Single Light Modulator Patents (Class 348/759)
  • Patent number: 8077185
    Abstract: A system and method for displaying video images in response to each frame of field-sequential video signals. The system comprises a backlight comprising first, second and third primary color light sources. The backlight is operable to emit light for at most 5.67 milliseconds of each frame (on-time), and to emit no light during the remainder of each frame (off-time). During a portion of the on-time, at least two of the primary color light sources are on simultaneously. For another portion of the on-time, the primary color light sources are on sequentially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Martin G. Selbrede, Rick Zemen
  • Publication number: 20110279739
    Abstract: A system including a plurality of pixels disposed on a substrate forming a screen. A signal, such as an image, can be projected on the screen. The pixels of the screen include a sensor configured to sense a portion of the signal, an emitter, and circuitry. In response to information sensed in the signal, the circuitry can be configured to drive the emitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Rowan Nairn, Philipp Schmaelzle
  • Publication number: 20110267550
    Abstract: A light modulation assembly for a digital projection apparatus comprising: a solid-state light source that provides an illumination beam; a spatial light modulator having a plurality of tiltable micro-mirrors, each micro-mirror being actuable to tilt with respect to a tilt axis between a first tilt position that provides on-state light and a second tilt position that provides off state light, and wherein the micro-mirrors deflect the illumination beam along an arced path defining a deflection plane as they are tilted between the first tilt position and the second tilt position; and a light baffle disposed alongside the optical axis and in the path of the off state light from the micro-mirrors, the light baffle having a light-trapping surface adapted to absorb the off-state light from the micro-mirrors on the spatial light modulator, the light-trapping surface having a plurality of protruding fins that extend outward from the light-trapping surface at an oblique angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Jesse J. Coleman, James Mazzarella, James R. Kircher
  • Publication number: 20110157487
    Abstract: A projection type video display device is provided, which is capable of displaying a plurality of kinds of input videos with different aspect ratios without requiring cumbersome adjustment operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tamotsu Akeyama
  • Publication number: 20110025930
    Abstract: An integrated photonics module includes at least one light source and a MEMS scanner coupled to and held in alignment by an optical frame configured for mounting to a host system. According to some embodiments, the integrated photonics module may include a plurality of light sources and a beam combiner coupled to the optical frame. According to some embodiments, the integrated photonics module includes a selective fold mirror configured to direct at least a portion of emitted light toward the MEMS scanner in a normal direction and pass scanned light through to a field of view. The selective fold mirror may use beam polarization to select beam passing and reflection. The integrated photonics module may include a beam rotator such as a quarter-wave plate to convert the polarization of the emitted light to a different polarization adapted for passage through the fold mirror. The integrated photonics module may include one or more light detectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: MICROVISION, INC.
    Inventors: Randall B. Sprague, Joshua O. Miller, Margaret K. Brown, Mark O. Freeman, Maarten Niesten, Bin Xue, Christopher A. Wiklof
  • Patent number: 7847795
    Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, a method and system for controlling spatial light modulator buses are provided. In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a bus controller includes a configurable bus interface having first and second modes of operation. The first mode of operation is configured to interface with a single spatial light modulator. The second mode of operation is configured to interface in parallel with a plurality of spatial light modulators. In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of controlling a bus includes configuring a bus interface of a bus controller to interface in parallel with a plurality of digital micromirror devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Hector C. Rodriguez, James N. Hall
  • Publication number: 20100302467
    Abstract: A projector includes: a speaker adapted to output a sound; a light source; a light modulation device; a projection optical system adapted to project an image modulated by the light modulation device; a cover member, and moving between a blocking position for blocking the light and an transmitting position for transmitting the light; a position detection section adapted to detect the position of the cover member; a microphone input terminal to which a microphone is connected; a microphone connection detection section; a loading section adapted to load a recording medium; a reproduction section adapted to reproduce a content recorded on the recording medium loaded to the loading section; a content identification section adapted to identify a type of the content the reproduction section reproduces; and a control section adapted to switch states of the projector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Nagaharu
  • Patent number: 7806535
    Abstract: Described herein are devices that provide projection-type video output in a portable design. The projection-type display devices include a battery that stores electrical energy. The battery increases display device portability and flexible usage by permitting display device operation in locations not serviceable by a fixed power supply. For example, inclusion of a battery extends projector-type display device usage into a car, library, remote environment, or any other setting where fixed power outlets are not readily available or within power cord reach. To increase device endurance from a finite battery power supply, the present invention may also implement one or more hardware designs that reduce power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: William J. Plut
  • Publication number: 20100238141
    Abstract: A projection system includes a screen, a projection display apparatus for projecting a video image on the screen, and a mount base provided below a projection surface of the screen, for carrying a subject on its upper surface. The projection display apparatus is mechanically coupled to the screen such that video image light from the projection display apparatus is displayed on the screen. Projection display apparatus includes a light source, an imaging portion including the upper surface of the mount base at least in an imaging area, a light modulation portion for modulating light from the light source to generate the video image light based on an input video image or a video image picked up by the imaging portion, and a projection portion for projecting the video image light generated by the light modulation portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Kanayama, Masashi Oda, Yasuo Funazo, Takehiko Asano, Toshiya Iinuma, Hidehiro Ugaki, Masahiro Sata
  • Patent number: 7787172
    Abstract: The present invention provides a projection apparatus, that includes: a light source; a light source control unit for controlling the output of the light source; at least one spatial light modulator for modulating the illumination light from the light source by a plurality of pixel elements; and an optical system for projecting, onto a screen, the illumination light deflected by the spatial light modulator, wherein: the light source control unit performs a gamma (?) correction on input image data by a modulation control of the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignees: Silicon Quest Kabushiki-Kaisha, Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Shirai, Hirokazu Nishino, Yoshiaki Horikawa, Fusao Ishii
  • Publication number: 20100201895
    Abstract: An image projection system is presented. The system comprises an optical unit and a connectable thereto control unit. The optical unit is configured to define an illumination channel for illuminating an object, an imaging channel for creating an image of the object from light collected therefrom and generating image data indicative thereof, and a projection channel for projecting an image of the object on a projection target. The control unit is configured and operable for receiving and analyzing the image data, and for controlling the image creation and projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Michael GOLUB
  • Patent number: 7737989
    Abstract: System and method for computing coefficients for color correcting rendered colors used in displaying images. A preferred embodiment comprises measuring color values of light output for a display system, receiving color values of desired colors, and computing a color correction matrix based on the measured color values and the input color values. The color correction matrix may be used to modify color commands to a light engine of the display system. The modifications to the color commands permit the storage and use of a set of color commands designed for a reference display system, simplifying display system design and manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory S. Pettitt, Rajeev Ramanath
  • Patent number: 7724311
    Abstract: An optical projecting system includes a light-splitting unit for splitting composite source light into a plurality of composite light beam components, and a reflective color wheel rotatable about a rotation axis and including a plurality of multi-layer light-reflecting sections for further splitting each of the composite light beam components into a plurality of colored light beam components for subsequent modulation and projection. Each of the multi-layer light-reflecting sections includes a plurality of light-filtering layers stacked along the rotation axis, and each being capable of reflecting light within a predefined distinct wavelength range, and permitting transmission of light outside the predefined distinct wavelength range therethrough. Sequences of the light-filtering layers of an adjacent pair of the multi-layer light-reflecting sections are different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Po-Sung Kao, Te-Wei Liu
  • Patent number: 7703930
    Abstract: Described herein are devices that provide projection-type video output in a portable and flexible design. The design includes a projection chamber, a base, and an interface that permits relative positioning between the projection chamber and base. The base maintains the position of the display device. The projection chamber includes components responsible for the production of images based on received video data and components responsible for the projection of those images. Relative pointing between the projection chamber and base allows the projection chamber to be pointed—and an output projected image to be positioned—with minimal effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: William J. Plut
  • Patent number: 7654676
    Abstract: An image projection system has a first lens with a defined entrance pupil. An image source has an image field and a defined exit pupil. The exit pupil of the image source is configured such that the exit pupil of the image source underfills the entrance pupil of the lens for portions of the image source that are not in the center portion of the image field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew B. Dubin, Brent D. Larson
  • Publication number: 20090244407
    Abstract: An image display device includes an optical scanning part, a drive control part which supplies an electric current to lasers, and a light detecting part. The drive control part supplies an electric current to the lasers while changing a current value at two points or more when a scanning position of the light scanned by the optical scanning part is at a predetermined position outside an effective scanning range. Based on intensity of an inspection-use light detected by the light detecting part, current-light emitting quantity characteristics of the lasers are calculated, and electric currents supplied to the lasers are adjusted based on a result of the calculation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masahiro Sakakibara
  • Publication number: 20090219493
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a projection type display apparatus, which modulates a laser beam generated from a laser beam generating element according to an input video signal and projects the modulated laser beam onto a screen via a projection lens so as to display a video, sets a light quantity of the laser beam based on information representing a size of the screen so that an optical power of the laser beam per unit area on the screen falls within a range conforming to predetermined safety standards and brightness on the screen can be secured at a maximum, and controls the laser beam generating element so that the laser beam of the set light quantity is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Katsuaki Okubo, Hisayuki Mihara
  • Publication number: 20090180038
    Abstract: The present invention provides a spatial light modulator, comprising: a plurality of pixel elements; and a control circuit for supplying control signal data to each pixel element in a time slot to control the pixel element to operate in an ON state, wherein the time slot includes a first time slot and a second time slot wherein the first time slot and the second time slot having an equal time interval and an ON state time interval in the second time slot is shorter than an ON state time interval in the first time slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Naoya Sugimoto, Yoshihiro Maeda, Kazuma Arai, Fusao Ishii
  • Publication number: 20090115917
    Abstract: A projection apparatus comprising a light source for projecting an illumination light through an illumination optical system to a spatial light modulator (SLM) for modulating the illumination light for generating and transmitting an image projection light to an image projection surface through a projection optical system to display an image. The projection apparatus further includes an image process unit for receiving and analyzing an input image data; and the image process unit applies a conversion process to a signal related to the input image data to generate different control patterns for a plurality of adjacent pixel elements included in the SLM for a predetermined period during at least one frame period to reproduce a gradation of the pixel whereby each of the plurality of adjacent pixel elements has a gradation of approximately a same level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Horikawa, Hirotoshi Ichikawa, Fusao Ishii
  • Publication number: 20090109350
    Abstract: A projector that includes: a light source; a light-on/off unit that turns on or off the light source; a recording medium reproduction unit that reproduces information recorded on a recording medium, and outputs a video signal; a video signal processing section that converts the video signal provided by the recording medium reproduction unit, and generates a projection-video-use video signal; a light modulation unit that modulates a light coming from the light source based on the video signal generated by the video signal processing section, and emits a resulting video light; a projection system that includes a projection lens, and magnifies and projects the video light coming from the light modulation unit; a lens cover that opens and closes the front of the projection lens; a lens cover open/close detection sensor that detects an open/close state of the lens cover; and a control section that at least controls operation of the light-on/off unit and that of the recording medium reproduction unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takaaki KOYAMA
  • Publication number: 20090040398
    Abstract: When it is estimated that first average brightness of image information of a projection image is under second average brightness of image information of a source image having a single spatial frequency on which a normal compensation is performed, an area having brightness above the second average brightness in the image information of the projection image is increased, and when it is estimated that the first average brightness is above the second average brightness, an area having brightness under the second average brightness in the image information of the projection image is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Ryosuke Kasahara
  • Publication number: 20080291343
    Abstract: An illuminating apparatus comprises a light source and an optical system for guiding the light from the light source to an imager such as a liquid crystal panel. The optical system has an optical element disposed for changing a traveling direction of the light traveling to the imager in accordance with a control signal. The optical element is controlled such that, out of all pixel regions on the imager, part of the light amount to be applied to low-brightness pixel regions is distributed to high-brightness pixel regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto Maeda, Masutaka Inoue
  • Patent number: 7453478
    Abstract: A light modulator includes a control unit configured to receive an image input signal, and an array having a plurality of pixels arranged in a plurality of rows. The control unit is configured to provide a first address associated with the image input signal to the array in response to detecting a first mode of operation, and the control unit is configured to provide a second address associated with the image input signal to the array in response to detecting a second mode of operation. The array is configured to drive a first one of the plurality of rows in response to receiving the first address, and the array is configured to drive the first one of the plurality of rows and a second one of the plurality of rows in response to receiving the second address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Eric T. Martin, Eugene J. Mar
  • Publication number: 20080266468
    Abstract: Enhanced image sequences are provided by a high resolution imaging system (HRIS) for generating an enhanced image, where the system includes a device for outputting an image sequence including a plurality of K source images, each source image including a plurality of pixels; and a projector for projecting, within a period of integration, each of the source images to an optical filter, the filter adapted for providing pixels of each source image as sub-pixels of pixels in the enhanced image. The enhanced images may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. A method and computer program product are provided for generating enhanced images, as well as techniques for fabrication of the HRIS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: ACTUALITY SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Oliver S. Cossairt, Thomas J. Purtell, Samuel L. Hill
  • Publication number: 20080252795
    Abstract: A method for synchronizing a light source control signal with modulation of a display includes the steps of receiving a video signal including a synchronization signal (e.g., a Vsync signal) and using the synchronization signal to generate a light source control signals at high and low values. The light source control signal is pulsed between its high and low values between subsequent synchronization signals to cause a light source to produce light pulses at the same time over each frame of the display. Optionally, the low and/or high time periods are adjustable. A novel display driver is also disclosed and includes an input terminal for receiving the synchronization signal, a light source driver for generating the light source control signal in response to the synchronization signal, and an output terminal for providing the light source control signal to a light source control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Matthew F. Bone, Justin John Skaife
  • Patent number: 7434946
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an illumination system for use in display systems employing spatial light modulators. The illumination system comprises a fastening mechanism for securing the bonding of the walls of the light integrator of the illumination system. A heat dissipation mechanism can be alternatively provided for reducing the temperature of the illumination system by dissipating the heat thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Andrew Huibers
  • Publication number: 20080192153
    Abstract: A projection apparatus is specified, comprising a light modulator having a light receiving region with a cross-sectional area to be illuminated of the size AM and a maximum acceptance angle a for incident light, and at least one light source by means of which, during its operation, a light cone is produced for illuminating said cross-sectional area of said light receiving region and which comprises a number N of LED chips having a maximum radiation angle ?. At least one of the LED chips has a radiation decoupling area of the size AD. The relation 0.7·(AM·sin2(?))/(AD·sin2(?)·n2)?N?1.3·(AM·sin2(?))/(AD·sin2(?)·n2) applies, where n is equal to 1 or to the refractive index of a coupling medium with which the LED chips are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: OSRAM OPTO SEMICONDUCTORS GMBH
    Inventors: Gerhard Kuhn, Moritz Engl, Patrick Kromotis, Stefan Grotsch, Josef Huttner, Mario Wanninger, Georg Bogner
  • Patent number: 7401927
    Abstract: A display apparatus displaying an image includes a light source, a light valve, a light cross-section converter and a light scanning mechanism. The light valve has a screen formed of a plurality of pixels. The light cross-section converter converts light emitted from the light source into illumination light having a cross section enough to illuminate at least one pixel at a time. The light scanning mechanism controls a direction of travel of the illumination light in such a way that the illumination light scans the plurality of pixels. The light scanning mechanism controls at least one of sequence, speed, and number of times of scanning where the illumination light scans the plurality of pixels, so that a desired profile of distribution of illuminance is obtained over an entire surface of the screen for a time period not longer than one frame time of an image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Taketoshi Hibi, Yuzo Nakano, Shinji Okamori
  • Patent number: 7399088
    Abstract: An image projection system has a first lens with a defined entrance pupil. An image source has an image field and a defined exit pupil. The exit pupil of the image source is configured such that the exit pupil of the image source underfills the entrance pupil of the lens for portions of the image source that are not in the center portion of the image field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew B. Dubin, Brent D. Larson
  • Publication number: 20080165329
    Abstract: In a projection type display apparatus using plural light sources, an optical unit including plural light sources, a first collimator lens, an optical coupling lens, an image display element and a projection lens is formed, and in an optical path extending from the light sources to the projection lens, light is condensed only once on the image display element, thereby minimizing the number of optical parts used and shortening the length of the optical path from the plural light sources up to the projection lens to attain the reduction in size of the projection type display apparatus or the optical unit. In this way it is possible to provide a projection type display apparatus or an optical unit each capable of attaining the reduction of cost by minimizing the number of optical parts used and capable of attaining a high luminance by irradiating the image display element with the light emitted from the light sources without leakage of the light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Seiji Murata, Satoshi Ouchi
  • Patent number: 7396130
    Abstract: An image projection apparatus. The image projection apparatus comprises a light source and LCD panel. The LCD panel comprises a plurality of pixels and color filters thereon. Light from the light source is projected to the pixels along an irradiative path and the LCD panel selectively reflects the projected light in accordance with an image signal along a projective path, wherein an angle between the irradiative and projective paths exceeds 0°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yen-Chen Chen, Kuo-Yuin Li
  • Publication number: 20080158441
    Abstract: An image display apparatus has a light valve that spatially modulates light emitted by a light source according to a gamma-corrected video signal consisting of successive video fields, by modulating the light pulse widths of individual picture elements in each field. The spatially modulated light is projected onto a screen. A light source driver changes the intensity of the light source as a function of elapsed time in each video field so as to approximately cancel the effect of the gamma correction. Only a slight reverse gamma correction is then needed to produce the correct brightness relationship between the video signal and the projected image. Consequently, fewer gradation levels are lost than in a conventional reverse gamma correction, and the picture quality in low-brightness areas of the projected image is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Takahiko Yamamuro, Jun Someya, Shuichi Kagawa
  • Publication number: 20080143888
    Abstract: A projection video display includes a light source including an OPS-laser delivering laser radiation in multiple transverse modes (a multiple-transverse-mode OPS-laser). The display includes a spatial light modulator for spatially modulating the radiation from the multiple-transverse-mode OPS-laser in accordance with a portion of an image to be displayed. Projection optics project the spatially modulated light on a screen on which the image is to be displayed. In one example the OPS-laser is a diode-laser array pumped OPS-laser and is one of three lasers, one delivering red light, one delivering blue light, and the other delivering green light. The lasers are time modulated such that the spatial light modulator receives light from each of the lasers separately. The OPS laser is directly time modulated by periodically turning the diode-laser array on and off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Juan L. Chilla, Sergei V. Govorkov, Andrea Caprara, Murray K. Reed, Luis A. Spinelli
  • Patent number: 7387389
    Abstract: An image display device includes an image processing unit, a light source assembly, an optical modulator assembly, and a projection lens assembly. The image processing unit is configured to receive a video signal and generate image data and control signals. The light source assembly and optical modulator assembly are each controlled by the control signals such that the light source assembly generates illumination in a spatial distribution pattern that is coupled to optical modular assembly via a homogenizing device. The projection lens assembly is configured to project an image from the optical modulator assembly onto a viewing surface. The optical modular assembly is configured to maximize the amount of illumination coupled from the light source assembly, and includes at least one optical modulator surface configured to have a substantially 1:1 aspect ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Anurag Gupta, David L. Erickson, Scott A Lerner
  • Publication number: 20080136977
    Abstract: A projection display uses a light modulating device to modulate, in accordance with image data, light radiated from a light source, project the modulated light onto a screen, and display an image. The projection display separates a unit of time configuring the image data into an effective light time when the light modulating device can express the light as an image on the screen and an ineffective light time when the light modulating device cannot express the light as an image on the screen. The projection display increases the power supplied to the light source during the effective light time over the power supplied to the light source during the ineffective light time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shigeki HARADA, Takayoshi Nagai, Ikuro Suga, Akihiko Iwata, Yoshiteru Suzuki, Akira Okumura, Jun Someya, Kuniko Kojima
  • Patent number: 7360899
    Abstract: Various embodiments involving structures and methods for illumination can be employed, for example, in projectors, head-mounted displays, helmet-mounted displays, back projection TVs, flat panel displays as well as other optical systems. Certain embodiments may include prism elements for illuminating, for example, a spatial light modulator. Light may be coupled to the prism in some cases using fiber optics or lightpipes. The optical system may also include a diffuser having scatter features arranged to scatter light appropriately to produce a desired luminance profile. Other embodiments are possible as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Optical Research Associates
    Inventors: James P. McGuire, Jr., William J. Cassarly, John R. Rogers, Douglas A. Nutter
  • Patent number: 7357519
    Abstract: An optical projection device including a light source, a housing, an imaging unit, a projection lens and a dust protection device is provided. The light source is adopted for providing a light beam. The housing has a projection-lens-assembling opening. The imaging unit is disposed in the housing, and on the transmission path of the light beam. In addition, the projection lens in the housing, and exposed by the projection-lens-assembling opening. The dust protection device is disposed between the projection lens and the projection-lens-assembling opening. The optical projection device is thus protected from dust and displaying quality thereof is excellent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Corentronic Corporation
    Inventors: Sea-Huang Lee, Shou-Chih Cheng
  • Publication number: 20080079855
    Abstract: A laser source device includes a laser source for oscillating a laser beam with a predetermined wavelength, a mirror for reflecting the laser beam emitted from the laser source to form a resonator, and including a dielectric multilayer film having a property of reflecting a light beam with an oscillation wavelength and transmitting a light beam with a conversion wavelength, a wavelength conversion element disposed between the laser source and the mirror for converting the laser beam with the oscillation wavelength emitted from the laser source and emitting a laser beam with the conversion wavelength, and a bandpass filter disposed between the laser source and the mirror, and including a bandpass filter multilayer film having a bandpass property at least around the oscillation wavelength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira KOMATSU, Kunihiko YANO
  • Patent number: 7350928
    Abstract: A projection display system comprises an illumination device, a prism assembly, a projection lens and a reflective light valve. The prism assembly has a first light incident surface, a first light emitting surface and a second light emitting surface. The first light emitting surface is an optical curved surface. An illumination beam is incident on the light valve after it enters the prism assembly from the first light incident surface. A modulated beam is generated after it is processed through the light valve. Finally, the modulated beam is projected into the projection lens through the prism assembly. Because a surface of the prism assembly is set to be an optical curved surface to replace a lens in the projection lens or the illumination device, a back focal length of the system is shortened and the projection lens or the illumination device is simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Young Optics Inc.
    Inventors: Chia-Chen Liao, Yi-Hao Kang, Chu-Ming Cheng
  • Patent number: 7322703
    Abstract: An light emitting apparatus which illuminates an illumination area has a first light source which emits a first light, a second light source which emits a second light, a wheel which is provided with a transmission filter area which transmits the first light, and a reflection area which reflects the second light, a wheel driving unit which controls a rotation of the wheel, and drives the wheel, a light emitting optical unit which leads the first light which transmits the transmission filter area, or the second light which is reflected by the reflection area to the illumination area, in which the light which is led to the illumination area by the light emitting optical unit is at least two colors of light which are successively changed over in the time series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Shinzo Matsui
  • Patent number: 7303284
    Abstract: An image projecting apparatus projects an image formed on a display device in accordance with input image data, onto a projection surface with illumination light emitted from a light source, to enable an observer to observe the image. The image projecting apparatus comprises a distribution area recognizing section configured to recognize an area in which the input image data is distributed in a color space, and a projection condition controlling section configured to convert the input image data to increase brightness of the image to be projected onto the projection surface without changing a color balance of the image, based on the area recognized by the distribution area recognizing section, and send image data obtained by conversion of the input image data to the display device, and also control brightness of illumination light emitted from the light source in connection with the conversion of the input image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Imade
  • Patent number: 7283181
    Abstract: A display system is configured to produce a color image formed of a plurality of differently colored images and may include at least one light source that directs light along an optical path, and at least one filter having a given optical filter characteristic. The display system may be selectively operable in a first state in which the optical path does not pass through a first filter during production of the plurality of differently colored images to form a color image having a first optical characteristic, and in a second state in which the optical path passes through the first filter during production of the plurality of differently colored images to form a color image having a second optical characteristic different than the first optical characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: William J. Allen, Brian S Dixon, Michael A Pate, Peter Guy Howard
  • Patent number: 7278743
    Abstract: The present invention provides an illumination system and projection system using the same. The present invention can eliminate the reflective light on the internal optical surface of the optical system, using the phase plate and linear polarizer, in the color sequential driving of illuminating at least two colors on the single display panel at a random moment. The phase plate converts the incident light from a linearly polarized light to a circularly polarized light, and vice versa. And, the linear polarizer transmits the linearly polarized light of the incident light in the specific direction. Therefore, the present invention prevents the degradation of color purity generated from the mutual intrusion of light of at least two colors, thereby enhancing quality of color image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jong Myoung Park
  • Patent number: 7275835
    Abstract: A projector according to the present invention comprises a lamp driving control circuit for driving an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp at a driving frequency which is changed within an allowable frequency range. For example, the lamp driving control circuit may randomly select a frequency within the allowable frequency range, or modulate the highest frequency within the allowable frequency range such that the frequency is reduced, to change the driving frequency. Consequently, the driving frequency for a fixed pixel panel is not in synchronization with the driving frequency for the ultra-high pressure mercury lamp, and the driving frequency for the ultra-high pressure mercury lamp is changed within the allowable frequency range, causing variations in location at which flicker occurs during projection of an image. Such flicker is less perceivable to human's eyes due to the human's visual characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: NEC Viewtechnology, Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Kataoka
  • Patent number: 7258451
    Abstract: An optical projection device including an illumination system, a reflective light valve and a projection lens is provided. The adjustable reflection sheet is disposed behind the adjustable rod integrator along the light transmission path of the light beam. In addition, the reflective light valve is disposed behind the adjustable reflection sheet along the light transmission path of the light beam. The adjustable rod integrator can shift the light transmission path of the light beam so as to be incident to the reflective light valve. Moreover, the projection lens is disposed behind the reflective light valve along the light transmission path of the light beam. The adjustable reflection sheet can shift the light transmission path of the light beam so as to pass through the stopper of the projection lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventor: Sze-Ke Wang
  • Patent number: 7255448
    Abstract: A display system includes a light source, a spatial light homogenizer, and imaging optics. The spatial light modulator has a plurality of modulator pixels. The display system also includes a pixelated plate illuminated by the light source. The pixelated plate has a plurality of individually defined pixels formed thereon. The spatial light modulator is in optical communication with the pixelated color management device by the imaging optics and each of the modulator pixels is associated with at least one of the individually defined pixels of the pixelated plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael Greer, David C. Collins, William J. Allen, Timothy F Myers
  • Patent number: 7232227
    Abstract: The image display device is configured to include the light source including a plurality of semiconductor light-emitting elements, a parallelizing unit including a plurality of cell lenses arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with each of the plurality of semiconductor light-emitting elements, an image display element for forming an optical image, a pair of lens-array groups located between the parallelizing unit and the image display element, and a projection unit for enlarging and projecting the optical image formed on the image display element. Moreover, the plurality of semiconductor light-emitting elements are located at substantially focal points of the cell lenses of the parallelizing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Futoshi Yamasaki, Nobuo Masuoka, Masahiko Yatsu
  • Patent number: 7232223
    Abstract: An illumination optical system is disclosed, which provides a luminous flux with a small incident angle on an illumination surface in one axis direction on a section of the luminous flux. The illumination optical system can suppress a reduction in light amount by a mask provided for a polarization conversion element. The illumination optical system has a light source and an optical integrator. The optical integrator uses a lens array to perform splitting of a luminous flux from the light source. The illumination optical system has the polarization conversion element including a polarization beam splitter array, a plurality of ½ wave plates, and a mask. The light source is a discharge gas exciting arc tube of a DC drive type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Jun Koide
  • Patent number: 7220005
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to achieve a high intensity, a compact structure, a cost reduction and a heat radiation of a liquid crystal panel, in a projection type video display apparatus employing a combination of LED light sources and a light pipe. The light pipe is formed in a hollow type so as to be utilized as a cooling wind path. Further, a permeable or reflective baffle plate is provided within the light pipe. Further, the light pipe is formed by coating a mirror on an inner surface of an optical case integrally formed by fixing optical parts. Further, a dichroic mirror is arranged in an LED light source outgoing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Futoshi Yamasaki, Masahiko Yatsu
  • Patent number: 7213920
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an image display device including a non-luminous reflection type spatial light modulating element, illuminating system to illuminate the reflection type spatial light modulating element and a projection lens and in which light from a light source (2) illuminates the reflection type spatial light modulating elements (14, 15) via first and second fly-eye integrators (9, 10). An unnecessary part, not modulated, of the light reflected by the reflection spatial light modulating elements (14, 15) and further by a reflector (4) for recycling. Since the fly-eye integrators (9, 10) are displaced in relation to their optical axes, it is possible to utilize the light with an improved efficiency and prevent any nonuniform illumination from taking place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Matsui, Tomoya Yano, Yukio Ohmura