Abstract: Systems and methods for interweaving infrared and visible moving image data using a single optical system and imager device based on an infrared input signal and a visible input signal are disclosed. Infrared image frames can be substituted in for complete visible image input frames or for partial visible image input frames, i.e. substituting in an infrared image input frame for one or more of the color channels in one or more visible image input frames. Moving video or computer-generated moving graphics can include both infrared and visible image data to be displayed users viewing the resulting images with and without night vision imaging devices. In particular, the system and method can be used in projection systems for night-vision imaging device team training simulators to reduce the cost of the system while increasing the ease of use and performance of such systems.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatuses and systems for providing illumination for projectors. Two or more sets of reflectors are used to combine light beams emitted by two or more two-dimensional arrays of light sources to provide a combined light beam with high brightness toward a pupil of a projection system. Solid state light sources, such as diode lasers and LEDs, may be used as light sources at relatively low cost and low powers, and with long lifetime.

Abstract: An optical device for an image projector for providing a projected wide field of view image, includes a first dichroic mirror or splitter, arranged in an input path for receiving light of a plurality of wavelength bands, and adapted to output by reflection on a first path respective first portions of selected ones of the wavelength bands and by transmission on a second path respective second portions of the selected ones of the wavelength bands. Light modulating devices, arranged in respective ones of the first and second paths to receive the first and second portions, generate and output on respective first and second intersecting output paths modulated ones of the first and second portions.

Abstract: An optical device for an image projector for providing a projected wide field of view image, includes a first dichroic mirror or splitter, arranged in an input path for receiving light of a plurality of wavelength bands, and adapted to output by reflection on a first path respective first portions of selected ones of the wavelength bands and by transmission on a second path respective second portions of the selected ones of the wavelength bands. Light modulating devices, arranged in respective ones of the first and second paths to receive the first and second portions, generate and output on respective first and second intersecting output paths modulated ones of the first and second portions.

Abstract: A multi-lamp arrangement for optical systems includes plural lamps and a collective light guide, where each lamp is positioned such as to transmit light into respective light guides that are both optically connected to the collective light guide. In one embodiment, one of the lamps is optically connected to the collective light guide by a mirror and-prism arrangement and an intermediate light guide and an intermediate mirror-and-prism arrangement. An augmented color modulator may be provided with a number of color fields, where the number of identical color fields is equal to the number of lamps.

Abstract: A multi-lamp arrangement for optical systems comprising two lamps or more (10, 15) and a collective light guide (58), where each lamp is positioned such as to transmit light (20) into respective light guides (36, 46) that are both optically connected to the collective light guide (58). In one embodiment, one of the lamps is optically connected to the collective light guide by means of a mirror (38)-and-prism (40) arrangement and an intermediate light guide (30) and an intermediate mirror (32)-and-prism (34) arrangement. The invention also comprises an augmented color modulator (62) with a number of color fields, where the number of identical color fields are equal to the number of lamps. The invented multi-lamp system will produce a flux level that is equal to or better than known systems but with fewer lamps, thus yielding reduced material cost, manufaturing cost and operating costs, reduced power consumption and reduced product temeperature.

Abstract: A multi-lamp arrangement for optical systems includes plural lamps and a collective light guide, where each lamp is positioned such as to transmit light into respective light guides that are both optically connected to the collective light guide. In one embodiment, one of the lamps is optically connected to the collective light guide by a mirror and-prism arrangement and an intermediate light guide and an intermediate mirror-and-prism arrangement. An augmented color modulator may be provided with a number of color fields, where the number of identical color fields is equal to the number of lamps.