Abstract: The addition of DMD illumination modulator(s) 702 in series with projection SLM(s) 706/709 to produce high-performance projection displays with improved optical efficiency, reliability, and lower maintenance requirements. This approach eliminates the vibration, audible noise, and safety problems associated with high speed rotating color filter wheels 203 commonly used in SLM projectors and controls the light applied to individual areas of the projection SLM(s).

Abstract: An adjustable aperture system includes a stationary aperture operable to remove a portion of a lower intensity light communicated through a light bundle. The system also includes an adjustable aperture comprising a notch and capable of varying an amount of projection light communicated through the light bundle. In one particular embodiment, the notch operates to reduce the effect of the adjustable aperture on a high intensity light communicated through the light bundle. The system further includes a control motor operable to receive a control signal and to selectively manipulate the adjustable aperture.

Abstract: According to one embodiment a method for aligning a light source includes providing a lamp and a lamp interface. The lamp interface has an alignment aperture disposed thereon. The method also includes aligning the lamp with respect to the lamp interface until a desired amount of light is focused on the alignment aperture. The method further includes fixing the lamp to the lamp aperture to form an aligned lamp assembly after obtaining a desired lamp alignment. Then the aligned lamp assembly is coupled to an integrating rod.

Abstract: A lens system for providing undistorted illumination image onto a light receiving surface such as a DMD™ (digital micromirror device) light modulator with a TIR (total internal reflection) prism arrangement by supporting the receiving face of the TIR prism arrangement at an angle with support to the principal plane of a focusing lens. The angle is used to vary the air gap between the focusing lens and the TIR prism arrangement such that the total or reflective optical path through the air gap and the TIR prism arrangement is a constant.

Abstract: A sequential color display system using a white light source (202) to create a full color image projected onto an image plane (214). A dynamic filter (206), typically a series of moving dichroic filters, generates a series of primary colored light beams that are swept across the surface of a spatial light modulator (210). Light rejected by the dynamic filter (206) enters a light recycler (204) and is reapplied to the dynamic filter (206). The light recycler is typically one or more reflective surfaces, including mirrors, baffles, enclosures, lamp reflectors, TIR surfaces, or specially coated material arranged in such a way as to encourage light toward an aperture separating the light recycler (204) and the dynamic filter (206). Typically all three primary colors are produced simultaneously by the dynamic filter (206).