Abstract: Prism assemblies for projector display systems disclosed receive inputs from discrete color channels (e.g., red, green and blue channels. In one embodiment, “off state” light from the red, green, and blue DLP modulation may be reflected away from on-state light paths within the prism, tending to avoid uncontrolled scatter. In other embodiments, by keeping the colors separate for much of the prism path length, power levels may be significantly reduced at typical failure points. Light efficiency may be increased significantly when using discrete light sources like LEDs and lasers by removal of the additional red, green, and blue separation and re-combination losses.

Abstract: Projection systems and/or methods for efficient use of light by recycling a portion of the light energy for future use are disclosed. In one embodiment, a projection display system is disclosed comprising a light source; an integrating rod that receives light from said light source at a proximal end that comprise a reflective surface which may reflecting/recycle light down said integrating rod; of reflecting light down said integrating rod; a relay optical system, said relay optical system further comprising optical elements that are capable of moving the focal plane of the projector display system; and a modulator comprising at least one moveable mirror that reflects light received from the integrating rod in either a projection direction or a light recycling direction.

Abstract: Integrating rod modules are disclosed comprising a plurality of single and/or solid integrating rods that are mated together by straps. Such modules tend to comprise a greater length than the single and/or solid integrating rods and provide good illumination to a modulator that light from a light source is transmitted through the integrating rod module. The straps may comprise a material (e.g., glass) that has substantially same or similar thermal characteristics as the integrating rods. The straps may be glued to the integrating rods by a glue having a substantially different (e.g., lower) index of refraction than the integrating rods, so as not to disturb the internal reflectance of the rods. The straps may be reinforced by braces that may allow the integrating rod module to be set within a projection display system at an angle substantially different from horizontal.

Abstract: Discrete light fiber inputs for high powered image projector display systems are disclosed herein. Various embodiments disclosed herein may employ a bundle of light fiber inputs, a diffuser and reducing relay optic to convert the fiber input array into a smaller pattern of spots that may be interfaced to a projector display system that may perform light recycling. Many embodiments herein may facilitate higher power laser light for illumination and, possibly, recycling. In these embodiments, laser fibers may be individually collimated and illuminate a diffuser. The diffuser spots may be then imaged through a common path relay that can be resized to allow room for the individual lasers and collimation lenses. The diffuser spots may be imaged through holes in a mirror that is on the input side of an integration rod which recycles the light.

Abstract: An imaging lens system allows for the use of interchangeable lens elements. The interchangeable element may be any type of device that affects the image produced by the imaging lens and is preferably inserted into the lens at a position at or near the aperture stop. The lens housing preferably includes an insertion area which allows for the placement of the interchangeable element.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus for two-stage light modulation in high-definition digital projection or cinema can include two light modulators. Each light modulator can include a multi-chip imaging system coupled to a total internal reflection prism (TIR) system, which has a light input face and an on-state face. Relay optics can be positioned between the two light modulators. The relay optics can be configured to defocus light received from the pre-modulator and to provide defocused light to the prime modulator using a substantially Gaussian pixel shaping function. The prime modulator can be oriented to receive defocused light from the relay optics at the light input face of its TIR prism system. The pre-modulator can be oriented backwards, so as to receive source light at the on-state face of its TIR prism system and to output pre-modulated light to the relay optics via the light input face of the TIR prism system.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus for two-stage light modulation in high-definition digital projection or cinema can include two light modulators. Each light modulator can include a multi-chip imaging system coupled to a total internal reflection prism (TIR) system, which has a light input face and an on-state face. Relay optics can be positioned between the two light modulators. The relay optics can be configured to defocus light received from the pre-modulator and to provide defocused light to the prime modulator using a substantially Gaussian pixel shaping function. The prime modulator can be oriented to receive defocused light from the relay optics at the light input face of its TIR prism system. The pre-modulator can be oriented backwards, so as to receive source light at the on-state face of its TIR prism system and to output pre-modulated light to the relay optics via the light input face of the TIR prism system.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus for two-stage light modulation in high-definition digital projection or cinema can include two light modulators. Each light modulator can include a multi-chip imaging system coupled to a total internal reflection prism (TIR) system, which has a light input face and an on-state face. Relay optics can be positioned between the two light modulators. The relay optics can be configured to defocus light received from the pre-modulator and to provide defocused light to the prime modulator using a substantially Gaussian pixel shaping function. The prime modulator can be oriented to receive defocused light from the relay optics at the light input face of its TIR prism system. The pre-modulator can be oriented backwards, so as to receive source light at the on-state face of its TIR prism system and to output pre-modulated light to the relay optics via the light input face of the TIR prism system.

Abstract: A relay lens system is provided. The relay lens system comprises: an air-spaced doublet comprising: a biconvex lens and a negative meniscus lens, an optical axis of the air-spaced doublet offset between the biconvex lens and the negative meniscus lens, each of the biconvex lens, the negative meniscus lens, an air space there between and an offset of the optical axis there between are selected to adjust the coma in an image travelling there through; and, a pair of cylindrical lenses, cylindrical with a relay optical path through the system, each of the pair of cylindrical lenses, and a respective air space there between, selected to adjust the astigmatism in the image.

Abstract: A relay lens system is provided. The relay lens system comprises: an air-spaced doublet comprising: a biconvex lens and a negative meniscus lens, an optical axis of the air-spaced doublet offset between the biconvex lens and the negative meniscus lens, each of the biconvex lens, the negative meniscus lens, an air space there between and an offset of the optical axis there between are selected to adjust the coma in an image travelling there through; and, a pair of cylindrical lenses, cylindrical with a relay optical path through the system, each of the pair of cylindrical lenses, and a respective air space there between, selected to adjust the astigmatism in the image.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus for two-stage light modulation in high-definition digital projection or cinema can include two light modulators. Each light modulator can include a multi-chip imaging system coupled to a total internal reflection prism (TIR) system, which has a light input face and an on-state face. Relay optics can be positioned between the two light modulators. The relay optics can be configured to defocus light received from the pre-modulator and to provide defocused light to the prime modulator using a substantially Gaussian pixel shaping function. The prime modulator can be oriented to receive defocused light from the relay optics at the light input face of its TIR prism system. The pre-modulator can be oriented backwards, so as to receive source light at the on-state face of its TIR prism system and to output pre-modulated light to the relay optics via the light input face of the TIR prism system.