Abstract: An optical system for projecting an image having x and y axes onto a image plane is provided. The system includes an SLM device spaced from the image plane, the SLM device having a plurality of pixels operable to project pixels of the image onto the image plane and positioned such that the individual pixels of the projected image are oriented at substantially 45 degrees relative to the x and y axes of the image. The system further includes an optic element disposed between the SLM device and the image plane and a linear displacement device operatively connected to and operable to selectively displace at least one of the SLM device and the optic element. A method for projecting an image onto a image plane is also provided.

Abstract: An optical system is provided for projecting an image having x and y axes onto print material. The system includes an SLM device spaced from the print material, the SLM device having a plurality of pixels operable to project pixels of the image onto the print material and positioned such that the individual pixels of the projected image are oriented at substantially 45 degrees relative to the x and y axes of the image. The system further includes a modulating device operable to create relative movement between the print material and the projected image to provide increased image resolution and dithering.

Abstract: Methods for measuring and automatically controlling the light distribution and overall brightness in electronic-based spatial light modulator projection display systems. One method takes a small fraction of the projected light from a partial turning mirror 407 in the projector's optics path and focuses this light on to a detector 420 for use in controlling the light distribution and brightness of the system. Another method uses an array of embedded light sensors 518-522 at chosen locations on the surface of a display screen 517 to control the light distribution and brightness parameters of the projection system. Both methods use a micro-controller, servomotors, and an adjustable power supply, controlled by the detector/sensor outputs, to maintain the desired light distribution and brightness in the projected image.

Abstract: A full color projection system is disclosed herein. The projection system includes a means for generating a first light beam and also a means for generating a second light beam. These means may include either separate light sources 10a and 10b or a single light source 10 and a means for dividing the light source into the first and second light beams. In two examples, the means for dividing may include either a dichroic color wheel 40 or a color splitting prism 52. When a color splitting prism is used, they prisms are separated by an air gas where the distance of the air gap is determined by the size of spacer balls suspended in an adhesive between the two prisms. The first light beam will be modulated by a first spatial light modulator 30a and the second light beam will be modulated by a second spatial light modulator 30b. These spatial light modulators 30a and 30b are preferably, but not in necessarily digital micromirror devices.

Abstract: A color wheel (15) for use in a display system (10). The color wheel (15) is comprised of a rigid hub (23) and an outer perimeter of color filter segments (21), which are made from a thin plastic material.

Abstract: A full color projection system is disclosed herein. The projection system includes a means for generating a first light beam and also a means for generating a second light beam. These means may include either separate light sources 10a and 10b or a single light source 10 and a means for dividing the light source into the first and second light beams. In two examples, the means for dividing may include either a dichroic color wheel 40 or a color splitting prism 52. The first light beam will be modulated by a first spatial light modulator 30a and the second light beam will be modulated by a second spatial light modulator 30b. These spatial light modulators 30a and 30b are preferably, but not in necessarily digital micromirror devices.

Abstract: A package (44) for a semiconductor device (10) includes aceramic base (46, 146) with a mounting surface (50, 150) for supporting the device (10) and a light-transmissive cover (42, 142). A refractory seal ring (70) is fused to the base (46, 146) and to conductive paths (22) thereon. The upper surface (72) of the seal ring (70) is rendered optically flat with a selected angular relationship to the mounting surface (50). The upper and lower faces (76 & 78) of the cover (42, 142) are rendered optically flat with a selected angular relationship to each other, so that with an outer portion of the lower face (78) resting on the upper surface (72) of the seal ring (70), the faces (76, 78) have a selected angular relationship with the mounting surface (50, 150). The package (44) is expedient where the device (10) includes DMD's (30) having deflectable, light-reflective beams (32).