Abstract: A system and method for increasing display brightness in laser illuminated display systems. An illumination source comprises a light source to produce colored light and a scanning optics unit optically coupled to the light source. The scanning optics unit scans the colored light along a direction orthogonal to a light path of the illumination source. The scanning optics unit comprises a diffuser to transform the colored light in beams of colored light, a scan optics element positioned in the light path after the diffuser, the scan optics element to move beams of colored light in a direction orthogonal to the light path with distinct beams of colored light separated by unilluminated space, and a lens element positioned in the light path after the scan optics element, the lens element to convert an angular refraction of the beams of colored light into a spatial deflection.

Abstract: A method of implementing pulse-width modulation in a display system (10, 20) that uses a spatial light modulator (SLM) (15) Each frame of data is divided into bit-planes, each bit-plane having one bit of data for each pixel of the SLM and representing a bit weight of the intensity value to be displayed by the pixels. Each bit-plane has a display time corresponding to a portion of the frame period, with bit-planes of more significant bits having longer portions. Then, the display times for one or more of the more significant bits are segmented so that the data for those bits can be displayed in segments rather than for a continuous time. (FIG. 3A). The segments are distributed throughout the frame period to reduce visual artifacts. (FIG. 3B).

Abstract: A system (30) for packing data into a video processor is provided. System (30) comprises demultiplexer (32), first and second first in-first out buffer memories (34) and (36), and multiplexer (38). Demultiplexer (32) divides a field of video data into first and second parts (42) and (44). First and second parts (42) and (44) are stored in first first in-first out buffer memories (34) and (36), respectively. Multiplexer (38) combines one line from first first in-first out buffer memory (34) with one line from second first in-first out buffer memory (36) to form a single line for processing.

Abstract: A sequential color system is provided in which a processor (22) is coupled to a memory (24) and a receiver (27). Images are generated by shining light from a light source (28) through a color wheel (30) and onto DMD array (26). Light from the DMD array (26) is shone on screen (32). By adjusting the speed and make-up of color wheel (30) color separation is greatly reduced or eliminated. Also there are techniques for sequential imaging which may be applied to other technologies, such as CRT technologies.

Abstract: A method for controlling a digital micromirror device 40 resulting in decreased mechanical stress, longer device lifetimes, decreased incidence of spontaneous bit reset, and increased pulse-width modulation accuracy. To reduce the device stress, the bias voltage 142 applied to the mirror 50 may be reduced after the mirror 50 has been latched. To prevent premature mirror changes, the address electrode bias voltage 140 may be reduced after the mirror is driven to the desired position. To ensure that the mirror 50 returns to the neutral position during reset, the mirror bias voltage 142 may be raised from ground potential to approximately halfway between the two addressing voltages during the reset period 152. To reduce the effects of hinge memory and to ensure that the mirror 50 rotates toward the proper address electrode, the mirror bias voltage 142 may be gradually increased to allow the mirror 50 time to rotate towards the proper address electrode.

Abstract: In a camera having a folding electronic flash unit, an improved dual actuator system for sequentially closing a flash charge switch to charge the flash unit's storage capacitor and operating a slider member that closes an internal switch to initiate an automatic cycle of camera operation. A charge switch actuator and slider actuator are mounted in telescoping relation for sequential operation with provisions made for optional independent operation of the slider actuator to bypass charging and operation of the flash unit. When the flash unit is folded, a detent thereon latches the charge switch actuator to inhibit inadvertent operation.