What device projects a ray of light through a lens to display an image onto a surface?

The device that projects a ray of light through a lens to display an image onto a surface is a projector. Projectors use various technologies to take an image or video input and cast this image onto a larger surface, such as a screen or wall. They typically operate by shining light through a series of lenses and filters, which helps to enlarge the image for viewing by an audience. This function differentiates projectors from other display devices like monitors, televisions, and general displays, which are designed for direct viewing rather than projecting images onto surfaces. The projector’s ability to create a large display from a relatively small image makes it particularly useful in settings such as classrooms, conference rooms, and home theaters.