Abstract: A dual-modulation projection system (100) includes a light source (102), a phase modulator (104), an amplitude modulator (106), and a controller (110) having temporal lightfield simulation capabilities (114). The phase modulator (104) spatially modulates a lightfield from the light source (102) to generate an intermediate image on the amplitude modulator (106). The amplitude modulator (106) spatially modulates the intermediate image to form a final image. The controller (110) models the phase state of the phase modulator (104) during transitions between phase modulator frames and generates lightfield simulations of the intermediate image during the transition. The controller (110) utilizes the lightfield simulations to generate and provide sets of amplitude drive values to the amplitude modulator (106) at a faster rate than that at which the phase modulator (104) is capable of switching.

Abstract: 3D glasses include an absorptive layer in a single lens of the glasses. The absorptive layer may be specifically tailored for spectral separation characteristics of a 3D filter portion of the lens. The absorptive layer may be combined with, and work in conjunction with, interference layers of a lens while also operating separately as an absorber. The absorptive layer may include biometric variations and/or positive runout. The absorptive layer may selectively absorb more of one color than other colors. A balancing absorber may be included in an opposite eye channel.

Abstract: A novel spatial light modulator (SLM) includes a cover glass, and modulation layer, and a plurality of pixel mirrors, and separates unwanted, reflected light from desired, modulated light. In one embodiment, a geometrical relationship exists between the cover glass and the pixel mirrors, such that light that reflects from the cover glass is separated from light that reflects from the pixel mirrors and is transmitted from the SLM. In one example, one of the cover glass or the pixel mirrors is angled with respect to the modulation layer. In another example embodiment, the cover glass has a particular thickness, which introduces destructive interference between light that reflects from the top and bottom surfaces of the cover glass. In another embodiment antireflective coatings are disposed between optical interfaces of the SLM. In another embodiment, light from the SLM is directed through an optical filter to remove unwanted light.

Abstract: A novel spatial light modulator (SLM) includes a cover glass, and modulation layer, and a plurality of pixel mirrors, and separates unwanted, reflected light from desired, modulated light. In one embodiment, a geometrical relationship exists between the cover glass and the pixel mirrors, such that light that reflects from the cover glass is separated from light that reflects from the pixel mirrors and is transmitted from the SLM. In one example, one of the cover glass or the pixel mirrors is angled with respect to the modulation layer. In another example embodiment, the cover glass has a particular thickness, which introduces destructive interference between light that reflects from the top and bottom surfaces of the cover glass. In another embodiment antireflective coatings are disposed between optical interfaces of the SLM. In another embodiment, light from the SLM is directed through an optical filter to remove unwanted light.

Abstract: A novel light source for a 3D display system includes a plurality of left eye light emitters and a plurality of right eye light emitters. The left eye emitters include a broad spectral distribution emitter and an overlapping narrow spectral distribution emitter in each of the blue, green, and red color bands. Similarly, the right eye emitters include a broad spectral distribution emitter and an overlapping narrow spectral distribution emitter in each of the blue, green, and red color bands. The combined spectral distributions of each of the broad and narrow emitters provide a primary light for each color and for each eye that has a desirable spectral shape, including wide bandwidth and short tail(s). The invention thus minimizes cross-talk and speckling in left- and right-eye images of 3D display systems.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the spectrum of stimulated Raman scattering that is used for despeckling of digitally projected images. The stimulated Raman scattering is utilized to add wavelength diversity for reduced speckle and to change the color of the light to a more desirable combination of wavelengths. Digital projection with color-sequential projectors may be enabled by alternately switching the Raman spectrum between green and red. Improved projector transmission may be achieved by minimizing the amount of yellow light generated in the Raman spectrum.

Abstract: A projector system comprising a laser light source, a collimating lens, a fly-eye lens, an integrating rod and a first modulator is disclosed. The light from a laser light source/fiber illuminates a collimator to substantially collimate the light and then is transmitted through a fly's-eye lens. The fly's-eye lens provides a desired angular/spatial light distribution for further processing to a first modulator of the projector system.

Abstract: Projection systems and/or methods comprising a blurring element are disclosed. In one embodiment, a blurring element may comprise a first plate having a pattern on a first surface and second plate. The first plate and the second plate may comprise material having a slight difference in their respective index of refraction. In another embodiment, a blurring element may comprise a first plate having a pattern thereon and a second immersing material. The blurring element may be placed in between two modulators in a dual or multi-modulator projector system. The blurring element may be configured to give a desired shape to the light transmitted from a first modulator to a second modulator.

Abstract: A novel projection system includes first and second light sources (e.g., sets of lasers), a spatial light modulator (SLM) that receives light from the first light source, and a beam steering device that receives light from the second light source and steers the light to highlight regions of the SLM. The SLM then modulates the light from both light sources to generate a highlighted imaging beam which can then be projected on a viewing surface. The highlighted imaging beam can represent a highlighted 2D image or a highlighted left- or right-eye view of a 3D image. The projection system thus improves peak brightness in the displayed highlighted images without incorporating a separate highlight projector or other expensive equipment. Methods for highlighting projected images are also described.

Abstract: A novel light source for a 3D display system includes a plurality of left eye light emitters and a plurality of right eye light emitters. The left eye emitters include a broad spectral distribution emitter and an overlapping narrow spectral distribution emitter in each of the blue, green, and red color bands. Similarly, the right eye emitters include a broad spectral distribution emitter and an overlapping narrow spectral distribution emitter in each of the blue, green, and red color bands. The combined spectral distributions of each of the broad and narrow emitters provide a primary light for each color and for each eye that has a desirable spectral shape, including wide bandwidth and short tail(s). The invention thus minimizes cross-talk and speckling in left- and right-eye images of 3D display systems.

Abstract: A novel projection system includes a base signal source, a highlight signal source, a base/highlight destination, and a shared optical element. A base signal provided by the base source and a highlight signal provided by the highlight source are combined by the shared optical element. In a particular embodiment, the base signal source and the highlight signal source each include a light source, a spatial light modulator, and optics, and the base/highlight destination includes optics and a spatial light modulator. In a more particular embodiment, the base signal source and the highlight source provide spatially modulated lightfields to the shared optical element. In another particular embodiment, the base signal and the highlight signal are modulated by the spatial light modulator of the base/highlight destination after being combined.

Abstract: A projector system comprising a laser light source, a collimating lens, a fly-eye lens, an integrating rod and a first modulator is disclosed. The light from a laser light source/fiber illuminates a collimator to substantially collimate the light and then is transmitted through a fly's-eye lens. The fly's-eye lens provides a desired angular/spatial light distribution for further processing to a first modulator of the projector system.

Abstract: A novel projection system includes first and second light sources (e.g., sets of lasers), a spatial light modulator (SLM) that receives light from the first light source, and a beam steering device that receives light from the second light source and steers the light to highlight regions of the SLM. The SLM then modulates the light from both light sources to generate a highlighted imaging beam which can then be projected on a viewing surface. The highlighted imaging beam can represent a highlighted 2D image or a highlighted left- or right-eye view of a 3D image. The projection system thus improves peak brightness in the displayed highlighted images without incorporating a separate highlight projector or other expensive equipment. Methods for highlighting projected images are also described.

Abstract: A novel light source for a 3D display system includes a plurality of left eye light emitters and a plurality of right eye light emitters. The left eye emitters include a broad spectral distribution emitter and an overlapping narrow spectral distribution emitter in each of the blue, green, and red color bands. Similarly, the right eye emitters include a broad spectral distribution emitter and an overlapping narrow spectral distribution emitter in each of the blue, green, and red color bands. The combined spectral distributions of each of the broad and narrow emitters provide a primary light for each color and for each eye that has a desirable spectral shape, including wide bandwidth and short tail(s). The invention thus minimizes cross-talk and speckling in left- and right-eye images of 3D display systems.

Abstract: A novel spatial light modulator (SLM) includes a cover glass, and modulation layer, and a plurality of pixel mirrors, and separates unwanted, reflected light from desired, modulated light. In one embodiment, a geometrical relationship exists between the cover glass and the pixel mirrors, such that light that reflects from the cover glass is separated from light that reflects from the pixel mirrors and is transmitted from the SLM. In one example, one of the cover glass or the pixel mirrors is angled with respect to the modulation layer. In another example embodiment, the cover glass has a particular thickness, which introduces destructive interference between light that reflects from the top and bottom surfaces of the cover glass. In another embodiment antireflective coatings are disposed between optical interfaces of the SLM. In another embodiment, light from the SLM is directed through an optical filter to remove unwanted light.

Abstract: A novel projection system includes a base signal source, a highlight signal source, a base/highlight destination, and a shared optical element. A base signal provided by the base source and a highlight signal provided by the highlight source are combined by the shared optical element. In a particular embodiment, the base signal source and the highlight signal source each include a light source, a spatial light modulator, and optics, and the base/highlight destination includes optics and a spatial light modulator. In a more particular embodiment, the base signal source and the highlight source provide spatially modulated lightfields to the shared optical element. In another particular embodiment, the base signal and the highlight signal are modulated by the spatial light modulator of the base/highlight destination after being combined.

Abstract: A novel spatial light modulator (SLM) includes a cover glass, and modulation layer, and a plurality of pixel mirrors, and separates unwanted, reflected light from desired, modulated light. In one embodiment, a geometrical relationship exists between the cover glass and the pixel mirrors, such that light that reflects from the cover glass is separated from light that reflects from the pixel mirrors and is transmitted from the SLM. In one example, one of the cover glass or the pixel mirrors is angled with respect to the modulation layer. In another example embodiment, the cover glass has a particular thickness, which introduces destructive interference between light that reflects from the top and bottom surfaces of the cover glass. In another embodiment antireflective coatings are disposed between optical interfaces of the SLM. In another embodiment, light from the SLM is directed through an optical filter to remove unwanted light.

Abstract: A lens bears a plurality of roll-coated layers to pass, to one eye of a viewer, a first image, in a first band of wavelengths, that is appropriate for 3D viewing of a stereoscopic image.

Abstract: Projection systems and/or methods comprising a blurring element are disclosed. In one embodiment, a blurring element may comprise a first plate having a pattern on a first surface and second plate. The first plate and the second plate may comprise material having a slight difference in their respective index of refraction. In another embodiment, a blurring element may comprise a first plate having a pattern thereon and a second immersing material. The blurring element may be placed in between two modulators in a dual or multi-modulator projector system. The blurring element may be configured to give a desired shape to the light transmitted from a first modulator to a second modulator.