Integrated modulator illumination

Abstract

A spatial light modulator includes an array of elements to modulate light in accordance with image data. The modulator has a display panel having first and second surfaces arranged adjacent to the array of elements such that the second surface is directly adjacent the array of elements to allow a viewer to view an image produced by modulation of light. The modulator may also include a light source to provide light to the display panel and illumination dots on the first surface of the display panel to reflect light from the source to the array of elements.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 13 / 015,432, entitled “Integrated Modulator Illumination,” filed Jan. 27, 2011, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 417,808 entitled “Integrated Modulator Illumination,” filed on May 3, 2006 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,880,954), which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 794,825 entitled “Integrated Modulator Illumination,” filed on Mar. 5, 2004 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,706,050). The disclosures of these prior applications are considered part of, and are incorporated by reference into, the disclosure of this application.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Spatial light modulators used for imaging applications come in many different forms. Transmissive liquid crystal device (LCD) modulators modulate light by controlling the twist and / or alignment of crystalline materials to block or pass light. Reflective spatial light modulators exploit various ph...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This solution provides effective illumination for purely reflective spatial light modulators, enhancing brightness and image quality, especially in low-light conditions, while minimizing manufacturing complexity and parallax issues by using illumination dots that scatter light uniformly across the display panel.

Problems solved by technology

As the wall, typically comprised at least partly of metal, moves towards a front surface of the cavity, interference occurs that affects the color of light viewed at the front surface.

Backside illumination techniques used extensively with LCDs do not work for purely reflective spatial light modulators.

It is possible to leave gaps between the elements of a purely reflective spatial light modulator to allow backside illumination to travel through and emerge at the front of the panel, but the light will not contain any image information, as the light does not actually illuminate the elements, passing them by on its path through the display panel.

This approach is somewhat complex and requires an extra layer of glass 102, into which the arc lamps and their control circuitry must be manufactured.

In either of these approaches, there are some problems.

The manufacturing process is made much more complicated with the addition of several parts.

The addition of the glass 102 or the light guide 118 adds thickness to the modulator, which may create parallax issues and decrease the visual quality of the image.

Images