Abstract: An illumination system for providing an illumination beam to a light valve is provided. The illumination system includes a light source, a light integration rod, a color wheel, a first focusing unit and a second focusing unit. The light source is capable of generating the illumination beam, and the light integration rod is disposed on the transmission path of the illumination beam. The first focusing unit is disposed between the integration rod and the color wheel and is capable of focusing the illumination beam onto the color wheel. The second focusing unit is disposed between the color wheel and the light valve and is capable of focusing the illumination beam onto the light valve.

Abstract: An optical apparatus may include spectroscope means for splitting light irradiated from a light source into multiple color rays, polarizer means for polarizing the multiple color rays split by the spectroscope means, and trimming filters each trimming a wavelength component of at least one of the multiple color rays polarized through the polarizer means and guiding the resulting ray to an optical modulator, wherein at least one of the trimming filters is sloped about an optical axis.

Abstract: An image projection and detection apparatus including an illumination system, a digital micro-mirror device (DMD), an optical detector, and a total internal reflection (TIR) unit is provided. The illumination system provides an illumination beam. The DMD is disposed in an optical path of the illumination beam, and includes a plurality of micro-mirror structures switched between an on-state and an off-state. When at least a part of the micro-mirror structures are in the on-state, they reflect the illumination beam into an image beam transmitted to an object side. When at least a part of micro-mirror structures are in the off-state, they reflect an object beam from the object side to the optical detector. The TIR unit includes a first TIR surface and a second TIR surface. The first TIR surface totally reflects the illumination beam to the DMD. The second TIR surface totally reflects the object beam to the optical detector.

Abstract: A stereo projection optical system includes a polarization converter, a 2-way wheel, a retarder, and an image engine. The polarization converter is configured for converting an incident light into a polarized light which have single polarization. The 2-way wheel includes a reflective region and a transmissive region. The reflective region is configured for reflecting the polarized light and the transmissive region is configured for transmitting the polarized light. The retarder is positioned to receive an emergent light from one of the reflective region and the transmissive region. The image engine is positioned to receive light output of the 2-way wheel and the retarder and configured for emitting the light output comprising spatial information. The stereo projection optical systems provide viewers three-dimensional images formed by two alternative polarized light beams whose polarizations are perpendicular to each other utilizing the 2-way wheel.

Abstract: A projection system includes a light source module illuminating a plurality of monochromic lights, at least one optical modulator modulating the lights illuminated by the light source module according to each of color signals, a color combining prism combining the monochromic lights modulated by the optical modulator to form an image, and a projection lens projecting the image formed by the color combining prism toward a screen. A semiconductor diode including a P type semiconductor layer, an intrinsic semiconductor layer, and an N type semiconductor layer to absorb or transmit the monochromic lights according to the value of a reverse bias voltage is arranged in units of pixels.

Abstract: An optical system for a display panel is disclosed. An optical system comprises a color separating portion for separating light that is emitted from a light source into a plurality of beams having different spectra; and a projecting portion for projecting the plurality of beams onto a plurality of divided areas of a predetermined range in the display panel, while sequentially switching the plurality of beams.

Abstract: A high efficiency projector apparatus for projecting an image onto a surface, comprising a light source module including a first light source, a second light source, a first light-modulation lens and a second light-modulation lens, a first and a second modulated light being respectively generated after the first and second light source are modulated by the corresponding light-modulation lens; a dichroic combiner for generating a single first light path by combing the first and second modulated light, the first light path defining a first direction; a light beam homogenization means for inputting first light path to perform beam homogenization over the first light path; an illumination lens set for inputting the homogenized first light path and re-directing the first light path to a second light path; a reflection-type image generator for generating said image; a prism set for inputting said second light path and outputting the second light path onto the reflection-type image generator, wherein the reflection-

Abstract: Prism elements having TIR surfaces placed in close proximity to the active area of a SLM device to separate unwanted off-state and/or flat-state light from the projection ON-light bundle. The TIR critical angle of these prisms is selected to affect either the off-state light or additionally, any portion of flat-state light reflected from the SLM. These TIR surfaces limit the contamination of light along the projection path, which tends to degrade the system contrast. To further improve the optical performance of the system, these TIR prisms can be attached directly to the SLM package, completely eliminating the package window.

Abstract: An image projector for calibrating a color of an image and recalibrating the color of the image is provided. The image projector includes an illuminating optical part having at least three independent light sources; a light modulator for modulating light emitted from the illuminating optical part according to an image signal; an imaging optical part for projecting the light modulated by the light modulator onto the screen to form an image; and a photo sensor disposed in a light path traveling in a different direction than a direction of the light beam to be projected on the screen, receiving a portion of the light beam modulated by the light modulator and providing measurement values necessary for a color calibration.

Abstract: A projector is provided, which includes a red substrate, a green substrate, a blue substrate, an X-cube, an electronic control element, a light guide element, a light valve element, and a projection lens. The red substrate, the green substrate, and the blue substrate respectively illuminate three surfaces of the X-cube, and the light is mixed in the X-cube and then exits from a light emitting surface. The electronic control element controls the red substrate, the green substrate, and the blue substrate. The light guide element is used for reflecting the light from the light emitting surface of the X-cube. The light valve element is used for reflecting the light from the light guide element back to the light guide element, and the light passes through the light guide element and then projected by the projection lens onto a projection plane area.

Abstract: A projector includes a lighting optical system for emitting a lighting beam, a color separation/light guiding optical system for separating the lighting beam from the lighting optical system into optical paths for three colored light beams, a light modulation device provided for each of the colored light beams and for modulating the light beam, which is separated and guided to the optical path for each of the colored light beams by the color separation/light guiding optical system, in accordance with image information, a light beam combining optical system for combining the colored light beams each modulated by the light modulation device for each of the colored light beams, and a projection optical system for projecting the light beams output via the light beam combining optical system.

Abstract: Provided is a projection optical system including a first part which projects an image; a second part having an image forming device which forms an image using a light and emits the image to the first part, and having an axis angled toward an axis of the first part; a third part including at least one light source, which emits the light, and having an axis angled toward the axis of the second part; and a deflector which guides the light emitted from the third part toward the second part, wherein a pupil plane of the second part is located between the first part and the second part, and a cross-point between the axis of the first part and the pupil plane of the second part is separated from a cross-point between the axis of the second part and the pupil plane of the second part.

Abstract: An image generation unit with a geometry according to which a light input section and a light output section are formed and/or are arranged such that a light incidence axis or direction and an image emission axis or direction are essentially collinear, parallel, or coincident with respect to each other.

Abstract: Light emitted from a lamp enters a color wheel having a region for allowing a predetermined color to pass therethrough, is reflected on a mirror, and enters a DMD. After this, the light is reflected by the DMD and enters a color sensor, which then detects the color of the transmitting light. A projection apparatus automatically synchronizes the control on the rotation of the color wheel and the control on the proceeding direction of the transmitting light by the DMD, based on a color time-division pattern of the transmitting light detected by the color sensor.

Abstract: A projector includes a lighting device, a first image forming unit including first through third light modulation elements, a second image forming unit including fourth through sixth light modulation elements, a polarization combining optical system, a projection optical system, and an image correction device, wherein the image correction device, based on one of combined transmittance and combined reflectance obtained by combining one of transmittances and reflectances corresponding to gray-scale values of two of the first through sixth light modulation elements for modulating the same colored light beam, outputs the drive value corresponding to the input image data for driving the two light modulation elements corresponding to the predetermined colored light beam.

Abstract: An optical device includes a plurality of light modulating devices for forming optical images and a color combining optical device. The optical device includes a first fixed member and a second fixed member for mounting the light modulating devices so as to face light flux incoming end surfaces of the color combining optical device. The first fixed member includes a plate-shaped first base portion mounted to oppose the light flux incoming end surface and having an opening for transmitting the light flux. The second fixed member includes a plate-shaped second base portion having an opening for transmitting the light flux. The first fixed member and the second fixed member are assembled in such a manner that the first base portion and the second base portion are opposed to each other.

Abstract: A projection system comprising a first imaging component, at least a second imaging component, and a color combiner. The first and second imaging components each comprise an imager and a reflective polarizer that is configured to at least partially separate a light beam from the imager into a first portion and second portion, where the first portion and the second portion have substantially orthogonal polarization states. The first portions of the light beams are directed in the same direction above or below a plane defined by the second portions of the light beams. The color combiner is configured to combine the second portions of the light beams, where the second portions of the light beams have substantially orthogonal polarization states prior to entering the color combiner.

Abstract: A projection lens system includes, in order from the magnification side, a negative first lens group and a positive second lens group, and is telecentric on the reduction side. The first lens group includes a first lens formed as an aspheric lens which is disposed closest to the magnification side. The second lens group includes a second lens formed as a positive lens, in or near which an aperture diaphragm is disposed, disposed closest to the magnification side, and an aspheric lens. Between the aperture diaphragm and the aspheric lens of the second lens group, two or more negative lenses and two or more cemented surfaces are disposed. And, 0.10<f/f2-1<0.30, and N2-1>1.75 are satisfied. Here, f denotes a focal length of the whole system, f2-1 denotes a focal length of the second lens, and N2-1 is a refractive index of the second lens at the d-line.

Abstract: A projection image display device including a display plane for displaying an image, a projection mechanism projecting an image on the display plane, and an imaging mechanism arranged on the same side of the display plane as the projection mechanism for imaging the display plane. The imaging mechanism is arranged at a position where a position symmetric with respect to the display plane of the projection mechanism is out of the range of the field angle of the imaging mechanism. By arranging the imaging mechanism at a position where no direct reflecting light of the light source of the projection mechanism comes, it is possible to prevent generation of a hot spot.

Abstract: A digital image projector includes a light assembly configured to project light along a light path from at least one laser array light source, the projected light having an overlapping far field illumination in a far field illumination portion of the light path; a temporally varying optical phase shifting device configured to be in the light path; an optical integrator configured to be in the light path; a spatial light modulator located downstream of the temporally varying optical phase shifting device and the optical integrator in the light path, the spatial light modulator configured to be located in the far field illumination portion of the light path; and projection optics located downstream of the spatial light modulator in the light path, the projection optics configured to direct substantially speckle free light from the spatial light modulator toward a display surface.

Abstract: An illumination system includes a chip package, a first dichroic film, a second dichroic film, and a third dichroic film. The first dichroic film, the second dichroic film, and the third dichroic film are not parallel to each other and cross one another at an identical region. The chip package includes a first light-emitting chip capable of emitting a first light beam, a second light-emitting chip capable of emitting a second light beam, and a third light-emitting chip capable of emitting a third light beam. The first light-emitting chip, the second light-emitting chip, and the third light-emitting chip are arranged to form a delta arrangement. The first dichroic film is capable of reflecting the first light beam, and the second dichroic film is capable of reflecting the second light beam. The first dichroic film is capable of transmitting the third light beam, and the third dichroic film is capable of reflecting the third light beam.

Abstract: An illumination system includes a chip package, a first dichroic film, a second dichroic film, and a third dichroic film. The first dichroic film, the second dichroic film, and the third dichroic film are not parallel to each other and do not cross each other. The chip package includes a first light-emitting chip capable of emitting a first light beam, a second light-emitting chip capable of emitting a second light beam, and a third light-emitting chip capable of emitting a third light beam. The first light-emitting chip, the second light-emitting chip, and the third light-emitting chip are arranged in a row. The first dichroic film reflects the first light beam and transmitting the second light beam, the second dichroic film reflects the second light beam, the first dichroic film and the second dichroic film transmit the third light beam, and the third dichroic film reflects the third light beam.

Abstract: A projection display device comprises: a light source; liquid crystal panels disposed corresponding to R light, G light and B light; a light guiding optical system for guiding R light, G light and B light among light from the light source to respective corresponding liquid crystal panels; a dichroic prism for synthesizing the R light, G light and B light modulated by the liquid crystal panels; a projection optical system having a curved mirror for enlarging and projecting the light synthesized by the dichroic prism; and a bending mirror. A placement plane for optical members is orthogonal to a projection plane (screen surface), and shorter sides of optical members forming the liquid crystal panels and the light guiding optical system are placed on the placement plane.

Abstract: An optical system (light guiding optical system) for guiding G-light and R-light to liquid crystal panels is protruded in an opposite direction from projection optical system with regard to an optical axis of a light source. A space is created between an optical engine and a wall surface, and air stream for suction fan is thus secured. A distance (H1) between the optical engine and the wall surface can be reduced to, for example, a thickness of an external housing of the projector. Since a unit comprising the light source and a suction fan is retracted in a direction of the projection optical system than a protruded portion of the light guiding optical system, a distance (H2) from an end edge of the optical engine to a projection light emitting position can be reduced.

Abstract: A method includes generating a plurality of beams that each illuminate a separate portion of a spatial light modulator. The spatial light modulator has a first dimension of a first length and a second dimension of a second length. Each of the beams spans a portion of the first length of the first dimension and a portion of the second length of the second dimension. The method also includes scrolling the plurality of beams along the second dimension of the spatial light modulator while maintaining at least a first gap between each of the plurality of beams.

Abstract: A projection type image display device using, in a projection optical system thereof, a flat mirror, which is easy to design and manufacture, as a projection mirror is provided. The projection optical system is a diagonal projection optical system and includes plural lenses. Among the plural lenses, the one disposed closest to the flat mirror has an effective area, along the vertical direction of an image, through which a light beam passes and which is off the optical axis, among optical axes of the plural lenses, shared by the most lenses so as not to allow light reflected from the projection mirror to return to the projector body. A polarization converter using, for example, a quarter wavelength plate is provided at an output surface of a crossed prism to decrease reflectance differences between differently colored light and to thereby prevent the occurrence of color unevenness.

Abstract: An illumination system includes a coherent light source providing an illumination beam, a light integrator positioned on a transmission path of the illumination beam, and a first actuator connected to the light integrator. The light integrator has a light entering end and a light exit end opposite to the light entering end, and the light entering end faces the coherent light source. The first actuator is capable of driving the light integrator to about a rotation axis perpendicular to a light axis of the illumination beam passing through the light integrator, so as to change a position at the light entering end entered by the illumination beam.

Abstract: For displaying a color image by recombination of several single color images, parasitic noise like speckles due to scattering within the system, in particular when laser light is involved, with the invention a significant improvement with a low number of parts can be realized by use of a color wheel that comprises in radially divided zones refractive elements for redirecting light beams incoming at different impinging angles and redistributing elements, e.g. a hologram, that provide for a defined output beam in an optical axis. The sequence of the individual light processing zones on the color wheel are synchronized with respective laser sources. The invention combines the functionality of plural elements, reduces speckles and avoids losses.

Abstract: A method and a prism for improving illumination efficiency in an optical projection system are disclosed. Two dichroic mirrors for both red-reflecting and blue-reflecting lights are utilised for dividing illumination light in the optical projection system. Furthermore, an X-cube is also adopted as a light combining prism in the optical projection system. Without modifying any colour light's transmission path and shape of the X-cube, the method adopts multilayered thin-film optical coatings for blue-reflecting and red-reflecting lights inside the X-cube. The coatings make the same wavelength drift of spectrum for both P and S polarised lights between the dichroic mirrors and the X-cube. This achieves high transparency ratio and improves illumination efficiency with lower cost.

Abstract: A liquid crystal projection system (70) includes a light source (50) for emitting a white light beam of three primary colors, a polarizer (51) for polarizing the white light beam, a separating mirror (52), first and second reflecting mirrors (53, 54), first and second polarization separators (56, 57), a half-wave plate (55), a color separator (58), image modulation devices (60R, 60G, 60B) and a projection lens (59). The separating mirror splits the incident polarized white light beam into two sets of polarized light beams, a monochromatic light beam and a bichromatic light beam that are respectively output to the first and second reflecting mirrors (53, 54). The polarized monochromatic light beam is reflected by the first reflecting mirror, transformed to a light beam with reversed polarization by the half-wave plate, and output to the first polarization separator.

Abstract: An x-prism provides four triangular prisms each of which includes a hypotenuse side, a first side surface adjoining the hypotenuse side surface, a second side surface perpendicular to the first side surface, a first end surface and an opposite second end surface, the first and second end surfaces being at opposite sides of each of the triangular prisms, the triangular prisms being attached to each other with the hypotenuse side surfaces thereof facing outward. The four triangular prisms includes at least two triangular prisms with the first end surfaces thereof being coplanar with each other, and at least one triangular prism with the first end surface thereof being non-coplanar with the first end surfaces of the other triangular prisms.

Abstract: A light engine for use in a projector, comprising a motorized adjustable convergence mechanism for fine adjusting the relative positions of red, green and blue channel sub-assemblies. Motors are mounted on fixed elements of the sub-assemblies for driving movable elements thereof, including imaging devices thereof such as digital micromirror devices.

Abstract: A light engine for use in a projector, comprising an adjustable convergence mechanism for fine adjusting the relative positions of red, green and blue channel sub-assemblies. In one embodiment, motors are mounted on fixed elements of the sub-assemblies for driving movable elements thereof, including imaging devices thereof such as digital micromirror devices. In another embodiment, manual adjustment screws are provided in place of the motors, and wedge locking mechanisms are provided for driving and locking the position of the movable elements imaging devices mounted thereon.

Abstract: A high efficiency micro projection optical engine includes a light source module, a lens assembly, a micro display panel and a projection lens. Wherein the light source module includes light emitting elements and shaping lens module used to collect and shape the received light beams. The lens assembly is arranged on the path of the emission light of the shaping lens assembly. The shaping lens module and lens assembly form an image of the luminous surface of the light emitting elements in the vicinity of the micro display panel. The micro display panel which is arranged on the path of emission light of the lens assembly modulate incident light and image light with image information is obtained. The projection lens is used to project the image information on the micro display panel and form an image onto a screen.

Abstract: A projection system based on self emitting display panels is described, in which the projection technology involves organic/inorganic electroluminescent display panels with spatially separated color segments. The color pictures are shown in three spatially separate segments. A color combination mechanism, such as dichroic mirrors, are used to merge the three color pictures to a color picture. One of the advantages of the present invention is that only the on state pixel is driven to a bright state that uses energy. The off state pixel need not be driven to a bright state and therefore the energy consumption is virtually nothing. Another advantage is that the system does not require a separate light source and display panel. Therefore the projection system can be made very compact, which is extremely useful for portable projection systems.

Abstract: A wide color gamut projector having a plurality of dichroic prisms configured to split a light beam into six primary color components and direct each of the six primary color components to separate digital micromirror devices is disclosed. The projector further comprises a translucent rotatable drum having different polarization sections, wherein the light beam is capable of being passed orthogonally through a wall of the drum.

Abstract: A color separation/combination prism is disclosed which has an optical film arrangement capable of performing color separation, light analysis and color combination. The prism includes four prism members and at least five optical surfaces as outer surfaces thereof. Each of the prism members has at least three optical surfaces including two optical surfaces which intersect orthogonally with each other at a first side thereof. The four prism members are joined together such that the first sides of the prism members are adjacent to or contact each other. Joining portions of the four prism members are provided with wavelength-selective polarizing films.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light source device for projection display, comprising a light source to be supplemented and a laser light source. The laser emitted from the laser light source and the light emitted from the light source to be supplemented are mixed and then output in a same direction.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes a plate-like separation optical element having a dichroic surface and a PBS surface. The dichroic surface reflects green component light and transmits yellow component light. The PBS surface transmits P polarization component light and reflects S polarization component light. The separation optical element combines red component light entering from a certain direction and transmitted through the dichroic surface, with yellow component light entering from a different direction and reflected by the PBS surface, and leads a combined light towards a red liquid crystal panel. The separation optical element combines green component light entering from the certain direction and reflected by the dichroic surface, with yellow component light entering from the different direction and transmitted through the PBS surface, and leads a combined light towards a green liquid crystal panel.

Abstract: A projection-type image display apparatus for displaying an image on a projected plane, includes light sources each configured to emit a light, a light-path combining element configured to combine light paths of the lights each emitted from the light sources, a light path splitting element configured to split the lights on the combined light path into first and second lights, a scanning mirror configured to reflect the first lights to scan the projected plane with the first lights, a light receiving element configured to receive the second lights to detect light amounts of the received second lights, and a control circuit configured to control the scanning mirror to scan an image forming area of the projected plane with the first lights based on image data and control the light sources so as to reproduce a color based on the image data.

Abstract: An image display apparatus 100 that displays an image using a light modulated according to an image signal includes a projection optical system 90 that includes a projection lens 20, a first mirror 30 that reflects a light from the projection lens 20, and a second mirror 40 that widens an angle of a light from the first mirror 30 by reflecting the light, and projects the light modulated according to the image signal from an optical engine unit 10; a third mirror 50 that reflects a light from the projection optical system 90; and a screen 50 that transmits a light from the third mirror 50. The projection lens 20 and the second mirror 40 are arranged in such a manner that an optical axis of the projection lens 20 substantially matches an optical axis of the second mirror 40, and shift the light from the optical engine unit 10 to a specific side from the optical axis of the projection lens 20.

Abstract: A curve representing a characteristic of a blue-light reflecting dichroic film DB and a curve representing a characteristic of a red-light reflecting dichroic film DR are configured to have shapes that track an ideal spectral characteristic of green. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain a characteristic approximated to the ideal spectral characteristic without using a trimming filter having a dichroic film in an exiting surface of a prism. Since it is not necessary to use the trimming filter having the dichroic film, it is possible to prevent ghost and flare from occurring due to the dichroic film of the trimming filter. Accordingly, it is possible to embody an imaging apparatus having the ideal spectral characteristic with ghost and flare being reduced.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a projection system includes a color wheel operable to filter light into a passed component and a reflected component. The projection system also includes a digital micromirror device comprising a plurality of micromirrors each operable to receive the passed component and the reflected component. Each micromirror is selectively positionable to direct, at approximately the same time, the passed component and the reflected component to desired locations. The projection system also includes an optical system operable to direct the passed component and the reflected component from the color wheel to the digital micromirror device at approximately the same time.

Abstract: A display apparatus comprises a light module and an optical engine. The light module has a plurality of lighting members that emit light beams with single wavelengths, and a wavelength transfer device with different fluorescent matters. When the light beams emitted from the lighting members pass through the fluorescent matter, the light beams become visible light beams with different wavelengths. The optical engine at least has one micro-displaying member. When a visible light beam enters the optical engine, it is emitted through the micro-displaying member and generates an imaging light beam. Finally, the imaging light beam is emitted on a screen.

Abstract: A projection apparatus including an illumination system, a light valve, a first optical element, a first projection lens, and a second projection lens is provided. The illumination system is suitable to provide an illumination beam, and the light valve is disposed on a transmission path of the illumination beam. The light valve is suitable to convert the illumination beam into an image beam. The first optical element is disposed on a transmission path of the image beam. A portion of the image beam is reflected by the first optical element, and a remaining portion of the image beam passes through the first optical element. The first projection lens is disposed on a transmission path of the image beam passing through the first optical element, and the second projection lens is disposed on a transmission path of the image beam reflected by the first optical element.

Abstract: A color separation device includes a first color separation member having a first polarization direction changing element and a second polarization direction changing element, and a first polarization separation element, and a second color separation member having a second polarization separation element. Linearly polarized light may be made incident on the first color separation member so as to separate the light into reflected light and transmitted light, both lights having different colors and one of the different colors corresponding to one of three colors, and one of the lights may be made incident on the second color separation member so as to separate the one of the lights into further reflected light and further transmitted light, both further reflected light and further transmitted light corresponding to the other two of the three colors, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical component, which comprises a prism element adjacent to a lens element, where the two elements are separated by a small air gap. In disclosed embodiments, the elements have adjacent and parallel surfaces which are substantially planar and which, with the small air gap, operate through Total Internal Reflection (“TIR”) to direct light beams that strike the planar surfaces. Light beams that strike at less than the critical angle are internally reflected, while light beams which strike at greater than the critical angle pass through. The TIR surfaces thereby separate the desired optical signals from the spurious ones. The combined TIR prism lens operates as a single and integrated component which directs desired light beams to a reflective optical processing element such as a Spatial Light Modulator and which focuses the processed light beams as they leave the combined TIR prism lens.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a projection-type display apparatus, which can address or realize a reduction in weight and size, a reduction in power consumption, and a reduction in noise, and address or realize a reduction in price, and a control method for the projection-type display apparatus, as well as a control program for the projection-type display apparatus. The projection-type display apparatus includes a solid-state light source that emits light, a mirror device that controls an emitting direction of the incident light to thereby subject the incident light to temporal modulation, and a projecting device that projects the modulated light.

Abstract: An optical engine including an illumination system, a beam splitting element, a second dichroic unit, and a light valve is provided. The illumination system provides a visible beam and an invisible beam. The beam splitting element is disposed in transmission paths of the visible and invisible beams. After the visible and invisible beams leave the beam splitting element, the optical axes of the visible and invisible beams are separated from each other. The second dichroic unit is disposed in the transmission paths of the visible and invisible beams from the beam splitting element. The visible beam passes through the second dichroic unit, and the invisible beam is reflected by the second dichroic unit. The light valve is disposed in the transmission path of the visible beam from the second dichroic unit and converts the visible beam into an image beam. The image beam passes through the second dichroic unit.

Abstract: Projected systems (10, 12, 14, 16) include light source apparatuses (20, 24, 26) for programming narrow bands of unpolarized blue, green, and red light to associated reflective imaging devices that reflect selected patterns of the blue, green, and red light into a dichroic cross-combiner assembly (70, 72, 74), which recombines the light into a composite image and directs it into a projection lens (90) The reflective imaging devices are preferably micromirror displays (50, 51) having an array of pivotable micromirrors (52, 53) that direct on-state micromirror light to the projection lens and direct off-state micromirror light to a light absorbing surface (84).