Abstract: A spatial light modulator includes a substrate; a hinge in connection with the substrate; a mirror plate that is connected with the hinge and is configured to tilt about the hinge; and a piezoelectric device coupled with the substrate. The piezoelectric device is configured to produce an acoustic wave to assist the separation between the mirror plate and the object.

Abstract: An illumination unit includes first, second, third, and fourth light source units to emit first, second, third, and fourth light beams of different wavelength bands, and a hexahedral color synthesis prism to synthesize the first, second, third, and fourth light beams emitted from the first, second, third, and fourth light source units to propagate the first, second, third, and fourth light beams can propagate along the same path with respect to each other.

Abstract: In various embodiments of the invention, a regenerating protective coating is formed on at least one surface of an interior cavity of a MEMS device. Particular embodiments provide a regenerating protective coating on one or more mirror surfaces of an interferometric light modulation device, also known as an iMoD in some embodiments. The protective coating can be regenerated through the addition of heat or energy to the protective coating.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical systems element array device in which plural micro-electro-mechanical systems elements each having a movable portion are arranged in an array, said movable portion being to be displaced by a physical force which is generated by applying an electric signal to a conductive portion, and each of said micro-electro-mechanical systems elements drives and displaces said movable portion of said micro-electro-mechanical systems element on the basis of a displacement data for said micro-electro-mechanical systems element, wherein said device comprises: an electric signal generating unit as defined herein; a switching unit as defined herein; and a selecting unit as defined herein.

Abstract: In an image projection apparatus, the deflection axis of the pixels of a display device is parallel to the longer sides of the display area of the display device, and the entrance pupil of a projection optical system is displaced from the line normal to the center of the display area in the direction parallel to the shorter sides of the display device. The distance from the display device to the optical component closest thereto is determined based on the intersection between the lowermost ray of projection light that leaves the lower end of the display area and reaches the entrance pupil of the projection optical system and the uppermost ray of illumination light that leaves the illumination optical system and reaches the upper end of the display device.

Abstract: One embodiment of a display system includes an array that defines multiple, movable reflective devices on a front surface of the array, and multiple immovable reflective regions each aligned along a projection axis with a corresponding space between ones of the reflective devices.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator comprises an array of micromirror devices each of which has a reflective and deflectable mirror plates. The mirror plates are moved between an ON and OFF state during operation, wherein the OFF state is a state wherein the mirror plate is not parallel to the substrate on which the mirror plate is formed. The micromirror device may have an ON state stopper for limiting the rotation of the mirror plate at the ON state angle, but does not have an OFF state stopper. The non-zero OFF state is achieved by attaching the mirror plate to a deformable hinge held by a hinge support that is curved at the natural resting state.

Abstract: A multi-region light scattering element with the optical characteristics of low speckle, high resolution high contrast, and high gain when used as an imaging element without any resulting loss of transmission or brightness with viewing angle. The multi-region light scattering element contains at least one region asymmetrically shaped light scattering features that are separated from a second light scattering region by a non-scattering region. In one embodiment, one or more of the regions contains particles that are asymmetrically shaped that improve the optical performance. In one embodiment, asymmetric particles are located in two regions separated by a non-scattering region with the particles within each region substantially aligned along an axis and the two axes are substantially perpendicular to each other. Methods for production of the screen element are also described.

Abstract: The micromirror-based projection system of the present invention uses polarized illumination light in producing desired images on a display target. The display target has coated thereon a polarization film that absorbs most of the ambient light that would be incident onto the display target otherwise. Polarized illumination light is provided incident to the reflective surfaces of the spatial light modulator. The polarization direction of the illumination light can be associated with the rotation axes of the micromirrors and the polarization direction of the polarized film on the display target.

Abstract: A display system includes a light source 110 and a spatial light modulator 122 located to receive light from the light source. The spatial light modulator (e.g., a DMD) includes a number of independently controllable elements that are activated for a period of time to display light of a desired brightness. A light sensor 136 is located to determine a characteristic of light from the light source 110. A control circuit 126 is coupled to the spatial light modulator 122 and controls the period of time that the independently controllable elements are activated. This period of time is based at least in part by an input received from the light sensor 136.

Abstract: An image projector system includes an LED controller and first and second LEDs, a dichroic mirror. The LED controller controls the first and the second LED to emit first and second color lights, respectively. The second color light is of high luminance and is decomposed by a dichroic mirror into third and forth color lights having luminance close to that of the first color light. Each color light is guided through a light valves to adjust the spectral transmittance of the color light. A light-combining device, such as an x-cube, receives and combines the first color light, the third color light, and the forth color light, to form light images, and transmits the images to a display through a projector lens.

Abstract: A transition time is a time from a state where a movable portion has been rotationally displaced in the first direction and stopped to a state where driving portions apply the physical action forces to the movable portion to rotationally displace the movable portion in the second direction, which is different from the first direction, and the movable portion reaches a final displacement position. An elastic force value of the elastic supporting portion and the transition time have such a relationship that when the elastic force value of the elastic supporting portion is equal to a certain value, the transition time takes a local maximum value. The elastic force value of the elastic supporting portion is equal to or less than the certain value at which the transition time takes the local maximum value.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for providing touchscreen functionality in a digital light processing system. More specifically, in one embodiment, there is provided a method, comprising assigning each of a plurality of micromirrors (17) on a digital micromirror device (18) a unique identifier, projecting light toward at least one of the plurality of micromirrors (17a), and actuating the at least one micromirror (17a) in a pattern corresponding to its identifier.

Abstract: An imaging system 10 includes an image source providing an image having a resolution of X by Y pixels. The system also includes a digital mirror device 16 that includes an array of mirror elements. Each mirror element includes an edge that is not parallel to an edge of a neighboring mirror element. The array 16 includes fewer than X*Y mirror elements.

Abstract: A prism assembly for use in optical devices, which includes a total internal reflection (TIR) assembly for redirecting an incoming lightbeam, a color prism assembly for splitting the incoming lightbeam into spectral bands, and at least one reflection light valve for redirecting and recombining the spectral bands to form an outgoing lightbeam, wherein the total internal reflection assembly has a back surface and said color prism assembly has a frontal surface facing said back surface and being parallel therewith, and wherein said back surface forms an angle with a general plane defined by the incoming and the outgoing lightbeams, which is different from 90°.

Abstract: A micromirror device, which makes an image display with digital image data, comprises pixel elements each of which makes pulse width modulation for incident light depending on the deflection state of light and which are arranged in the form of an array. The array of the pixel elements is composed of B subsets each including pixel elements of Ms (COLUMNs)×Ns (ROWs) (Ms, Ns, and B are natural numbers). Each of the pixel elements has a mirror, and at least one memory cell. The memory cell has a transistor of an input gate capacity Ct[F]. Each memory cell is connected by a ROW line having a wiring resistance R[?], and a wiring capacity C[F]. When a gray scale display of 10 [bits] or more for each color is made with a color sequential display of C0 colors, Ms, Ns, B, Ct, R, C, and C0 have a relationship of R*(Ct+C)<(1.63*10?5*B)/[Co*Ms*Ns*(Ms+1)].

Abstract: The addition of DMD illumination modulator(s) 702 in series with projection SLM(s) 706/709 to produce high-performance projection displays with improved optical efficiency, reliability, and lower maintenance requirements. This approach eliminates the vibration, audible noise, and safety problems associated with high speed rotating color filter wheels 203 commonly used in SLM projectors and controls the light applied to individual areas of the projection SLM(s).

Abstract: System and method for synchronizing shutter glasses with a display system. An embodiment comprises displaying a first image from a first image stream on a display plane, displaying a second image from a second image stream on the display plane, and displaying a synchronization signal on the display plane, during a first, a second, and a third display period, respectively. The first image and the second image are displayed at least partially on the same area of the display plane and the first and the second display periods do not overlap. The display of the synchronization signal on the display plane enables the elimination of a dedicated synchronization signal broadcast unit, thereby reducing the cost while increasing the reliability of a display system.

Abstract: A mono-panel projector having a light source device of laser LED is provided with at least one laser LED light source, at least one light magnifying element, a cross type color filter, a light guiding element, a prism module, a digital micromirror device, and a projecting lens module. The laser LED light source generates three small-diameter laser beams of red, green, and blue primary colors all of which are magnified by the light magnifying element, and concentrated into a composite laser beam by the cross type color filter. After that, the composite laser beam is guided by the light guiding element, and projected to the digital micromirror device via the prism module for generating images on the digital micromirror device.

Abstract: A projection system can include a color wheel and at least one digital micromirror device. The color wheel can produce different colors of light from a light source. Each color can be produced in sequential order for a predetermined color phase. Each of the digital micromirror device(s) can have a plurality of micromirrors. At least one of the plurality of micromirrors can be activated at different respective portions of each of two consecutive color phases responsive to a control signal. The projection system also can include a lens configured to project light reflected from the at least one digital micromirror device onto a projection surface.

Abstract: A micro-mirror projector (2) includes a light source (100), a converging member (200), a color wheel (300) having red, green and blue segments, a shaping member (400), a micro-mirror chip (500) having a plurality of micro-mirror members (540) formed thereon, a diffraction member (600), and a projection member (700). The converging member converges a light beam emitted from the light source to the color wheel. The color wheel rotates across the converged light beam to generate red, green and blue lights. The shaping member shapes the red, green and blue lights as parallel lights and transmits the parallel light to a corresponding micro-mirror member. The micro-mirror member transmits the parallel lights to the diffraction member. The diffraction member diffracts the received lights to the projection member. The diffracted light is relatively fine/highly resolved, thereby resulting in a better display on a projection screen (800) via the projection member.

Abstract: Within a sequential display system, an apparatus performs motion adaptive processing of a pixel signal that controls the illumination of a corresponding pixel. The apparatus determines from the pixel signal whether motion has occurred for at least a predetermined duration. If not, the apparatus processes the pixel signal to cause a substantially uniform distribution of illumination throughout the picture period for the associated pixel. Otherwise, if motion has occurred for more than the predetermined duration, the apparatus processes the pixel signal to cause a substantial confinement of illumination to a limited interval of the picture period.

Abstract: A multi-state light modulator comprises a first reflector. A first electrode is positioned at a distance from the first reflector. A second reflector is positioned between the first reflector and the first electrode. The second reflector is movable between an undriven position, a first driven position, and a second driven position, each having a corresponding distance from the first reflector. In one embodiment, the three positions correspond to reflecting white light, being non-reflective, and reflecting a selected color of light. Another embodiment is a method of making the light modulator. Another embodiment is a display including the light modulator.

Abstract: There is provided a micromirror which includes a holding unit, a mirror that is held by the holding unit to be pivotable about a rotation axis of the mirror, a first fixed electrode group including a plurality of electrodes fixed to the holding unit, a second fixed electrode group including a plurality of electrodes fixed to the holding unit, a first movable electrode group including a plurality of electrodes fixed to the mirror and located adjacently to the first fixed electrode group, and a second movable electrode group including a plurality of electrodes fixed to the mirror and located adjacently to the second fixed electrode group.

Abstract: According to various illustrative embodiments of the present invention, a device for a light projection system includes a single light emitting diode array comprising at least one green die, at least one blue die, and at least one red die, a single light collection, integration, and etendue-matching optic element comprising a tapered light pipe capable of collecting substantially all light emitted by the single light emitting diode array and spatially integrating the substantially all the light emitted by the single light emitting diode array, and a telecentric relay using at least one of spherical and aspherical refractive and reflective components. The device also includes an illumination wedge prism, a digital micromirror device capable of modulating the substantially all the light emitted by the single light emitting diode array, and a projection total internal reflection prism, the projection total internal reflection prism disposed between the illumination wedge prism and the digital micromirror device.

Abstract: An optical projection device including a light source, a housing, an imaging unit, a projection lens and a dust protection device is provided. The light source is adopted for providing a light beam. The housing has a projection-lens-assembling opening. The imaging unit is disposed in the housing, and on the transmission path of the light beam. In addition, the projection lens in the housing, and exposed by the projection-lens-assembling opening. The dust protection device is disposed between the projection lens and the projection-lens-assembling opening. The optical projection device is thus protected from dust and displaying quality thereof is excellent.

Abstract: A projection-type 3-D image display device includes a single display element, a polarization conversion switch, a first image shifter, a second image shifter, a projection lens unit, a mirrored light tunnel, and a screen unit. The screen unit includes an image separation unit. The single display element emits light polarized in a first polarization direction according to an input image. The polarization conversion switch time-sequentially converts the first polarization direction of the light emitted by the display element into a second polarization direction. The first image shifter transmits the light having the first polarization direction to form a first image and refracts the light having the second polarization direction to form a second image. The second image shifter faces the first image shifter and is arranged apart from the first image shifter by a predetermined interval. The projection lens unit enlarges and projects the first and second images.

Abstract: An image display device includes a laser light source, a wavelength conversion element converting a wavelength of a light beam emitted from the laser light source into a predetermined wavelength, and a light modulating device modulating the laser beam output from the wavelength conversion element, wherein the laser beam emitted from the laser light source has a frequency of integral multiplication of the maximum modulation frequency of the light modulating device, and has a pulse width narrower than a time period during which the light modulating device is in a stable state.

Abstract: A method for controlling a lighting device that consists of at least a lighting source, a color sequential device and a single light valve consisting of an array of light processing elements that are controlled by bits, the method comprising the steps of emitting a light beam with said light source, filtering said light beam by said color sequential device to achieve a colored light beam and processing said colored light beam with a bit depth of less than 16.

Abstract: A DMD (digital micromirror device) includes a substantially rectangular element face made up of plural mirror elements arranged in a matrix. The DMD is provided with a light shielding cover having a light transmitting portion which corresponds to the element face. Radiated from the illumination optical system including a rod integrator, the illumination light enters the element face, on a flat surface including the diagonal line of the element face, at an inclined angle with respect to the normal to the element face. Near a light exit face of the rod integrator, a mask plate is disposed to regulate a part of the illumination light. The mask plate has a mask aperture of substantially rhombus shape. The illumination light passing the mask aperture is reshaped so that an illumination area can be a substantially rectangular shape on the element face.

Abstract: The invention provides a three-dimensional image projecting apparatus. The three-dimensional image projecting apparatus comprises a light signal generator, a filter device, a focusing device and a reflecting device. The light signal generator is used for generating a projection light signal. The filter device filters the projection light signal for generating a set of polarized light signal. The focusing device receives the set of polarized light signal for generating a set of focusing light signal. The reflecting device receives the set of focusing light signal for generating a set of reflected light signal.

Abstract: A projector engine is provided with an illuminating optical system having an optical axis in parallel with a horizontal direction of a screen and a projecting optical system having an optical axis perpendicular to the optical axis. A first mirror, a total reflection prism and DMD are provided between the illuminating optical system and the projecting optical system. The total reflection prism guides illuminating light incident from the illuminating optical system to DMD and totally reflects image light emitted from DMD to emit to the projecting optical system. DMD is inclined by 45 degrees to the horizontal direction of the screen along with a circuit board and is rotated by 45 degrees centering on a direction of a normal line of DMD.

Abstract: An image display apparatus includes an indicating element which modulates or emits light as a pixel in accordance with image information. A displacement unit optically displaces a position of the pixel for each of two or more sub-fields constituting an image field corresponding to the image information. A projection unit enlarges the pixel and projects an enlarged pixel on a screen. A pixel-profile deformation unit changes an optical intensity profile of the pixel.

Abstract: System and method for driving solid-state light sources utilizing saturation mode current drivers. A preferred embodiment comprises charging a first drive circuit, discharging the first drive circuit into the solid-state light source, charging a second drive circuit, and discharging the second drive circuit into the solid-state light source. The alternating of the charging and discharging of two drive circuits ensures that there is a minimum amount of time without the capability of providing the drive current to solid-state light source. The use of saturation mode drive circuits ensures that it is possible to rapidly switch the solid-state light source on and off, improving the performance of the solid-state light source by minimizing the minimum amount of light producible by the solid-state light source, while reducing power consumption by eliminating the need to provide a headroom voltage.

Abstract: In a projection display device that is provided with a relay lens for converting flux that is emitted from a light source to a parallel flux for illuminating an image display element (DMD), and a total internal reflection prism for both directing flux that is emitted from the relay lens to the DMD and directing flux that is reflected by the DMD toward a projection lens, the relay lens is unified with the prism as a lens-integral prism by bonding the relay lens to the total internal reflection surface of the prism.

Abstract: In order to minimize light diffraction along the direction of switching and more particularly light diffraction into the acceptance cone of the collection optics, in the present invention, micromirrors are provided which are not rectangular. Also, in order to minimize the cost of the illumination optics and the size of the display unit of the present invention, the light source is placed orthogonal to the rows (or columns) of the array, and/or the light source is placed orthogonal to a side of the frame defining the active area of the array. The incident light beam, though orthogonal to the sides of the active area, is not however, orthogonal to any substantial portion of sides of the individual micromirrors in the array. Orthogonal sides cause incident light to diffract along the direction of micromirror switching, and result in light ‘leakage’ into the ‘on’ state even if the micromirror is in the ‘off’ state. This light diffraction decreases the contrast ratio of the micromirror.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for generating images. There is provided a method comprising directing light through a projecting lens (28) at a first pixel position (60a) on a screen (32), and shifting the projecting lens (28) such that the light is directed on at a second pixel position (66) on the screen (32), wherein the second pixel position (66) is diagonally offset from the first pixel position (60a).

Abstract: An illuminating system and method for improving asymmetric projection includes a light source producing a light beam to form a light path, a projection lens disposed in the light path, a light valve inserted in the light path between the light source and the projection lens, and at least one anamorphic surface unit placed in the light path between the light source and the light valve. The anamorphic surface unit offsets a distortion of a light spot resulted from obliquely incidence on the light valve, thus an asymmetric light spot can be improved as a more symmetric one to increase illuminating collection efficiency and uniformity.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for projecting video onto a screen. A video unit (10) may comprise a color wheel (14), a light source (12) configured to project light through the color wheel (14) during a spoke time, and a digital micromirror device (18) configured to reflect the projected light (30) onto a screen (26). The method may comprise the acts of shining a generally white light (28) through a region on a color wheel (14) to create a colored light (30), the region comprising two color filters, reflecting the colored light (30) off of a micromirror disposed on a digital micromirror device (18), and projecting the reflected colored light (34) onto a screen (26).

Abstract: A projection type display optical system is provided to resolve problems of keystone distortion, and to improve illumination efficiency and contrast uniformity of an image.

Abstract: Described herein are devices that provide projection-type video output in a portable and flexible design. The design includes a projection chamber, a base, and an interface that permits relative positioning between the projection chamber and base. The base maintains the position of the display device. The projection chamber includes components responsible for the production of images based on received video data and components responsible for the projection of those images. Relative pointing between the projection chamber and base allows the projection chamber to be pointed—and an output projected image to be positioned—with minimal effort.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a micromirror array device package having a light blocking area for reducing unexpected light scattering from the surfaces of the posts.

Abstract: In order to minimize light diffraction along the direction of switching and more particularly light diffraction into the acceptance cone of the collection optics, in the present invention, micromirrors are provided which are not rectangular. Also, in order to minimize the cost of the illumination optics and the size of the display unit of the present invention, the light source is placed orthogonal to the rows (or columns) of the array, and/or the light source is placed orthogonal to a side of the frame defining the active area of the array. The incident light beam, though orthogonal to the sides of the active area, is not however, orthogonal to any substantial portion of sides of the individual micromirrors in the array. Orthogonal sides cause incident light to diffract along the direction of micromirror switching, and result in light ‘leakage’ into the ‘on’ state even if the micromirror is in the ‘off’ state. This light diffraction decreases the contrast ratio of the micromirror.

Abstract: An optical projection device including an illumination system, a reflective light valve and a projection lens is provided. The adjustable reflection sheet is disposed behind the adjustable rod integrator along the light transmission path of the light beam. In addition, the reflective light valve is disposed behind the adjustable reflection sheet along the light transmission path of the light beam. The adjustable rod integrator can shift the light transmission path of the light beam so as to be incident to the reflective light valve. Moreover, the projection lens is disposed behind the reflective light valve along the light transmission path of the light beam. The adjustable reflection sheet can shift the light transmission path of the light beam so as to pass through the stopper of the projection lens.

Abstract: A digital system without a color filter is provided. The desired color components are produced by a light source capable of emitting the desired color components. The color components are delivered to the pixels of the spatial light modulator through a group of optical lens and/or lightpipes, but without a color filter.

Abstract: A micromirror array fabricated on a semiconductor substrate. The array is comprised of three operating layers. An addressing layer is fabricated on the substrate. A hinge layer is spaced above the addressing layer by an air gap. A mirror layer is spaced over the hinge layer by a second air gap. The hinge layer has a hinge under and attached to the mirror, the hinge permitting the mirror to tilt. The hinge layer further has spring tips under the mirror, which are attached to the addressing layer. These spring tips provide a stationary landing surface for the mirror.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a spatial light modulator, such as a digital micromirror device or an LCD panel, and a lighting unit that illuminates the spatial light modulator. The lighting unit may include red, green, and blue lamps which emit light that impinges on a DMD from at least two different directions. The lamps may be flash tubes which are fired at different binary levels in accordance with the rank of the bits that are being displayed on the DMD. The lamps may be fluorescent lamps which are driven steadily at predetermined levels while the rows of micromirrors are turned on in sequence and subsequently turned off in sequence. Resetting to dislodge micromirrors that have become stuck can be accomplished by emitting current pulses through the micromirrors while exposing them to a magnetic field. The illumination unit may include a lamp unit and a color wheel.

Abstract: An electrostatic bimorph actuator includes a cantilevered flexible bimorph arm that is secured and insulated at one end to a planar substrate. In an electrostatically activated state the bimorph arm is generally parallel to the planar substrate. In a relaxed state, residual stress in the bimorph arm causes its free end to extend out-of-plane from the planar substrate. The actuator includes a substrate electrode that is secured to and insulated from the substrate and positioned under and in alignment with the bimorph arm. An electrical potential difference applied between the bimorph arm and the substrate electrode imparts electrostatic attraction between the bimorph arm and the substrate electrode to activate the actuator. As an exemplary application in which such actuators could be used, a microelectrical mechanical optical display system is described.

Abstract: A field sequential pulse width modulated display system comprises a digital micromirror device having a plurality of micromirrors that each selectively pivot to reflect light onto a screen to illuminate a corresponding pixel. A driver circuit controls the DMD responsive to sequences of pulse width segments formed by a processor. The processor alters the actuation state of at least one pulse in a first pulse width segment for a given color to alter the pixel brightness with a range lying between first and second pixel brightness boundaries. Further, the processor alters the actuation state of at least one pulse within at least one additional pulse width segment to alter the pixel brightness above the second brightness boundary to make nearly equal the total width of pulses becoming actuated within a segment to the total pulse width becoming de-actuated within the same segment to achieve an incremental change in brightness.

Abstract: A display system includes a light source 110 and a spatial light modulator 122 located to receive light from the light source. The spatial light modulator (e.g., a DMD) includes a number of independently controllable elements that are activated for a period of time to display light of a desired brightness. A light sensor 136 is located to determine a characteristic of light from the light source 110. A control circuit 126 is coupled to the spatial light modulator 122 and controls the period of time that the independently controllable elements are activated. This period of time is based at least in part by an input received from the light sensor 136.