
     
         [0012]    The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings. 
         BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a first preferred embodiment of apparatus for continuously projecting images according to the invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a flowchart depicting a process for continuously projecting images according to the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of a second preferred embodiment of apparatus for continuously projecting images according to the invention; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart depicting a process for continuously projecting images according to the second preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , an apparatus for continuously projecting images in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention is generally designated  10  and is shown schematically. The apparatus  10  comprises a light source  11 , an image creation unit  12 , and a projection unit  13 . Each component is discussed in detail below. 
         [0018]    The light source  11  is adapted to emit light rays. The light source  11  is selected from a group consisting of LED (light-emitting diode) lamp, fluorescent bulb, and incandescent light. Moreover, the light source  11  can be either an adjustable light source for adjusting contrast ratios of images or a light source with controlled lighting for obtaining a dark viewing effect. 
         [0019]    The image creation unit  12  is adapted to receive video signals from an external video source or a memory thereof, and create images from the video signals. Moreover, light emitted by the light source  11  is directed toward the image creation unit  12 . The projection unit  13  is adapted to receive images from the image creation unit  12  and project same on a projection screen in such a rapid succession so as to create an optical illusion, because of persistence of vision, of moving persons and objects on the screen. In addition, the projection unit  13  can be manipulated to adjust the properties (e.g., focus adjustment) of moving images displayed on the screen. The projection unit  13  is a lens such as a single lens, a composite lens, or a lens assembly which is a device that is adapted to obtain an optimum imaging effect by adjusting a distance between any two lenses thereof. 
         [0020]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , it is a flowchart depicting a process for continuously projecting images according to the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus  10  of the invention. The process comprises the following steps: 
         [0021]    In step S 1 , enabling the image creation unit  12  to receive video signals from an external video source or a memory thereof. 
         [0022]    In step S 2 , creating images from the video signals. 
         [0023]    In step S 3 , directing light rays emitted by the light source  11  toward the image creation unit  12 . 
         [0024]    In step S 4 , enabling the projection unit  13  to receive images from the image creation unit  12  and projecting same on a projection screen in such a rapid succession so as to create an optical illusion, because of persistence of vision, of moving persons and objects on the screen, and manipulating the projection unit  13  adjust focus of moving images displayed on the screen. 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , an apparatus for continuously projecting images in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention is generally designated  30  and is shown schematically. The apparatus  30  comprises a light source  11 , an image creation unit  12 , a projection unit  13 , a storage unit  34 , and an arranging unit  35 . Each component is discussed in detail below. 
         [0026]    The light source  11  is adapted to emit light rays. The light source  11  is selected from a group consisting of LED lamp, fluorescent bulb, and incandescent light. Moreover, the light source  11  can be either an adjustable light source for adjusting contrast ratios of images or a light source with controlled lighting for obtaining a dark viewing effect. 
         [0027]    The image creation unit  12  is adapted to receive video signals from an external video source or a memory thereof, and create images from the video signals. Moreover, light emitted by the light source  11  is directed toward the image creation unit  12 . The projection unit  13  is adapted to receive images from the image creation unit  12  and project same on a projection screen in such a rapid succession so as to create an optical illusion, because of persistence of vision, of moving persons and objects on the screen. In addition, the projection unit  13  can be manipulated to adjust the properties (e.g., focus adjustment) of moving images displayed on the screen. The projection unit  13  is a lens such as a single lens, a composite lens, or a lens assembly which is a device that is adapted to obtain an optimum imaging effect by adjusting a distance between any two lenses thereof. 
         [0028]    The storage unit  34  is adapted to store a plurality of images. The arranging unit  35  is adapted to receive the images from the storage unit  34  and arrange same based on a predetermined order. The arranged images are then fed to the image creation unit  12 . 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , it is a flowchart depicting a process for continuously projecting images according to the second preferred embodiment of the apparatus  30  of the invention. The process comprises the following steps: 
         [0030]    In step S 1 , enabling the image creation unit  12  to receive video signals from an external video source or a memory thereof. 
         [0031]    In step S 2 , creating images from the video signals. 
         [0032]    In step S 3 , it is determined whether a plurality of images are received or not. If no, the process goes to step S 4 . Otherwise, the images are sent to storage unit  34  for storage. Further, enabling the arranging unit  35  to receive the images from the storage unit  34  and arranging same based on a predetermined order prior to looping back to step S 2 . 
         [0033]    In step S 4 , directing light rays emitted by the light source  11  toward the image creation unit  12 . 
         [0034]    In step S 5 , enabling the projection unit  13  to receive images from the image creation unit  12  and projecting same on a projection screen in such a rapid succession so as to create an optical illusion, because of persistence of vision, of moving persons and objects on the screen, and manipulating the projection unit  13  adjust focus of moving images displayed on the screen. 
         [0035]    The apparatus  10  of the invention has many applications as detailed below. A user may send video signals (e.g., a signal about night sky) either from an external video source to the light source  12  or from a memory of the light source  12  to itself. The apparatus  10  then continuously projects the images rendered from the video signals on a projection screen in a predetermined rapid succession. As a result, a beautiful night sky view is simulated. This can bring a degree of comfort to a viewer and even can help sleep. Moreover, a user may add video signals representing starry night, full moon night, or meteoric shower in the projects during the projection. Hence, a night view with changing scenes is created as a result of the night sky simulation. 
         [0036]    Alternatively, in the case of apparatus  30 , a user may send a plurality of images representing season changes either from an external video source or from a memory of the light source  12  to the storage unit  34  for storage. Next, the images are arranged by the arranging unit  35  based on a predetermined order. As a result, the continuous images representing rapid changing season are shown on the screen. 
         [0037]    The luminance of the apparatus  10  or  30  is different from the typical projectors. The apparatus  10  or  30  is highly adaptable to lighting adjustment and is capable of simulating natural beauty. For example, a user may adjust the apparatus  10  or  30  to cause the light source  11  to emit light rays onto a projection screen. Luminance of the light is substantially the same as that measured in a real situation. Information about time and date can additionally added in the images so that time and date may be shown on a ceiling or wall along with the images projected by the apparatus  10  or  30 . 
         [0038]    The invention is characteristically different from the prior art techniques as detailed below. 
         [0039]    The invention is novel because it utilizes stored video signals to render images and continuously projects same in such a rapid succession so as to create an optical illusion, because of persistence of vision, of moving persons and objects on the screen. This is technologically different from the well known projectors. 
         [0040]    The invention is industry applicable because the moving images are highly adaptable such that special effects such as lighting adjustment and natural beauty simulations can be achieved. This can bring a degree of comfort to a viewer and even can help sleep. 
         [0041]    The invention is non-obvious because it utilizes stored video signals to render images and continuously projects same in such a rapid succession so as to create an optical illusion, because of persistence of vision, of moving persons and objects on the screen. Moreover, additional data or images representing season changes or the like can be added in the original images so that the shown images can has a high resolution and are more vivid. As a contrast, the typical projectors can only project a still image with a transparent base and it is thus monotonous. 
         [0042]    While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention set forth in the claims.