High efficiency electromagnetic beam projector, and systems and methods for implementation thereof

• US 6,882,476 B2
• Filed: 11/21/2003
• Issued: 04/19/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/11/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: AU Optronics Corporation
• Original Assignee: AU Optronics Corporation
• Inventors: Sedlmayr, Steven R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Robinson, Mark A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): FINEMAN, LEE A
• Application Number:
  US10/719,933
• Publication Number:
  US 20040114239A1
• Time in Patent Office: 515 Days
• Field of Search: 359483-485, 359/497, 359/487, 359/502, 359494-495, 353/8, 353/20, 353/31, 349/8, 349/9
• US Class Current: 359/487.04
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/02 for controlling the intensity of light G02B26/004 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/1006 for splitting or combining different wavelengths G02B27/1086, G02B27/141 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/1046 for use with transmissive spatial light modulators
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/1053 having a single light modulator for all colour channels
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/1073 characterized by manufacturing or alignment methods
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/142 Coating structures, e.g. thin films multilayers
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/143 using macroscopically faceted or segmented reflective surfaces
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/144 using partially transparent surfaces without spectral selectivity G02B27/147 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/145 having sequential partially reflecting surfaces
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/149 using crossed beamsplitting surfaces, e.g. cross-dichroic cubes or X-cubes
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/283 used for beam splitting or combining
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 33/06 by additive-colour projection apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 35/26 using polarised or coloured light separating different viewpoint images
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/239 using two 2D image sensors having a relative position equal to or related to the interocular distance H04N13/243 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/334 using spectral multiplexing
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/337 using polarisation multiplexing
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/341 using temporal multiplexing
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/361 Reproducing mixed stereoscopic images; Reproducing mixed monoscopic and stereoscopic images, e.g. a stereoscopic image overlay window on a monoscopic image background
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/363 using image projection screens volumetric display H04N13/388
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/7441 the modulator being an array of liquid crystal cells
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/3105 : for displaying all colours simultaneously, e.g. by using two or more electronic spatial light modulators simultaneous projection in colour photography G03B33/10; beam splitting or combining systems per se G02B27/10
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/3152 : for shaping the light beam beam shaping per se G02B27/09
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/3167 : for polarizing the light beam polarizing optical systems per se G02B27/28
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/317 : Convergence or focusing systems electronic adjustment of convergence H04N9/3185; convergence or focusing arrangements for cathode ray tubes H04N9/28; means for automatic focusing of projectors not peculiar to the presence of an electronic spatial light modulator G03B21/53

Abstract

This invention relates to electromagnetic wave beam paths, formation of the beam, illumination of programmable electromagnetic wave field vector orientation rotating devices (“PEMFVORD”) with an electromagnetic beam, and the technique of projection of the modulated beam. This invention also relates to a unique light path and method of forming the light into a rectangular beam to be used for optical projection systems and, more particularly, in a color and/or black and white liquid crystal device (LCD) projectors that produce high resolution, high brightness and/or three-dimensional images. This invention further relates to a device capable of receiving and displaying two-dimensional and three dimensional images.

Claims

1. A method of producing a modulated beam of electromagnetic energy comprising:

[a] providing an initial collimated beam of electromagnetic energy having randomly changing orientations of the selected component of the electromagnetic wave field vectors and having a substantially uniform flux intensity across substantially the entire beam;

[b] resolving from the initial collimated beam of electromagnetic energy an initial collimated first resolved beam of electromagnetic energy having substantially a first single selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of the electromagnetic wave field vectors and an initial collimated second resolved beam of electromagnetic energy having substantially a second single selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of the electromagnetic wave field vectors, whereby the first and second single selected predetermined orientation of the chosen component of the electromagnetic wave field vectors are different from one another;

[c] forming from the initial collimated first resolved beam of electromagnetic energy and the initial collimated second resolved beam of electromagnetic energy a substantially collimated rectangular initial single beam of electromagnetic energy having substantially the same single selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of the electromagnetic wave field vectors across substantially the entire beam of electromagnetic energy and a substantially uniform flux intensity across substantially the entire initial collimated single beam of electromagnetic energy;

[d] separating the collimated rectangular initial single beam of electromagnetic energy into two or more separate collimated rectangular beams of electromagnetic energy whereby each of the separate collimated rectangular beams of electromagnetic energy has the same single selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of the electromagnetic wave field vectors as that of the other separate collimated rectangular beams of electromagnetic energy and each separate collimated rectangular beam of electromagnetic energy having a different electromagnetic energy from the other separate collimated rectangular beams of electromagnetic energy;

[e] adjusting the electromagnetic energy by removing at least a predetermined portion of electromagnetic energy of at least one of the separate collimated rectangular beams of electromagnetic energy and directing the removed portion to a beam stop whereby the removed portion is removed;

[f] altering the single selected predetermined orientation of the chosen component of the electromagnetic wave field vectors of a plurality of portions of each separate collimated rectangular beam of electromagnetic energy by passing a plurality of portions of each separate collimated rectangular beam of electromagnetic energy through a respective one of a plurality of altering means whereby the single selected predetermined orientation of the chosen component of the electromagnetic wave field vectors of the plurality of portions of each separate beam of electromagnetic energy is altered in response to a stimulus means by applying a signal means to the stimulus means in a predetermined manner as the plurality of portions of each of the substantially collimated separate beams of electromagnetic energy passes through the respective one of the plurality of altering the single selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of the electromagnetic wave field vectors;

[g] combining the altered separate collimated rectangular beams of electromagnetic energy into a single collimated rectangular collinear electromagnetic energy beam without substantially changing the altered selected predetermined orientation of the chosen component of the electromagnetic wave field vectors of the plurality of portions of each separate collimated rectangular beam of electromagnetic energy;

[h] resolving from the single collimated rectangular collinear electromagnetic energy beam a first collimated rectangular resolved electromagnetic energy beam having substantially a first single selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of the electromagnetic wave field vectors and second collimated rectangular resolved electromagnetic energy beam having substantially a second single selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of the electromagnetic wave field vectors, whereby the first and second single selected predetermined orientation of the chosen component of the electromagnetic wave field vectors are different from one another; and

[i] passing one of the first collimated rectangular or second collimated rectangular resolved electromagnetic energy beams to a projection means.

2. A system of producing a modulated beam of electromagnetic energy suitable for projection of video images, comprising:

[a] means for providing an initial collimated beam of electromagnetic energy having randomly changing orientations of the selected component of the electromagnetic wave field vectors and having a substantially uniform flux intensity across substantially the entire beam;

[b] means for resolving from the initial collimated beam of electromagnetic energy an initial collimated first resolved beam of electromagnetic energy having substantially a first single selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of the electromagnetic wave field vectors and an initial collimated second resolved beam of electromagnetic energy having substantially a second single selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of the electromagnetic wave field vectors, whereby the first and second single selected predetermined orientation of the chosen component of the electromagnetic wave field vectors are different from one another;

[c] means for forming from the initial collimated first resolved beam of electromagnetic energy and the initial collimated second resolved beam of electromagnetic energy a substantially collimated rectangular initial single beam of electromagnetic energy having substantially the same single selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of the electromagnetic wave field vectors across substantially the entire beam of electromagnetic energy and a substantially uniform flux intensity across substantially the entire initial collimated single beam of electromagnetic energy;

[d] means for separating the collimated rectangular initial single beam of electromagnetic energy into two or more separate collimated rectangular beams of electromagnetic energy whereby each of the separate collimated rectangular beams of electromagnetic energy has the same single selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of the electromagnetic wave field vectors as that of the other separate collimated rectangular beams of electromagnetic energy and each separate collimated rectangular beam of electromagnetic energy having a different electromagnetic energy from the other separate collimated rectangular beams of electromagnetic energy;

[e] means for adjusting the electromagnetic energy by removing at least a predetermined portion of electromagnetic energy of at least one of the separate collimated rectangular beams of electromagnetic energy and directing the removed portion to a beam stop whereby the removed portion is absorbed;

[f] means for altering the single selected predetermined orientation of the chosen component of the electromagnetic wave field vectors of a plurality of portions of each separate collimated rectangular beam of electromagnetic energy by passing a plurality of portions of each separate collimated rectangular beam of electromagnetic energy through a respective one of a plurality of altering means whereby the single selected predetermined orientation of the chosen component of the electromagnetic wave field vectors of the plurality of portions of each separate beam of electromagnetic energy is altered in response to a stimulus means by applying a signal means to the stimulus means in a predetermined manner as the plurality of portions of each of the substantially collimated separate beams of electromagnetic energy passes through the respective one of the plurality of altering the single selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of the electromagnetic wave field vectors;

[g] means for combining the altered separate collimated rectangular beams of electromagnetic energy into a single collimated rectangular collinear electromagnetic energy beam without substantially changing the altered selected predetermined orientation of the chosen component of the electromagnetic wave field vectors of the plurality of portions of each separate collimated rectangular beam of electromagnetic energy;

[h] means for resolving from the single collimated rectangular collinear electromagnetic energy beam a first collimated rectangular resolved electromagnetic energy beam having substantially a first single selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of the electromagnetic wave field vectors and second collimated rectangular resolved electromagnetic energy beam having substantially a second single selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of the electromagnetic wave field vectors, whereby the first and second single selected predetermined orientation of the chosen component of the electromagnetic wave field vectors are different from one another; and

[i] means for passing one of the first collimated rectangular or second collimated rectangular resolved electromagnetic energy beam to a projection means.

3. A method of producing a modulated beam of light suitable for projection of video images, comprising:

[a] providing art initial collimated beam of light having randomly changing orientations of the selected component of the electric field vectors and having a substantially uniform flux intensity across substantially the entire beam;

[b] resolving from the initial collimated beam of light an initial collimated first resolved beam of light having substantially a first single selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of the electric field vectors and an initial collimated second resolved beam of light having substantially a second single selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of the electric field vectors, whereby the first and second single selected predetermined orientation of the chosen component of the electric field vectors are different from one another;

[c] forming from the initial collimated first resolved beam of light and the initial collimated second resolved beam of light a substantially collimated rectangular initial single beam of light having substantially the same single selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of the electric field vectors across substantially the entire beam of light and a substantially uniform flux intensity across substantially the entire initial collimated single beam of light;

[d] separating the collimated rectangular initial single beam of light into two or more separate collimated rectangular beams of color whereby each of the separate collimated rectangular beams of color has the same single selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of the electric field vectors as that of the other separate collimated rectangular beams of colors and each separate collimated rectangular beam of color having a different color from the other separate collimated rectangular beam of colors;

[e] adjusting the color by removing at least a predetermined portion of color of at least one of the separate collimated rectangular beams of color and directing the removed portion to a beam stop whereby the removed portion is absorbed;

[f] altering the single selected predetermined orientation of the chosen component of the electric field vectors of a plurality of portions of each separate collimated rectangular beam of color by passing a plurality of portions of each separate collimated rectangular beam of color through a respective one of plurality of altering means whereby the single selected predetermined orientation of the chosen component of the electric field vectors of the plurality of portions of each separate beam of color is altered in response to a stimulus means by applying a signal means to the stimulus means in a predetermined manner as the plurality of portions of each of the substantially collimated separate beams of electromagnetic energy passes through the respective one of the plurality of altering the single selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of the electric field vectors;

[g] combining the altered separate collimated rectangular beams of color into a single collimated rectangular collinear color beam without substantially changing the altered selected predetermined orientation of the chosen component of the electric field vectors of the plurality of portions of each separate collimated rectangular beam of color;

[h] resolving from the single collimared rectangular collinear color beam having substantially a first single selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of the electric field vectors and second collimated rectangular resolved color beam having substantially a second single selected predetermined orientation of chosen component of the electric field vectors, whereby the first and second single selected predetermined orientation of the chosen component of the electric field vectors are different from one another; and

[i] passing one of the first collimated rectangular or second collimated rectangular resolved color beam to a projection means.

4. A system of producing a modulated beam of light suitable for projection of video images, comprising:

[a] means for providing an initial collimated beam of light having randomly changing orientations of the selected component of the electric field vectors and having a substantially uniform flux intensity across substantially the entire beam;

[b] means for resolving from the initial collimated beam of light an initial collimated first resolved beam of light having substantially a first single selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of the electric field vectors and an initial collimated second resolved beam of light having substantially a second single selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of the electric field vectors, whereby the first and second single selected predetermined orientation of the chosen component of the electric field vectors are different from one another;

[c] means for forming from the initial collimated first resolved beam of light and the initial collimated second resolved beam of light a substantially collimated rectangular initial single beam of light having substantially the same single selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of the electric field vectors across substantially the entire beam of light and a substantially uniform flux intensity across substantially the entire initial collimated single beam of light;

[d] means for separating the collimated rectangular initial single beam of light into two or more separate collimated rectangular beams of color whereby each of the separate collimated rectangular beams of color has the same single selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of the electric field vectors as that of the other separate collimated rectangular beams of color and each separate collimated rectangular beam of color having a different color from the other separate collimated rectangular beams of color;

[e] means for adjusting the color by removing at least a predetermined portion of color of at least one of the separate collimated rectangular beams of color and directing the removed portion to a beam stop whereby the removed portion is absorbed;

[f] means for altering the single selected predetermined orientation of the chosen component of the electric field vectors of a plurality of portions of each separate collimated rectangular beam of color by passing a plurality of portions of each separate collimated rectangular beam of color through a respective one of a plurality of altering means whereby the single selected predetermined orientation of the chosen component of the electric field vectors of the plurality of portions of each separate beam of color is altered in response to a stimulus means by applying a signal means to the stimulus means in a predetermined manner as the plurality of portions of each of the substantially collimated separate beams of electromagnetic energy passes through the respective one of the plurality of altering the single selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of the electric field vectors;

[g] means for combining the altered separate collimated rectangular beams of color into a single collimated rectangular collinear color beam without substantially changing the altered selected predetermined orientation of the chosen component of the electric field vectors of the plurality of portions of each separate collimated rectangular beam of color;

[h] for resolving from the single collimated rectangular collinear color beam a first collimated rectangular resolved color beam having substantially a first single selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of the electric field vectors and second collimated rectangular resolved color beam having substantially a second single selected predetermined orientation of a chosen component of the electric field vectors, whereby the first and second single selected predetermined orientation of the chosen component of the electric field vectors are different one from another; and

[i] means for passing one of the first collimated rectangular or second collimated rectangular resolved color beam to a projection means.