Abstract: Projection systems and/or methods for efficient use of light by recycling a portion of the light energy for future use are disclosed. In one embodiment, a projection display system is disclosed comprising a light source; an integrating rod that receives light from said light source at a proximal end that comprise a reflective surface which may reflecting/recycle light down said integrating rod; of reflecting light down said integrating rod; a relay optical system, said relay optical system further comprising optical elements that are capable of moving the focal plane of the projector display system; and a modulator comprising at least one moveable mirror that reflects light received from the integrating rod in either a projection direction or a light recycling direction.

Abstract: Discrete light fiber inputs for high powered image projector display systems are disclosed herein. Various embodiments disclosed herein may employ a bundle of light fiber inputs, a diffuser and reducing relay optic to convert the fiber input array into a smaller pattern of spots that may be interfaced to a projector display system that may perform light recycling. Many embodiments herein may facilitate higher power laser light for illumination and, possibly, recycling. In these embodiments, laser fibers may be individually collimated and illuminate a diffuser. The diffuser spots may be then imaged through a common path relay that can be resized to allow room for the individual lasers and collimation lenses. The diffuser spots may be imaged through holes in a mirror that is on the input side of an integration rod which recycles the light.

Abstract: Integrating rod modules are disclosed comprising a plurality of single and/or solid integrating rods that are mated together by straps. Such modules tend to comprise a greater length than the single and/or solid integrating rods and provide good illumination to a modulator that light from a light source is transmitted through the integrating rod module. The straps may comprise a material (e.g., glass) that has substantially same or similar thermal characteristics as the integrating rods. The straps may be glued to the integrating rods by a glue having a substantially different (e.g., lower) index of refraction than the integrating rods, so as not to disturb the internal reflectance of the rods. The straps may be reinforced by braces that may allow the integrating rod module to be set within a projection display system at an angle substantially different from horizontal.

Abstract: A light absorbing configuration for a venue in which images are projected to a display screen located at or near a front of the venue, may comprise a light absorbing structure deployed on one or more front portions on one or more of a ceiling, side walls, or a floor of the venue. The light absorbing structure comprises grooves formed at least in part by a first type of light reflective surfaces configured to receive a portion of light rays directly reflected off the display screen and a second type of light reflective surfaces configured to receive light rays reflected off the first type of light reflective surfaces.

Abstract: A light absorbing configuration for a venue in which images are projected to a display screen located at or near a front of the venue, may comprise a light absorbing structure deployed on one or more front portions on one or more of a ceiling, side walls, or a floor of the venue. The light absorbing structure comprises grooves formed at least in part by a first type of light reflective surfaces configured to receive a portion of light rays directly reflected off the display screen and a second type of light reflective surfaces configured to receive light rays reflected off the first type of light reflective surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cinema screen that improves audience perception of brightness at, for example, a premium theater without additional illumination cost. The screen is produced from materials that also help mitigate speckle from laser illumination. The screen has properties and includes structures that may be tuned to the specific capabilities of the projection system, arrangement of the theater, and projector (and angle of projection, angle of viewing). Light reflected from the screen are direct toward audience members and away from walls and ceilings.

Abstract: A speckle damping system for dampening speckle on a projection screen for a projection display system employing coherent or partially coherent light sources (e.g., lasers, LEDs) are disclosed. In one embodiment, a rotatably coupled system is disclosed, comprising: a set of actuators; a set of rotatably coupled mounts, each of said set of rotatably coupled mount capable of mounting at least one said actuator; and wherein said at least one actuator mounted on said rotatably coupled mount is in moveable mechanical communication with said projection screen. In another embodiment, a linearly coupled system is disclosed comprising: a set of actuators; a set of linearly coupled mounts, each of said set of linearly coupled mount capable of mounting at least one said actuator; and wherein said at least one actuator mounted on said linearly coupled mount is in moveable mechanical communication with said projection screen.

Abstract: Projector display systems comprising a light dimmer and first modulator are disclosed. The light dimmer may comprise an adjustable iris, adjustable light sources and/or LCD stack that is capable of lowering the luminance of the light source illuminated the first modulator. The first modulator may comprise a plurality of analog mirrors (e.g. MEMS array) and the second modulator may comprise a plurality of mirrors (e.g., DMD array). The display system may further comprise a controller that sends control signals to the light dimmer and first modulator. The display system may render a desired dynamic range for rendering a projected image by a combination of such control signals.

Abstract: Projector display systems comprising a light dimmer and first modulator are disclosed. The light dimmer may comprise an adjustable iris, adjustable light sources and/or LCD stack that is capable of lowering the luminance of the light source illuminated the first modulator. The first modulator may comprise a plurality of analog mirrors (e.g. MEMS array) and the second modulator may comprise a plurality of mirrors (e.g., DMD array). The display system may further comprise a controller that sends control signals to the light dimmer and first modulator. The display system may render a desired dynamic range for rendering a projected image by a combination of such control signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods of rendering DCI-compliant image data on Enhanced Dynamic Range (EDR) display systems are disclosed. One embodiment of an EDR projector system comprises a first modulator and a second modulator. One method for rendering DCI-compliant image data on an EDR projector system comprises: receiving input image data, said image data comprising a plurality of image formats; determining whether the input image data comprises DCI image data; if the input image data comprises DCI image data, then performing dynamic range (DR) processing on the DCI image data; and rendering the dynamic range processed DCI image data on the EDR projector system. One DR processing method is to set the first modulator to a desired luminance level—e.g., fully ON or a ratio of DCI max luminance to the EDR max luminance. In addition, a desired minimum level of luminance may be set for the EDR projector.

Abstract: Dual or multi-modulation display system are disclosed that comprise projector systems with at least one modulator that may employ non-mechanical beam steering modulation. Many embodiments disclosed herein employ a non-mechanical beam steering and/or polarizer to provide for a highlights modulator.

Abstract: Projector display systems comprising a light dimmer and first modulator are disclosed. The light dimmer may comprise an adjustable iris, adjustable light sources and/or LCD stack that is capable of lowering the luminance of the light source illuminated the first modulator. The first modulator may comprise a plurality of analog mirrors (e.g. MEMS array) and the second modulator may comprise a plurality of mirrors (e.g., DMD array). The display system may further comprise a controller that sends control signals to the light dimmer and first modulator. The display system may render a desired dynamic range for rendering a projected image by a combination of such control signals.

Abstract: Shuttering eyewear used to view 3D imagery and/or dual-view images may utilize an IR receiver filter with moderate to wide bandwidth to pass data sidebands of an on-off keying signal while strongly rejecting nearby interference sources. Filtering of the signal may be achieved via a circuit for passing data sidebands of infrared signals. The circuit may include a band pass filter with a low value of Q operable to filter out a first type of interference signal from a signal, a plurality of mixers operable to receive the signal from the band pass filter, wherein the plurality of mixers down converts the signal to baseband signals, and a plurality of low pass filters operable to receive the baseband signals from the plurality of mixers, wherein the plurality of low pass filters rejects a second type of interference.

Abstract: A method is provided for receiving information in the form of a command sequence. The command sequence may include shutter timing information and at least one command from a set of four commands. The commands within the command sequence may indicate different functions and may depend on at least the relative timing location to one another, the quantity of each command in the command sequence and the order of the commands relative to one another. Additionally, at least one command of the set of four commands may be received after the function should occur. A receiver may receive a signal which may include at least the command sequence. Once the receiver has received the same command sequence a couple of times, an operating mode may be determined which may allow additional commands to be implied, even though the additional commands may not actually be received by the receiver.

Abstract: Shuttering eyewear used to view 3D imagery and/or dual-view images may utilize an IR receiver filter with moderate to wide bandwidth to pass data sidebands of an on-off keying signal while strongly rejecting nearby interference sources. Filtering of the signal may be achieved via a circuit for passing data sidebands of infrared signals. The circuit may include a band pass filter with a low value of Q operable to filter out a first type of interference signal from a signal, a plurality of mixers operable to receive the signal from the band pass filter, wherein the plurality of mixers down converts the signal to baseband signals, and a plurality of low pass filters operable to receive the baseband signals from the plurality of mixers, wherein the plurality of low pass filters rejects a second type of interference.

Abstract: A method for shutter glass eyewear control provides for a command sequence having precise shutter timing and control information for opening and closing the left and right shutters of shutter glass eyewear. The infrared signal commands are offset from the corresponding shutter action to minimize interference while still allowing the eyewear to track changes in the timing of the infrared signal received from a display system. Command sequence encodings are provided for enhanced interference rejection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus employing lookup tables in a time sequential manner. A substrate has a display, a digital to analog converter, and a lookup table (LUT) formed thereon. The LUT is loaded with a LUT data set corresponding to an image subframe to be driven to the display. Successive LUT data sets corresponding to the next subframe are loaded after each subframe is driven to the display.

Abstract: A method and apparatus employing lookup tables in a time sequential manner. A substrate has a display, a digital to analog converter, and a lookup table (LUT) formed thereon. The LUT is loaded with a LUT data set corresponding to an image subframe to be driven to the display. Successive LUT data sets corresponding to the next subframe are loaded after each subframe is driven to the display.

Abstract: A method and apparatus employing lookup tables in a time sequential manner. A substrate has a display, a digital to analog converter, and a lookup table (LUT) formed thereon. The LUT is loaded with a LUT data set corresponding to an image subframe to be driven to the display. Successive LUT data sets corresponding to the next subframe are loaded after each subframe is driven to the display.

Abstract: A system and method to reduce power consumption in a miniature display system. The system is formed on three distinct substrates with different feature sizes and operating in different power zones. The display controller and other high speed logic are formed on one substrate. The display, DACs and LUTs are formed on a second substrate, and high voltage circuitry for driving the LEDs and the cover glass voltage is formed on a third substrate.