Optics arrangements including light source arrangements for an active matrix liquid crystal image generator
First Claim
1. A display system for producing modulated light which may be viewed by a viewer, the display system comprising:
- (a) a spatial light modulator including a light modulating medium switchable between different states so as to act on light in ways which form overall patterns of modulated light;
(b) a writing arrangement that switches the modulating medium between the different states in a controlled way;
(c) a light source; and
(d) an optics arrangement that directs light from the light source into the spatial light modulator and directs light from the spatial light modulator through a predetermined source imaging area, wherein the optics arrangement cooperates with the light source and the spatial light modulator to produce a real image of the light source within the source imaging area such that a virtual image of substantially only the overall patterns of modulated light produced by the spatial light modulator is directly visible by the viewer from the source imaging area.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system for producing modulated light is disclosed. The system comprises a spatial light modulator including a light modulating medium switchable between different states so as to act on light in ways which form overall patterns of modulated light. The system also includes an arrangement for switching the modulating medium between the different states in a controlled way and an illumination arrangement for producing a source of light. The system further includes an optics arrangement for directing light from the source of light into the spatial light modulator and for directing light from the spatial light modulator through a predetermined source imaging area. The optics arrangement cooperates with the illumination arrangement and the spatial light modulator so as to produce a real image of the source of light within the source imaging area such that an individual is able to view a virtual image of the overall patterns of modulated light from the source imaging area. A variety of novel optics arrangements are disclosed including specific combinations of different light sources, diffusing plates, polarizers, beam splitters, analyzers, lenses, mirrors, and holographic optical elements which allow the overall optical arrangement to be miniaturized to the same degree and in coordination with the spatial light modulator. The different light sources include using a plurality of light sources, such as LEDs, to form an array of light sources, each of the light sources providing light to a corresponding portion of the spatial light modulator.
190 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A display system for producing modulated light which may be viewed by a viewer, the display system comprising:
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(a) a spatial light modulator including a light modulating medium switchable between different states so as to act on light in ways which form overall patterns of modulated light;
(b) a writing arrangement that switches the modulating medium between the different states in a controlled way;
(c) a light source; and
(d) an optics arrangement that directs light from the light source into the spatial light modulator and directs light from the spatial light modulator through a predetermined source imaging area, wherein the optics arrangement cooperates with the light source and the spatial light modulator to produce a real image of the light source within the source imaging area such that a virtual image of substantially only the overall patterns of modulated light produced by the spatial light modulator is directly visible by the viewer from the source imaging area. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A display system for producing modulated light which may be viewed by a viewer, the display system comprising:
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(a) a reflective type spatial light modulator including a light modulating medium switchable between different states so as to act on light in ways which form overall patterns of modulated light;
(b) a writing arrangement that switches the modulating medium between the different states in a controlled way;
(c) a light source; and
(d) an optics arrangement that directs substantially all of the light from the light source into the spatial light modulator and directs substantially all of the light from the spatial light modulator through a predetermined source imaging area except for any light which is specifically absorbed or directed away from the source imaging area by other optical elements positioned within the optical path between the spatial light modulator and the source imaging area, the source imaging area being at least approximately 3 mm in diameter and at most approximately 20 mm in diameter, wherein the optics arrangement cooperates with the light source and the spatial light modulator to produce a real image of the light source within the source imaging area such that (i) a virtual image of substantially only the overall patterns of modulated light produced by the spatial light modulator is directly visible by the viewer from the source imaging area and (ii) any non-illuminated sub-area that might be present within the source imaging area has a maximum extent of at most approximately 3 mm, whereby the viewer that is viewing the virtual image of the overall patterns can do so continuously even if the viewer'"'"'s pupil moves anywhere within the source imaging area including any non-illuminated sub-area.
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12. A display system for producing modulated light which may be viewed by a viewer, the display system comprising:
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(a) a spatial light modulator including a light modulating medium switchable between different states so as to act on light in ways which form overall patterns of modulated light;
(b) a writing arrangement that switches the modulating medium between the different states in a controlled way;
(c) a light source; and
(d) an optics arrangement that directs light from the light source into the spatial light modulator and directs light from the spatial light modulator through a predetermined source imaging area, the optics arrangement including a curved surface beam splitter for directing at least a portion of the light from the light source into the spatial light modulator, wherein the optics arrangement cooperates with the light source and the spatial light modulator to produce a real image of the light source within the source imaging area such that a virtual image of substantially only the overall patterns of modulated light produced by the spatial light modulator is directly visible by the viewer from the source imaging area. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A display system for producing modulated light which may be viewed by a viewer, the display system comprising:
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(a) a spatial light modulator including a light modulating medium switchable between different states so as to act on light in ways which form overall patterns of modulated light;
(b) a writing arrangement that switches the modulating medium between the different states in a controlled way;
(c) a light source; and
(d) an optics arrangement that directs light from the light source into the spatial light modulator and directs light from the spatial light modulator through a predetermined source imaging area, the optics arrangement including a curved surface beam splitter for directing at least a portion of the light from the light source into the spatial light modulator.
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21. A display system for producing modulated light which may be viewed by a viewer, the display system comprising:
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a substantially planar support surface;
a reflective microdisplay panel located on the support surface;
a light source located on the support surface adjacent to the microdisplay panel; and
a beam splitter located above the support surface, the beam splitter being receptive of light from the light source and positioned to reflect at least a portion of the light toward the microdisplay panel. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification