Projector capable of determining how a moving object interacts with a projected image

Abstract

A projector that projects a visible image as well as a non-visible image. The non-visible image might be used for any purpose, but an example is in order to provide depth information regarding physical item(s) interacting with the projected visible image. The projector includes multiple projecting units (e.g., one for each pixel to be displayed), each including light-emitting elements configured to emit light in the visible spectrum. Some or all of those projecting units might also include an emitting element for emitting light in the non-visible spectrum so as to collectively emit a non-visible image. Optics may be positioned to project the visible image and the non-visible image. A depth sensing module detects depth of surfaces within the scope of the non-visible image using a reflected portion of the non-visible image. Methods for projecting an image are also disclosed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.