Abstract: System and method for simultaneous display of multiple images using a single light modulator array. A preferred embodiment comprises a light source that produces a light with desired spectral characteristics, a color filter optically coupled to the light source, and an array of light modulators optically coupled to the color filter. The color filter filters light from the light source to produce light of desired wavelengths and the array of light modulators simultaneously displays multiple images onto a display plane. Portions of the array of light modulators are designed so that each portion can independently display an image and the light source provides needed light to display the image.

Abstract: A system for projecting images has an illumination system for providing light, a spatial light modulator including an array of individually addressable pixel modulator elements with curved reflective surfaces, and projection optics for projecting the modulated light to form the image, wherein no focal planes of the projection optics are aligned to the reflective surfaces of the pixels.

Abstract: A system for projecting images has an illumination system for providing light, a spatial light modulator including an array of individually addressable pixel modulator elements with curved reflective surfaces, and projection optics for projecting the modulated light to form the image, wherein no focal planes of the projection optics are aligned to the reflective surfaces of the pixels.

Abstract: A method of projecting images uses an array of pixels having curved reflective surfaces.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a display device includes a movably suspended diffuser screen, and a voice-coil mechanism coupled to the diffuser screen. A signal-processing device, such as a microprocessor, is coupled to a driver circuit to produce a drive signal at an output terminal for the voice coil in response to a voltage sensed across the voice coil. The driver circuit includes shutdown control to drive its output terminal to a high-impedance state to accommodate sensing voltage across the voice coil. Thus, the signal for the voice coil is produced by the signal-processing device in a closed-loop feedback arrangement without the need for separate position-sensing elements. In a preferred arrangement, a second voice coil is coupled to the diffuser screen and to the signal-processing circuitry to produce a second signal for the second voice coil to accommodate generating a circular motion for the diffuser screen without stationary points.

Abstract: System and method for simultaneous display of multiple images using a single light modulator array. A preferred embodiment comprises a light source that produces a light with desired spectral characteristics, a color filter optically coupled to the light source, and an array of light modulators optically coupled to the color filter. The color filter filters light from the light source to produce light of desired wavelengths and the array of light modulators simultaneously displays multiple images onto a display plane. Portions of the array of light modulators are designed so that each portion can independently display an image and the light source provides needed light to display the image.

Abstract: System and method for simultaneous display of multiple images using a single light modulator array. A preferred embodiment comprises a light source that produces a light with desired spectral characteristics, a color filter optically coupled to the light source, and an array of light modulators optically coupled to the color filter. The color filter filters light from the light source to produce light of desired wavelengths and the array of light modulators simultaneously displays multiple images onto a display plane. Portions of the array of light modulators are designed so that each portion can independently display an image and the light source provides needed light to display the image.

Abstract: System and method for simultaneous display of multiple images using a single light modulator array. A preferred embodiment comprises a light source that produces a light with desired spectral characteristics, a color filter optically coupled to the light source, and an array of light modulators optically coupled to the color filter. The color filter filters light from the light source to produce light of desired wavelengths and the array of light modulators simultaneously displays multiple images onto a display plane. Portions of the array of light modulators are designed so that each portion can independently display an image and the light source provides needed light to display the image.

Abstract: System and method for reducing failures due to hinge memory in a microdisplay display system. A preferred embodiment includes setting the state of each micromirror in a digital micromirror device based on an image being displayed, recording a usage history for the micromirrors, and providing a sequence of states to each micromirror when the display system is in an inactive mode. The sequence of states provided to a micromirror is based on the micromirror's usage history. The operation of the micromirrors while a display system containing the digital micromirror device is not in active use can help to reverse or eliminate hinge memory, thereby extending the lifetime of the digital micromirror device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a display device includes a movably suspended diffuser screen, and a voice-coil mechanism coupled to the diffuser screen. A signal-processing device, such as a microprocessor, is coupled to a driver circuit to produce a drive signal at an output terminal for the voice coil in response to a voltage sensed across the voice coil. The driver circuit includes shutdown control to drive its output terminal to a high-impedance state to accommodate sensing voltage across the voice coil. Thus, the signal for the voice coil is produced by the signal-processing device in a closed-loop feedback arrangement without the need for separate position-sensing elements. In a preferred arrangement, a second voice coil is coupled to the diffuser screen and to the signal-processing circuitry to produce a second signal for the second voice coil to accommodate generating a circular motion for the diffuser screen without stationary points.

Abstract: A system and method for integrated, analog mode mirror devices. A system containing integrated, analog mode mirror devices includes a damped digital micromirror device (DDMD) optically coupled to a light source and positioned in a light path of the light source, and a controller electrically coupled to the DDMD. The damped micromirrors move more slowly than undamped micromirrors, thereby enabling control of the position of the micromirrors by the controller, with the position being in a range of positions between a first stop position and a second stop position. The micromirror may be moved to a position when presented with a drive waveform that has been modulated by a value specifying the position. This enables the specifying and control of the position of the individual micromirrors in the DDMD.

Abstract: A method of projecting images uses an array of pixels having curved reflective surfaces.

Abstract: System and method for reducing failures due to hinge memory in a microdisplay display system. A preferred embodiment includes setting the state of each micromirror in a digital micromirror device based on an image being displayed, recording a usage history for the micromirrors, and providing a sequence of states to each micromirror when the display system is in an inactive mode. The sequence of states provided to a micromirror is based on the micromirror's usage history. The operation of the micromirrors while a display system containing the digital micromirror device is not in active use can help to reverse or eliminate hinge memory, thereby extending the lifetime of the digital micromirror device.

Abstract: System and method for reducing failures due to hinge memory in a microdisplay display system. A preferred embodiment includes setting the state of each micromirror in a digital micromirror device based on an image being displayed, recording a usage history for the micromirrors, and providing a sequence of states to each micromirror when the display system is in an inactive mode. The sequence of states provided to a micromirror is based on the micromirror's usage history. The operation of the micromirrors while a display system containing the digital micromirror device is not in active use can help to reverse or eliminate hinge memory, thereby extending the lifetime of the digital micromirror device.

Abstract: System and method for increasing the reliability of LED illumination systems used in projection display systems. A preferred embodiment comprises a light source with one or more serially connected sequences of two or more light elements coupled to a power source. Each light element includes a light emitting diode and an antifuse coupled in parallel to the light emitting diode, wherein the antifuse short circuits if a current flowing through the antifuse exceeds a specified magnitude. The current exceeds the specified magnitude only if an open circuit type failure occurs in the light emitting diode and the short circuit of the antifuse creates a low-resistance current path, thereby preserving current flow through the serially connected sequence and keeping the remaining light elements illuminated.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring the temporal response of a micromirror array to a variety of driving signals. A micromirror array is illuminated with a coherent light source so that a diffraction pattern is reflected from the micromirror array. One or more photodetectors are aligned with spots of light in the diffraction pattern that correspond to orders of the diffraction pattern. Diffraction pattern theory predicts that the intensity of these spots of light will vary as the tilt angle of the micromirrors is changed. Thus, by measuring the relative intensity of the spots of light as the micromirror array is provided with a variety of driving signals, many performance characteristics of the micromirror array can be measured. Some of these characteristics include the impulse response, the forced resonant frequency (i.e. the natural frequency), the damped resonant frequency, the quality factor of the micromirror response, the damping factor of the micromirror response, and the frequency transfer function.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring the temporal response of a micromirror array to a variety of driving signals. A micromirror array is illuminated with a coherent light source so that a diffraction pattern is reflected from the micromirror array. One or more photodetectors are aligned with spots of light in the diffraction pattern that correspond to orders of the diffraction pattern. Diffraction pattern theory predicts that the intensity of these spots of light will vary as the tilt angle of the micromirrors is changed. Thus, by measuring the relative intensity of the spots of light as the micromirror array is provided with a variety of driving signals, many performance characteristics of the micromirror array can be measured. Some of these characteristics include the impulse response, the forced resonant frequency (i.e. the natural frequency), the damped resonant frequency, the quality factor of the micromirror response, the damping factor of the micromirror response, and the frequency transfer function.