Laser projector for projecting an image onto a curvilinear surface

Abstract

Abstract A laser projection system for projecting an image onto a surface comprises a laser projector operably connectable to a computer. The computer controls the operation of the system. The laser projector comprises a laser beam source for generating a laser light beam, a collimator comprising a focusing leans for focusing the laser light beam to a focal point, a collimating lens for collimating the laser light beam beyond the focal point and a wedge-shaped lens having an apertured interposed between the focusing lens and collimating lens. The aperture has a size for passing the laser light beam therethrough. Two scanners direct the light beam about a light path. A photo sensor receives light refracted by the wedge-shaped lens and generates a feedback signal. A plurality of target reflectors, each having a retroreflective material for retroreflecting light back to its source. The laser light beam is projectable in a predetermined pattern and if the laser light beam is retroreflected back to the laser light source, the retroreflected laser light beam is refracted by the wedge-shaped lens towards the photo sensor for generating a feedback signal for the computer. The plurality of target reflectors comprises a plurality of mountable targets for removably mounting on the surface. Upon striking the mountable targets with the laser beam, the photo sensor generates a plurality of feedback signals for establishing spatial coordinates of the mountable targets. The plurality of target reflectors further comprises a moveable target for inserting in the light path of the laser beam while projecting the image. Upon striking the moveable target with the laser beam, the photo sensor generates a feedback signal for limiting the area of projection of the image.

Inventors

• 👤 Richard M. Bordignon
• 👤 Kurt Rueb
• 👤 John Wieczorek

Bibliographic Details