Methods for combining camera and projector functions in a single device
First Claim
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1. A handheld device, comprising:
- a light source operable to project a light beam along a first optic path;
a reflective light modulator comprising a plurality of switching elements operable to reflectively modulate the light beam along a second optic path; and
an image sensor situated substantially along the first optic path, wherein the image sensor is configured to capture an image from the second optic path reflected along the first optic path by the switching elements of the reflective light modulator.
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Abstract
Described are handheld devices with combined image capture and image projection functions. One embodiment includes modulating and capturing a light beam along the same optic path. In another embodiment, the optical components are operable to switch between projection and capture modes. In yet another embodiment, the optical components may be formed on the same semiconductor substrate thereby increasing functionality.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A handheld device, comprising:
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a light source operable to project a light beam along a first optic path;
a reflective light modulator comprising a plurality of switching elements operable to reflectively modulate the light beam along a second optic path; and
an image sensor situated substantially along the first optic path, wherein the image sensor is configured to capture an image from the second optic path reflected along the first optic path by the switching elements of the reflective light modulator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A handheld device, comprising:
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a light source operable to project a light beam along a first optic path;
a reflective light modulator comprising a plurality of switching elements operable to reflectively modulate the light beam along a second optic path; and
an image sensor situated substantially along a third optic path, wherein the image sensor is configured to capture an image from the second optic path reflected along the third optic path by the switching elements of the reflective light modulator.
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6. A handheld device, comprising:
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a light source operable to project a light beam along a first optic path;
a reflective light modulator comprising a plurality of switching elements operable to reflectively modulate the light beam along a second optic path; and
an optical component situated substantially along the second optic path, wherein the optical component is configured to direct an image from the second optic path to an image sensor situated substantially along a third optic path. - View Dependent Claims (7)
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- 8. A handheld device comprising a digital micromirror device and an image sensor on a mechanical structure, wherein the mechanical structure is operable to provide the digital micromirror device for projecting a first image along an optic path, and is further operable to provide the image sensor for capturing a second image along the optic path.
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12. A handheld device, comprising:
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a light source operable to project a light beam along a first optic path;
a reflective light modulator formed on a semiconductor substrate, the reflective light modulator comprising a plurality of switching elements operable to reflectively modulate the light beam substantially along a second optic path; and
a plurality of image sensors formed on the semiconductor substrate adjacent to the plurality of switching elements, the image sensors configured to capture an image from the second optic path reflected by the switching elements of the reflective light modulator substantially along subsequent optic paths. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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16. A semiconductor device, comprising:
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a substrate;
a reflective light modulator formed on the substrate, the reflective light modulator comprising a plurality of switching elements operable to reflect light beams; and
a plurality of image sensors formed on the substrate adjacent to the plurality of switching elements, the image sensors configured to capture light beams. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification