Polarizer Patents (Class 353/8)
  • Patent number: 8142020
    Abstract: The invention relates to an autostereoscopic projection arrangement, comprising at least one projector (4) and at least one filter array (F1, F2), which has a multitude of filter elements arranged in columns and rows, in which arrangement bits of partial information from views of a scene or object are projected by the projector/the projectors (4) onto a projection screen (3), where these bits of partial information are rendered on image rendering elements and, having passed one or several of the filter arrays (F1, F2), are made visible to at least one observer (5), and in which, as regards the propagation direction of the bits of partial information, the image rendering elements correspond with correlated filter elements in such a way that an observer (5) will see predominantly bits of partial information from a first selection of views with one eye and predominantly bits of partial information from a second selection of views with the other eye, and thus will have a spatial impression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Phoenix 3D, Inc.
    Inventors: Ingo Relke, Stephan Otte, Markus Klippstein, Thomas Bruggert, Bernd Riemann
  • Publication number: 20120057134
    Abstract: A stereoscopic projection system includes an optical engine, a relay lens group, a polarization conversion system and two identical projection lenses. The optical engine is used for outputting a non-polarized image light. The non-polarized image light is imaged into the polarization conversion system through the relay lens group to produce an intermediate image. The polarization conversion system includes a polarization beam splitter, a polarization rotating element and a polarization switch. The polarization beam splitter is used for splitting the non-polarized image light into a first-state first polarized beam and a second-state second polarized beam, which have the same total optical length. By the polarization switch, the first output polarized beam and the second output polarized beam are alternately switched between the first state and the second state. The projection lenses are located in the first optical path and the second optical path for projecting the intermediate image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: June-Jei Huang
  • Publication number: 20120057133
    Abstract: A display system includes a driver configured to create command signals for generating a pair of images along two different optical paths; a pair of polarized sources, each polarized source configured to produce a polarized image of one of the pair of images along a respective optical path at substantially the same time based on a command signal from the driver, the first of the pair of polarizer sources configured to produce a different polarization than the second of the pair of polarizer sources; a polarization co-alignment element configured to optically align the polarized images from the respective polarizer along a common optical path; and a display screen configured to display the co-aligned polarized images. Depending on the mode of the display system, 3-D polarized glasses may be worn by the viewers for observing the displayed images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventor: Ian S. ROBINSON
  • Publication number: 20120044459
    Abstract: An image projection system having a laser projector that projects two differently polarized images on a display region is disclosed. The laser projector enables viewing the two differently polarized images as a three-dimensional image. The image projection system includes a planar lightwave circuit-based beam combiner that enables multiple colors of laser light having different polarization modes to be combined in a single output beam that is scanned over the display region at video rates to produce the two polarized images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: OCTROLIX BV
    Inventors: Edwin Jan Klein, Ronald Dekker
  • Publication number: 20120033184
    Abstract: Stereoscopic vision glasses include a right-eye shutter and a left-eye shutter axisymmetric to each other with respect to a symmetric axis. Each of the right-eye shutter and the left-eye shutter includes an incident side polarization plate, an exit side polarization plate, and liquid crystal interposed therebetween. Each of the right-eye shutter and the left-eye shutter is opened or closed in accordance with an application voltage of the liquid crystal. The polarization axis of the incident side polarization plate of each of the right-eye shutter and the left-eye shutter is inclined with respect to the symmetric axis. A stereoscopic vision electronic apparatus includes a projection type display device displaying a right-eye image and a left-eye image in a time division manner by projecting first projected light and second projected light of which directions of polarization axes are different from each other; and the stereoscopic vision glasses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Takaaki Tanaka, Akihiko Ito
  • Publication number: 20110317129
    Abstract: A projection autostereoscopic display including an image projector and a stereo screen is provided. The image projector projects an image. The image includes multiple viewing-zone images. The stereo screen receives the image and reflects the image to an observing direction. The stereo screen includes a linear polarizer layer, for receiving and polarizing the image. A first microretarder layer is disposed behind the linear polarizer layer. A second microretarder layer is disposed behind the first microretarder layer by a distance. A reflection-type polarization-reserved diffuser layer is disposed behind the second microretarder layer for reflecting and diffusing the image into various directions while maintaining the polarization state of the image. A switching layer is switched between a transparent state which maintains the polarization state of the image and an opaque state which changes the polarization states of the image to a non-polarization state, to switch between 2D and 3D display modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Wei-Liang Hsu, Chao-Hsu Tsai, Chang-Ying Chen, Jinn-Cherng Yang
  • Publication number: 20110310348
    Abstract: A viewing system for viewing video displays having the appearance of a three dimensional image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: XpanD, Inc.
    Inventors: Boyd MacNaughton, Rodney W. Kimmell, David W. Allen
  • Patent number: 8066382
    Abstract: A stereoscopic digital image projecting system has a light source system providing polarized illumination having a first polarization state and a beam splitting system with a rotating segmented disk in the illumination, alternately generating first and second light beams, the rotating segmented disk having outer segments alternately transmissive and non-transmissive and inner segments radially aligned with the outer segments and alternately reflective and transmissive. A polarization rotator in a path of either the first or second light beam rotates the first polarization state to a second state orthogonal to the first. A combining system combines the first and second light beams into a combined light beam. A spatial light modulator modulates the combined light beam in a manner consistent with stereoscopic image data to form first and second modulated images having substantially orthogonal polarization states. Projection optics project the modulated images onto a display surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Barry D. Silverstein, Joseph R. Bietry, Robert J. Metzger, James R. Kircher
  • Patent number: 8066377
    Abstract: A system and method for improving stereoscopic images produced by a projecting device containing a single chip DMD, seen through an eye-switching device, such as a pair of liquid crystal (LC) shutter glasses. The system and method are used with a video projector designed to be used with a multiple-color, color switching device, such as a color wheel. The color wheel includes at least three critical color segments. The color wheel may also physically include or be electronically re-defined to include at least one non-critical segment. A color sequencing firmware resident in the video projector is used to align a non-critical segment in front of the projector's main light source during the eye-switching device's unstable transition phase. If the non-critical segment is transmissive, the firmware controls the DMD so that light is discontinued. If the non-critical segment is non-transmissive, the light is physically blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Lightspeed Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Michal Husak, Joseph D. Lawrence, Robert Mueller, Chris Ward
  • Publication number: 20110285963
    Abstract: An imaging system having reduced susceptibility to thermally induced stress birefringence, comprising; a relay lens, which images the object plane onto an intermediate image plane; a projection lens, which images the intermediate image plane onto the display surface. The lens elements that are immediately adjacent to a relay lens aperture stop and a projection lens aperture stop are fabricated using glasses having a negligible susceptibility to thermal stress birefringence, and the other lens elements are fabricated using glasses having at most a moderate susceptibility to thermal stress birefringence as characterized by the thermal stress birefringence metric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Andrew F. Kurtz, Joseph R. Bietry, Barry D. Silverstein
  • Patent number: 8057042
    Abstract: A stereo projection optical system includes an image assimilator and a transmission-type light modulator positioned to receive the emergent light of the image assimilator. The image assimilator is configured for superimposing spatial information on the incident light beam and emitting one of a first polarized light component and a second polarized light component. The transmission-type light modulator alternates between a dark state and a bright state. The stereo projection optical systems provide viewers three-dimensional images formed by two alternative polarized lights whose polarizations are perpendicular relative to each other utilizing the transmission-type light modulators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Wen Hsu, Chia-Hung Kao
  • Publication number: 20110261174
    Abstract: A digital projection apparatus for projecting digital image data comprising: one or more image forming assemblies; a display surface; and projection optics for projecting an image of the spatial light modulators in the one or more image forming assemblies onto the display surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Barry D. Silverstein, Gary E. Nothhard
  • Publication number: 20110242490
    Abstract: A projector includes a liquid crystal light valve to which first image data and second image data are alternately written and a polarization switching device that has a plurality of switching areas and switches a polarization state between a first polarization state and a second polarization state for each of the switching areas. A boundary position between a switching area that provides the first polarization state and a switching area that provides the second polarization state moves in synchronization with a boundary position between an area where the first image data is written and an area where the second image data is written.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshitaka ITOH
  • Publication number: 20110205496
    Abstract: A polarization conversion system (PCS) is located in the output light path of a projector. The PCS may include a polarizing beam splitter, a polarization rotating element, a reflecting element, and a polarization switch. Typically, a projector outputs randomly-polarized light. This light is input to the PCS, in which the PCS separates p-polarized light and s-polarized light at the polarizing beam splitter. P-polarized light is directed toward the polarization switch on a first path. The s-polarized light is passed on a second path through the polarization rotating element (e.g., a half-wave plate), thereby transforming it to p-polarized light. A reflecting element directs the transformed polarized light (now p-polarized) along the second path toward the polarization switch. The first and second light paths are ultimately directed toward a projection screen to collectively form a brighter screen image in cinematic applications utilizing polarized light for three-dimensional viewing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: ReaID, Inc.
    Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, Michael G. Robinson, Gary D. Sharp
  • Publication number: 20110205495
    Abstract: Three dimensional projection systems may be single projector or multiple projector systems. These 3D projection systems may include a polarization conversion system (PCS). The PCS may be designed for relatively small throw ratios and thus, may be designed to accommodate the small throw ratios. The PCS may include a polarizing beam splitter, a first optical stack, a reflector and a second quarter wave retarder. The first optical stack may include a rotator, a polarizer, a polarization switch and a first quarter wave retarder. The PCS may receive light from a projector and the PBS may direct the light toward the first optical stack. The light may be converted to a different polarization state as it passes through the first optical stack. The converted light may then be re-directed by a reflecting element to the second quarter wave retarder. The second quarter wave retarder may convert linearly polarized light to circularly polarized light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: REALD INC.
    Inventors: David A. Coleman, Miller H. Schuck, Gary D. Sharp, Scott E. Gilman
  • Patent number: 8004761
    Abstract: A stereo projection optical system includes a polarization converter, a 2-way wheel, a retarder, and an image engine. The polarization converter is configured for converting an incident light into a polarized light which have single polarization. The 2-way wheel includes a reflective region and a transmissive region. The reflective region is configured for reflecting the polarized light and the transmissive region is configured for transmitting the polarized light. The retarder is positioned to receive an emergent light from one of the reflective region and the transmissive region. The image engine is positioned to receive light output of the 2-way wheel and the retarder and configured for emitting the light output comprising spatial information. The stereo projection optical systems provide viewers three-dimensional images formed by two alternative polarized light beams whose polarizations are perpendicular to each other utilizing the 2-way wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: I-Pen Chien, Yuan-Yu Lin
  • Publication number: 20110176114
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to a stereoscopic projection system and methods. An exemplary disclosed projection system includes an optical component disposed between the lenses of a lens arrangement. An exemplary lens arrangement includes a first power group, a second power group, and an aperture stop. In an embodiment, the optical component is disposed between the first power group and the aperture stop. In an exemplary embodiment, the optical component is proximate to the aperture stop. By disposing the optical component closer to or proximate to the aperture stop in the lens arrangement, various benefits may be realized, including improved contrast uniformity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, III, Michael G. Robinson, Gary D. Sharp
  • Patent number: 7959296
    Abstract: A multiple path stereoscopic projection system is disclosed. The system comprises a polarizing splitting element configured to receive image light energy and split the image light energy received into a primary path and a secondary path, a reflector in the secondary path, and a polarization modulator or polarization modulator arrangement positioned in the primary path and configured to modulate the primary path of light energy. A polarization modulator may be included within the secondary path, a retarder may be used, and optional devices that may be successfully employed in the system include elements to substantially optically superimpose light energy transmission between paths and cleanup polarizers. The projection system can enhance the brightness of stereoscopic images perceived by a viewer. Static polarizer dual projection implementations free of polarization modulators are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Cowan, Lenny Lipton, Jerry Carollo
  • Publication number: 20110134317
    Abstract: This invention discloses a system that produces a compound image. It comprises 1) an illumination system producing at least two spatially separated illumination zones where the illuminating lights have different optical properties; 2) a display panel having at least two segments that display the component information of a compound image respectively; 3) a lens system that produces images; 4) a redirecting element that redirect the different types of light at different angles. The optical properties of light includes but are not limited to, different colors and different polarizations. For a system using different colors, it produces color images. For a system using different polarizations, it produces three dimensional images. The advantages of the current invention are simple, low cost, and highly efficient. Its applications include near-to-eye display systems, projection display systems, and three-dimensional display systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Yong-Jing Wang
  • Publication number: 20110128503
    Abstract: A stereoscopic image projector is provided with a display device, a characteristic-differentiation member, an optical-path separation member, an optical-path combining member, and a single projection lens. The display device displays a left-eye image which is a left parallax image and a right-eye image which is a right parallax image on different regions of an image display surface. The characteristic-differentiation member gives projection light beams each carrying a different one of images displayed on the display device optical characteristics that are different from each other. By using the difference in optical characteristic, the optical-path separation member separates optical paths of the left-eye and right-eye images from each other, and the optical-path combining member coaxially combines the separated optical paths together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.
    Inventors: Yasumasa SAWAI, Jun ISHIHARA
  • Publication number: 20110096295
    Abstract: A multiple path stereoscopic projection system is disclosed. The system comprises a polarizing splitting element configured to receive image light energy and split the image light energy received into a primary path and a secondary path, a reflector in the secondary path, and a polarization modulator or polarization modulator arrangement positioned in the primary path and configured to modulate the primary path of light energy. A polarization modulator may be included within the secondary path, a retarder may be used, and optional devices that may be successfully employed in the system include elements to substantially optically superimpose light energy transmission between paths and cleanup polarizers. The projection system can enhance the brightness of stereoscopic images perceived by a viewer. Static polarizer dual projection implementations free of polarization modulators are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: REALD
    Inventors: Matt Cowan, Lenny Lipton, Jerry Carollo
  • Patent number: 7926951
    Abstract: A digital image projector includes a plurality of light modulation assemblies and a dichroic combiner. Each light modulation assembly includes at least one laser light source configured to provide an illumination beam, an optional a coated surface, and a spatial light modulator. If the coated surface is present, the respective laser light source is configured to direct the illumination beam to the coated surface, which directs the illumination beam toward the respective spatial light modulator. Otherwise, the respective laser light source is configured to direct the illumination beam directly toward the respective spatial light modulator. The spatial light modulator redirects output modulated light back to the coated surface, if present, and out of the corresponding light modulation assembly. The dichroic combiner directs the output modulated light from each of the plurality of light modulation assemblies toward a projection lens for projection onto a display surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Joseph R. Bietry, Barry D. Silverstein, Jennifer D. Kruschwitz
  • Patent number: 7926949
    Abstract: A dual-mode stereoscopic three-dimensional (3D) projection display with two micro-display panels is provided. In a passive 3D mode, the 3D projection display simultaneously projects left-eye and right-eye images with first and second polarizations on the screen. The first and second polarizations are orthogonal to each other. In a first passive mode, a polarization-preserving screen is used and passive polarizing glasses can be worn to see the 3D images. In a second passive mode, an ordinary screen is used and 3D color filter glasses can be worn to see the 3D images. In an active mode, the display projects left-eye and right-eye images, with both first and second polarizations, time-sequentially and liquid crystal shutter glasses synchronized with the image sources can be worn to see 3D images. The dual-mode 3D projection display can be switched electronically to project 2D images when the same 2D image signals are fed to both micro-display panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Simon Boothroyd
    Inventor: Simon Andrew Boothroyd
  • Publication number: 20110063576
    Abstract: A method and system are described for projecting stereoscopic images using circularly polarized light with at least one polarizer for limiting the amount of light or radiant energy reaching a projection lens system and associated optical elements, and system configurations are discussed with respect to desired performance characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: WILLIAM GIBBENS REDMANN, MARK J. HUBER
  • Patent number: 7905605
    Abstract: A multi-primary light emitting diode system includes the use of a polarization based dichroic element to combine light from different color channels. At least one of the color channels includes two light emitting diodes that produce light with a different range of wavelengths. The use of the polarization based dichroic element permits overlapping spectra from different color channels to be combined without loss. Accordingly, the brightness of the system is improved relative to conventional systems in which losses occur when combining overlapping spectra from different channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignees: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V., Philips Lumileds Lighting Company, LLC
    Inventors: Serge J. Bierhuizen, Gerard Harbers
  • Publication number: 20110051092
    Abstract: Each of a first polarization separation element and a second polarization separation element reflects one of two polarization components perpendicular to each other included in incident light and transmits the other polarization component. A switching element is placed between the first polarization separation element and second polarization separation element and switches between a first state of transmitting an incident polarization component as it is and a second state of converting an incident polarization component to the other polarization component perpendicular to the incident polarization component and transmitting the converted component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD
    Inventor: Ken Mashitani
  • Patent number: 7898568
    Abstract: Disclosed is a display system capable of providing two and three-dimensional images. The display system comprises display means; a first polarizer located at a distance from a front surface of the display means; a display panel provided to a front of the first polarizer and regulating a polarization direction of light having passed through the first polarizer; and a second polarizer located at a distance from a front surface of the display panel, wherein each pixel of the second polarizer has a size of dividing a unit pixel of the display panel into two parts and two polarization states of each pixel are orthogonal to each other. By applying the structure, it is possible to manufacture a display system having a resolution increased by two times, as compared to a conventional display system. Accordingly, when developing a high resolution image display system requiring enormous development costs, it is possible to manufacture it using the two types of display systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventor: Sung Kyu Kim
  • Patent number: 7891816
    Abstract: A stereoscopic digital image projector includes (a) a plurality of light modulation assemblies, each comprising: (i) at least one solid-state light source energizable to provide illumination having a first polarization axis; (ii) a polarization rotator disposed in the path of the polarized illumination from the solid-state light source(s) and actuable to controllably rotate the polarization axis from the solid-state light source(s) to a second polarized axis; (iii) a micro-electromechanical spatial light modulator in the path of the polarized illumination and energizable to modulate the polarized illumination to form a first modulated light from illumination of the first polarization state and to form a second modulated light from illumination of the second polarization state; and (b) a synchronizing means to temporally control the polarization rotation to match the appropriate image data on the spatial light modulator; and (c) projection optics for directing the first and second modulated light toward a disp
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Barry D. Silverstein, Joseph R. Bietry, James R. Kircher, Robert Metzger
  • Patent number: 7887188
    Abstract: A heliostat for the collection of solar energy while resting on a surface is disclosed, comprising a rigid disk having an exposed surface, a back surface, and a circular peripheral edge connecting the exposed surface to the back surface. The peripheral edge includes a plurality of wheels each having a rotational axis substantially tangent to the circular peripheral edge of the disk. Each wheel is driven by an electric motor electrically connected to a power source. A hollow, substantially transparent spherical enclosure contains the rigid disk. Each wheel of the disk frictionally engages an inner surface of the enclosure such that rotation of the any of the wheels changes the orientation of the disk within the enclosure. A control circuit is electrically disposed between the power source and each motor. The control circuit includes a direction setting means for causing the motors to orient the exposed surface substantially facing a commanded direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Laird Knight
  • Publication number: 20110032483
    Abstract: A multi-segment optical retarder that can be used with or within a single projector for creating 3D images. The multi-segment optical retarder is coupled to an actuator used to effect some predetermined linear, rotary, or oscillating movement of the multi-segment optical retarder such that a fast axis orientation of each segment is substantially constant relative to itself over time and for a given area of incidence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Curtis R. HRUSKA, David M. SHEMO, Kim Leong TAN
  • Patent number: 7878656
    Abstract: A stereo projection optical system includes a first polarizing beam splitter, a transmission-type light modulator positioned to receive the first polarized light component from the first polarizing light splitter and an image assimilator positioned to receive an emergent light of the transmission-type light modulator. The image assimilator includes a second polarized light splitter and first, second reflective spatial light modulators. The stereo projection optical systems provide viewers three-dimensional images formed by two alternative polarization light beams whose polarizations are perpendicular to each other utilizing the transmission-type light modulators to form “3-D” images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Wen Hsu, Chia-Hung Kao
  • Publication number: 20110019153
    Abstract: Image projector can include a first optical system for producing a first image polarized into a first polarized light, a second optical system for producing a second image polarized into a second polarized light, a polarized light splitting device for reflecting one of the first polarized light and the second polarized light and transmitting the other one such that the first image and the second image travel on the same optical path, and a projecting lens for enlarging and projecting the first and second images from the polarized light splitting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Yun Mi LEE, Sang Ok Yeo
  • Patent number: 7874677
    Abstract: A stereo projection optical system includes a polarizing beam splitter, a 2-way wheel, a digital micro-mirror device, and a total internal reflection prism. The polarizing beam splitter is configured for emitting two light outputs. The 2-way wheel includes a reflective region and a transmissive region. The reflective region is configured for reflecting the light outputs and the transmissive region is configured for transmitting the light outputs. The digital micro-mirror device is configured for superimposing spatial information on the light outputs. The total internal reflection prism configured for coupling the light outputs of the 2-way wheel into the digital micro-mirror device and transmitting a light output of the digital micro-mirror device. The stereo projection optical systems provide viewers three-dimensional images formed by two alternative polarized light beams whose polarizations are perpendicular to each other utilizing the 2-way wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: I-Pen Chien, Hsin-Li Lin, Kuang-Wei Lin, Po-Yuan Lai
  • Publication number: 20110013143
    Abstract: A high resolution 3D projection system having a light source (302) for generating and emitting light, a translucent rotatable drum (308) having differently polarized sections for receiving the light therethrough, a plurality of digital micromirror device imagers (324, 326, 328 and 330) configured to receive and reflect the light transmitted through the drum (308), where a light beam is capable of being passed generally orthogonally through a wall of the drum is disclosed
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Youngshik Yoon
  • Publication number: 20110013144
    Abstract: A stereoscopic digital image projecting system has a light source system providing polarized illumination having a first polarization state and a beam splitting system with a rotating segmented disk in the illumination, alternately generating first and second light beams, the rotating segmented disk having outer segments alternately transmissive and non-transmissive and inner segments radially aligned with the outer segments and alternately reflective and transmissive. A polarization rotator in a path of either the first or second light beam rotates the first polarization state to a second state orthogonal to the first. A combining system combines the first and second light beams into a combined light beam. A spatial light modulator modulates the combined light beam in a manner consistent with stereoscopic image data to form first and second modulated images having substantially orthogonal polarization states. Projection optics project the modulated images onto a display surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Barry D. Silverstein, Joseph R. Bietry, Robert J. Metzger, James R. Kircher
  • Patent number: 7871165
    Abstract: A digital image projector includes a first polarized light source; a second polarized light source that is orthogonal in polarization state to the first polarized light source; a polarization beamsplitter disposed to direct light of either the first or second polarization along a common illumination axis; a MEMS spatial light modulator; and projection optics for delivering imaging light from the MEMS spatial light modulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Barry D. Silverstein, Richard P. Corey
  • Publication number: 20110007279
    Abstract: A stereoscopic digital image projecting system has a light source system energizable to provide polarized illumination having a first polarization state and a beam splitting system alternately generating first and second light beams having different polarization states from the polarized illumination. A combining system has a polarization beam combiner that combines the first and second light beams into a combined light beam. A spatial light modulator is used to modulate the combined light beam in a manner consistent with stereoscopic image data to form a first modulated image from illumination in the combined light beam having the first polarization state and to form a second modulated image from illumination in the combined light beam having the second polarization state. Projection optics are configured to project the first and second modulated images onto a display surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Barry D. Silverstein, James R. Kircher, Joseph R. Bietry
  • Patent number: 7862182
    Abstract: Optical system for a projector, comprising: at least a first polarizing beam splitter for splitting a source illumination beam into a first illumination beam linearly polarized along a first direction and a second illumination beam polarized perpendicular to the first direction; at least one color wheel intersecting the polarized illumination beams in two different regions and producing a first color beam linearly polarized along the first direction and a perpendicularly polarized second color beam; and two imagers illuminated by the first and second polarized color beams respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Julien Thollot, Khaled Sarayeddine, Pascal Benoit
  • Publication number: 20100328561
    Abstract: Projection systems and methods for providing stereoscopic images viewed through passive polarizing eyewear. The systems relate to projectors that create left and right eye images simultaneously and often as side-by-side images on the image modulator. The systems act to superimpose the spatially separated images on a projection screen with alternate polarization states. The embodiments are best suited to liquid crystal polarization based projection systems and use advanced polarization control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: REALD INC.
    Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, Michael G. Robinson, Douglas J. McKnight, Gary D. Sharp
  • Publication number: 20100328613
    Abstract: Projection screens for projection of binocular stereoscopic images include a metallic projection surface that includes a plurality of depressions configured to produce left and right viewable light fluxes in response to received left and right modulated light fluxes. The metallic projection surface can be formed by beadblasting, and multiple panels can be secured together by welding or other process. Projection surfaces can also be formed by molding or otherwise forming a conductive surface on a dielectric or other substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas M. Bartol, Paul O. Dunn, JR., Terrence J. Sejnowski, Dejan Vucinic
  • Publication number: 20100328612
    Abstract: A system and method for use in projecting stereoscopic images for three-dimensional presentation are disclosed. The system includes a dual-lens configuration for imparting different circular polarizations to two sets of images such that one set of images has a polarization orientation orthogonal to that of the other set of images. The dual-lens system includes at least one component for enhancing heat transfer among various elements in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Mark J. Huber, William Gibbens Redmann, Jed Harmsen
  • Publication number: 20100328429
    Abstract: In a light projection system, potentially hierarchical levels of light intensity control ensure proper laser-light output intensity, color channel intensity, white point, left/right image intensity balancing, or combinations thereof The light projection system can include a light intensity sensor in an image path, in a light-source subsystem light-dump path, in a light-modulation subsystem light-dump path, in a position to measure light leaked from optical components, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Barry D. Silverstein, Richard P. Corey
  • Patent number: 7857455
    Abstract: A multiple path stereoscopic projection system is disclosed. The system comprises a polarizing splitting element configured to receive image light energy and split the image light energy received into a primary path and a secondary path, a reflector in the secondary path, and a polarization modulator or polarization modulator arrangement positioned in the primary path and configured to modulate the primary path of light energy. A polarization modulator may be included within the secondary path, a retarder may be used, and optional devices that may be successfully employed in the system include elements to substantially optically superimpose light energy transmission between paths and cleanup polarizers. The projection system can enhance the brightness of stereoscopic images perceived by a viewer. Static polarizer dual projection implementations free of polarization modulators are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Cowan, Lenny Lipton, Jerry Carollo
  • Publication number: 20100315595
    Abstract: A display apparatus (10) has at least one color channel providing a modulated light for each of a plurality of image frames (92). One or more laser sources that provide an illumination beam having a first polarization transmission axis. An imaging modulator (854, 85g, 85b) in the path of the illumination beam is actuable to direct the modulated light toward a projection lens. A laser blanking apparatus in the path of the modulated light is disposed to block transient light between image frames and has at least one analyzer (66) having a second polarization transmission axis that is orthogonal to the first polarization transmission axis and at least one light polarization modulator that is synchronously timed to rotate polarization of transient light during an interval between frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Michael A. Marcus, Marek W. Kowarz, James G. Phalen, John A. Agostinelli
  • Patent number: 7845802
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes a plate-like separation optical element having a dichroic surface and a PBS surface. The dichroic surface reflects green component light and transmits yellow component light. The PBS surface transmits P polarization component light and reflects S polarization component light. The separation optical element combines red component light entering from a certain direction and transmitted through the dichroic surface, with yellow component light entering from a different direction and reflected by the PBS surface, and leads a combined light towards a red liquid crystal panel. The separation optical element combines green component light entering from the certain direction and reflected by the dichroic surface, with yellow component light entering from the different direction and transmitted through the PBS surface, and leads a combined light towards a green liquid crystal panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Takashi Ikeda, Makoto Maeda, Ken Mashitani, Hideyuki Kanayama
  • Publication number: 20100296059
    Abstract: A polarization switch provides substantially ideal binary polarization switching over a broad range of wavelengths using a polarization modulation wheel having at least one retarder stack that transforms polarization. Using the polarization modulation wheel in a polarization system provides a high throughput polarization switch and operates over a wide range of incidence angles while providing substantially continuous and smooth polarization output for each component for any selected polarization basis set. The polarization modulation wheel is well-suited for stereoscopic polarized projection applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: REALD INC.
    Inventor: Gary D. Sharp
  • Publication number: 20100253769
    Abstract: An optical system which includes some or all of the following parts: a laser light source which illuminates a spatial light modulator such that optical characteristics are preserved; a stereoscopic display which has a polarization-switching light source; a stereoscopic display which includes two infrared lasers, two optical parametric oscillators, and six second harmonic generators; two light sources processed by two parts of the same spatial light modulator; a method of assembly using an alignment plate to align kinematic rollers on a holding plate; an optical support structure which includes stacked, compartmented layers; a collimated optical beam between an optical parametric oscillator and a second harmonic generator; a laser gain module with two retroreflective mirrors; an optical tap which keeps the monitored beam co-linear; an optical coupler which includes an optical fiber and a rotating diffuser; and an optical fiber that has a core with at least one flat side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: LASER LIGHT ENGINES
    Inventors: David A. Coppeta, James J. Zambuto, Ian Turner, David Goodwin, William Beck
  • Publication number: 20100171890
    Abstract: A projection stereoscopic display includes: a stereoscopic display optical system receiving linearly polarized light from the light source and displaying a first picture and a second picture both having binocular parallax by linearly polarized light with polarization directions orthogonal to each other, in which the stereoscopic display optical system includes: a reflective liquid crystal panel modulating and reflecting linearly polarized light from the light source in response to a picture signal, a first polarizing device splitting the first picture from reflected light from the reflective liquid crystal panel, a retardation device converting the polarization direction of the first picture into a direction orthogonal thereto, and a second polarizing device splitting the second picture from reflected light from the reflective liquid crystal panel, and superimposing the second picture on the first picture of which the polarization direction is converted by the retardation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akio Furukawa, Yoshiro Takiguchi
  • Patent number: 7738171
    Abstract: An autostereoscopic display apparatus includes multiple micro-display devices for exporting an 3-dimensional image. Each of the micro-display devices produces a portion image of the image. The portion image has multiple viewing-zone portion images with respect to multiple viewing zones. An image guiding unit has multiple micro-image output terminals, which are arranged according to an array sequence being set, so as to guide the output images from the micro-display devices. A stereo-image discrete screen is coupled with the image guiding unit, so that the image can transit the stereo-image discrete screen through multiple column transparent regions for producing multiple viewing-zone images of the image with respect to the different viewing zones. The image guiding unit can be, for example, an optical fiber array unit or an array-type light guiding unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chao-Hsu Tsai, Kuen Lee, Kuo-Chung Huang
  • Publication number: 20100141856
    Abstract: Proposed are various embodiments of projection systems that generally provide stereoscopic images. The projection systems act to split a spatially separated image in a stereoscopic image frame and superimpose the left- and right-eye images on a projection screen with orthogonal polarization states. The embodiments are generally well suited to liquid crystal polarization based projection systems and may use advanced polarization control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: REAL D
    Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, Michael G. Robinson, Douglas J. McKnight, Gary D. Sharp