Abstract: A color separation optical plate is described which is superimposed onto a transmissive LCD panel. The color separation plate separates incident white light into its red/green/blue (RGB) components and guides each component through the appropriate sub-pixel (dot) of the LCD panel. The color separation plate utilizes a microprism array of direct vision microprisms each having a combination of refractive and gradient index optics to concentrate the light onto the appropriate dot and to separate the colors. This combination has the theoretical capability of increasing color LCD panel transmissivity by as much as a factor of six.

Abstract: A projector system includes a light pipe integrator (LPI) between its lamp and its projection lens system. The LPI is hollow, formed from sheet metal, and has an internal cold mirror coating which reflects visible light and passes infra-red radiation. The reflector is a compound reflector having profiles of two ellipses with different eccentricities.

Abstract: A projector system includes a lamp, a reflector collector optic, a light pipe, a Polarizing Beam Splitter (PBS), and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel. The light pipe has a square or octagonal entrance pupil, reflecting internal walls coated with a cold mirror coating, is tapered in shape, and has a rectangular exit pupil. The PBS converts an unpolarized beam from the exit pupil of the light pipe into a uni-polarized beam which it directs to the LCD panel.

Abstract: A projector system includes a lamp, a reflector collector optic, relay optics to image the light from the light pipe exit pupil to the image gate, a light pipe and an image forming means such as a film gate or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel. The light pipe has a round or octagonal entrance pupil, reflecting internal walls, is tapered in shape, and has a rectangular exit pupil which is larger than a center section in cross-section. The light pipe mixes the light, by internal reflection, and produces light which is uniform in color and intensity across the exit pupil.

Abstract: A reflecting mirror for reflecting a beam of light emitted from a light source along an optical axis, the mirror comprising at least two spherical sections. Each section is arranged to produce an image of the light source adjacent to but not coincident with the light source.

Abstract: A reflector assembly for projecting a beam of light along an optical axis, the assembly including an enclosure having an aperture for projecting the beam of light and a source of light mounted within the enclosure. A reflecting mirror is disposed within the enclosure and arranged to move axially with respect to the optical axis of the beam of light between positions adjacent the aperture and remote from the aperture. A plurality of reflector segments are disposed between the movable reflector and the aperture in the enclosure, the segments each being defined as a portion of a cone or cylinder and with gaps therebetween arranged so as to permit the passage of air between the segments.