Abstract: A projection apparatus includes a polarizing converter which converts a light beam from a light source to a polarized beam; a color separator which separates the polarized beam into color beams based on wavelength; first through third optical path modifiers each of which modifies an optical path associated with a corresponding one of the color beams; first through third polarized light separators, each of which receives a corresponding one of the first through third color beams from the optical path modifiers; first through third reflective image display elements, each of which receives a corresponding one of the first through third color beams from the corresponding polarized light separator and provides a reflected beam to the corresponding polarized light separator; a color combiner which combines the reflected beams from the reflective image display elements of the polarized light separator; and a projection lens which projects a color image.

Abstract: In a projection arrangement for projecting an image onto a projection surface, there are provided a light source (26), a control unit (25), a light modulator (10), which is controllable by said control unit (25) in order to generate an image on the basis of predetermined image data, an optical device (11), arranged following said light modulator, for projecting said image onto the projection surface (34), a film stage (2) for holding a positive image recorded on a carrier medium, projection optics (3), arranged following the film stage (2) when projecting the positive image, and a control device (6), allowing either to direct light from the light source (26) to the light modulator (10) or to illuminate a positive image, which is held by the film stage (2), with said light. Thus, a projection arrangement is provided which can project both positive images and images generated on the basis of predetermined data onto a projection surface (34).

Abstract: A color-separating and -recombining optical system includes a cubic- or square column-like first to fourth polarization beam splitters having polarization-splitting planes intersecting each other and wavelength-selective polarizing converters for rotating the plane of polarization of a specific-color light component by 90 degrees. One of the converters is placed at a light-incident side of the first splitter and another is placed at a light-emitting side of the fourth splitter. The first and fourth splitters are provided at a light-incident and light-emitting sides, respectively, of the optical system. The first and fourth splitters are arranged diagonally opposing each other. The remaining converters are placed between at least two inner facing planes of the first to fourth splitters. At least the remaining converters and three of the first to fourth splitters are joined to form an optical joint component with a gap between the component and the remaining one splitter.

Abstract: A fast time-sequential color separator that can fast-switch to output various wavelength ranges of lights having high color purity and a high contrast ratio, which includes: a prism module to separate an incident light into various wavelength ranges of light beams which are emitted from various prisms of the prism module; a plurality of ferroelectric liquid crystal panels, respectively placed on emerging surfaces of the various wavelength ranges of light beams, to reflect the various wavelength ranges of light beams to the prism module; and a power supply, respectively connected to the plurality of ferroelectric liquid crystal panels, to fast-switch the liquid crystal panels, respectively, to sequentially emit the various wavelength ranges of light beams from the prism module. Furthermore, a full color LCD projector can be constructed by the color separator, a transmissive or reflective fast response display element such as a liquid crystal light valve, and other elements such as micro-mirrors, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying images represented by electronic image information, that includes a light source and a reflective light modulator for optically modulating, with the image information, light from the light source to obtain a diffraction pattern that depends on the image information. An optical system is provided for converting the diffraction pattern into an image, and projection optics are provided for projecting the image obtained with the optical system. The optical system includes an array of schlieren bars and a focusing reflector.

Abstract: A projection optical system forms an image of an object in a first plane onto a second plane. The projection optical system has an optical element group including at least one refractive member and plural reflective members, and a plurality of lens-barrel units holding the optical element group divided into a plurality of respective groupings. The reflective members are all held by a single lens-barrel unit of the plurality of lens-barrels units.

Abstract: An apparatus for projecting an image includes a light source, a polarization modulator, a projection lens, and a mirror. The mirror is positioned between the light source and the modulator and blocks a cross-sectional portion of the light from the light source from reaching the modulator. Light from the light source that reaches the modulator has its polarization modulated in accordance with a video signal to be displayed to produce a modulated signal corresponding to the video signal. The modulated light signal is reflected from the mirror into a projection lens.

Abstract: A projector is provided which can handle high light intensities without dust or foreign matter penetrating the inside of the apparatus and thus deteriorating the quality of the image projected. The projector apparatus comprises a spatial light modulator (SLM) unit provided with a plurality of reflective SLMs and a prismatic light splitting/combining unit. The SLM unit is enclosed in a substantially sealed chamber. A heat path for cooling each SLM is provided, whereby the heat path connection is through the wall of the substantially sealed chamber. In this way, heat energy from the main heat source inside the sealed chamber is brought outside the sealed chamber for dissipation.

Abstract: A color wheel with a balancing groove comprises a carrier, having a central axis, a external surface, and a periphery, and rotates along the central axis; a set of filter plate sharing the same central axis with the carrier, wherein one or more annular groove is disposed on the external surface of the loading element, and a balancing substance is added into the annular groove to balance the color wheel.

Abstract: A projector 1 is mainly composed of a polarized light beam illumination device, a collimating lens 170a, polarized beam splitter, a reflection-type liquid crystal device, and a projection optical system. The polarized light beam illumination device includes a light source, a first optical element, and a second optical element. Light emitted from the light source is divided into a plurality of intermediate light beams by the first optical element, and then converted into polarized light beams having substantially one polarization direction by the second optical element. The polarized light beams enter the collimating lens, are transmitted by the polarized beam splitter, modulated by the reflection-type liquid crystal device, reflected by the polarized beam splitter, and then projected on a projection plane via the projection optical system.

Abstract: A liquid crystal projector device, wherein an s-polarization PBS (4) forms light from a light source (1) a set of s-polarization components; an optical unit (7) reflects a green-region light and rotates by 90° the planes of polarization of a blue-region light and red-region light for outputting as p-polarization lights by reflection; a PBS (8) reflects an s-polarization green-region light and transmits p-polarization blue-region and red-region lights which are then separated from each other by a dichroic prism (9); the s-polarization green-region light is modulated into a p-polarization projected image light and reflected by a reflection type liquid crystal sheet (10G) to transmit the PBS (8); the p-polarization blue-region and red-region lights shine on reflection type liquid crystal sheets (10B, 10R) and are modulated respectively into s-polarization projected image lights, reflected and synthesized by the dichroic prism (9) before being reflected by the PBS (8) for projection by a projection lens (11).

Abstract: A light engine (9) for a projection display is provided which employs: 1) at least one light source (25), 2) at least one TIR prism assembly (13), and 3) at least one digital micromirror device (15), wherein: (a) the illumination path (55) between the light source (25) and the prism assembly (13) is unfolded, i.e., the illumination path is free of fold mirrors; and (b) the angle &ggr; between the illumination path (55) and the device's horizontal axis (53) is preferably less than or equal to about 20°.

Abstract: Platelike first transparent members 321 and platelike second transparent members 322 are prepared. Each first transparent member has substantially parallel first and second surfaces (film forming surfaces). A polarization splitting film 331 is formed on the first film forming surface. A reflecting film 332 is formed on the second film forming surface. The films are not formed on the surfaces of the second transparent members 322. A plurality of the first transparent members 321 and a plurality of the second transparent members 322 are adhered alternately. A block is cut from the so-adhered transparent members at a prescribed angle to the surfaces and the cut surfaces thereof are polished to obtain a polarization beam splitter array 320.

Abstract: A technique capable of increasing contrast of a projected and displayed image of a projector. A projector includes an illuminating system that emits illumination light, a liquid crystal light valve for modulating light from the illuminating system according to image information, and a projection system for projecting image light formed on a light emission surface of the liquid crystal light valve. A liquid crystal light valve includes a liquid crystal panel, first and second polarizers disposed on the side of the light incidence surface and on the side of the light emission surface of the liquid crystal panel, and first and second compensating plates disposed between the liquid crystal panel and the first and second polarizers, respectively.

Abstract: Micro-electromechanical display device (“MDD”)-based multimedia projectors (90, 120) of this invention employ an arc lamp (32), a color modulator (42), and anamorphic illumination systems (94, 121) for optimally illuminating a MDD (50, 76) to improve projected image brightness. MDDs employ off-axis illumination wherein incident and reflected light bundles are angularly separated about a hinge axis (78, 110) and the MDD is illuminated by the anamorphic illumination systems of this invention having a slow f/# parallel to the hinge axis and a faster f/# perpendicular to the hinge axis. The resulting anamorphic light bundles (86, 88, 112, 114) illuminate and reflect more light into and off the MDD and through a fast f/# projection lens.

Abstract: A display system based on a spatial light modulator (SLM). Various embodiments of the invention all involve some sort of articulating element, such that the display system has a stow position that is more compact and different from its operating position. In the operating position, the image formed by the SLM is re-oriented, if necessary, to a position suitable for viewing.

Abstract: In order to provide a noise-free reliable projection type display apparatus which has no movable portion and can display a high quality full-color image, the following arrangement is proposed. In a projection type display apparatus which has an optical modulation device for displaying an image by controlling the reflected state of light, an illumination unit for irradiating the optical modulation device with light, and a projecting optical system for projecting reflected light components of the light components with which the optical modulation device is irradiated, and projects and displays an image formed by the optical modulation device, as the optical modulation device, a mirror array device for modulating light by controlling the tilt amounts of mirrors that form pixels is used.

Abstract: A mounting system for three axis rotational adjustment of a light projector assembly of a projection television, the mounting system having a spherical wall and a spherical bracket slidably engaged with the spherical wall and moveable relative thereto. The wall and bracket coact with one another to rotate the light projector assembly about three axes, thereby restricting movement of the projector assembly to a portion of a spherical path and enabling adjustment of an image generated by the projector assembly on a screen of a projection television to a desired geometry without affecting picture centering.

Abstract: The invention relates to a projection display device comprising a illumination system having a light source and an optical bar for providing an illumination beam, an image display system comprising a display panel for modulating the illumination beam with image information and projecting the image on a screen, and a color filter provided on a wheel, rotatably mounted at its hub, for transmitting colored portions of the illumination beam for illuminating the display panel. In order to improve the efficiency of the projection display device, the color filter comprises adjacent spiral-shaped filter portions for simultaneously illuminating portions of the display panel by the colored portions of the illumination beam so that the portions of the display panel are consecutively illuminated by the colored portions of the illumination beam.

Abstract: A color-separating and -recombining optical system includes a cubic- or square column-like first to fourth polarization beam splitters having polarization-splitting planes intersecting each other and wavelength-selective polarizing converters for rotating the plane of polarization of a specific-color light component by 90 degrees. One of the converters is placed at a light-incident side of the first splitter and another is placed at a light-emitting side of the fourth splitter. The first and fourth splitters are provided at light-incident and light-emitting sides, respectively, of the optical system. The first and fourth splitters are arranged diagonally opposing each other. The remaining converters are placed between at least two inner facing planes of the first to fourth splitters. At least the remaining converters and three of the first to fourth splitters are joined to form an optical joint component with a gap between the component and the remaining one splitter.

Abstract: A projection optical system which has a short projection distance and a compact structure, and allows oblique projection. The projection optical system projects luminous flux from an image forming element for forming an original image onto a projection surface which is oblique to a central principal ray which is a principal ray of luminous flux traveling from the center of the original image to the center of a finally formed image. The system includes a plurality of reflecting surfaces each having a curvature. In addition, the projection optical system satisfies a predetermined expression (1).

Abstract: Partially polarized light produced by an integrator/polarization conversion system combination and two non-pixilated twisted nematic liquid crystal display cells (TN-LCD) or other light modulators are utilized. By adjusting the voltages on the TN-LCD cells, it is possible to adjust the relative amounts of the greatest two of the colors supplied, of the red, green and blue colors, used by the display without changing the light of the color in the least supply. Because all of the adjustments are done electronically through voltage controls, not mechanically, the “white” point correction system is both simple and reliable.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator is constructed from a conductive silicon mirror substrate and a glass electrode substrate including sodium, anode-bonded together. The silicon mirror substrate has micromirrors arranged in a matrix, torsion bars coupling these micromirrors in the x-direction, and a frame coupled to both ends of the torsion bars. A glass electrode substrate has a central depression, a rim around the periphery thereof, pillars projecting from within the depression, and electrodes and wiring driving micromirrors formed within the depression in an inclining manner. Both ends of the torsion bars are bonded to the rim of the frame portion, and intermediate portions of the torsion bars are bonded to the pillars. Both ends of the torsion bars are cut away from the frame portion during dicing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a display apparatus which can prevent the unevenness of the quantity of light in case of display giving priority to color reproducibility and can also correct the unevenness of the up rate to the brightness in display attaching importance to color reproducibility in case of display giving priority to brightness. In the display apparatus, light from a light source 1 is separated into three colors R, G and B by dichroic mirrors DM1, DM2, and liquid crystal display elements 8R, 8G and 8B corresponding to the color-separated three colors are illuminated with these lights, and the three color lights are modulated by these display elements to thereby form a color image, and the dichroic mirrors DM1 and DM2 include a dichroic mirror DM1 subjected to inclination correction movable in its inclined direction.

Abstract: An image display apparatus includes: a color separation optical system having a color separation optical member for reflecting a color light component in a specific wavelength range of the converging light and transmitting color light components in the other wavelength ranges. An optical axis of light incident on the color separation optical member forms an angle smaller than 45 degrees with a normal to a light incident surface of the color separation optical member.

Abstract: In an illuminating device in which a light from a light source is separated into three color lights differing in optical path from one another by a color separating system, and light modulating elements conforming to the respective color lights are illuminated with the color lights, at least one of the optical paths of the three color lights has therein a reflecting system having positive power for reflecting the color light passing therethrough.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the color of a light source comprises a first polarizer to polarize the light source, a fixed retarder with its optical axis at a first angle to the polarized light, an electronically variable retarder with its optical axis at a second angle to the polarized light and a second polarizer to polarize the resultant light. This light source may be used where light of adjustable color is needed, for example in a theatrical spotlight or a liquid crystal projection system.

Abstract: A projecting display system includes a light source (101) which produces light which is spatially modulated by a number of spatial light modulators (105, 107). A splitting means (103) is provided in the light path between the light source (101) and the spatial light modulators (105 and 107) such that the overall luminous flux produceable by the system is not determined by the maximum luminous flux which each spatial light modulators (105, 107) can accommodate.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight, low cost image display device with high image quality and improved brightness are attained by a combination of a color separating means and color separating/combining means and color combinations means and two reflecting means and polarizing plate to change the polarization direction of the light and a polarized beam splitter on the optical axis of reflective liquid crystal display element.

Abstract: A projection optical system projects an enlarged image of a light valve image onto a screen. The system has, from the conjugate enlargement side: a negative front lens unit, optical path turning means (including a reflecting surface), a positive rear lens unit, and projection light preparing means, which can separate illumination and projection light, or can integrate light of different colors, or can do both. Each of the front and rear lens units includes at least one aspherical surface. The front lens unit has a negative first lens element at its conjugate-enlargement end and a negative second lens element at the conjugate reduction side of the first lens element. The rear lens unit includes a positive third lens element made of an anomalous dispersion material. The center of the light valve is not located on the optical axis of the rear lens unit.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to miniaturize an optical unit and an image display device. The optical unit of the present invention keeps an optical system so as to form an optical path inside a housing. The optical unit has at least one reflecting optical element, and the at least one reflecting optical element is formed in one body with the housing.

Abstract: A projection type image display apparatus includes a light source emitting light, a polarization device transmitting light polarized in one direction of incident light emitted from the light source, a reflection type image generating unit generating a color image from incident light and reflecting the generated color image to proceed along a path different from a path of the incident light, a light deflection device deflecting the image reflected by the image generating unit, and a projection lens unit magnifying and transmitting the image generated by the image generating unit and deflected by the light deflection device to proceed toward a screen. Thus, a full color can be realized with respect to the area of a pixel, and an efficiency in use of light and resolving power can be improved.

Abstract: A multi-stripe scrolling apparatus has a beam splitter (13) that internally reflects white light onto a movable array of holographic elements (30, 32, 34) that respectively emit three different color beams that are focused onto a light valve (36), causing bands of the three colors to sequentially scroll across the light valve (36).

Abstract: The invention accurately sets a polarization direction of a polarization element, and prevents deterioration of the usage efficiency of the light and a reduction in image contrast. Field lenses are provided on a projection display device. A polarizer is placed on a flat surface of a field lens. The flat surface of the field lens is provided with a reference shape to place the polarizer at the end thereof. The reference shape may be one or more planes provided on the end of the field lens. In addition, the reference shape may be a straight line drawn on the flat surface of the field lens.

Abstract: A digital light projection system is provided that includes a light pipe for generating and outputting a light beam. An input mirror is provided that is configured to receive a light beam from the light pipe and deflect it onto a digital mirror device (DMD). The DMD is configured to deflect the light beam onto an imaging mirror that is configured to image the light beam onto a flat mirror.

Abstract: A real image projection system is provided including a projection system housing with an aperture. This device provides a real image projected into a viewable volume of space. An optical assembly and an object positioning device adjacent to the optic assembly provide the real image. The object positioning device may position an object adjacent to the optic assembly in dynamic or static fashion. The optical assembly receives the light rays reflected from the object. The optical assembly projects a real image of the object into the viewable volume of space. The invention provides environmental visual cues to promote perception of a three-dimensional image.

Abstract: An illumination obscurement device for controlling the obscurement of illumination from a light source which is optimized for use with a rectangular, arrayed, selective reflection device. In a preferred embodiment, a rotatable shutter with three positions is placed between a light source and a DMD. The first position of the shutter is a mask, preferably an out of focus circle. This out of focus circle creates a circular mask and changes any unwanted dim reflection to a circular shape. The second position of the shutter is completely open, allowing substantially all the light to pass. The third position of the shutter is completely closed, blocking substantially all the light from passing. By controlling the penumbra illumination surrounding the desired illumination, DMDs can be used in illumination devices without creating undesirable rectangular penumbras.

Abstract: A projection-type image displaying device includes liquid crystal elements for modulating light rays having wavelength regions different from each other, a color combining optical element for combining the light rays modulated by the liquid crystal display elements, and a projection type optical system for projecting light rays combined by the color combining optical element to display an image. Polarizing elements are disposed on an incidence side and an exit side of the liquid crystal display elements. Optically anisotropic elements for correcting the optical anisotropy of each of the liquid crystal elements are disposed between the polarizing elements. An air-reduced distance Linp between an entrance pupil of the projection optical system and display surfaces of the liquid crystal display element and diagonal length Ldisp across corners of the display surface of the liquid crystal display elements meet the predetermined condition.

Abstract: A digital cinema projector (100) for projection of color images onto a display surface comprises a light source (116), which produces a beam of light. Beam-shaping optics (130) homogenize and focus the beam of light and color splitting optics (132) separate focus beam of light into separate color beams. A first modulation optics system comprises a prepolarizer (212), which prepolarizes a first color beam; a wire grid polarization beamsplitter (224), which transmits a first predetermined polarization state of the prepolarized beam; a reflective spatial light modulator (204), which alters the transmitted prepolarized beam with information and reflects the image bearing first color beam through the wire grid polarization beamsplitter (224); and a wire grid polarization analyzer (228), which transmits the image bearing first color beam and attenuates unwanted polarization components.

Abstract: A digital cinema projection system (200) for projecting images onto a display screen. The projection system (200) comprises a lamp console (102) and a projector (202). The projector (202) receives digital image data, processes the digital image data to create an image data stream that is compatible with the chosen spatial light modulator, and uses the processed image data to modulate a beam of light from the lamp console (102). A primary projection lens (204) and lens adapter mounted on a rotatable turret (206) focus the modulated light onto a display screen. Alternatively, an integrated anamorphic projection lens is used to eliminate the need for a separate lens adapter.

Abstract: A high-intensity arc lamp comprises a glass envelope with a pressurized gas atmosphere. A cathode and an anode structure are disposed within. A pointed tip of the cathode is juxtaposed by a central hole in a face of the anode and a small gap between them. Such central hole is vented away from the arc down inside the anode structure. During operation, heat from the arc at the entrance to the central hole drives a wind of xenon gas down through such vents in the anode structure.

Abstract: An image projection system includes an illumination system and an image display system with at least one reflective image display panel for modulating. An illumination beam is supplied by the illumination system with image information and a projection lens system. The illumination system has an extra optical system that at least partly re-illuminates the image display system with light reflected by the reflective image display panel to the illumination system. The extra optical system redistributes light coming from a pixel of the image display system across a plurality of pixels of the image display system.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a lamp which produces a first light which may be a white light; a first light valve, a second light valve, a first color separator, and a first aperture device. The first color separator receives the white light from the lamp, and separates the white light into a first color light and a first residual light. The first aperture device receives the first color light and the first aperture device can be controlled to modify a frequency of the first color light to the first light valve. The second light valve receives at least a portion of the first residual light. The first aperture device could also be controlled to substantially block at least a portion of the first color light.

Abstract: A screen is arranged substantially in parallel with a yz-plane. A first mirror is placed with its reflection plane substantially perpendicular to the yz-plane and also inclined approximately 45° to an xy-plane. At least an electro-optical device, color combining means, and projection lens are arranged along the xy-plane so that an image-light ray emitted from a color-combining optical system enters the first mirror with its optical-axis parallel to the xy plane and inclined &agr;° with respect to a y-axis. A second mirror is placed substantially perpendicularly to an XZ-plane and also with an inclination of smaller by &agr;/2° than 45° approximately with respect to the yz-plane, so that the image-light ray reflected from the first mirror is reflected by the second mirror again so as to enter the screen with the optical axis being incident on the substantial center of the screen and substantially perpendicular to the screen.

Abstract: Belt-like regions illuminated by red, green and blue light beams are formed on an image display panel, and the illuminated regions are moved continuously. Each pixel of the image display panel is driven by a signal corresponding to the color of light entering the pixel. This makes it possible to display a color image with only one image display panel having neither a color filter nor a pixel exclusively for the respective light beams. The adjacent regions illuminated by two colors of light are overlapped partially, and the pixels in the overlapping portions are driven by a brightness signal component. By overlapping the adjacent illuminated regions, a focused area of the light beams can be enlarged, achieving a smaller focusing optical system, making it possible to reduce the size of the entire device.

Abstract: The invention concerns an illumination system for wavelengths<193 nm, especially for EUV-lithography with a plurality of light sources a mirror device for creating secondary light sources comprising several mirrors, said mirrors are comprising raster elements. The invention is characterized in that the plurality of light sources are coupled together in order to illuminate the exit pupil of the illumination system up to a predetermined degree of filling.

Abstract: A projection system includes multiple imaging heads for projecting a plurality of images, which may or may not be partially overlapped and edge blended to form a projected composite image. The projection system, however, includes only a single light source. The light from the light source is beam split into light portions, and the light portions are applied to the imaging heads via corresponding light guides. Use of the single light source to project all the images may solve colorimetry problems associated with generating projected composite image from multiple projected images, each of which uses a different light source. For projecting the images on a curved surface, the geometry of the images may be distorted using electronic image warping and/or lens-based optical distortion.

Abstract: In a projection display apparatus, light from a light source is separated into a plurality of beams having different wavelength regions, a plurality of image display elements (123r, 123g, 123b) are inserted in the optical paths of the respective separated beams so as to be illuminated by the beams. A color combiner (XDP) is provided for combining the beams emerging from the plurality of image display elements. The beams combined by the color combiner are projected on a projection surface. A diffraction optical element (124) is inserted in at least one of a plurality of optical paths between the plurality of image display elements and the color combiner.

Abstract: A projection type display device, having a light beam flux converting optical system which makes plural beam fluxes from light emitted from a light source and converts the each beam flux into a parallel beam flux and makes the each beam flux advance in a different direction, a polarized light separating color separating optical system which polarization separates and color separates light which was emitted from the light beam flux converting optical system, plural reflecting type light valves which modulate polarized light components emitted from the polarized light separating color separating optical system based on image information and a color synthesizing and analyzing optical system performing color synthesis and analysis of modulated light which were emitted from the plural reflecting type light valves.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a lamp which produces a first light which may be a white light; a first light valve, a second light valve, and a first aperture device, which may be a first electronically switchable filter. The first aperture device or the first electronically switchable filter function as selectively variable color separators. The first aperture device or the first electronically switchable filter each can be placed in a first state where the first light is separated into a first color light and a first residual light, and a second state where the first light is separated into a second color light and a second residual light. The first light valve receives the first light in the first state and the second light in the second state. The second light valve receives at least a portion of the first residual light in the first state or at least a portion of the second residual light in the second state.