Aircraft passenger entertainment system

Claim 2

In a method of displaying color video pictures to passengers aboard an aircraft with the aid of a first imaging device for presenting a first one of three complementary color component images in a first image display field, said first image display field having a first center, a first projecting device including a first lens for projecting said first image from said first field onto a screen, said first lens having a first lens axis, a second imaging device for presenting a second one of said color component images in a second image display field, said second image display field having a second center, a second projecting device including a second lens for projecting said second image from said second field onto said screen, said second lens having a second lens axis, a third imaging device for presenting the third of said color component images in a third image display field, said third image display field having a third center, and a third projecting device including a third lens for projecting said third image from said third field onto said screen, said third lens having a third lens axis, the improvement comprising in combination the steps of: mounting said screen in a first plane; disposing said first image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; disposing said second image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; disposing said third image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; disposing each of said first, second and third lens axes perpendicularly to said first plane; providing a closer spacing between said second and third axes of said second and third lenses than between said second and third centers of said second and third image display fields; omitting marginal portions of at least some of said first, second and third lenses to precorrect spatial rightness variations in the color video picture; providing three complementary color component image signals for composing via said first, second and third imaging and projecting devices a color video picture; applying said three complementary color component signals respectively to said first, second and third imaging devices for providing said first, second and third color component images respectively in said first, second and third image display fields; and projecting said provided first, second and third color component images respectively with said first, second and third projecting devices, including said first, second and third lenses, onto said screen for composite viewing of said color video picture by said passengers.

Claim 3

In a method of displaying color video pictures to passengers aboard an aircraft having a floor and a ceiling above said floor, with the aid of a first imaging device for presenting a first one of three complementary color component images in a first image display field, said first image display field having a first center, a first projecting device including a first lens for projecting said first image from said first field onto a screen, said first lens having a first lens axis, a second imaging device for presenting a second one of said color component images in a second image display field, said second image display field having a second center, a second projecting device including a second lens for projecting said second image from said second field onto said screen, said second lens having a second lens axis, a third imaging device for presenting the third of said color component images in a third image display field, said third image display field having a third center, and a third projecting device including a third lens for projecting said third image from said third field onto said screen, said third lens having a third lens axis, the improvement comprising in combination the steps of: mounting said screen between said ceiling and floor in a first plane; disposing said first image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; disposing said second image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; disposing said third image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; disposing said first, second and third lens axes in three parallel planes extending between said ceiling and floor at right angles to said screen; providing a closer spacing between said second and third axes of said second and third lenses than between said second and third centers of said second and third image display fields; omitting marginal portions of at least some of said first, second and third lenses to precorrect spatial brightness variations in the color video picture; providing three complementary color component image signals for composing via said first, second and third imaging and projecting devices a color video picture; applying said three complementary color component signals respectively to said first, second and third imaging devices for providing said first, second and third color component images respectively in said first, second and third image display fields; and projecting said provided first, second and third color component images respectively with said first, second and third projection devices, including said first, second and third lenses, onto said screen for composite viewing of said color video picture by said passengers.

Claim 4

In a method of displaying color video pictures to passengers aboard an aircraft having a floor and a ceiling above said floor, with the aid of a first imaging device for presenting a first one of three complementary color component images in a first image display field, said first image display field having a first center, a first projecting device including a first lens for projecting said first image from said first field onto a screen, said first lens having a first lens axis, a second imaging device for presenting a second one of said color component images in a second image display field, said second image display field having a second center, a second projecting device including a second lens for projecting said second image from said second field onto said screen, said second lens having a second lens axis, a third imaging device for presenting the third of said color component images in a third image display field, said third image display field having a third center, and a third projecting device including a third lens for projecting said third image from said third field onto said screen, said third lens having a third lens axis, the improvement comprising in combination the steps of: mounting said screen between said ceiling and floor in a first plane; disposing said first image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; disposing said second image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; disposing said third image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; disposing said first, second and third lens axes in three parallel planes extending between said ceiling and floor at right angles to said screen; providing a closer spacing between said second and third axes of said second and third lenses than between said second and third centers of said second and third image display fields; omitting marginal portions of at least some of said first, second and third lenses to precorrect spatial brightness variations in the color video picture; providing three complementary color component image signals for composing via said first, second and third imaging and projecting devices a color video picture; applying said three complementary color component signals respectively to said first, second and third imaging devices for providing said first, second and third color component images respectively in said first, second and third image display fields; and projecting said provided first, second and third color component images respectively with said first, second and third projection devices, including said first, second and third lenses, onto said screen for composite viewing of said color video picture by said passengers.

Claim 5

A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein: said first, second and third image display fields are disposed in a common plane parallel to said first plane.

Claim 6

A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein: said first, second and third image display fields are disposed, as seen from said passengers, above a horizontal plane intersecting a midportion of said screen; and each of said first, second and third lens axes is located closer to said horizontal plane than said first, second and third centers, respectively, of said first, second and third image display fields.

Claim 7

In a method of displaying color video pictures to passengers aboard an aircraft having a floor and a ceiling above said floor, with the aid of a first imaging device for presenting a first one of three complementary color component images in a first image display field, said first image display field having a first center, a first projecting device including a first lens for projecting said first image from said first field onto a screen, said first lens having a first lens axis, a second imaging device for presenting a second one of said color component images in a second image display field, said second image display field having a second center, a second projecting device including a second lens for projecting said second image from said second field onto said screen, said second lens having a second lens axis, a third imaging device for presenting the third of said color component images in a third image display field, said third image display field having a third center, and a third projecting device including a third lens for projecting said third image from said third field onto said screen, said third lens having a third lens axis, the improvement comprising in combination the steps of: mounting said screen between said ceiling and floor in a first plane; disposing said first image display field in a plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor; disposing said second image display field in a plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor; disposing said third image display field in a plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor; disposing said first, second and third lens axes in three parallel planes extending between said ceiling and floor at right angles to said screen; providing a closer spacing between said second and third axes of said second and third lenses than between said second and third centers of said second and third image display fields; omitting marginal portions of at least some of said first, second and third lenses to precorrect spatial brightness variations in the color video picture; providing three complementary color component image signals for composing via said first, second and third imaging and projecting devices a color video picture; applying said three complementary color component signals respectively to said first, second and third imaging devices for providing said first, second and third color component images respectively in said first, second and third image display fields; and projecting said provided first, second and third color component images respectively with said first, second and third projecting devices, including said first, second and third lenses, into said screen for composite viewing of said color video picture by said passengers.

Claim 8

In a method of displaying color video pictures to passengers aboard an aircraft having a floor and a ceiling above said floor, with the aid of a first imaging device for presenting a first one of three complementary color component images in a first image display field, said first image display field having a first center, a first projecting device including a first lens for projecting said first image from said first field onto a screen, said first lens having a first lens axis, a second imaging device for presenting a second one of said color component images in a second image display field, said second image display field having a second center, a second projecting device including a second lens for projecting said second image from said second field onto said screen, said second lens having a second lens axis, a third imaging device for presenting the third of said color component images in a third image display field, said third image display field having a third center, and a third projecting device including a third lens for projecting said third image from said third field onto said screen, said third lens having a third lens axis, the improvement comprising in combination the steps of: mounting said screen between said ceiling and floor in a first plane; disposing said first image display field in a plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor; disposing said second image display field in a plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor; disposing said third image display field in a plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor; disposing said first, second and third lens axes in three parallel planes extending between said ceiling and floor at right angles to said screen; providing a closer spacing between said second and third axes of said second and third lenses than between said second and third centers of said second and third image display fields; omitting marginal portions of at least some of said first, second and third lenses to precorrect spatial brightness variations in the color video picture; providing three complementary color component image signals for composing via said first, second and third imaging and projecting devices a color video picture; applying said three complementary color component signals respectively to said first, second and third imaging devices for providing said first, second and third color component images respectively in said first, second and third image display fields; and projecting said provided first, second and third color component images respectively with said first, second and third projecting devices, including said first, second and third lenses, into said screen for composite viewing of said color video picture by said passengers.

Claim 9

A method as claimed in claim 5, wherein: said first, second and third image display fields are disposed in a common plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor.

Claim 10

A method as claimed in claim 2 or 5, wherein: each of said first, second and third centers of said first, second and third image display fields is located closer to said ceiling than, respectively, a center of said first lens, a center of said second lens, and a center of said third lens.

Claim 11

A method as claimed in claim 1, 2, 5 or 6, wherein: said screen has an on-axis gain of more than one and less than four.

Claim 12

A method as claimed in claim 1, 2, 5 or 6, including the step of: further precorrecting spatial brightness variations in the color video picture by subjecting at least some of said presented first, second and third color component images in said first, second and third image display fields, respectively, to opposing spatial brightness variations.

Claim 13

Apparatus for displaying color video pictures to passengers aboard an aircraft, comprising in combination: means for providing three complementary color component image signals for composing a color video picture; a video image projection screen; means for mounting said screen in a first plane; and means connected to said providing means for projecting in response to said three color component image signals three complementary color component images onto said screen mounted in said first plane for composite viewing of said color video picture by said passengers; said projecting means including: a first imaging device for presenting in response to a first one of said color component image signals a first one of said complementary color component images in a first image display field, and first image display field having a first center; means for mounting said first imaging device for disposition of said first image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; a first projecting device including a first lens for projecting said first image from said first field onto said screen, said first lens having a first lens axis extending perpendicularly to said first plane; a second imaging device for presenting in response to a second one of said color component image signals a second one of said color component images in a second image display field, said second image display field having a second center; means for mounting said second imaging device for disposition of said second image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; a second projecting device including a second lens for projecting said second image from said second field onto said screen, said second lens having a second lens axis extending perpendicularly to said first plane; a third imaging device for presenting in response to the third of said color component image signals the third of said color component images in a third image display field, said third image display field having a third center; means for mounting said third imaging device for disposition of said third image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; a third projecting device including a third lens for projecting said third image from said third field onto said screen, said third lens having a third lens axis extending perpendicularly to said first plane; and means for mounting said lenses relative to said image display fields for a closer spacing between said second and third axes of said second and third lenses than between said second and third centers of said second and third image display fields, with said first, second and third lens axes remaining perpendicular to said first plane; at least some of said first, second and third lenses having truncated margins for precorrecting spatial brightness variations in the color video picture.

Claim 14

Apparatus for displaying color video pictures to passengers aboard an aircraft, comprising in combination: means for providing three complementary color component image signals for composing a color video picture; a video image projection screen; means for mounting said screen in a first plane; and means connected to said providing means for projecting in response to said three color component image signals three complementary color component images onto said screen mounted in said first plane for composite viewing of said color video picture by said passengers; said projecting means including: a first imaging device for presenting in response to a first one of said color component image signals a first one of said complementary color component images in a first image display field, and first image display field having a first center; means for mounting said first imaging device for disposition of said first image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; a first projecting device including a first lens for projecting said first image from said first field onto said screen, said first lens having a first lens axis extending perpendicularly to said first plane; a second imaging device for presenting in response to a second one of said color component image signals a second one of said color component images in a second image display field, said second image display field having a second center; means for mounting said second imaging device for disposition of said second image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; a second projecting device including a second lens for projecting said second image from said second field onto said screen, said second lens having a second lens axis extending perpendicularly to said first plane; a third imaging device for presenting in response to the third of said color component image signals the third of said color component images in a third image display field, said third image display field having a third center; means for mounting said third imaging device for disposition of said third image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; a third projecting device including a third lens for projecting said third image from said third field onto said screen, said third lens having a third lens axis extending perpendicularly to said first plane; and means for mounting said lenses relative to said image display fields for a closer spacing between said second and third axes of said second and third lenses than between said second and third centers of said second and third image display fields, with said first, second and third lens axes remaining perpendicular to said first plane; at least some of said first, second and third lenses having truncated margins for precorrecting spatial brightness variations in the color video picture.

Claim 15

Apparatus for displaying color video pictures to passengers aboard an aircraft having a floor and a ceiling above said floor, comprising in combination: means for providing three complementary color component image signals for composing a color video picture; a video image projection screen; means for mounting said screen between said ceiling and said floor in a first plane; and means connected to said providing means for projecting in response to said three color component image signals three complementary color component images onto said screen mounted in said first plane for composite viewing of said color video picture by said passengers; said projecting means including: a first imaging device for presenting in response to a first one of said color component image signals a first one of said complementary color component images in a first image display field, said first image display field having a first center; means for mounting said first imaging device for disposition of said first image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; a first projecting device including a first lens for projecting said first image from said first field onto said screen, said first lens having a first lens axis; a second imaging device for presenting in response to a second one of said color component image signals a second one of said color component images in a second image display field, said second image display field having a second center; means for mounting said second imaging device for disposition of said second image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; a second projecting device including a second lens for projecting said second image from said second field onto said screen, said second lens having a second lens axis; a third imaging device for presenting in response to the third of said color component image signals the third or said color component images in a third image display field, said third image display field having a third center; means for mounting said third imaging device for disposition of said third image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; a third projecting device including a third lens for projecting said third image from said third field onto said screen, said third lens having a third lens axis; and means for mounting said first, second and third projecting devices for disposition of said first, second and third lens axes in three parallel planes extending between said ceiling and floor at right angles to said screen, said projecting devices mounting means including means for mounting said lenses relative to said image display fields for a closer spacing between said second and third axes of said second and third lenses than between said second and third centers of said second and third image display fields, with said first, second and third lens axes remaining disposed in said three parallel planes; at least some of said first, second and third lenses having truncated margins for precorrecting spatial brightness variations in the color video picture.

Claim 16

Apparatus for displaying color video pictures to passengers aboard an aircraft having a floor and a ceiling above said floor, comprising in combination: means for providing three complementary color component image signals for composing a color video picture; a video image projection screen; means for mounting said screen between said ceiling and said floor in a first plane; and means connected to said providing means for projecting in response to said three color component image signals three complementary color component images onto said screen mounted in said first plane for composite viewing of said color video picture by said passengers; said projecting means including: a first imaging device for presenting in response to a first one of said color component image signals a first one of said complementary color component images in a first image display field, said first image display field having a first center; means for mounting said first imaging device for disposition of said first image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; a first projecting device including a first lens for projecting said first image from said first field onto said screen, said first lens having a first lens axis; a second imaging device for presenting in response to a second one of said color component image signals a second one of said color component images in a second image display field, said second image display field having a second center; means for mounting said second imaging device for disposition of said second image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; a second projecting device including a second lens for projecting said second image from said second field onto said screen, said second lens having a second lens axis; a third imaging device for presenting in response to the third of said color component image signals the third or said color component images in a third image display field, said third image display field having a third center; means for mounting said third imaging device for disposition of said third image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; a third projecting device including a third lens for projecting said third image from said third field onto said screen, said third lens having a third lens axis; and means for mounting said first, second and third projecting devices for disposition of said first, second and third lens axes in three parallel planes extending between said ceiling and floor at right angles to said screen, said projecting devices mounting means including means for mounting said lenses relative to said image display fields for a closer spacing between said second and third axes of said second and third lenses than between said second and third centers of said second and third image display fields, with said first, second and third lens axes remaining disposed in said three parallel planes; at least some of said first, second and third lenses having truncated margins for precorrecting spatial brightness variations in the color video picture.

Claim 17

Apparatus as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein: said means for mounting said first, second and third imaging devices include means for mounting said first, second and third imaging devices for disposition of said first, second and third image display fields in a common plane parallel to said first plane.

Claim 18

Apparatus as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein: said means for mounting said first, second and third imaging devices include means for mounting said first, second and third imaging devices, as seen from said passengers, above a horizontal plane intersecting a midportion of said screen; and said means for mounting said first, second and third projecting devices include means for mounting said first, second and third projecting device for disposition of said first, second and third lens axes closer to said horizontal plane than, respectively, said first, second and third centers of said first, second and third image display fields.

Claim 19

Apparatus for displaying color video pictures to passengers aboard an aircraft having a floor and a ceiling above said floor, comprising in combination: means for providing three complementary color component image signals for composing a color video picture; a video image projection screen; means for mounting said screen between said ceiling and said floor in a first plane; and means connected to said providing means for projecting in response to said three color component image signals three complementary color component images onto said screen mounted in said first plane for composite viewing of said color video picture by said passengers; said projecting means including: a first imaging device for presenting in response to a first one of said color component image signals a first one of said complementary color component images in a first image display field, said first image display field having a first center; means for mounting said first imaging device for disposition of said first image display field in a plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor; a first projecting device including a first lens for projecting said first image from said first field onto said screen, said first lens having a first lens axis; a second imaging device for presenting in response to a second one of said color component image signals a second one of said color component images in a second image display field, said second image display field having a second center; means for mounting said second imaging device for disposition of said second image display field in a plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor; a second projecting device including a second lens for projecting said second image from said second field onto said screen, said second lens having a second lens axis; a third imaging device for presenting in response to the third of said color component image signals the third or said color component images in a third image display field, said third image display field having a third center; means for mounting said third imaging device for disposition of said third image display field in a plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor; a third projecting device including a third lens for projecting said third image from said third field onto said screen, said third lens having a third lens axis; and means for mounting said first, second and third projecting devices for disposition of said first, second and third lens axes in three parallel planes extending between said ceiling and floor at right angles to said screen, said projecting devices mounting means including means for mounting said lenses relative to said image display fields for a closer spacing between said second and third axes of said second and third lenses than between said second and third centers of said second and third image display fields, with said first, second and third lens axes remaining disposed in said three parallel planes; at least some of said first, second and third lenses have truncated margins for precorrecting spatial brightness variations in the color video picture.

Claim 20

Apparatus for displaying color video pictures to passengers aboard an aircraft having a floor and a ceiling above said floor, comprising in combination: means for providing three complementary color component image signals for composing a color video picture; a video image projection screen; means for mounting said screen between said ceiling and said floor in a first plane; and means connected to said providing means for projecting in response to said three color component image signals three complementary color component images onto said screen mounted in said first plane for composite viewing of said color video picture by said passengers; said projecting means including: a first imaging device for presenting in response to a first one of said color component image signals a first one of said complementary color component images in a first image display field, said first image display field having a first center; means for mounting said first imaging device for disposition of said first image display field in a plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor; a first projecting device including a first lens for projecting said first image from said first field onto said screen, said first lens having a first lens axis; a second imaging device for presenting in response to a second one of said color component image signals a second one of said color component images in a second image display field, said second image display field having a second center; means for mounting said second imaging device for disposition of said second image display field in a plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor; a second projecting device including a second lens for projecting said second image from said second field onto said screen, said second lens having a second lens axis; a third imaging device for presenting in response to the third of said color component image signals the third or said color component images in a third image display field, said third image display field having a third center; means for mounting said third imaging device for disposition of said third image display field in a plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor; a third projecting device including a third lens for projecting said third image from said third field onto said screen, said third lens having a third lens axis; and means for mounting said first, second and third projecting devices for disposition of said first, second and third lens axes in three parallel planes extending between said ceiling and floor at right angles to said screen, said projecting devices mounting means including means for mounting said lenses relative to said image display fields for a closer spacing between said second and third axes of said second and third lenses than between said second and third centers of said second and third image display fields, with said first, second and third lens axes remaining disposed in said three parallel planes; at least some of said first, second and third lenses have truncated margins for precorrecting spatial brightness variations in the color video picture.

Claim 21

Apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein: said means for mounting said first, second and third imaging devices include means for mounting said first, second and third imaging devices for disposition of said first, second and third image display fields in a common plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor.

Claim 22

Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 or 14, wherein: each of said first, second and third centers of said first, second and third image display fields is closer to said ceiling than, respectively, a center of said first lens, a center of said second lens, and a center of said third lens.

Claim 23

Apparatus as claimed in claim 10, 11, 14 or 15 wherein: said screen has an on-axis gain of more than one and less than four.

Claim 24

In a method of displaying color video pictures with the aid of a first imaging device for presenting a first one of three complementary color component images in a first image display field, said first image display field having a first center, a first projecting device including a first lens for projecting said first image from said first field onto a screen, said first lens having a first lens axis, a second imaging device for presenting a second one of said color component images in a second image display field, said second image display field having a second center, a second projecting device including a second lens for projecting said second image from said second field into said screen, said second lens having a second lens axis, a third imaging device for presenting the third of said color component images in a third image display field, said third image display field having a third center, and a third projecting device including a third lens for projecting said third image from said third field onto said screen, said third lens having a third lens axis, the improvement comprising in combination the steps of: mounting said screen in a first plane; disposing said first image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; disposing said second image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; disposing said third image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; disposing each of said first, second and third lens axes perpendicularly to said first plane; providing a closer spacing between said second and third axes of said second and third lenses than between said second and third centers of said second and third image display fields; omitting marginal portions of at least some of said first, second and third lenses to precorrect spatial brightness variations in the color video picture; providing three complementary color component image signals for composing via said first, second and third imaging and projecting devices a color video picture; applying said three complementary color component signals respectively to said first, second and third imaging devices for providing said first, second and third color component images respectively in said first, second and third image display fields; and projecting said provided first, second and third color component images respectively with said first, second and third projecting devices, including said first, second and third lenses, onto said screen for composite viewing of said color video picture by viewers.

Claim 25

In a method of displaying color video pictures with the aid of a first imaging device for presenting a first one of three complementary color component images in a first image display field, said first image display field having a first center, a first projecting device including a first lens for projecting said first image from said first field onto a screen, said first lens having a first lens axis, a second imaging device for presenting a second one of said color component images in a second image display field, said second image display field having a second center, a second projecting device including a second lens for projecting said second image from said second field into said screen, said second lens having a second lens axis, a third imaging device for presenting the third of said color component images in a third image display field, said third image display field having a third center, and a third projecting device including a third lens for projecting said third image from said third field onto said screen, said third lens having a third lens axis, the improvement comprising in combination the steps of: mounting said screen in a first plane; disposing said first image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; disposing said second image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; disposing said third image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; disposing each of said first, second and third lens axes perpendicularly to said first plane; providing a closer spacing between said second and third axes of said second and third lenses than between said second and third centers of said second and third image display fields; omitting marginal portions of at least some of said first, second and third lenses to precorrect spatial brightness variations in the color video picture; providing three complementary color component image signals for composing via said first, second and third imaging and projecting devices a color video picture; applying said three complementary color component signals respectively to said first, second and third imaging devices for providing said first, second and third color component images respectively in said first, second and third image display fields; and projecting said provided first, second and third color component images respectively with said first, second and third projecting devices, including said first, second and third lenses, onto said screen for composite viewing of said color video picture by viewers.

Claim 26

In a method of displaying color video pictures in a structure having a floor and a ceiling above said floor, with the aid of a first imaging device for presenting a first one of three complementary color component images in a first image display field, said first image display field having a first center, a first projecting device including a first lens for projecting said first image from said first field onto a screen, said first lens having a first lens axis, a second imaging device for presenting a second one of said color component images in a second image display field, said second image display field having a second center, a second projecting device including a second lens for projecting said second image from said second field onto said screen, said second lens having a second lens axis, a third imaging device for presenting the third of said color component images in a third image display field, said third image display field having a third center, and a third projecting device including a third lens for projecting said third image from said third field onto said screen, said third lens having a third lens axis, the improvement comprising in combination the steps of: mounting said screen between said ceiling and floor in a first plane; disposing said first image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; disposing said second image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; disposing said third image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; disposing said first, second and third lens axes in three parallel planes extending between said ceiling and floor at right angles to said screen; providing a closer spacing between said second and third axes of said second and third lenses than between said second and third centers of said second and third image display fields; omitting marginal portions of at least some of said first, second and third lenses to precorrect spatial brightness variations in the color video picture; providing three complementary color component image signals for composing via said first, second and third imaging and projecting devices a color video picture; applying said three complementary color component signals respectively to said first, second and third imaging devices for providing said first, second and third color component images respectively in said first, second and third image display fields; and projecting said provided first, second and third color component images respectively with said first, second and third projecting devices, including said first, second and third lenses, onto said screen for composite viewing of said color video picture by viewers.

Claim 27

In a method of displaying color video pictures in a structure having a floor and a ceiling above said floor, with the aid of a first imaging device for presenting a first one of three complementary color component images in a first image display field, said first image display field having a first center, a first projecting device including a first lens for projecting said first image from said first field onto a screen, said first lens having a first lens axis, a second imaging device for presenting a second one of said color component images in a second image display field, said second image display field having a second center, a second projecting device including a second lens for projecting said second image from said second field onto said screen, said second lens having a second lens axis, a third imaging device for presenting the third of said color component images in a third image display field, said third image display field having a third center, and a third projecting device including a third lens for projecting said third image from said third field onto said screen, said third lens having a third lens axis, the improvement comprising in combination the steps of: mounting said screen between said ceiling and floor in a first plane; disposing said first image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; disposing said second image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; disposing said third image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; disposing said first, second and third lens axes in three parallel planes extending between said ceiling and floor at right angles to said screen; providing a closer spacing between said second and third axes of said second and third lenses than between said second and third centers of said second and third image display fields; omitting marginal portions of at least some of said first, second and third lenses to precorrect spatial brightness variations in the color video picture; providing three complementary color component image signals for composing via said first, second and third imaging and projecting devices a color video picture; applying said three complementary color component signals respectively to said first, second and third imaging devices for providing said first, second and third color component images respectively in said first, second and third image display fields; and projecting said provided first, second and third color component images respectively with said first, second and third projecting devices, including said first, second and third lenses, onto said screen for composite viewing of said color video picture by viewers.

Claim 28

A method as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein: said first, second and third image display fields are disposed in a common plane parallel to said first plane.

Claim 29

A method as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein: said first, second and third image display fields are disposed, as seen from said passengers, above a horizontal plane intersecting a midportion of said screen; and each of said first, second and third lens axes is located closer to said horizontal plane than said first, second and third centers, respectively, of said first, second and third image display fields.

Claim 30

In a method of displaying color video pictures in a a structure having a floor and a ceiling above said floor, with the aid of a first imaging device for presenting a first one of three complementary color component images in a first image display field, said first image display field having a first center, a first projecting device including a first lens for projecting said first image from said first field onto a screen, said first lens having a first lens axis, a second imaging device for presenting a second one of said color component images in a second image display field, said second image display field having a second center, a second projecting device including a second lens for projecting said second image from said second field onto said screen, said second lens having a second lens axis, a third imaging device for presenting the third of said color component images in a third image display field, said third image display field having a third center, and a third projecting device including a third lens for projecting said third image from said third field onto said screen, said third lens having a third lens axis, the improvement comprising in combination the steps of: mounting said screen between said ceiling and floor in a first plane; disposing said first image display field in a plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor; disposing said second image display field in a plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor; disposing said third image display field in a plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor; disposing said first, second and third lens axes in three parallel planes extending between said ceiling and floor at right angles to said screen; providing a closer spacing between said second and third axes of said second and third lenses than between said second and third centers of said second and third image display fields; omitting marginal portions of at least some of said first, second and third lenses to precorrect spatial brightness variations in the color video picture; providing three complementary color component image signals for composing via said first, second and third imaging and projecting devices a color video picture; applying said three complementary color component signals respectively to said first, second and third imaging devices for providing said first, second and third color component images respectively in said first, second and third image display fields; and projecting said provided first, second and third color component images respectively with said first, second and third projecting devices, including said first, second and third lenses, onto said screen for composite viewing of said color video picture by viewers.

Claim 31

In a method of displaying color video pictures in a a structure having a floor and a ceiling above said floor, with the aid of a first imaging device for presenting a first one of three complementary color component images in a first image display field, said first image display field having a first center, a first projecting device including a first lens for projecting said first image from said first field onto a screen, said first lens having a first lens axis, a second imaging device for presenting a second one of said color component images in a second image display field, said second image display field having a second center, a second projecting device including a second lens for projecting said second image from said second field onto said screen, said second lens having a second lens axis, a third imaging device for presenting the third of said color component images in a third image display field, said third image display field having a third center, and a third projecting device including a third lens for projecting said third image from said third field onto said screen, said third lens having a third lens axis, the improvement comprising in combination the steps of: mounting said screen between said ceiling and floor in a first plane; disposing said first image display field in a plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor; disposing said second image display field in a plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor; disposing said third image display field in a plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor; disposing said first, second and third lens axes in three parallel planes extending between said ceiling and floor at right angles to said screen; providing a closer spacing between said second and third axes of said second and third lenses than between said second and third centers of said second and third image display fields; omitting marginal portions of at least some of said first, second and third lenses to precorrect spatial brightness variations in the color video picture; providing three complementary color component image signals for composing via said first, second and third imaging and projecting devices a color video picture; applying said three complementary color component signals respectively to said first, second and third imaging devices for providing said first, second and third color component images respectively in said first, second and third image display fields; and projecting said provided first, second and third color component images respectively with said first, second and third projecting devices, including said first, second and third lenses, onto said screen for composite viewing of said color video picture by viewers.

Claim 32

A method as claimed in claim 22, wherein: said first, second and third image display fields are disposed in a common plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor.

Claim 33

A method as claimed in claim 19 or 22, wherein: each of said first, second and third centers of said first, second and third image display fields is located closer to said ceiling than, respectively, a center of said first lens, a center of said second lens, a center of said third lens.

Claim 34

A method as claimed in claim 18, 19, 22 or 23, wherein: said screen has an on-axis gain of more than one and less than four.

Claim 35

A method as claimed in claim 18, 19, 22 or 23, including the step of: further precorrecting spatial brightness variations in the color video picture by subjecting at least some of said presented first, second and third color component images in said first, second and third image display fields, respectively, to opposing spatial brightness variations.

Claim 36

Apparatus for displaying color video pictures, comprising in combination: means for providing three complementary color component image signals for composing a color video picture; a video image projection screen; means for mounting said screen in a first plane; and means connected to said providing means for projecting in response to said three color component image signals three complementary color component images onto said screen mounted in said first plane for composite viewing of said color video picture by viewers; said projecting means including: a first imaging device for presenting in response to a first one of said color component image signals a first one of said complementary color component images in a first image display field, said first image display field having a first center; means for mounting said first imaging device for disposition of said first image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; a first projecting device including a first lens for projecting said first image from said first field onto said screen, said first lens having a first lens axis extending perpendicularly to said first plane; a second imaging device for presenting in response to a second one of said color component image signals a second one of said color component images in a second image display field, said second image display field having a second center; means for mounting said second imaging device for disposition of said second image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; a second projecting device including a second lens for projecting said second image from said second field onto said screen, said second lens having a second lens axis extending perpendicularly to said first plane; a third imaging device for presenting in response to the third of said color component image signals the third of said color component images in a third image display field, said third image display field having a third center; means for mounting said third imaging device for disposition of said third image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; a third projecting device including a third lens for projecting said third image from said third field onto said screen, said third lens having a third lens axis extending perpendicularly to said first plane; and means for mounting said lenses relative to said image display fields for a closer spacing between said second and third axes of said second and third lenses than between said second and third centers of said second and third image display fields, with said first, second and third lens axes remaining perpendicular to said first plane; at least some of said first, second and third lenses having truncated margins for precorrecting spatial brightness variations in the color video picture.

Claim 37

Apparatus for displaying color video pictures, comprising in combination: means for providing three complementary color component image signals for composing a color video picture; a video image projection screen; means for mounting said screen in a first plane; and means connected to said providing means for projecting in response to said three color component image signals three complementary color component images onto said screen mounted in said first plane for composite viewing of said color video picture by viewers; said projecting means including: a first imaging device for presenting in response to a first one of said color component image signals a first one of said complementary color component images in a first image display field, said first image display field having a first center; means for mounting said first imaging device for disposition of said first image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; a first projecting device including a first lens for projecting said first image from said first field onto said screen, said first lens having a first lens axis extending perpendicularly to said first plane; a second imaging device for presenting in response to a second one of said color component image signals a second one of said color component images in a second image display field, said second image display field having a second center; means for mounting said second imaging device for disposition of said second image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; a second projecting device including a second lens for projecting said second image from said second field onto said screen, said second lens having a second lens axis extending perpendicularly to said first plane; a third imaging device for presenting in response to the third of said color component image signals the third of said color component images in a third image display field, said third image display field having a third center; means for mounting said third imaging device for disposition of said third image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; a third projecting device including a third lens for projecting said third image from said third field onto said screen, said third lens having a third lens axis extending perpendicularly to said first plane; and means for mounting said lenses relative to said image display fields for a closer spacing between said second and third axes of said second and third lenses than between said second and third centers of said second and third image display fields, with said first, second and third lens axes remaining perpendicular to said first plane; at least some of said first, second and third lenses having truncated margins for precorrecting spatial brightness variations in the color video picture.

Claim 38

Apparatus for displaying color video pictures in a structure having a floor and a ceiling above said floor, comprising in combination: means for providing three complementary color component image signals for composing a color video picture; a video image projecting screen; means for mounting said screen between said ceiling and said floor in a first plane; and means connected to said providing means for projecting in response to said three color component image signals three complementary color component images onto said screen mounted in said first plane for composite viewing of said color video picture by viewers; said projecting means including: a first imaging device for presenting in response to a first one of said color component image signals a first one of said complementary color component images in a first image display field, said first image display field having a first center; means for mounting said first imaging device for disposition of said first image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; a first projecting device including a first lens for projecting said first image from said first field onto said screen, said first lens having a first lens axis; a second imaging device for presenting in response to a second one of said color component image signals a second one of said color component images in a second image display field, said second image display field having a second center; means for mounting said second imaging device for disposition of said second image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; a second projecting device including a second lens for projecting said second image from said second field onto said screen, said second lens having a second lens axis; a third imaging device for presenting in response to the third of said color component image signals the third or said color component images in a third image display field, said third image display field having a third center; means for mounting said third imaging device for disposition of said third image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; a third projecting device including a third lens for projecting said third image from said third field onto said screen, said third lens having a third lens axis; and means for mounting said first, second and third projecting devices for disposition of said first, second and third lens axes in three parallel planes extending between said ceiling and floor at right angles to said screen, said projecting devices mounting means including means for mounting said lenses relative to said image display fields for a closer spacing between said second and third axes of said second and third lenses than between said second and third centers of said second and third image display fields, with said first, second and third lens axes remaining disposed in said three parallel planes; at least some of said first, second and third lenses having truncated margins for precorrecting spatial brightness variations in the color video picture.

Claim 39

Apparatus for displaying color video pictures in a structure having a floor and a ceiling above said floor, comprising in combination: means for providing three complementary color component image signals for composing a color video picture; a video image projecting screen; means for mounting said screen between said ceiling and said floor in a first plane; and means connected to said providing means for projecting in response to said three color component image signals three complementary color component images onto said screen mounted in said first plane for composite viewing of said color video picture by viewers; said projecting means including: a first imaging device for presenting in response to a first one of said color component image signals a first one of said complementary color component images in a first image display field, said first image display field having a first center; means for mounting said first imaging device for disposition of said first image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; a first projecting device including a first lens for projecting said first image from said first field onto said screen, said first lens having a first lens axis; a second imaging device for presenting in response to a second one of said color component image signals a second one of said color component images in a second image display field, said second image display field having a second center; means for mounting said second imaging device for disposition of said second image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; a second projecting device including a second lens for projecting said second image from said second field onto said screen, said second lens having a second lens axis; a third imaging device for presenting in response to the third of said color component image signals the third or said color component images in a third image display field, said third image display field having a third center; means for mounting said third imaging device for disposition of said third image display field in a plane parallel to said first plane; a third projecting device including a third lens for projecting said third image from said third field onto said screen, said third lens having a third lens axis; and means for mounting said first, second and third projecting devices for disposition of said first, second and third lens axes in three parallel planes extending between said ceiling and floor at right angles to said screen, said projecting devices mounting means including means for mounting said lenses relative to said image display fields for a closer spacing between said second and third axes of said second and third lenses than between said second and third centers of said second and third image display fields, with said first, second and third lens axes remaining disposed in said three parallel planes; at least some of said first, second and third lenses having truncated margins for precorrecting spatial brightness variations in the color video picture.

Claim 40

Apparatus as claimed in claim 27 or 28, wherein: said means for mounting said first, second and third imaging devices include means for mounting said first, second and third imaging devices for disposition of said first, second and third image display fields in a common plane parallel to said first plane.

Claim 41

Apparatus as claimed in claim 27 or 28, wherein: said means for mounting said first, second and third imaging devices include means for mounting said first, second and third imaging devices above a horizontal plane intersecting a midportion of said screen; and said means for mounting said first, second and third projecting devices include means for mounting said first, second and third projecting device for disposition of said first, second and third lens axes closer to said horizontal plane than, respectively, said first, second and third centers of said first, second and third image display fields.

Claim 42

Apparatus for displaying color video pictures in a structure having a floor and a ceiling above said floor, comprising in combination: means for providing three complementary color component image signals for composing a color video picture; a video image projection screen; means for mounting said screen between said ceiling and said floor in a first plane; and means connected to said providing means for projecting in response to said three color component image signals three complementary color component images onto said screen mounted in said first plane for composite viewing of said color video picture by viewers; said projecting means including: a first imaging device for presenting in response to a first one of said color component image signals a first one of said complementary color component images in a first image display field, said first image display field having a first center; means for mounting said first imaging device for disposition of said first image display field in a plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor; a first projecting device including a first lens for projecting said first image from said first field onto said screen, said first lens having a first lens axis; a second imaging device for presenting in response to a second one of said color component image signals a second one of said color component images in a second image display field, said second image display field having a second center; means for mounting said second imaging device for disposition of said second image display field in a plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor; a second projecting device including a second lens for projecting said second image from said second field onto said screen, said second lens having a second lens axis; a third imaging device for presenting in response to the third of said color component image signals the third or said color component images in a third image display field, said third image display field having a third center; means for mounting said third imaging device for disposition of said third image display field in a plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor; a third projecting device including a third lens for projecting said third image from said third field onto said screen, said third lens having a third lens axis; and means for mounting said first, second and third projecting devices for disposition of said first, second and third lens axes in three parallel planes extending between said ceiling and floor at right angles to said screen, said projecting devices mounting means including means for mounting said lenses relative to said image display fields for a closer spacing between said second and third axes of said second and third lenses than between said second and third centers of said second and third image display fields, with said first, second and third lens axes remaining disposed in said three parallel planes; at least some of said first, second and third lenses have truncated margins for precorrecting spatial brightness variations in the color video picture.

Claim 43

Apparatus for displaying color video pictures in a structure having a floor and a ceiling above said floor, comprising in combination: means for providing three complementary color component image signals for composing a color video picture; a video image projection screen; means for mounting said screen between said ceiling and said floor in a first plane; and means connected to said providing means for projecting in response to said three color component image signals three complementary color component images onto said screen mounted in said first plane for composite viewing of said color video picture by viewers; said projecting means including: a first imaging device for presenting in response to a first one of said color component image signals a first one of said complementary color component images in a first image display field, said first image display field having a first center; means for mounting said first imaging device for disposition of said first image display field in a plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor; a first projecting device including a first lens for projecting said first image from said first field onto said screen, said first lens having a first lens axis; a second imaging device for presenting in response to a second one of said color component image signals a second one of said color component images in a second image display field, said second image display field having a second center; means for mounting said second imaging device for disposition of said second image display field in a plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor; a second projecting device including a second lens for projecting said second image from said second field onto said screen, said second lens having a second lens axis; a third imaging device for presenting in response to the third of said color component image signals the third or said color component images in a third image display field, said third image display field having a third center; means for mounting said third imaging device for disposition of said third image display field in a plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor; a third projecting device including a third lens for projecting said third image from said third field onto said screen, said third lens having a third lens axis; and means for mounting said first, second and third projecting devices for disposition of said first, second and third lens axes in three parallel planes extending between said ceiling and floor at right angles to said screen, said projecting devices mounting means including means for mounting said lenses relative to said image display fields for a closer spacing between said second and third axes of said second and third lenses than between said second and third centers of said second and third image display fields, with said first, second and third lens axes remaining disposed in said three parallel planes; at least some of said first, second and third lenses have truncated margins for precorrecting spatial brightness variations in the color video picture.

Claim 44

Apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein: said means for mounting said first, second and third imaging devices include means for mounting said first, second and third imaging devices for disposition of said first, second and third image display fields in a common plane intersecting said first plane along a line extending parallel to said floor.

Claim 45

Apparatus as claimed in claim 28 or 31, wherein: each of said first, second and third centers of said first, second and third image display fields is closer to said ceiling than, respectively, a center of said first lens, a center of said second lens, and a center of said third lens.

Claim 46

Apparatus as claimed in claim 27, 28, 31 or 32, wherein: said screen has an on-axis gain of more than one and less than four.