Abstract: A polarization beam splitter includes at least six prisms assembled together to form a single solid components. At least one diagonal interface is formed by a combination of two or more prism surfaces. The solid polarization beam splitter component has at least four light entrance/exit surfaces with at least one of the light entrance/exit surfaces including a step. At least one of the prisms has a non-triangular cross-sectional shape. At least one surface of a prism that forms a portion of the diagonal interface has a polarization beam splitting material disposed thereon resulting in a diagonal interface that includes a polarization beam splitting material. The polarization beam splitter can be incorporated into various image projection apparatus including 2D, multiple image, and 3D projection apparatuses.

Abstract: Polarizing beam splitters and systems incorporating such beam splitters are described. More specifically, polarizing beam splitters and systems with such beam splitters that incorporate multilayer optical films and reflect imaged light towards a viewer or viewing screen with high effective resolution are described.

Abstract: An imaging system (300) configured to reduce perceived flicker in three-dimensional images is provided. The imaging system (300) can include a plurality of light sources (305,306,307), a light combiner (302), a light modulator (303) and a polarization rotator (301). The light combiner (302) combines light received from each of the light sources into a combined beam (304). A first light portion (313) in the combined beam has a first light portion polarization state that is different from a second light portion polarization state of a second light portion (314). The light modulator (303) produces images by modulating the combined beam (304) along a projection surface (316). The polarization rotator (301) selectively rotates a polarization state of the combined beam (304) in synchrony with an image refresh cycle of the imaging system. A circular polarizer (1004) can be used to transform linear polarization states to circular polarization states.

Abstract: A display apparatus (10) has at least one color channel providing a modulated light for each of a plurality of image frames (92). One or more laser sources that provide an illumination beam having a first polarization transmission axis. An imaging modulator (854, 85g, 85b) in the path of the illumination beam is actuable to direct the modulated light toward a projection lens. A laser blanking apparatus in the path of the modulated light is disposed to block transient light between image frames and has at least one analyzer (66) having a second polarization transmission axis that is orthogonal to the first polarization transmission axis and at least one light polarization modulator that is synchronously timed to rotate polarization of transient light during an interval between frames.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include stereoscopic systems having at least one compensator operable to reduce the sensitivity of polarization control over incidence angle of image source optics and analyzer optics. In an exemplary embodiment, the disclosed compensator is operable to compensate polarization changes induced by optics at either or both the image source subsystem and the analyzer subsystem, in which the polarization changes would be operable to cause leakage at the analyzer subsystem if uncompensated. As such, the disclosed compensators and compensation techniques are operable to reduce leakage at the analyzer subsystem even if the disclosed compensator may be located at the analyzer subsystem.

Abstract: A polarization conversion system (PCS) is located in the output light path of a projector. The PCS may include a polarizing beam splitter, a polarization rotating element, a reflecting element, and a polarization switch. Typically, a projector outputs randomly-polarized light. This light is input to the PCS, in which the PCS separates p-polarized light and s-polarized light at the polarizing beam splitter. P-polarized light is directed toward the polarization switch on a first path. The s-polarized light is passed on a second path through the polarization rotating element (e.g., a half-wave plate), thereby transforming it to p-polarized light. A reflecting element directs the transformed polarized light (now p-polarized) along the second path toward the polarization switch. The first and second light paths are ultimately directed toward a projection screen to collectively form a brighter screen image in cinematic applications utilizing polarized light for three-dimensional viewing.

Abstract: A polarization conversion system separates light from an unpolarized image source into a first state of polarization (SOP) and an orthogonal second SOP, and directs the polarized light on first and second light paths. The SOP of light on only one of the light paths is transformed to an orthogonal state such that both light paths have the same SOP. A polarization modulator temporally modulates the light on the first and second light paths to first and second output states of polarization. First and second projection lenses direct light on the first and second light paths toward a projection screen to form substantially overlapping polarization encoded images. The polarization modulator may be located before or after the projection lenses. The polarization-encoded images may be viewed using eyewear with appropriate polarization filters.

Abstract: Projection 3D systems and polarization preserving 3D screens are described that substantially increase polarization contrast ratio and viewing angle.

Abstract: An optical polarization state modulator assembly for use in a stereoscopic three-dimensional image projection system includes a spatial light modulator, a light source emitting multiple wavelength components of light for incidence on the spatial light modulator, and a projection lens. A polarization converter system cooperates with the spatial light modulator to produce in alternating sequence polarized light carrying first and second perspective view images of a scene in different ones of first and second subframes. A polarization modulator, in response to first and second drive signals, imparts to, respectively, the image-carrying polarized light a first output polarization state during the first subframe and to the image-carrying polarized light a second output polarization state during the second subframe. The image-carrying polarized light in the first and second output polarization states propagates through the projection lens for transmission to an observer.

Abstract: An electronic device having a 3-D image projection mechanism is provided. The electronic device comprises a display panel, a processing module, a projection screen and at least two micro projectors. The display panel is formed on a main body of the electronic device to display a 2-D display frame. The processing module determines whether a 3-D display request is received and generates a 3-D display command when the 3-D display request is received. The projection screen is formed according to the 3-D display command and is substantially vertical to the display panel, in which a light refractive rate of the projection screen is different from that of the air around the projection screen. The micro projectors are disposed in a circumference of the display panel and project image on the projection screen according to the 3-D display command such that a 3-D display frame is formed thereon.

Abstract: A 3D image cinema system having at least one projection room for viewing 3D images or 2D images is divided into forward and rearward viewing directions for the projection of an image on a front screen and a rear screen which are provided in a front end and a rear end of the projection room, respectively. Further, a front direction chair and a rear direction chair having a different viewing direction are provided on a front step and a rear step between the projection room and the front and rear screens where the theater can be easily installed in a general building and the 3D and 2D image has as much as 1.5-2 times wider viewing as a prior image.

Abstract: The polarization beam splitting element is configured to reflect or transmit an entering beam according to its polarization direction. The element includes, in order from a beam entrance side, a base member having a light transmissive property, a first one-dimensional grating structure formed of a dielectric material and having, in a first direction, a first grating period smaller than a wavelength of the entering beam, and a second one-dimensional grating structure formed of a metal and having, in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, a second grating period smaller than the wavelength of the entering beam.

Abstract: A device for polarization of a video sequence to be stereoscopically viewed has a beam splitter, cells, mirrors, and a control circuit. The beam splitter receives an incident beam and separates it into two beams with perpendicular polarizations. It has four prisms, each with perpendicular faces. The first face of each prism has a phase-delaying plate, and the second face of each prism has a layer that reflects the first polarization and transmits the second. The prisms are arranged such that a first face of each prism is next to a second of an adjacent prism. The cells have variable polarization rotation and are crossed by the beams. Each mirror reflects a beam. The control circuit defines a polarization rotation of the cells such that the beams, after having crossed corresponding cells, have a common polarization that alternates between two perpendicular states.

Abstract: Projection systems and methods for providing stereoscopic images viewed through passive polarizing eyewear. The systems relate to projectors that create left and right eye images simultaneously and often as side-by-side images on the image modulator. The systems act to superimpose the spatially separated images on a projection screen with alternate polarization states. The embodiments are best suited to liquid crystal polarization based projection systems and use advanced polarization control.

Abstract: An apparatus for viewing stereoscopic images may include, but is not limited to: a first viewing lens including a first polarization layer; a second viewing lens including a second polarization layer; and one or more birefringence compensation layers. Further, the apparatus may be viewing glasses including a frame wearable by a user.

Abstract: A projection display system includes a glasses system, a driving unit and a projection apparatus. The driving unit is electrically connected to the glasses system for repeatedly applying or removing a voltage to/from the glasses system. The projection apparatus includes an illumination system and a color wheel. The color wheel is in a transmission path of a light beam provided by the illumination system. The color wheel has a compensation zone and a plurality of color zones. When the color wheel is rotated, the compensation zone and the color zones sequentially pass through the light beam. The compensation zone has first, second and third sub compensation zones. A time for the first sub compensation zone passing through the light beam is substantially equal to a time for the third sub compensation zone passing through the light beam. A liquid crystal glasses and a control method are also provided.

Abstract: A stereoscopic projection system and method of generating light that include two or three infrared lasers, two optical parametric oscillators, and six or seven second harmonic generators. Six colors of visible light are produced. Three bands of red, green, and blue form an image for the left eye of the viewer, while the other three bands of red, green, and blue form an image for the right eye of the viewer.

Abstract: In a polarization conversion element including a plurality of light transmitting substrates and an optical element that includes polarization splitting films and reflective films that are alternately disposed between the light transmitting substrates, and a laminated wave plate that is arranged on the light outgoing face of the optical element and rotates the polarization plane of light emitted from the optical element by ?, a laminated wave plate is acquired by stacking a first wave plate of a phase difference ?1 for light of a wavelength ? and a second wave plate of a phase difference of ?2 such that the optical axes thereof intersect each other, the relationship is “|?1??2|=180 (degrees), and the azimuth of the optical axis of the first wave plate and the azimuth of the optical axis of the second wave plate are perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A stereoscopic display system and method of stereoscopic projection that include a polarization-switching light source and a polarization-preserving projector. The polarization state of the polarization-switching light source is synchronized with alternate projection of left-eye images and right-eye images. The polarization-switching light source may include a laser and a rotating disk, and the disk may include a waveplate that switches the polarization state as the disk rotates.

Abstract: A method is provided for projecting a three-dimensional image. The method includes providing a first light source that emits first eye images and a second light source that emits second eye images. A polarization of the first light source is orthogonal to a polarization of the second light source. A first eye image of a first color is projected from the first light source. A second eye image of the same first color is projected from the second light source. A first eye image of a second color is projected from the first light source. A second eye image of the same second color is projected from the second light source. A first eye image of a third color is projected from the first light source. A second eye image of a third color is projected from the second light source.

Abstract: Proposed are various embodiments of projection systems that generally provide stereoscopic images. The projection systems act to split a spatially separated image in a stereoscopic image frame and superimpose the left- and right-eye images on a projection screen with orthogonal polarization states. The embodiments are generally well suited to liquid crystal polarization based projection systems and may use advanced polarization control.

Abstract: A stereoscopic display apparatus includes an image projection module, a plurality of projection lenses and an optical path switching module. The optical path switching module is disposed between the image projection module and the projection lenses. The optical path switching module has a light-incident surface and different light-emitting surfaces. An image signal generated by the image projection module enters the optical path switching module through the light-incident surface. The optical path switching module includes a plurality of polarization beam splitters and a polarization adjusting module. The polarization adjusting module is disposed between the polarization beam splitters. The optical path switching module is used for switching the polarization adjusting module time-sequentially for guiding the image signal to those different light-emitting surfaces respectively, and accordingly a plurality of image formation beams are formed from the light-emitting surfaces though the projection lenses.

Abstract: A polarization conversion system separates light from an unpolarized image source into a first state of polarization (SOP) and an orthogonal second SOP, and directs the polarized light on first and second light paths. The SOP of light on only one of the light paths is transformed to an orthogonal state such that both light paths have the same SOP. A polarization modulator temporally modulates the light on the first and second light paths to first and second output states of polarization. First and second projection lenses direct light on the first and second light paths toward a projection screen to form substantially overlapping polarization encoded images. The polarization modulator may be located before or after the projection lenses. The polarization-encoded images may be viewed using eyewear with appropriate polarization filters.

Abstract: A stereoscopic projection system includes an optical engine, a relay lens group, a polarization conversion system and two identical projection lenses. The optical engine is used for outputting a non-polarized image light. The non-polarized image light is imaged into the polarization conversion system through the relay lens group to produce an intermediate image. The polarization conversion system includes a polarization beam splitter, a polarization rotating element and a polarization switch. The polarization beam splitter is used for splitting the non-polarized image light into a first-state first polarized beam and a second-state second polarized beam, which have the same total optical length. By the polarization switch, the first output polarized beam and the second output polarized beam are alternately switched between the first state and the second state. The projection lenses are located in the first optical path and the second optical path for projecting the intermediate image.

Abstract: A projection optical system (6) comprises a relay optical system (61), a PBS prism (71), and two projection lenses (81). The image light beam from a DMD (5) enters the PBS prism (71) via the relay optical system (61), is polarization-split there, and is directed to a screen by means of the two projection lenses (81). Displaying an image by means of the DMD (5) is controlled while the polarized states of the light beams produced by the polarization split by means of the PBS prism (71) are controlled. Thereby, a three-dimensionally viewable image and a high-resolution image created by pixel-offset can be projected. Since the relay optical system (61) is provided, the lens backs of the projection lenses (81) can be shortened, and the projection lenses (81) and further the projection optical system (6) can be made compact.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for producing a color-corrected stereoscopic film for three-dimensional (3D) projection. Based on color measurements performed with different optical configurations of a projection system, at least one dye density adjustment can be determined for reducing discoloration in projected stereoscopic images that arises from one or more optical components in the projection system.

Abstract: A transmitter that outputs an image signal for displaying a first image and outputs an image signal of a synthesized image made of the reversal image of the first image and a second image. A display apparatus, based on the image signals output from the transmitter, displays the first image and the synthesized image with circular polarizations having different senses of rotation from each other. A receiver includes a circular polarization selecting and transmitting means that separates the first image and the synthesized image displayed on the display apparatus, based on the sense of rotation of the circular polarization, and selectively allows the images to pass therethrough, so as to be able to photograph the first image displayed on the display apparatus.

Abstract: A projector includes an image projection unit that projects an image for left eye and an image for right eye, and a transmitting unit that transmits a synchronizing signal for synchronization with switching between the image for left eye and the image for right eye. The transmitting unit is arranged to adjust a transmission direction of the synchronizing signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light source apparatus (10) for use with a projector (80) and a method for combining laser beams of different polarization characterized in that an overall efficiency for the reflection and transmission exceeding 97% is achieved. A first white laser light beam (18) having a first polarization is combined with a second white laser light beam (28) having a second polarization that is orthogonal to the first polarization by utilizing a multi narrow-band polarizing beam splitter (20) positioned to receive the first and the second white laser light beams (18, 28). Embodiments of the present invention utilize two laser light sources (12, 22) emitting two sets of laser light beams with multiple wavelengths (14, 15, 16 and 24, 25, 26).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stereoscopic image display device and to a stereoscopic image display system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a stereoscopic image display device in which a polarizing film and a panel contained in a display are not separated from each other so that the color and the view angle are prevented from degrading, and relates to a stereoscopic image display system which enables a user to observe both stereoscopic images and planar images at the same time with both eyes even when the user is wearing polarizing eyeglasses.

Abstract: A stereoscopic display device includes a display panel, two different polarized backlights and a synchronization module. The display panel is used to alternately generate first visible images and second visible images. The two different polarized backlights are to alternately illuminate the display panel so as to output the first visible images and second visible images, respectively. The synchronization module is used to synchronize the first visible images and second visible images with illumination periods of the respective polarized backlights.

Abstract: A DLP optical structure and corresponding method of controlling it are described including an optical integrator system having an optical integrator, a relay lens system, a TIR prism assembly, a digital imager, and a projection lens, said optical structure being adapted to accept a polarized light beam, said DLP optical structure comprising: at least one retarder positioned after said optical integrator for controlling the polarization state throughout said DLP optical structure, and achieving the desired polarization state after said projection lens; wherein said desired polarization state is substantially linear or circular. A DLP optical structure is also described including an optical integrator, a relay lens system, a TIR prism assembly, a digital imager and a projection lens, wherein the integrator is a fly-eye integrator for maintaining an input polarization of a light beam, and wherein said input polarization is linear or circular.

Abstract: A dual-chip light splitting and light combining module is provided, which comprises a light splitting prism, a first mirror, a first polarizing TIR prism, a first displaying chip, a second mirror, a second TIR prism, a second displaying chip and a light combining prism. The dual-chip light splitting and light combining module is adapted to split an incident non-polarized light into a first polarized light and a second polarized light and combine the first polarized light and the second polarized light together. Also, a 3D projection optical system comprising the dual-chip light splitting and light combining module is provided.

Abstract: A method for providing a feedback circuit for a three dimensional projector. First and second input devices and a sensor for determining the rotational speed of the second input device are provided. A control device for controlling the rotational speed of the second input device and a phase locked loop (PLL) are provided. A phase reference signal is created based on the signal rate of the first input device. A phase signal is created based on the rotational speed of the second input device. The PLL compares the phase reference signal and the phase feedback signal to determine whether the first input device and the second input device are synchronized. A signal is sent to the control device for the second input device to change the rotational speed of the second input device in response to determining that the first input device and the second input device are not synchronized.

Abstract: An image engine and a projection system with two discrete format channels are described. The engine comprises a spatial light modulating system in each channel and a combining layer. A specific arrangement of the modulators of the two spatial light modulating systems relative to the combining layer makes it possible that one modulating system generates a landscape format image while the second modulating system generates a portrait format image in a common output path. In the projection system, a control logic addresses either the landscape channel or the portrait format channel or both channels, depending either on the format of the incoming image data, or on external controls.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an organic light-emitting diode three-dimensional image display device which comprises a first substrate, a cathode formed on the first substrate, an electron injection layer formed on the cathode, an electron transfer layer formed on the electron injection layer, an emission layer formed on the electron transfer layer, a hole transfer layer formed on the emission layer, a hole injection layer formed on the hole transfer layer, an anode formed on the hole injection layer, a wire grid polarizer formed on the anode and composed of a metal thin film pattern formed at a first angle and a method thin film pattern formed at a second angle perpendicular to the first angle, which are alternately arranged, and a second substrate arranged on the wire grid polarizer.

Abstract: A projection auto-stereoscopic display includes an image projector (100) and a stereo screen (200). The image projector (100) projects image. The image includes multiple viewing-zone pictures. The stereo screen (200) receives the image and reflects the image. The stereo screen (200) includes a linear polarizer (202), for receiving the image projected thereon and filtering the image in polarization. A first micro-retarder layer (204) is attached behind over the linear polarizer. A second micro-retarder layer (208) is disposed behind over the first micro-retarder layer (204). A reflection-type polarization preserved diffuser is disposed behind the second micro-retarder layer, for reflecting and diffusing an incident light into various directions.

Abstract: An image projection system having a laser projector that projects two differently polarized images on a display region is disclosed. The laser projector enables viewing the two differently polarized images as a three-dimensional image. The image projection system includes a planar lightwave circuit-based beam combiner that enables multiple colors of laser light having different polarization modes to be combined in a single output beam that is scanned over the display region at video rates to produce the two polarized images.

Abstract: A projection apparatus is disclosed. The projection apparatus includes a light source module, a first light splitting element, a first light valve unit, a first light modulator, a second light modulator and a light consolidating element. A light beam is provided by the light source module, and is split into a first and a second polarized light beam by the first light splitting element. In different time sequences, the first and the second polarized light beams are formed into a first, a second, a third and a fourth image light by the first light valve unit. Then, these image lights are transformed into viewing angle images by the first and the second light modulators. Then, via the light consolidating element, the first, the second, the third and the fourth view angle images are projected to a viewer and a stereoscopic image is formed.

Abstract: An illumination system and a projection apparatus adopting the illumination system are provided. The projection apparatus comprises the illumination system and a light modulator. The illumination system comprises at least one light source, a curved reflecting component, a phosphor wheel, a polarizer and a half wave retarder. The light provided by the at least one light source passes through the curved reflecting component and the phosphor wheel to provide a first light in a first time sequence and a second light in a second time sequence. The first light and the second light are transformed into a first polarized light and a second polarized light respectively in different time sequences by the polarizer and the half wave retarder.

Abstract: A system and method for improving stereoscopic images produced by a projecting device containing a single chip DMD, seen through an eye-switching device, such as a pair of liquid crystal (LC) shutter glasses. The system and method are used with a video projector used with a multiple-color, color switching device The color switching device produces Blue, Red and Green lights and at least one non-critical segment. A color sequencing firmware resident in the video projector is used to align a non-critical segment in front of the projector's main light source during the eye-switching device's unstable transition phase. If the non-critical segment is transmissive, the firmware controls the DMD so light is discontinued. If the non-critical segment is non-transmissive, light is physically blocked. If the non-critical segment is electronically defined, the firmware directly controls the DMD to discontinue the transmission of light for the duration of device's unstable transition phase.

Abstract: The present disclosure may provide an image projection apparatus including a light source configured to generate a light bundle, a display element configured to form an image using the light bundle, and a illumination system disposed between the light source and the display element, wherein the illumination system includes a plurality of lenses disposed to illuminate the light bundle to the display element, and a polarization forming unit disposed between the plurality of lenses to convert the light bundle into polarized light in the illumination system so as to implement stereoscopic images.

Abstract: Three dimensional projection systems may be single projector or multiple projector systems. These 3D projection systems may include a one or more polarization conversion systems (PCS). Each PCS may be designed for relatively small throw ratios and thus, may be designed to accommodate the small throw ratios. Each PCS may include a polarizing beam splitter, a first optical stack, a reflector and a second quarter wave retarder. The first optical stack may include a rotator, a polarizer, a polarization switch and a first quarter wave retarder. Each PCS may receive light from a respective projector, and the PBS in each PCS may direct the light toward the first optical stacks. The light may be converted to a different polarization state as it passes through the first optical stack. The converted light may then be re-directed by a reflecting element to a second quarter wave retarder. The second quarter wave retarder may convert linearly polarized light to circularly polarized light.

Abstract: A wavelength separation device includes a waveplate adapted to convert the polarization direction of light in a predetermined wavelength band so that right-eye and left-eye image light in a time-divisional manner can be separated into first outgoing light as first polarized light in a first wavelength band and second outgoing light as second polarized light in a second wavelength band, a polarization control element adapted to keep the polarization direction of the first and the second outgoing light input from the waveplate in the case of either one of the right-eye and the left-eye image light, and respectively change the polarization direction of the first and the second outgoing light input from the waveplate in the case of the other thereof, and a polarization plate adapted to absorb one of the first polarized light and the second polarized light, and transmit the other thereof.

Abstract: An optical projection device comprises an imaging device adapted to generate a first and a second image in a first and a second light beam, respectively, a first converting device that is adapted to convert a polarization state of one of the first and the second light beams into a converted polarization state, so that the first and the second light beams are in different polarization states, and a relay lens that is adapted to generate an intermediate image, by superimposing the first and the second images. The relay lens comprises a combining device, that is adapted to combine the first and the second light beams. The optical projection device further comprises a projection lens that is adapted to project the intermediate image onto a screen.

Abstract: Proposed are various embodiments of projection systems that generally provide stereoscopic images. The projection systems act to split a spatially separated image in a stereoscopic image frame and superimpose the left- and right-eye images on a projection screen with orthogonal polarization states. The embodiments are generally well suited to liquid crystal polarization based projection systems and may use advanced polarization control.

Abstract: A projector includes a liquid crystal light valve to which first image data and second image data are alternately written and a polarization switching device that has a plurality of switching areas and switches a polarization state between a first polarization state and a second polarization state for each of the switching areas. A boundary position between a switching area that provides the first polarization state and a switching area that provides the second polarization state moves in synchronization with a boundary position between an area where the first image data is written and an area where the second image data is written.

Abstract: A polarization controller adapted to output respective projection lights for a right-eye image and a left-eye image that are incident from a projector to a screen in different polarization directions, includes: a liquid crystal device adapted to change the polarization directions of the projection lights; and a controller adapted to control the liquid crystal device so that the respective projection lights for the right-eye image and the left-eye image have different polarization directions, wherein the controller performs control for mirror-reversing the polarization directions of the projection lights in the liquid crystal device according to a control signal indicating whether the projector performs mirror reversal of the right-eye image and the left-eye image, input from the projector.

Abstract: Projection systems and methods for providing stereoscopic images viewed through passive polarizing eyewear. The systems relate to projectors that create left and right eye images simultaneously and often as side-by-side images on the image modulator. The systems act to superimpose the spatially separated images on a projection screen with alternate polarization states. The embodiments are best suited to liquid crystal polarization based projection systems and use advanced polarization control.

Abstract: A polarization converting element group for a projection apparatus is disclosed. The polarization converting element group includes a polarization beam splitter and a half wave plate. The polarization beam splitter splits a light beam into a first polarized light beam with a first polarization direction and a second polarized light beam with a second polarization direction. The half wave plate is placed next to the polarization beam splitter and reciprocally moves between the first and second position. At different time points, the half wave plate changes the polarization direction of the first light beam or the second light beam passing therethrough. With this arrangement, the light beam that exits the polarization converting element group will either be a uniform first polarized light with a first polarization direction or a uniform second polarized light with a second polarization direction.