Abstract: Disclosed herein is a display device using an optical modulator equipped with a lens system having an improved numerical aperture. The display device includes numerical aperture reducer for reducing a numeral aperture by causing +1st order diffracted light and corresponding ?1st order diffracted light of a diffracted light, which have passed through a relay lens system, to approach each other.

Abstract: A display device using a tilt-mirror device and a projector. The image display device may include a first color-ray light-source for supplying a G-ray, a second color-ray light-source for supplying a R-ray or B-ray, and a tilt-mirror device having a plurality of movable mirror elements that may be switched between a first reflection position and a second reflection position. The first color-ray light-source may be arranged so that the G-ray is reflected in a predetermined direction when the movable mirror elements are located in the first reflection position, and the second color-ray light-source can be arranged so that the R-ray or B-ray is reflected in a predetermined direction when the movable mirror elements are located in the second reflection position. The color-ray light-sources may be conjugated with an entrance pupil of the projection lens of the projector.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator includes a first region and a second region. A light-absorbing layer contacts at least a portion of the second region. The light absorbing layer includes a first layer and a second layer, the second layer having a reflectivity less than about 75%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for creating a pattern on a workpiece sensitive to radiation, such as a photomask a display panel or a microoptical device. The apparatus comprises a source for emitting electromagnetic radiation, a spatial modulator having multitude of modulating elements (pixels), adapted to being illuminated by said radiation, and a projection system creating an image of the modulator on the workpiece.

Abstract: In a projection display device that is provided with a relay lens for converting flux that is emitted from a light source to a parallel flux for illuminating an image display element (DMD), and a total internal reflection prism for both directing flux that is emitted from the relay lens to the DMD and directing flux that is reflected by the DMD toward a projection lens, the relay lens is unified with the prism as a lens-integral prism by bonding the relay lens to the total internal reflection surface of the prism.

Abstract: A projector includes a lamp, a ballast, a micro controller unit and an optical engine. The lamp emits a light ray. The ballast starts the lamp and selectively outputs an operating power and a blanking power to the lamp. The micro controller unit controls the ballast. The optical engine receives the light ray and outputs a projecting image to a screen outside the projector. When the projector enters a blanking mode from a normal operating mode, the micro controller unit outputs a control signal to the ballast, and the power supplied from the ballast to the lamp is changed from the operating power to the blanking power.

Abstract: In order to minimize light diffraction along the direction of switching and more particularly light diffraction into the acceptance cone of the collection optics, in the present invention, micromirrors are provided which are not rectangular. Also, in order to minimize the cost of the illumination optics and the size of the display unit of the present invention, the light source is placed orthogonal to the rows (or columns) of the array, and/or the light source is placed orthogonal to a side of the frame defining the active area of the array. The incident light beam, though orthogonal to the sides of the active area, is not however, orthogonal to any substantial portion of sides of the individual micromirrors in the array. Orthogonal sides cause incident light to diffract along the direction of micromirror switching, and result in light ‘leakage’ into the ‘on’ state even if the micromirror is in the ‘off’ state. This light diffraction decreases the contrast ratio of the micromirror.

Abstract: An image display device and a projector using th image display device includes a tilt-mirror device having a plurality of movable mirror elements. A first color-ray light-source may be arranged so that a first color-ray light is reflected in a predetermined direction when the movable mirror elements are located in the first reflective position, and is reflected in a direction different from the predetemined directon when the movable miror elements are located in the second reflection position. A second color-ray light-source may be arranged so that a second color-ray light is reflected in the predetemined direction when the mobable mirror elements are located in the second reflection position, and is reflected in a direction different from the predetermined direction when the movable mirror elements are located in the first reflection position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are visual display systems and methods capable of having shifted bit-weights in neutral density filtering (NDF) applications. In one embodiment, a method (200) of displaying an image comprises transmitting light through an optical filter (17) comprising at least one high transmissivity portion configured to output light at an initial intensity, and at least one low transmissivity portion configured to output light at a lower intensity than the initial intensity, where the initial intensity and lower intensity output light illuminates a spatial light modulator (14). The method also includes providing a plurality of data bits (non-ND) from a predetermined number of data bits (B0–B7), where each of the plurality comprises a pulse-width longer than a load-time for operating the spatial light modulator (14).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an image display apparatus comprising an illumination optical system (2) for illuminating a light valve (1) including a reflection electrode, and a projection lens (3) for forming an image of the light valve (1), wherein reflection plane surface (4) is disposed between the illumination optical system (2) and the light value (1) to bent, by the reflection plane surface (4), an optical path of illumination light extending from the illumination optical system (2) to the light valve (1).

Abstract: Projector bulb life is managed to achieve desired performance parameters, such as a maximum life mode or maximum brightness mode, by sensing bulb luminance and applied the sensed luminance with a luminance feedback controller to drive the bulb to achieve the desired performance parameter. For instance, in maximum life mode the luminance feedback controller reduces power applied to the bulb to restrict bulb luminance to a maximum luminance setpoint when greater luminance is available with a newer bulb. In maximum brightness mode, the luminance feedback controller increases power applied to the bulb to increase bulb luminance if the sensor senses luminance below a threshold due bulb wear. Bulb life management improves project image illumination to display information in a variety of projector types, including digital mirror devices and liquid crystal displays.

Abstract: To reduce the color break-up and to provide high quality projection images. A method of driving a spatial light modulator, including generating a sub-frame pulse signal for a first colored light R1 through R8, B1 through B8, generating a sub-frame pulse signal for a second colored light G1 through G8, arranging the sub-frame pulse signals for the respective colored light so that at least three of the sub-frame pulse signals for the first colored light R1 through R8, B1 through B8 adjoin either one of the sub-frame pulse signals for the second colored light G1 through G8 during at least one frame of the image, and driving a plurality of movable mirror elements in accordance with the sub-frame pulse signals for the respective colored light arranged in arranging the sub-frame pulse signals, the movable mirror elements being alternatively moved at least to a first reflecting position and a second reflecting position.

Abstract: A method for presenting secondary information to a video-viewing audience comprises projecting video images onto a screen and projecting invisible light signals encoded to represent secondary information associated with said video images onto the screen concurrently with said video images.

Abstract: A projector comprises a light source, an optical system for illumination, a reflective light modulating device having a plurality of reflective elements arranged in matrix form to be illuminated by the light emitted from the optical system for illumination, and an optical system for projection. The optical system for projection includes a reflective surface configured to bend a projection chief ray reflected at the center of the reflective light modulating device among projection chief rays in the optical system for projection. The reflective surface has a predetermined angle to the ray which is emitted from the optical system for illumination and which strikes the center of the reflective light modulating device, and includes a P shaft parallel to one of an X axis and a Y axis along which the plurality of reflective elements is arranged.

Abstract: An image display apparatus includes an indicating element which modulates or emits light as a pixel in accordance with image information. A displacement unit optically displaces a position of the pixel for each of two or more sub-fields constituting an image field corresponding to the image information. A projection unit enlarges the pixel and projects an enlarged pixel on a screen. A pixel-profile deformation unit changes an optical intensity profile of the pixel.

Abstract: An illuminating optical system for focusing a radiant light of a light source (1) onto a reflecting light valve (6) and a projection lens (7) for magnifying and projecting a reflected light from the reflecting light valve (6) onto a screen are provided, a diaphragm (31) is disposed at a substantially conjugate position of an entrance pupil of the projection lens (7) on an optical path of the illuminating optical system, the diaphragm (31) has an opening whose area is changed by a light-shielding member, and a shape of a shielded portion of the diaphragm (31) shielded by the light-shielding member is rotationally asymmetric to an optical axis (12) of the illuminating optical system. Accordingly, shielding of necessary light can be better avoided compared with a diaphragm for changing the light-shielding area in a rotationally symmetric manner, for example, a diaphragm for narrowing the opening concentrically, making it possible to improve contrast performance while minimizing brightness reduction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for readily changing the design of a projector. A projector comprises: an illumination optical system; a light modulation device; a projection optical system; and a base frame for mounting a plurality of optical components disposed on a light path from the optical illumination system to the projection optical system. The illumination optical system 300 comprises: a light source 20; a lens array 320; and a superimposing lens system 370. The base frame includes a positioning section for positioning the superimposing lens system 370. The superimposing lens system 370 includes at least two lenses 371 and 372. The first lens 371 is provided at a position nearest to the light source and mainly determines an F-number of the illumination optical system. The second lens 372 is provided at a position furthest from the light source and mainly determines a magnification of the illumination optical system.

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: A video projector apparatus including a linear array of individually addressable reflective active elements, an optical system including a light source and providing a linear light pattern focused on said linear array and from which is created an image of the linear array, an optical scanning system for receiving the image of the linear array including a scanning member that successively scans the array to provide a two-dimensional image, and a projection system receiving the two-dimensional image and including a screen upon which the two-dimensional image is displayed.

Abstract: A projector. The projector comprises a projection light source, a first digital micro-mirror device, and a second digital micro-mirror device. The projection light source emits a projection beam toward the first digital micro-mirror device. The first digital micro-mirror device reflects the projection beam to the second digital micro-mirror device. A first micro-mirror on the first digital micro-mirror device is rotated in a horizontal direction to adjust the horizontal position of the projection beam. The second digital micro-mirror device reflects the projection beam from the first digital micro-mirror device to a projection plate. Second micro-mirrors on the second digital micro-mirror device are rotated in a vertical direction to adjust the vertical position of the projection beam.

Abstract: A projection system including a lighting system, a screen, a color filter separating light emitted from the lighting system according to wavelengths of the light, a first reflecting mirror reflecting the light passing through the color filter to change a path of the light, a display device provided in a predetermined position in the first reflecting mirror, a second reflecting mirror reflecting light reflected from the first reflecting mirror toward the display device, and a projection lens unit enlarging and projecting a color image formed by the display device onto the screen.

Abstract: Improved digital projection systems and methods are disclosed. Exemplary systems and methods embody a digital data source and a white light source. Light output of the white light source is coupled to a two-position digital micro-mirror device that separates black and colored pixels. The reflected color pixels output of the two-position digital micro-mirror device are coupled to a diffraction micro-lens array that diffracts the colored pixels to produce partial spectrum color bands. The diffracted partial spectrum color bands output of the diffraction micro-lens array is coupled to a three-position digital micro-mirror device that produces hue of each pixel. Micro-mirrors of the two- and three-position digital micro-mirror devices are controlled by the digital output of the digital data source. The output of the three-position digital micro-mirror device is coupled to projection optics that combines the partial spectrum color bands and projects an image.

Abstract: A full color video projector system using a light source and a single light valve. The output of the light source passes through a condenser lens. The lens is directed toward a splayed array of red, green, and blue dichroic reflector color filters. The reflected three primary color beams first pass through a lenticular lens array, comprised of a plurality of elongated cylinder lenses, arranged in parallel, co-planar relation. The lenticular array produces color stripe illumination pattern, which is redirected and focused by a relay optic upon a reflective micro-mirror light valve. The light valve includes three sub-pixels for every full-color screen pixel. The pixels are arranged in parallel stripes which correspond to the size and configuration of the color strip illumination pattern outputted by the lenticular array. Light valve address circuitry actuates appropriate sub-pixels to reflect incident light energy, in accordance with corresponding video image information.

Abstract: A projector apparatus includes digital micromirror device (DMD) Color temperature and adjustment of white balance with respect to projection light can be detected in a light condition in a convenient manner. A position of the picture formed by the projection light on the screen can be shifted. A projector apparatus includes a shutter disposed downstream of the projection optics for blocking the projection light and a sensor attached to the shutter. In a second embodiment, a projector apparatus includes a sliding structure for causing a projection optics to be slid relative to a casing constituting an apparatus body in a perpendicular relation to the optical axis of projection optics means and a follow-up structure for causing a sensor to follow the projection optics means.

Abstract: A highly-efficient projection system is provided, including a light source, a color separator, a scrolling unit, a light valve, and a projection lens unit. The color separator separates an incident beam according to color. The scrolling unit includes at least one lens cell and converts the rotation of the lens cell into a rectilinear motion of an area of the lens cell through which light passes so that an incident beam is scrolled. The light valve includes a plurality of micromirrors independently driven according to image signals to change a reflection angle of incident light. The light valve processes a beam transmitted by the color separator and the scrolling unit according to an image signal and forms a color picture. The projection lens unit magnifies the color picture formed by the light valve and projects the magnified color picture onto a screen.

Abstract: A projection type display optical system is provided to resolve problems of keystone distortion, and to improve illumination efficiency and contrast uniformity of an image. The system includes: a light source; an image display means on which a light ray is irradiated; and an illumination unit comprising: a rod lens emitting a brightness unified light ray; a first lens; an optical unit; and a projection part, wherein the first lens and the optical unit are set so that an optical axis of the optical unit and an optical axis of the first lens do not coincide with each other, whereby a surface image formed is not inclined to the surface of the image display means.

Abstract: A color wheel index aligning apparatus for a projection display apparatus and an alignment method thereof. The color wheel index aligning apparatus has a signal supply unit for supplying a predetermined image signal to the display apparatus, a color detection unit for detecting the color of the image signal output to the screen, a storage unit for storing a color coordinate value, and a control unit for measuring the color coordinate of the color detected at the color detection unit based on the color coordinates stored in the storage unit, and using the measured color coordinate value, providing the display apparatus with an alignment value for aligning the color wheel index. Increasing and decreasing the delay time of the output timing of an R, G and B color signal in correspondence with the increase and decrease of the alignment value, the display apparatus automatically adjusts aligns the color wheel index.

Abstract: When a video signal is inputted to a projector (10) through a video input terminal, a luminance peak value of an image of the video signal is detected by an image-analyzing circuit (61) to be outputted to a CPU (71). A gain-adjusting circuit (63) adjusts a luminance signal in the video signal based on a command from the CPU (71). The CPU (71) determines a gain adjustment amount based on the luminance peak value of the image obtained by the image-analyzing circuit (61) and outputs the result to the gain-adjusting circuit (63). For instance, when the luminance peak value (Ip) of the image is 50% of the upper limit (Imax) thereof, a gain-adjusting amount AG is doubled. In this case, an illuminating light volume of a light valve (44a) has to be reduced to 50%, which is achieved by light-attenuation by a light-source lamp (21) and an open/close light shield (23).

Abstract: Projector bulb life is managed to achieve desired performance parameters, such as a maximum life mode or maximum brightness mode, by sensing bulb luminance and applied the sensed luminance with a luminance feedback controller to drive the bulb to achieve the desired performance parameter. For instance, in maximum life mode the luminance feedback controller reduces power applied to the bulb to restrict bulb luminance to a maximum luminance setpoint when greater luminance is available with a newer bulb. In maximum brightness mode, the luminance feedback controller increases power applied to the bulb to increase bulb luminance if the sensor senses luminance below a threshold due bulb wear. Bulb life management improves project image illumination to display information in a variety of projector types, including digital mirror devices and liquid crystal displays.

Abstract: A method of combining components to form an integrated device, wherein at least one first component is provided on a first surface of a sacrificial substrate, and at least one second component is provided on a first surface of a non-sacrificial substrate. At least one support structure is formed on at least one of the first surfaces of the sacrificial substrate, and the non-sacrificial substrate, respectively, such that said at least one support structure is extended outwardly from at least one of the first surfaces. The sacrificial substrate carrying the first component, and the non-sacrificial substrate carrying the second component, respectively, are bonded, so that the first and second surfaces will be facing one another with a distance defined by a thickness of the support structure. At least a part of the sacrificial substrate is removed. The first component and second components are interconnected.

Abstract: An image projection system includes a light source for generating a light beam, a reflective housing, and an invisible-light reflector. The reflective housing includes an opening and forms an accommodating space for accommodating the light source so that the light beam can emit from the opening along an optical path. The invisible-light reflector, whose normal is arranged to form an acute angle with the optical path, is installed at a reflecting position intersecting with the optical path outside the opening of the reflective housing. The invisible light of the light beam will be reflected back to the accommodating space by the invisible-light reflector without any destruction caused by the invisible light.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for enhancing the dynamic range of electronic projection systems are detailed. Included among the techniques are pre-modulation, luminance compensation, and partial luminance compensation.

Abstract: A projection system projects a pixelized color images onto a display surface. The projection system includes a light source, an interferometric modulator, and a reflective light modulator. The interferometric modulator is configured to modulate the wavelength of light and reflect modulated light toward the display surface. The reflective light modulator is disposed to receive light from the light source and selectively reflect the light toward the interferometric modulator and the display surface.

Abstract: An illuminating optical system for focusing a radiant light of a light source (1) onto a reflecting light valve (6) and a projection lens (7) for magnifying and projecting a reflected light from the reflecting light valve (6) onto a screen are provided, a diaphragm (31) is disposed at a substantially conjugate position of an entrance pupil of the projection lens (7) on an optical path of the illuminating optical system, the diaphragm (31) has an opening whose area is changed by a light-shielding member, and a shape of a shielded portion of the diaphragm (31) shielded by the light-shielding member is rotationally asymmetric to an optical axis (12) of the illuminating optical system. Accordingly, shielding of necessary light can be better avoided compared with a diaphragm for changing the light-shielding area in a rotationally symmetric manner, for example, a diaphragm for narrowing the opening concentrically, making it possible to improve contrast performance while minimizing brightness reduction.

Abstract: The present invention is particularly useful for projection systems in which portions of an unwanted light beam overlap with the image beam. Such an overlap reduces the image contrast. Under the present invention, an aperture is used to restrict the extent of the unwanted beam while an integrator changes the shape of the light beam illuminating the image display device. The integrator changes the illumination beam so as concentrate the light in those areas of the illumination beam that are transmitted through the aperture. When the aperture and the integrator are used together in the projection system, both the image brightness and the image contrast are increased.

Abstract: In an image display apparatus of the present invention, at a predetermined timing, a characteristic data setting module actuates a reference image signal generation module to generate an analog reference image signal, based on reference image data prepared in advance. The characteristic data setting module then controls a signal selector module to select the analog reference image signal. An A-D converter module converts the analog reference image signal selected by the signal selector module into a digital image signal according to preset characteristic data. The characteristic data setting module adjusts the characteristic data set in the A-D converter module to make image data expressed by the digital image signal input from the A-D converter module into an image conversion processing module approach to the reference image data. This arrangement ensures easy adjustment of the operating characteristics of the image display apparatus.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a color projection system includes a lamp; at least one prism configured to diffract light from the lamp into a diffracted beam; and an LC microdisplay panel or MEMS panel configured to receive the diffracted beam from the at least one prism, wherein by moving the at least one prism with respect to the light from the lamp, the diffracted beam received by the LC microdisplay or MEMS panel sequentially comprises a diffracted red beam, a diffracted blue beam, and a diffracted green beam, the LC microdisplay panel or MEMS panel being configured to sequentially modulate the diffracted red beam into a red sub-frame of an image, the diffracted green beam into a green sub-frame of the image, and the diffracted blue beam into a blue sub-frame of the image.

Abstract: A method of displaying an image includes receiving image data for the image, buffering the image data for the image, including creating a frame of the image, defining a first sub-frame and at least a second sub-frame for the frame of the image from the image data, the second sub-frame being spatially offset from the first sub-frame, and alternating between displaying the first sub-frame in a first position and displaying the second sub-frame in a second position spatially offset from the first position.

Abstract: In order to minimize light diffraction along the direction of switching and more particularly light diffraction into the acceptance cone of the collection optics, in the present invention, micromirrors are provided which are not rectangular. Also, in order to minimize the cost of the illumination optics and the size of the display unit of the present invention, the light source is placed orthogonal to the rows (or columns) of the array, and/or the light source is placed orthogonal to a side of the frame defining the active area of the array. The incident light beam, though orthogonal to the sides of the active area, is not however, orthogonal to any substantial portion of sides of the individual micromirrors in the array. Orthogonal sides cause incident light to diffract along the direction of micromirror switching, and result in light ‘leakage’ into the ‘on’ state even if the micromirror is in the ‘off’ state. This light diffraction decreases the contrast ratio of the micromirror.

Abstract: In a projector optical system comprising a digital micromirror device for modulating illumination light, a device having a polarization separating surface is provided for separating a luminous flux incident on the digital micromirror device and a luminous flux emitted from the digital micromirror device from each other. A device for rotating a polarization direction is disposed between the polarization separating surface and the digital micromirror device.

Abstract: An optical system including two or more micromirror arrays is disclosed. The micromirror arrays include alternately disposed transparent and opaque surfaces. The system spatially separates an image toward the micromirror arrays, the image is reflected from the micromirrors, and the reflected image is combined into a composite image that can be displayed or projected. Control and support circuitry that is typically disposed beneath the transparent surfaces of the micromirror arrays can be disposed beneath the opaque surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for creating a pattern on a workpiece sensitive to radiation, such as a photomask a display panel or a microoptical device. The apparatus comprises a source for emitting electromagnetic radiation, a spatial modulator having multitude of modulating elements (pixels), adapted to being illuminated by said radiation, and a projection system creating an image of the modulator on the workpiece.

Abstract: Device and method for a damping function to reduce undesirable mechanical transient responses to control signals. In one aspect of the present invention, the damping function may be used to reduce overshoot and oscillation when a digital micromirror is driven from a landing plate to the flat or neutral position. In another aspect of the present invention, the damping function may be used to reduce transient resonance of a digital micromirror when the micromirror is driven to a landing plate.

Abstract: An image projection system comprises a laser source that generates a series of periodic pulses having substantially uniform energy content, a spatial light modulator, and a modulator driver synchronized with the laser pulses so that transition intervals of the modulator elements occur in an interpulse period between first and second states of the modulator elements. Because the pulses are substantially equal in energy, and the transitions of the modulator elements occur in interpulse intervals, the collective energy delivered to any pixel in the system described herein during the period of one frame is a direct function of the number of pulses, which can be accurately controlled in a digital manner.

Abstract: A micro-mirror that comprises a substrate, a hinge structure formed on the substrate and a mirror plate attached to the hinge structure is provided for use in display systems. The mirror plate is capable of rotating from a non-deflected resting state to a state that is at least 14° degrees. In operation, the micro-mirror switches between an “ON”-state and “OFF”-state, which are defined in accordance with a rotational position of the mirror plate. The OFF state can be a non-deflected position of the micro-mirror (generally parallel to the substrate), the same angle (though opposite direction) as the ON state, or an angle less than the ON state (though in the opposite direction). Reflected light from the “ON” and “OFF” states are thus separated and the contrast ratio is improved.

Abstract: In order to minimize light diffraction along the direction of switching and more particularly light diffraction into the acceptance cone of the collection optics, in the present invention, micromirrors are provided which are not rectangular. Also, in order to minimize the cost of the illumination optics and the size of the display unit of the present invention, the light source is placed orthogonal to the rows (or columns) of the array, and/or the light source is placed orthogonal to a side of the frame defining the active area of the array. The incident light beam, though orthogonal to the sides of the active area, is not however, orthogonal to any substantial portion of sides of the individual micromirrors in the array. Orthogonal sides cause incident light to diffract along the direction of micromirror switching, and result in light ‘leakage’ into the ‘on’ state even if the micromirror is in the ‘off’ state. This light diffraction decreases the contrast ratio of the micromirror.

Abstract: Prism elements having TIR surfaces placed in close proximity to the active area of a SLM device 302 to separate unwanted off-state 324 and/or flat-state 326 light from the projection ON-light bundle 322. The TIR critical angle of these prisms is selected to affect either the off-state light or additionally, any portion of flat-state light reflected from the SLM. These TIR surfaces are placed to immediately reflect the unwanted light as it comes off the SLM, thereby preventing the contamination of light along the projection path, which tends to degrade the system contrast. To further improve the optical performance of the system, these TIR prisms can be attached directly to the SLM package 300, completely eliminating the package window.

Abstract: A digital camera that includes, among other things, a processor having a memory and a substrate having at least one pixel disposed thereon for absorbing light from an object. The pixel is electrically coupled to the processor for storing a digital image of the object in the memory of the processor. Also included in the digital camera is an electromechanical shutter mechanism that is moveably associated with the pixel. The electromechanical shutter system has a first position and a second position. The positions are selected according to commands from the processor of the digital camera. The first position exposes the pixel to the light from the object and the second position prevents exposure of the at least one pixel to the light. Various aspects of the present invention may also be found in an image capturing device that includes an adjustable aperture that allows light to pass through when opened and that prevents light from passing through when closed.

Abstract: An apparatus of one embodiment of the invention is disclosed that includes a number of micro-electromechanical (MEM) devices, a charge source, and at least one discharge path. Each MEM device has a plurality of different states based on a charge induced thereon. The charge source is to induce the charge thereon such that the MEM devices each enter one of the states. The at least one discharge path is for the plurality of MEM devices, and along which the charge induced thereon is dischargeable.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image projecting apparatus having two reflective mirrors. In an image projecting apparatus which forms a desired image on a digital micromirror panel (DMD) by projecting a ray of light from a light source thereonto, the surface parallel with the longer side of the movable mirror surface of the DMD panel and vertical to the movable mirror surface is parallel with the optical axis of the light source. The first reflective mirror reflects the ray of light from the light source at a predetermined angle, and the second reflective mirror is arranged to reflect the reflective light from the first reflective mirror to fall incident on the movable mirror surface of the DMD panel. The distance from the center of the DMD panel to the optical axis is minimized, and as a result, the overall height of the image projecting apparatus is reduced.