Abstract: A secure digital data distribution system (100) for preventing unauthorized access to digital data. The system utilizes an identification system module (116) embedded in a digital storage media (114) to grant authorization to media players (118). Prior to reading the digital data recorded on the media (114), an identification system interrogator (122) reads authorization data from the identification system module (116) to determine whether the media player (118) is authorized to read the media (114). If the authorization data matches the media player's unique identifier, authorization is granted and the media player (118) commences to read the media (114).

Abstract: Method for designing color display sequences in a display system using rapidly switching light sources. A preferred embodiment comprises determining a number of bit segments in a frame time, determining a color sequence, and specifying a bit sequence from the color sequence. The bits in the bit sequence are delineated by a switching of a rapidly switching light source or a state change of a light modulator. The use of the rapidly switching light source can permit the specification of bits that are shorter than a minimum duration of a state change of the light modulator and the possible elimination of a segmented color filter that can enable adjustments to the color point of the display system to meet changing operating conditions.

Abstract: A method for increasing intensity resolution (bit-depth) using LED illumination. A preferred embodiment comprises determining a display time for a bit to be displayed on a display system, with the display time being based upon a weighting of the bit. If the display time is less than a minimum display time of the display system, then a light modulator and light source modulation are to be used to display the bit. If the display time is equal to or greater than the minimum display time, then a light modulator is to be used to display the bit. The use of a light source that can switch at a faster rate than the light modulator can change states and/or a light source that can produce light at multiple intensities can permit the display of less light and thereby increase the bit-depth of the display system.

Abstract: An improved display system includes LED light sources for providing red, green, and blue light. A controller for the display system includes a sequencer that controls the timing and sequence of image data to a spatial light modulator (e.g., a DMD) and activation of the light sources. The sequencer can control the timing and sequence of the light sources according to a display mode that can include such things as white point information, color-look information, timing of PWM sequences, and/or color cycle rate information. The display mode can be set during manufacturing or can be programmable. In some embodiments, the controller can include memory for storing multiple display modes and a user can select among the display modes to change the look of a displayed image. In some embodiments, a programming device can be provided allowing a user to customize the display modes.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator clocking method, called fast-clear, which employs embedded clear hardware in the SLM to enable the fast-clear bit to generate least-significant short-bit periods and without any bit ordering restrictions. In this method, fast data clears 34 are inserted between block data loads 32, 36 within a frame refresh period. This method virtually eliminates the artifacts associated with the earlier reset-release timing method without the bit-ordering restriction of the jog-clear method.

Abstract: Disclosed are reset techniques for a spatial light modulator, and related system for displaying an image. The systems and methods have pixels that are loaded with data and reset commands to take on binary states, where the methods employ adaptable algorithms to provide flexibility in placement of the reset commands. Specifically, valid regions for such reset commands are determined, and times for consecutive bit segments are calculated; and DMD load times are adjusted for a proper sequence. An advantage of the disclosed methods is that two consecutive bit segments are no longer restricted to following a pattern of normal/short bit segments. In contrast, with the disclosed technique short segments may be consecutive, allowing the implementation of additional enhancements, including neutral density filtering (NDF) techniques that typically include adjacent short bits in the bit sequence.

Abstract: Disclosed is a video display system comprising a spatial light modulator, such as a DMD modulator. The system uses a light source and color-wheel filter that is interposed between the light source and the spatial light modulator, the color-wheel filter being divided into primary color segments and at least one neutral density (“ND”) segment that is complementary to at least one of the primary color segments and having a transmissivity that is lower than that of its corresponding primary color segment. At the border between the ND segment and its complementary primary color segment is an area that can be referred to as an ND spoke. The video display system modulates light from this ND spoke area along with light from the other segments.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for providing a load/reset sequence for a visual display system (100) having a phased reset spatial light modulator (SLM) (14). The SLM (14) has pixels (21) that are addressable with data by means of loads (ld) and resets (r), where the data is formatted in bit-planes (0-14)and each bit-plane is loaded as one or more segments (S0-S5) in a predetermined sequence during a frame-time. In one embodiment, the method comprises storing a display order of the segments (S0-S5) and determining whether resetting any of the segments (S0-S5) conflicts with the resetting of another of the segments (S0-S5), thereby identifying a conflicting segment.

Abstract: A micromechanical device and system utilizing a supplemental reset pulse to ensure deflectable members deflect to the desired position. After loading data into a micromechanical device, a reset pulse is used to position the deflectable member to a position indicated by the data. A supplemental reset pulse is then applied to ensure the deflectable member is driven to the position indicated by the data. The method and system are also used to ensure the deflectable members are driven to a neutral position.

Abstract: A digital display device interface for a host system (12) and its display device (14) and peripherals. The interface has separate logical and physical levels, thereby making the interface independent of any hardware configuration or connector. The initialization logic level allows dynamic configuration of the system upon power up or initialization. The display data level (30) controls the video data sent for display in a continuous, full bandwidth data stream. The I/O data level (32) controls communications between peripheral devices (18a . . . 18x) connected to the display device (14) and the system (12).