Display rear projection device, system, and method

Abstract

An exemplary device for use with an illumination source is disclosed, the device including a housing, one or more optical elements, and an output surface.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [Priority claim] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 17 / 205,845, filed March 18, 2021, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 000,145, filed March 26, 2020, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to devices, systems, and methods relating to toys that can be illuminated and used for digital experiences without the need for electronics or batteries inside the toy. [Background technology]

[0003] Consumers, especially children, are increasingly interested in toys that include lights, sounds, and other electronics and that interact with the user. Typically, this means that the toy must include electronics as well as a battery or some other power source (i.e., a wire that plugs into an outlet) to operate. The user can interact with the toy either through their voice or through a touch interface. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] This disclosure summarizes aspects of some embodiments and should not be used to limit the scope of the complete disclosure. Other implementations are contemplated in accordance with the teachings described herein, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following figures and detailed description, and these implementations are intended to be within the scope of this application.

[0005] Various embodiments are disclosed herein in the context of a toy that includes a housing and various optical elements that allow the toy to be positioned over an electronic device, such as a phone or tablet, and to project an image onto a surface of the housing without requiring dedicated electronics or a power source.

[0006] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be made to the embodiments illustrated in the following drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and related elements may be omitted or in some cases proportions may be exaggerated to emphasize and clearly illustrate the novel features described herein. In addition, system components may be arranged in various ways as known in the art. Furthermore, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1A] 1A-1C illustrate two embodiments of a device of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] 1A-1C illustrate two embodiments of a device of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an internal view of an exemplary device of the present disclosure showing optical elements within a first section of the housing. [Figure 3] 1A-1C illustrate exemplary housing sections according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B illustrate exemplary arrangements of optical elements and optical paths according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary device positioned on a smartphone according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary device positioned on a smartphone according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5C] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary device positioned on a smartphone according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]FIG. 10 is a bottom view of an exemplary device showing an obstacle element spanning the inside of the housing. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows the device of FIG. 6 on a display device showing that obstruction elements do not significantly affect the output. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a device of the present disclosure. [Figure 9A] 9 is a top view of a first exemplary lens of the device of FIG. 8. [Figure 9B] 9 is a side view of a first exemplary lens of the device of FIG. 8. [Figure 9C] 9 is a cross-sectional view of a first exemplary lens of the device of FIG. 8. [Figure 10A] 9 is a top view of a second exemplary lens of the device of FIG. 8. [Figure 10B] 9 is a side view of a second exemplary lens of the device of FIG. 8. [Figure 10C] 9 is a cross-sectional view of a second exemplary lens of the device of FIG. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] While the invention may be embodied in various forms, it being understood that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated, certain illustrative, non-limiting embodiments are shown in the drawings and are described below.

[0009] As mentioned above, toys that are interactive and include sound and electronics are often popular with consumers, especially children. However, these toys typically require separate electronics and a power source that is either included in the toy or includes a wire that plugs the toy into a wall outlet or other power source. This can increase the complexity of the toy, increase failure modes, increase safety concerns, and increase manufacturing complexity and cost, among other things.

[0010] The devices of the present disclosure can provide toys that enable interactive experiences for users without the need for integrated electronics or power sources, and can be used in conjunction with smartphones, tablets, or other display devices to create immersive experiences for users, while maintaining benefits such as relatively easy and inexpensive manufacturing, simplicity of design, and improved safety.

[0011] An objective of the present disclosure may be to provide users with unique functionality and digital experiences without the need for electronics or batteries contained within the toy itself.

[0012] Yet another object of the present disclosure may be to provide a toy with lighting features, such as animated faces or other animations, that are projected onto the surface of the toy without the need for electronics or batteries inside the toy.

[0013] Yet another object of the present disclosure may be to provide a user with an experience that combines a physical toy with a digital experience that may include visual animation effects and / or audio effects.

[0014] Yet another object of the present disclosure may be to provide a toy that can project digital images from a tablet and / or smartphone display onto a translucent panel on the face of the toy along with lighting features, animations, or other components without the need for electronics or batteries inside the toy, and the toy may be formed from injection molded and assembled parts.

[0015] Yet another object of the present disclosure may be to provide a toy with a feature that can be used to show backlit images or animations from a smartphone, tablet, or other such light source or display.

[0016] Yet another object of the present disclosure may be to provide software that will enable interaction between a smartphone, tablet, or other display device and a toy according to the present disclosure.

[0017] With these goals in mind, exemplary devices or toys of the present disclosure can be configured to work in combination with an illumination source, such as a smartphone, tablet computer, or other illuminated display. The toy can interact with the illumination source to display digital images, animations, text, and other graphics in a quasi-three-dimensional manner. The toy may include a curved surface that can be configured to display two-dimensional images output by the illumination source.

[0018] In the illustrated example, the device includes a housing, an optical system, and an output surface.

[0019] The housing can take a variety of forms. As shown in particular in Figures 1A, 1B, 5A, 5B, 5C, 6, and 7, the housing can be generally pill-shaped or cylindrical with rounded top and bottom. The housing can include a major axis (or long axis) and a minor axis (or short axis), which can correspond to the major and minor axes of the device. In some examples, the housing can include a truncated cone on the bottom end of the cylindrical or pill-shaped upper portion, as shown in Figures 1A and 5A. It should be understood that other shapes can be used as well.

[0020] The housing can be configured to engage and hold the optics (described in more detail below). Additionally, the housing can define an output surface. The housing can also enable the device to stand flat and securely on the illumination source. In some examples, the housing can be made from plastic or other relatively soft material.

[0021] In some examples, the housing can be composed of one or more sections or components. For example, the housing can be composed of two sections that divide the device from top to bottom (i.e., approximately vertically when the device is placed upright). This is shown in Figures 2 and 3, which each show one section of the housing, and Figure 2 also shows exemplary optical elements. In some examples, the sections of the housing are formed by, for example, injection molding, casting, stamping, or rotational molding.

[0022] In some examples, such as those shown in the figures, the housing may form a geometric shape. In other examples, the housing may form the shape of a figurine, a vehicle, an animal, or some other object.

[0023] 1A shows a first embodiment of device 100. Device 100 includes a housing 110 including a bottom portion 112 and a top portion 114. Bottom portion 112 is frusto-conical in shape, with a bottom portion that is wider than the top portion. Bottom portion 112 can be open on the top and bottom, or can include an upper surface or a lower surface (such that bottom portion 112 is "closed" at either or both the top and bottom ends). Bottom portion 112 may be hollow inside to allow light from an illumination source to pass from the bottom end to the top end of bottom portion 112. In some examples, bottom portion 112 is configured to connect to, engage with, and support top portion 114.

[0024] The top portion 114 of the device 100 is shown as a pill-shaped or generally cylindrical portion. In some examples, the top portion 114 may be formed simultaneously with the bottom portion 112 such that they are of unitary construction. In other examples, the top portion 114 may be formed independently of the bottom portion 112 and / or may be separable from the top portion 114.

[0025] Figure 1B shows a second embodiment in which device 150 includes a single housing portion 160. Housing 160 can be shaped similar to or the same as top portion 114 shown in Figure 1A. The bottom end of housing 160 can be open to allow light from the lighting device to pass through an opening in housing 160 to be received by the optical system.

[0026] The devices or toys of the present disclosure also include one or more optical elements. The optical elements can be operatively associated with the housing such that the optical elements accept light from a light source incident on one side of the housing and transmit that light to a mirror that will then reflect an image onto the inner surface of an output surface (e.g., a translucent housing screen). In some examples, the optical elements can be configured to accept light from an illumination source and act on the accepted light (e.g., to balance, distort, align, or perform some other optical function) to cause the resulting image to be displayed on the output surface of the device.

[0027] In some examples, the device may include a concentrator portion, a lens, and a mirror.

[0028] The concentrator portion (e.g., the collection surface) can be located near any portion of the housing. In one embodiment, the concentrator portion is located in the bottom portion, base, or foot of the device, facing downward when the device is positioned upright on its base. The concentrator portion can be an opening defined by the housing through which light from the illumination source can pass to illuminate an optical element positioned in the housing.

[0029] The optical element may also include one or more lenses. In one example, a lens may transmit light from an illumination source incident on the bottom of the housing through the interior of the housing onto another optical element, such as a mirror, or onto an interior surface of the housing.

[0030] In some examples, the lens may be positioned on the top of the housing's bottom portion 112 and / or on the bottom of the top portion 114. This is shown in FIG. 1A, where the lens 120 is positioned at the intersection between the bottom portion 112 and the top portion 114.

[0031] In some cases, the lens can be positioned within the top portion of the housing, particularly where there is no bottom portion of the housing. This is shown in FIG. 1B, where lens 170 is positioned inside housing 160.

[0032] The optical element can also include one or more mirrors. The mirrors can be positioned inside the housing so that light from the lens is reflected onto the output surface. For example, the mirrors can be positioned at the top of the housing, in the middle of the housing, or somewhere else. The mirrors can be positioned so that light from the illumination source must pass through a lens or another optical element before it reaches the mirror.

[0033] In some cases, the mirrors may be flat, while in other cases, the mirrors may be curved in one or more directions or may include geometries or curves other than flat.

[0034] Figure 1A shows a mirror 130 positioned above lens 120 and configured to reflect light onto an output face of device 100. Figure 1B shows a second embodiment in which a mirror 180 is configured to reflect light onto an output face of device 150.

[0035] In some examples, the distances between the lens and the mirror, between the lens and the illumination source, and between the mirror and the illumination source can be set or determined based on a desired focal length. When an image is displayed on the illumination source (e.g., a phone or tablet screen), it may be desirable for the focal length to remain fixed so that the image can be displayed in focus on the output surface. If the distance is variable or not within a desired range, the image may appear out of focus.

[0036] However, in some cases, it may be desirable to change the position of the lens or mirror relative to the illumination source. This may be desirable, particularly if the illumination source displays an out-of-focus image or animation. The focal length between the illumination source and the output surface may be variable to compensate for a changing image or animation or to create one or more visual effects on the output surface.

[0037] The device may also include an output surface on which an image is displayed. The output surface may comprise a surface having a corresponding area. The output surface may take many different shapes, including circular, elliptical, or polygonal. In addition, the output surface may be flat or two-dimensional, or may form a three-dimensional shape, such as convex, concave, smooth, contoured, or may include bends or other features. In one embodiment, the output surface comprises a smooth surface (which may be curved) without any bends or other features. In one embodiment, a smooth surface (which may be curved) without bends or other features allows for a more uniform light distribution across the output surface.

[0038] In some cases, the output surface may be a single continuous surface, while in other cases, the output surface may include two or more surfaces positioned near each other or spaced apart from each other.

[0039] In some cases, the output surface can be a portion of the housing that is translucent or partially transparent. The output surface can be clear and matte, or it can have some other coating or treatment added. The output surface must be opaque enough to "capture" the image, yet transparent enough to show the image through to the outside of the device.

[0040] The output face may be aligned with the mirror so that light reflected by the mirror illuminates the middle of the output face.

[0041] In one embodiment, the output surface may be positioned such that it corresponds to a feature of the device (e.g., the face of the device if the device is a toy). The feature may include the eyes, face, or other aspects of a character, details of the toy's clothing, another accessory of the toy, or any other suitable feature.

[0042] The housing and optical elements (e.g., lenses and mirrors) can be assembled by any known technique, including mechanical connections such as snap-fitting or press-fitting, or by the use of adhesives, rivets, screws, ribbing, or other fastener materials. Figures 2 and 3 show exemplary housing sections and some optical elements positioned within the housing. Figure 2 shows a device 200 having a housing 210, a lens 220 positioned in a secondary lens housing separate from the housing 210, and a mirror 230. The housing 210 also defines a plurality of openings 240 that can be configured to secure the depicted portion of the housing 210 to a corresponding second section to form a complete housing.

[0043] 3 shows a housing section 310 that includes a lens-receiving section 320. The lens-receiving section 320 is configured to receive one or more lenses (not shown). The lens-receiving sections 320 are configured as part of the housing 310 so that they form a single unit. The housing 310 also includes a plurality of openings 330 that can be configured to secure the illustrated portion of the housing 310 to a corresponding second section to form a complete housing.

[0044] The devices of the present disclosure can be configured to operate in conjunction with a light illumination source, such as a smartphone, tablet, computer, or other illuminated display. In some cases, the source image or video output by the illumination source must be illuminated.

[0045] In some examples, an illumination source including a display is programmed to emit light from the display of the illumination source. The light can be of any color, intensity, or brightness allowed by the display hardware and software. The light can also be emitted in any shape on the surface of the display. The light emitted by the display can be constant in intensity or color, or the light can change color, be modulated, dimmed, flicker, or color shift.

[0046] In some examples, the lighting source can be configured to display animated digital images, still images, and a variety of other digital images.

[0047] Figure 4 illustrates the paths that light can take within an exemplary device of the present disclosure. Figure 4 shows an illumination source 410, a first lens 420, a second lens 422, and a mirror 430. Lenses 420, 422, and mirror 430 can be positioned apart from each other and at a particular distance from the illumination source such that light emitted from illumination source 410 reaches a focal point at a particular distance laterally from mirror 430. This allows the output surface to be properly positioned so that the resulting image is displayed in focus on the output surface.

[0048] Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C show an exemplary device that displays images from an illumination source. Figure 5A shows an anthropomorphic character. The device in Figure 5A is the same as the device shown in Figure 1A, including the bottom and top portions of the housing. Figures 5B and 5C show a second exemplary device in two states. Figure 5B shows an anthropomorphic character, "Bob," with whom the user can interact. The illumination source or phone displays icons that allow the user to select various different ways to interact with "Bob." Figure 5C shows an additional feature that allows the user to ask questions that "Bob" will attempt to answer.

[0049] In some cases, shapes corresponding to the concentrator portion or lower portion of the housing that receives light from the illumination source can emit light effects such as color changes, flashing, strobe effects, and intensity changes.

[0050] In some examples, the lighting source can be programmed to display the outline of one or more toy housing bases to allow a user to properly position the toy on the surface of the lighting source. In one example, the user can then press a virtual button on the display or a physical button on the device, and the display can emit light corresponding to an area of ​​the collector or lower portion of the housing. In another example, the lighting source may already be emitting an animated image corresponding to an area of ​​the collector or lower portion of the housing when the toy is placed on the lighting source. In either event, when the toy is properly placed on the lighting source corresponding to the toy's outline, the light travels through the lens to the mirror, and a reflected image is projected and displayed on the toy's translucent output surface.

[0051] In some examples, the lighting source is programmed to output one or more sounds, such as music, dialogue, and / or sound effects, in conjunction with the light effect. In some examples, the lighting source is programmed to display an image upon activation. In some examples, the lighting source is programmed to choreograph or coordinate sounds and emitted light, such as for a light show, or to illustrate a story or scene involving the toy.

[0052] In some examples, the lighting source can be programmed to show a story or one or more scenes. For example, the lighting source can prompt a user to place one or more toys on one or more portions of the display and press an activation button. Upon pressing the activation button, the lighting source can output sound and light corresponding to the scene, and a digital image is transmitted through the toys through lenses and mirrors to create light effects on the toys. When a scene is complete, the lighting source can prompt the user to adjust one or more toys on the display or to place a different toy on the display and press the activation button. Upon pressing the activation button, the lighting source can output sound and backlight projection corresponding to a different scene.

[0053] In some examples, the lighting source is programmed to allow the user to program their own light and / or sound output according to the user's preferences. In one embodiment, the lighting source can be programmed with existing options for image / light and / or sound output that can be adjusted according to the user's preferences.

[0054] In some examples, the illumination source can be configured to sense the toy or its position on or near the display, including, for example, by using the device's capacitive touch functionality. In other embodiments, the device is not configured to sense the toy or its position on or near the display, and the toy does not include capacitive touch material and / or functionality. In some examples, the display by the light source is independent of the device's positioning, such that the position of the display device does not affect the position of the light source's image on the display.

[0055] 6 and 7 illustrate that devices of the present disclosure can include an obstruction element in the light path between the illumination source and the output surface without significantly affecting the resulting image displayed. FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of an exemplary device 600, with an obstruction element 610 positioned inside the housing in the light path. The obstruction element 610 may be a mandrel or other mechanical component used in a toy's "wind-up" or other movement. The obstruction element 610 can pass through the light path inside the housing without significantly reducing the output image quality. FIG. 7 illustrates the resulting output image when the light path is partially obstructed by the obstruction element 610.

[0056] Figures 8, 9A-C, and 10A-C show aspects of another embodiment of a device of the present disclosure. Device 1000 can be similar to or identical to devices 100 and 150 shown and described above with respect to Figures 1-7.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 8, the device 1000 includes a housing 1010, a lens 1020, and a reflector or mirror 1030.

[0058] The housing 1010 can be similar to or identical to the housings 110 and / or 160 described above. The housing 1010 can be configured to support one or more internal elements, such as a lens 1020 and a reflector 1030. The size, shape, and spacing between its various components or parts of the housing 1010 can be configured to maintain the correct distances between one or more optical elements, the light source, and the display surface of the device. These distances, along with the shape and properties of the optical elements (e.g., the lens 1020 and the mirror 1030), ensure that the resulting image displayed on the interior surface of the housing 1010 is in focus. The device 1000 and housing 1010 can include major and minor axes corresponding to the long and short axes of the device 1000 and housing 1010.

[0059] 8, the housing 1010 includes a first or top portion 1012 and a second or bottom portion 1014. The top portion 1012 is generally pill-shaped or cylindrical in shape with curved ends. The top portion 1012 can be made of a translucent or transparent material so that an image projected onto the inner surface of the top portion 1012 can be viewed from the outside.

[0060] The bottom portion 1014 can be configured to engage a surface on which the device 1000 is placed, as well as to support various optical elements inside the housing 1010. The bottom portion 1014 of the housing can be configured to engage the surface of a light source or image source, such as a smartphone, tablet, or other light-emitting device. The bottom portion 1014 can include an opening that is cylindrical when viewed from above, conforming to the overall shape of the housing 1010. It should be understood that other shapes, such as square, rectangular, oval, and the like, can be used as well. The shape of the bottom opening of the bottom portion 1014 of the housing can also differ from or not conform to the overall shape of the housing 1010. For example, the top portion 1012 of the housing can be pill-shaped, as shown in FIG. 8, while the opening in the bottom portion 1014 has a rectangular or square shape.

[0061] The bottom portion 1014 of the housing can connect to the top portion 1012 and can be configured to support the top portion 1012 and / or one or more of the optical elements of the device. Additionally, the bottom portion 1014 can be used to support the device 1000 when it is positioned over the light source device. As mentioned above, in some examples, the light source device can detect the presence of the device 1000 using a capacitive sensor or other touch- or proximity-based sensor to begin displaying an image. However, in some examples, the position of the image on the display device can be configurable, and the user may be required to position the device 1000 in the appropriate location so that the image will be in focus and displayed by the device 1000.

[0062] The bottom portion 1014 of the housing can include an upwardly extending wall 1015 that extends upward into the interior of the top portion 1012 of the housing. A lower end of the upwardly extending wall 1015 can be configured to engage a surface on which the device 1000 is placed. The shape of the upwardly extending wall 1015 can be such that it matches the shape of the lower opening of the bottom portion 1014 of the housing (e.g., cylindrical, as shown in FIG. 8 ). Alternatively, the upwardly extending wall can have a different shape. In some examples, the upwardly extending wall 1015 defines the shape of the opening, as in FIG. 8 . In other examples, the shape of the opening can be different from the shape of the upwardly extending wall 1015.

[0063] The bottom portion 1014 of the housing may also include a lateral member 1016 having an opening 1018 positioned at a midpoint or central location of the lateral member 1016. The opening 1018 may be configured to improve the resulting quality of the image displayed by the device by preventing light from the side or from an oblique angle from passing onto the lens 1020.

[0064] The housing bottom portion 1014 can also be configured to support a lens 1020. The lens 1020 can be friction-fit in place, held in place through one or more fasteners, or held in place by the housing bottom portion 1014 in some other manner. The lens 1020 can include a major axis and a minor axis. The major axis can be an axis that is approximately parallel to the length of the lens 1020. The minor axis can be transverse or transverse to the major axis and transverse to the direction in which light enters the lens 1020.

[0065] In some examples, the distances between (1) the lens 1020 and the light source where the device 1000 is placed, (2) the lens 1020 and the aperture 1018, and (3) the aperture 1018 and the light source where the device 1000 is placed can be predetermined to ensure that the resulting image displayed on the inner surface of the housing 1010 is in focus. These distances, combined with the parameters of the lens 1020 and the mirror 1030, ensure that the resulting image displayed is in focus (i.e., the device has a particular focal length). For example, increasing the distance from the lens to the light source can allow the lens to have a smaller curvature while still providing the same quality of the resulting image.

[0066] In some examples, along with the distances described above, the orientation of the lens 1020 and mirror 1030 affects the focal length. For example, a lens with a relatively long focal length can be used and positioned at an angle relative to the light source plane (i.e., as shown in FIG. 8). This allows the light to travel a relatively long path before reaching the inner surface of the housing 1010, thereby allowing the image to be focused using a lens with a relatively long focal length (i.e., a "weaker" lens). Alternatively, the lens 1020 can be positioned parallel to the light source plane, thereby reducing the distance the light travels before reaching the inner surface of the housing 1010. In this example, the lens 1020 can have a relatively shorter focal length (i.e., a "stronger" lens) compared to the previous example to compensate for the reduced distance the light travels.

[0067] The device 1000 also includes a reflector 1030, which may be a mirror. The reflector 1030 may be flat, curved, concave, convex, and / or may have an uneven or asymmetric shape. The reflector 1030 may be similar to or identical to the reflectors 130 and / or 180 described above.

[0068] 9A-C show three views of the lens 1020 of FIG. 8. As shown, the lens 1020 is approximately circular in shape and has four flattened edges. The four flattened edges can allow the lens 1020 to be more easily inserted and held in place within the device 1000. These four flattened edges can assist in orienting the lens correctly. The lens 1020 also includes concave upper and lower surfaces.

[0069] 10A-C show three views of a second exemplary lens 1022 that can be used in place of lens 1020. Lens 1022 can be similar or identical to lens 1020 in one or more respects, but has a cylindrical bore 1024 in its center. The size and shape of this bore 1024 can vary. For example, bore 1024 can have a larger or smaller diameter than that shown in FIGS. 10A-C. In some examples, the diameter of bore 1024 is less than half the diameter of lens 1022. The bore 1024 can reduce the material of lens 1022, reducing its overall weight. The bore 1024 can also allow a relatively strong lens to be made using the same general footprint or size of the lens. While bore 1024 is shown as a cylindrical bore, it should be understood that other shapes, including rectangular, conical, and the like, can also be used.

[0070] In some embodiments described above, the device includes a mirror positioned at an angle to allow light to be reflected onto the interior surface of the housing. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the device may include two or more mirrors or reflectors, or may not include any mirrors or reflectors at all.

[0071] The foregoing description of the disclosed embodiments and examples is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles described herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. It is to be understood that the description and drawings presented herein represent embodiments of the present invention and, therefore, represent the subject matter broadly contemplated by the present invention. It is further understood that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments that may become apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. 1. A unitary housing configured to be positioned over a display screen of a mobile device, comprising: a base member defining an opening through which light emitted from the display screen travels when the base member is positioned over the display screen; and An output surface; the single housing comprising: a lens fixed inside the unitary housing, the lens receiving and concentrating the light when the base member is positioned over the display screen; a mirror fixed inside the unitary housing, the lens being positioned between the mirror and the opening such that the mirror reflects the light concentrated by the lens onto the output face of the unitary housing to form an image; Equipped with the lens is fixed inside the unitary housing such that a major axis of the lens is at an acute angle with respect to a plane defined by the bottom member of the unitary housing, such that the lens is at an acute angle with respect to the display screen when the bottom member is positioned over the display screen; device.

2. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the bottom member of the unitary housing is conical such that a first end of the bottom member configured to engage the display screen has a larger diameter than a second end of the bottom member.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the unitary housing is tablet-shaped or cylindrical.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the output surface of the single housing is translucent.

5. The single housing is configured to be separated into two halves. The device of claim 1 .

6. 1. A device for displaying a projected image, comprising:

1. A unitary housing configured to be placed over a display screen of a mobile device, comprising: a top portion having an output surface; A bottom portion, an upwardly extending wall having a first end configured to engage the display screen when the bottom portion is positioned over the display screen, the upwardly extending wall defining an opening through which light emitted from the display screen travels when the bottom portion is positioned over the display screen; a lateral member extending inwardly from the upwardly extending wall, the lateral member defining an opening through which the light emitted from the display screen travels when the bottom portion is positioned over the display screen; and the bottom portion comprising: the single housing comprising: a lens fixed inside the unitary housing, the lens receiving and concentrating the light when the bottom portion is positioned over the display screen; a mirror fixed inside the unitary housing, the lens being positioned between the mirror and the aperture such that the mirror reflects the light concentrated by the lens onto the output face of the unitary housing to form an image; Equipped with the lens is secured to the bottom portion of the unitary housing such that a major axis of the lens is at an acute angle with respect to a plane defined by engagement of the upwardly extending wall with the display screen when the bottom portion is positioned over the display screen. device.

7. The device of claim 6 , wherein the opening is smaller than the opening defined by the upwardly extending wall.

8. 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the opening defined by the lateral member is oriented at an acute angle relative to a plane defined by engagement of the upwardly extending wall with the display screen when the bottom portion is positioned over the display screen.

9. The device of claim 6 , wherein the upper portion of the unitary housing is pill-shaped or cylindrical.

10. 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the upwardly extending wall of the bottom portion of the unitary housing is conical in shape such that an upper end of the upwardly extending wall has a smaller diameter than a lower end of the upwardly extending wall.

11. The device of claim 6 , wherein the output surface of the top portion of the unitary housing is translucent.

12. The single housing is configured to be separated into two halves. The device of claim 6.

13. The device of claim 6 , wherein the lens includes a centrally positioned bore.

14. The device of claim 13 , wherein the centrally positioned bore is cylindrical.

15. 1. A device for displaying a projected image, comprising:

1. A unitary housing configured to be placed over a display screen of a mobile device, comprising: a top portion having an output surface; A bottom portion, an upwardly extending wall having a first end configured to engage the display screen when the unitary housing is positioned over the display screen, the upwardly extending wall defining an opening through which light emitted from the display screen travels when the bottom portion is positioned over the display screen; a lateral member extending inwardly from the upwardly extending wall, the lateral member defining an opening through which the light emitted from the display screen travels when the bottom portion is positioned over the display screen, the opening being at an acute angle to the display screen when the bottom portion is positioned over the display screen; the bottom portion comprising: the single housing comprising: a lens defining a centrally positioned bore, the lens secured to the bottom portion inside the unitary housing such that a major axis of the lens is at an acute angle to the display screen when the bottom portion is positioned over the display screen, the lens receiving and concentrating light emitted from the display screen when the bottom portion is positioned over the display screen; a mirror fixed inside the unitary housing, the lens positioned between the mirror and the opening defined by the upwardly extending wall such that when the bottom portion is positioned over the display screen, the mirror reflects the light concentrated by the lens onto the output surface of the unitary housing to form an image; 1. A device comprising:

Images