Projector lens aperture for projection system

Abstract

A projection lens aperture for a laser-based image projection system (100). One embodiment provides a projection lens assembly (112) for a projector system (100). The projection lens assembly (112) includes an aperture (1200, 1300, 1800, 1900) integrated within the projection lens assembly and configured to block a portion of the incident light. The aperture includes an aperture aperture (1205, 1305, 1805, 1905) composed of at least three edges (1215, 1315, 1815, 1915) and a plurality of vertices (1210, 1310, 1810, 1910). The at least three edges are curved with respect to a center of the aperture hole.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 340,693, filed on May 11, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. background 1. Technical Field

[0004] The present application relates generally to projection systems and, more particularly, to projection lens apertures for laser-based image projection systems. 2. Background technology

[0005] Digital projection systems typically utilize a light source and an optical system to project an image onto a surface or screen. The optical system includes components such as reflectors, lenses, waveguides, optical fibers, beam splitters, diffusers, spatial light modulators (SLMs), phase light modulators (PLMs), etc. Some optical systems include a projector lens aperture. The projector lens aperture is typically circular in shape. Summary of the invention

[0006] Although the projection lens aperture is typically circular, a square or rectangular aperture that matches the shape of the pixels on the modulation device can be used instead. However, square apertures have a higher rate of artifacts, which can degrade image quality. Circular apertures offer some improvements in artifacts, resulting in higher resolution and finer contrast in the projected image. Therefore, there is a need to further reduce artifacts in the image while maintaining modulation.

[0007] Embodiments described herein provide apertures with non-straight segments. Such apertures capture the diffraction orders required for high contrast projection while reducing artifacts that reduce resolution by blurring pixels vertically and horizontally. In addition, the apertures described herein can reduce the visibility of lines between pixels on a projection display.

[0008] Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to devices, systems, and methods for projection display.

[0009] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a projection lens assembly for a projector system is provided, the projection lens assembly comprising an aperture, the aperture being integrated in the projection lens assembly and configured to block a portion of incident light. The aperture comprises an aperture hole consisting of at least three edges and a plurality of vertices. At least three edges are curved relative to a center of the aperture hole.

[0010] In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a method for providing a projection lens assembly is provided. The method includes: providing a Fourier lens assembly, the Fourier lens assembly being configured to form a Fourier transform of an object at an exit pupil of the Fourier lens assembly; and arranging an aperture substantially at a plane of the Fourier transform, the aperture being configured to block a portion of incident light. The aperture includes an aperture hole consisting of at least three edges and a plurality of vertices. At least three edges are curved relative to a center of the aperture hole.

[0011] In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a projector is provided. The projector includes a light source, a modulator, and a projection lens assembly. The light source is configured to emit light in response to an image signal, the image signal including image data. The modulator is configured to receive light from the light source and apply spatial variation modulation to the light, thereby deflecting the light and generating a first deflected light. The projection lens assembly is configured to receive the first deflected light from the modulator. The projection lens assembly includes an aperture configured to block a portion of incident light. The aperture includes an aperture hole consisting of a plurality of concave edges and a plurality of convex edges.

[0012] In this way, various aspects of the present disclosure provide for the display of images with high dynamic range and high resolution, and provide effective improvements in at least the technical fields of image projection, holography, signal processing, and the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] These and other more detailed and specific features of various embodiments are more fully disclosed in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary image projector display system according to various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 2 illustrates an optical configuration of an exemplary projector system according to various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 3A illustrates a plan view of an exemplary spatial light modulator for use with various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 3B The diagram shows the Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-B;

[0018] Figure 4 illustrates a plan view of an exemplary phase light modulator for use with various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary phase light modulator for use with various aspects of the present disclosure; and

[0020] Figure 6 Illustrated are cross-sectional views of exemplary optical fibers according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 7 Exemplary projection lenses according to various aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0022] Figure 8 Illustrated are exemplary diffraction produced by a point source using a square projection aperture in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig. 9 Illustrated are exemplary diffraction produced by a point source using a circular projected aperture in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig.10 An exemplary simulated pixel focus with diffraction produced using a rectangular aperture is illustrated in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig.11 An exemplary simulated pixel focus with diffraction produced using a circular aperture is illustrated in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0026] Fig.12 An exemplary pincushion aperture is illustrated in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig.13 An exemplary pincushion aperture is illustrated in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig.14 Illustrated are exemplary diffraction images produced by a point source using a pincushion aperture according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig.15 Illustrated are exemplary diffraction images produced by a point source using a pincushion aperture according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0030] Fig.16 An exemplary pixel focus with diffraction produced using a pincushion shaped aperture is illustrated in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig.17 An exemplary pixel focus with diffraction produced using a pincushion aperture is illustrated in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig.18 Exemplary cross-shaped apertures are illustrated in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0033] Fig.19 Exemplary asymmetric apertures according to various aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The present disclosure and its various aspects may be implemented in various forms, including: hardware, devices or circuits controlled by computer-implemented methods, computer program products, computer systems and networks, user interfaces and application programming interfaces; as well as hardware-implemented methods, signal processing circuits, memory arrays, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc. The foregoing summary is intended only to give a general idea of ​​the various aspects of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0035] In the following description, many details such as optical device configuration, timing, operation, etc. are set forth to provide an understanding of one or more aspects of the present disclosure. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that these specific details are only exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application.

[0036] In addition, although the present disclosure focuses on examples of using various circuits in digital projection systems, it should be understood that this is only one example of an implementation. It should be further understood that the disclosed systems and methods can be used in any device that needs to project light; for example, theater projection systems, consumer-grade projection systems and other commercial projection systems, head-up displays, virtual reality displays, etc.

[0037] Projector System

[0038] Figure 1 A possible embodiment of a suitable image projector display system is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the projector display system is constructed as a dual / multi-modulator projection system 100. The projection system 100 uses a light source 102, which supplies the desired illumination to the projector system so that the final projected image will be bright enough for the intended viewer of the projected image. The light source 102 can include any suitable light source, such as but not limited to a xenon lamp, a laser, a coherent light source, and a partially coherent light source. In addition, the optical system described herein can implement an optical fiber to transmit the light from the light source 102 to the optical device in the optical system. Although the light source and the rectangular optical fiber can be mentioned separately, it should be understood that the rectangular optical fiber is a component of the light source. Therefore, only the mention of the light source does not exclude the rectangular optical fiber.

[0039] Light 104 from the light source 102 may illuminate a first modulator 106, which in turn may illuminate a second modulator 110 via an optional set of optical components 108. Light from the second modulator 110 may be projected by a projection lens 112 (or other suitable optical components) to form a final projected image on a screen 114. The first modulator 106 and the second modulator 110 may be controlled by a controller 116. The controller 116 may receive input image and / or video data, and may perform certain image processing algorithms, gamut mapping algorithms, or other such suitable processing on the input image / video data, and output control / data signals to the first modulator 106 and the second modulator 110 to achieve a desired final projected image on the screen 114. Additionally, in some projector systems, the light source 102 may be modulated (control lines not shown) depending on the light source to achieve additional control over the image quality of the final projected image.

[0040] The light recycling module 103 Figure 1 , which is depicted as a dashed box in FIG. 1 , the light recycling module can be placed in the light path from the light source 102 to the first modulator 106. It should be understood that light recycling can be inserted into the projector system at various points in the projector system. For example, the light recycling can be placed between the first modulator and the second modulator. In addition, the light recycling can be placed at more than one point in the light path of the display system.

[0041] Although Figure 1 The embodiments are presented in the context of dual modulation, multi-modulation projection systems, but it should be understood that the techniques and methods of the present application will be applicable to single modulation display systems or other dual modulation, multi-modulation display systems. For example, a dual modulation display system including a backlight, a first modulator (e.g., LCD, etc.) and a second modulator (e.g., LCD, etc.) can use appropriate optical components and image processing methods and techniques to affect the performance and efficiency discussed in the context of a projection system. It should also be understood that even if Figure 1 While a two-stage or dual modulator display system is depicted, the methods and techniques of the present application may also be applied to display systems having only one modulator or display systems having three or more modulators (multi-modulator) display systems. The scope of the present application encompasses these various alternative embodiments.

[0042] Figure 2 Another example projection system 200 is illustrated. The projection system 200 includes an illumination assembly 204 (e.g., illumination optics) that receives light from a fiber optic input 202 and feeds the light into a modulation assembly 206. The modulation assembly 206 includes a prism 208 and a modulator 210 (e.g., a reflector device). The modulator 210 can be configured as a digital light processing (DLP) device, as described in more detail below.

[0043] In some examples, the light from the fiber input 202 is a white light input, and the prism 208 is a white light prism. In such examples, the prism 208 includes several prism parts. For example, a spectral filter such as a yellow notch filter can be provided in the prism 208. Additional parts can be used as a TIR prism. In some embodiments, the modulation component 206 includes three modulators 210 (e.g., 3 chips) for modulating the received white light. The prism 208 splits the white light into several color beams (e.g., three color channels), one color beam for each modulator 210. A controller (such as the controller 116) can be coupled to each modulator 210 to control the modulation of each color beam. The modulator 210 then modulates its corresponding color beam, and then the modulated color beams are combined in the prism 208. In other embodiments, the modulator 210 directly modulates the white light. In both embodiments, the modulation component 206 then relays the output beam to the projection optics 214 of the projection system 200. In some embodiments, the projection optics 214 is included in the projection lens. In other embodiments, a portion or section of projection optics 214 is included in a projection lens.

[0044] In other examples, the projection system 200 includes several fiber inputs 202 from several color channels, such as a red channel, a blue channel, and a green channel. In such examples, the illustrated illumination assembly 204 receiving the fiber input 202 corresponds to only a single color channel. Several illumination assemblies 204 may be included to direct light from the fiber inputs to a prism 208. In such examples, the prism 208 is a color light prism that receives each fiber input 202 and redirects each color channel to a corresponding modulator 210. After modulation, the modulated color channels are combined and directed toward projection optics 214.

[0045] Exemplary modulation device

[0046] Modulator 210 (and in some embodiments, Figure 1 The first modulator 106 and the second modulator 110 in FIG. 2 can be configured as a DLP device. In some embodiments, the modulator 210 is a digital micromirror device (DMD) composed of multiple mirrors for adjusting the incident angle of light. To illustrate the impact of the incident angle and the DMD mirrors, FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B An exemplary DMD 300 is shown in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 3A FIG. 1 shows a plan view of DMD 300. Figure 3B The diagram shows the Figure 3A1B is a partial cross-sectional view of a DMD 300 taken along line IB illustrated in FIG. DMD 300 includes a plurality of square micromirrors 302 arranged in a two-dimensional rectangular array on a substrate 304. Each micromirror 302 may correspond to a pixel of a final projected image, and may be configured to tilt around a rotation axis 308 (which is shown for a specific subset of micromirrors 302) due to electrostatic or other types of actuation. Individual micromirrors 302 have a width 312, and are arranged such that the gaps between the micromirrors have a width 310. Micromirrors 302 may be formed of or coated with any highly reflective material such as aluminum or silver, thereby specularly reflecting light. The gaps between micromirrors 302 may be absorptive, so that input light entering the gaps is absorbed by substrate 304.

[0047] Although Figure 3A Only some representative micromirrors 302 are explicitly shown, but in practice the DMD 300 may include a greater number of individual micromirrors equal to the resolution of the projection system 200. In some examples, the resolution may be 2K (2048×1080), 4K (4096×2160), 1080p (1920×1080), consumer 4K (3840×2160), etc. Furthermore, in some examples, the micromirrors 302 may be rectangular and arranged in a rectangular array; may be hexagonal and arranged in a hexagonal array, etc. Furthermore, although Figure 3A The rotation axis 308 is illustrated extending in an oblique direction, but in some embodiments, the rotation axis 308 may extend vertically or horizontally.

[0048] like Figure 3B As can be seen in FIG. 1 , each micromirror 302 may be connected to a substrate 304 via a yoke 314 that is rotatably connected to the micromirror 302. The substrate 304 includes a plurality of electrodes 316. Figure 3B Only two electrodes 316 are visible per micromirror 302 in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 , but each micromirror 302 may actually include additional electrodes. Figure 3B As specifically shown in FIG. 3 , DMD 300 may further include a spacer layer, a support layer, a hinge component for controlling the height or orientation of micromirror 302, etc. Substrate 304 may include electronic circuits associated with DMD 300, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) transistors, memory elements, etc.

[0049] Depending on the specific operation and control of the electrode 316, the individual micromirrors 302 can be switched between an “on” position, an “off” position, and an unactuated or neutral position. If the micromirror 302 is in the on position, it is actuated to an angle of, for example, -12° (i.e., 12° counterclockwise relative to the neutral position) to mirror-reflect the input light 306 into an on-state light 318. If the micromirror 302 is in the off position, it is actuated to an angle of, for example, +12° (i.e., 12° clockwise relative to the neutral position) to mirror-reflect the input light 306 into an off-state light 320. The off-state light 320 can be directed toward a light collector that absorbs the off-state light 320. In some instances, the micromirror 302 can be unactuated and parallel to the substrate 304. In FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B The specific angles illustrated in and described herein are exemplary only and are not limiting. In some embodiments, the open position angle and the closed position angle may be between ±11 degrees and ±13 degrees, respectively (inclusive). In other embodiments, the open position angle and the closed position angle may be between ±10 degrees and ±18 degrees, respectively (inclusive).

[0050] In some embodiments, the modulator 210 is a phase light modulator (PLM) configured to impart a spatially varying phase modulation to light. The PLM can be a reflective type, where the PLM reflects incident light with a spatially varying phase; alternatively, the PLM can be a transmissive type, where the PLM imparts a spatially varying phase to the light as the light passes through the PLM. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the PLM has a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) architecture. In other aspects of the present disclosure, the PLM has a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) architecture.

[0051] Figure 4 An example of a modulator 210 is illustrated, which is implemented as a reflective LCOS PLM 400 and is shown in a partial cross-sectional view. Figure 4As shown, the PLM 400 includes a silicon backplane 410, a first electrode layer 420, a second electrode layer 430, a liquid crystal layer 440, a cover glass 450, and a spacer 460. The silicon backplane 410 includes electronic circuits associated with the PLM 400, such as CMOS transistors, etc. The first electrode layer 420 includes an array of reflective elements 421 disposed in a transparent matrix 422. The reflective elements 421 can be formed of any highly optically reflective material such as aluminum or silver. The transparent matrix 422 can be formed of any highly optically transmissive material such as a transparent oxide. The second electrode layer 430 can be formed of any optically transparent conductive material such as an indium tin oxide (ITO) film. The second electrode layer 430 can be provided as a common electrode corresponding to the plurality of reflective elements 421 of the first electrode layer 420. In such a configuration, each of the plurality of reflective elements 421 will be coupled to the second electrode layer 430 via a corresponding electric field, thereby dividing the PLM 400 into an array of pixel elements. Thus, individual reflective elements (or subsets) of the plurality of reflective elements 321 may be addressed via electronic circuitry disposed in the silicon backplate 410 , thereby modifying the state of the corresponding reflective element 421 .

[0052] The liquid crystal layer 440 is disposed between the first electrode layer 420 and the second electrode layer 430, and includes a plurality of liquid crystals 441. The liquid crystals 441 are particles that exist in a phase between a solid state and a liquid state; in other words, the liquid crystals 441 exhibit a certain degree of directional order, rather than positional order. The direction in which the liquid crystals 441 tend to point is called a "director." The liquid crystal layer 440 modifies the incident light entering from the cover glass 450 based on the birefringence Δn of the liquid crystals 441, which can be expressed as the difference between the refractive index in a direction parallel to the director and the refractive index in a direction perpendicular to the director. Thus, the maximum optical path difference can be expressed as the birefringence multiplied by the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 440. The thickness is set by a spacer 460, which seals the PLM 400 and ensures a set distance between the cover glass 450 and the silicon backplane 410. The liquid crystals 441 generally orient themselves along the electric field lines between the first electrode layer 420 and the second electrode layer 430. As Figure 4 As shown, liquid crystal near the center of PLM 400 is oriented in this manner, while liquid crystal 441 near the periphery of PLM 400 is substantially unoriented due to the absence of electric field lines passing therethrough. By addressing individual ones of the plurality of reflective elements 421 via a phase drive signal, the orientation of liquid crystal 441 can be determined on a pixel-by-pixel basis.

[0053] Figure 5 Another example of a modulator 210 is illustrated, which is implemented as a DMD PLM 500 and is shown in a partial cross-sectional view. Figure 5As shown, the PLM 500 includes a back plate 510 and a plurality of controllable reflective elements as pixel elements, each of which includes a yoke 521, a reflective mirror plate 522, and a pair of electrodes 530. Figure 5 Only two electrodes 530 are visible in the cross-sectional view of FIG, but each reflective element may actually include additional electrodes. Figure 5 As particularly shown in FIG. 5 , PLM 500 may further include a spacer layer, a support layer, a hinge component for controlling the height or orientation of the reflector plate 522, etc. Backplane 510 includes electronic circuits associated with PLM 500, such as CMOS transistors, a memory array, etc.

[0054] The yoke 521 may be formed of or include a conductive material to allow a bias voltage to be applied to the mirror plate 522. The mirror plate 522 may be formed of any highly reflective material such as aluminum or silver. The electrodes 530 are configured to receive a first voltage and a second voltage, respectively, and may be individually addressable. Depending on the value of the voltage on the electrode 530 and the voltage on the mirror plate 522 (e.g., the bias voltage), there is a potential difference between the mirror plate 522 and the electrode 530, which generates an electrostatic force acting on the mirror plate 522. The yoke 521 is configured to allow the mirror plate 522 to move vertically in response to the electrostatic force. The equilibrium position of the mirror plate 522 that occurs when the electrostatic force and the spring-like force of the yoke 521 are equal determines the optical path length of the light reflected from the upper surface of the mirror plate 522. Therefore, a single controllable reflective element in a plurality of controllable reflective elements is controlled to provide a plurality of (three as illustrated) discrete heights and thus provide a plurality of discrete phase configurations or phase states. As illustrated, each phase state has a flat curve. In some aspects of the disclosure, electrodes 530 may be provided with different voltages from one another in order to impart a tilt to mirror plate 522. Such a tilt may be used with light collectors of the type described above.

[0055] The PLM 500 may be capable of a high switching speed, such that the PLM 500 switches from one phase state in, for example, the order of tens of μs. To provide a complete phase control cycle, the total optical path difference between the state where the mirror plate 522 is at its highest point and the state where the mirror plate 522 is at its lowest point should be approximately equal to the wavelength λ of the incident light. Therefore, the height range between the highest point and the lowest point should be approximately equal to λ / 2.

[0056] In some embodiments, the PLM 500 creates fixed diffraction orders where the mirror plate 522 produces multiple "copies" of the light impinging thereon. The PLM 500 steers the light within the range of each diffraction order, thereby producing multiple "copies" of the image at the reconstruction plane. The image steered by the PLM 500 can be formed on the image reconstruction plane at a distance where the diffraction orders are separated and do not overlap. In some embodiments, the image reconstruction plane is closer to the PLM 500 to reduce blurring of the reconstructed image. A Fourier filter is implemented with the PLM 500 to remove overlap of the diffraction orders at the image reconstruction plane. In some embodiments, the diffraction patterns constructively interfere with each other to form the reconstructed image. Therefore, if a portion of the light steered by the PLM 500 is blocked, the reconstructed image is blurred compared to a reconstructed image that includes all of the light from the PLM 500.

[0057] Example Fiber Optic Input

[0058] Figure 6 An example optical fiber 600 for use with a light source, such as the light source 102, is provided. The optical fiber 600 includes an outer cladding 605 and a plurality of inner fibers 610. The inner fibers 610 collectively form an output light projected by the optical fiber 600. In some embodiments, the plurality of inner fibers 610 collectively form a circular light output provided to the lighting assembly 204. In other embodiments, a subset of the inner fibers 610 is utilized to form a rectangular optical fiber output as shown by a rectangular portion 615. The rectangular portion 615 can have an aspect ratio that matches a downstream modulator, such as the first modulator 106 and / or the second modulator 110. In some embodiments, the optical fiber 600 has an aspect ratio of a 16 by 9 array of inner fibers 610.

[0059] Example Projection Lens System

[0060] As previously described, the modulated light from the modulation assembly is directed toward projection optics 214. In some implementations, projection optics 214 are provided within a projection lens architecture. Figure 7 7 is an exploded view of an exemplary projection lens system 700 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The projection lens system 700 has a modular design. The projection lens system 700 includes a Fourier portion 701 (e.g., a Fourier lens assembly), an aperture 702 (illustrated as a square aperture), and a zoom portion 703 (also referred to as a zoom lens assembly), the Fourier portion being configured to form a Fourier transform of an object at an exit pupil. The spatial Fourier transform applied by the Fourier portion 701 converts the propagation angle of each diffraction order of the modulated light into a corresponding spatial position on the Fourier plane. The Fourier portion 701 is thereby able to select the desired diffraction order and reject the undesired diffraction order by performing spatial filtering at the Fourier plane. The spatial Fourier transform of the modulated light at the Fourier plane is equivalent to the Fraunhofer diffraction pattern of the modulated light.

[0061] The Fourier portion 701 includes a first attachment section 704, which may include threads, fasteners, etc. The zoom portion 703 includes a second attachment section 705, which may include complementary threads, fasteners, etc. to allow mating with the first attachment section 704. In one example, the first attachment section 704 includes a portion with external threads and the second attachment section 705 includes a portion with internal threads, or vice versa. In another example, the first attachment section 704 and the second attachment section 705 are configured for friction fit, in which case one or more fastening elements such as screws, cams, flanges, etc. may be provided. In yet another example, the first attachment section 704 may include one or more radial pins and the second attachment section 705 may include a corresponding number of L-shaped slots, or vice versa, thereby connecting the Fourier portion 701 with the zoom portion 703 using a bayonet connection. By these examples, the Fourier portion 701 can be removably attached to the zoom portion 703 to provide a modular assembly.

[0062] Although Figure 7 The Fourier portion 701 and the zoom portion 703 are illustrated as being completely separable, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the Fourier portion 701 and the zoom portion 703 are only partially separable, for example by providing an access portion in one of the Fourier portion 701 and the zoom portion 703. The access portion may be a slot, a door, a window, etc., through which an operator can access and / or replace the aperture 702. In such an embodiment, the Fourier portion 701 and the zoom portion 703 may be bonded (e.g., via an adhesive on the first attachment segment 704 and / or the second attachment segment 705) to prevent complete separation. Alternatively, the Fourier portion 701 and the zoom portion 703 may be provided with an integral housing including an attachment portion.

[0063] The aperture 702 is configured to block a portion of the light (eg, modulated light corresponding to one or more diffraction orders) in the projection lens system 700 (eg, modulated light provided via the modulation component 206). Figure 7 As illustrated, aperture 702 is a square opening having sides having a length of, for example, 6 mm. Figure 7 Also illustrated is an optical axis 710 of projection lens system 700. When assembled, Fourier portion 701 and zoom portion 703 are substantially coaxial with each other and with optical axis 710. In some embodiments (e.g., depending on the illumination angle), aperture 702 is not coaxial with optical axis 710.

[0064] Projection lens system 700 can include or be associated with one or more non-optical elements, including heat dissipation devices such as heat sinks (or cooling fins), one or more adhesives (or fasteners), etc. In some embodiments, aperture 702 can block and thus absorb approximately 15% of incident light, and thus the heat sink or cooling fins can be positioned and configured to appropriately dissipate heat from aperture 702. In some embodiments, aperture 702 is thermally isolated from other portions of projection lens system 700.

[0065] The Fourier portion 701 and the aperture 702 operate together as a Fourier lens with a spatial filter, which can also be used as a fixed projection projection lens. Figure 7 The zoom portion 703 illustrated in the figure can be one zoom lens assembly in a series of zoom lens assemblies configured to be attached to the Fourier portion 701, thereby producing a series of projection zoom lens systems and adapting to different theaters. In other words, the Fourier portion 701 and the aperture 702 can be adapted to any theater setting, while the zoom portion 703 provides a specific projection light pattern customized for a specific theater. Therefore, by selecting a specific zoom portion 703 from a series of zoom lens assemblies and attaching the selected zoom portion 703 to the Fourier portion 701 and the aperture 702, a projection lens system 700 suitable for a specific theater can be achieved. In addition, both the Fourier portion 701 and the zoom portion 703 can include multiple individual lens elements.

[0066] In some examples, light passing through aperture 702 has a high f-number. The f-number (expressed as f / #) is the ratio of the focal length of the system to the diameter of aperture 702. The f-number of light passing through aperture 702 can be, for example, between f / 9 and f / 15. In some embodiments, the f-number of light passing through aperture 702 is between f / 15 and f / 22. In some embodiments, the f-number of light passing through aperture 702 is greater than f / 22.

[0067] Example projection lens aperture

[0068] As previously described, aperture 702 may be a square opening having a length and a width. However, the diffraction of a square aperture expands along both the horizontal and vertical axes. For example, Figure 8 An image of a point source 800 focused by a lens having a square aperture is provided. Figure 8 As can be seen in FIG. 8 , the diffraction artifacts extend along the vertical axis 805 and the horizontal axis 810. As another example, the aperture 702 may have a circular opening. The area of ​​the circular opening may be the same as the area of ​​the square opening. The diffraction of the circular aperture extends less. For example, Fig. 9 An image of a point source 900 focused by a lens having a circular aperture is provided. Fig. 9 As can be seen in , the diffraction artifacts extend less along the vertical axis 905 and the horizontal axis 910 than the artifacts of the square point source 800.

[0069] Fig.10 The pixel focal point produced by two modulator pixels (eg, micromirrors 302 ) using a projection lens system 700 having a square aperture 702 is illustrated. Fig.11 The pixel focal point produced by two modulator pixels using a projection lens system 700 having a circular aperture 702 is illustrated. Because the diffraction effects of a square aperture are oriented vertically and horizontally, light energy can spill into the region of off pixels (e.g., off micromirrors 302), thereby reducing the contrast and perceived resolution of the image compared to a circular aperture.

[0070] Fig.12 An example aperture 1200 (e.g., a pincushion aperture) is illustrated having a pincushion-shaped aperture 1205. The pincushion-shaped aperture 1205 includes a plurality of edges 1215 and a plurality of vertices 1210. In the illustrated example, the pincushion-shaped aperture 1205 includes four edges 1215: a first edge 1215A, a second edge 1215B, a third edge 1215C, and a fourth edge 1215D. Additionally, in the illustrated example, the pincushion-shaped aperture 1205 includes four vertices 1210: a first vertex 1210A, a second vertex 1210B, a third vertex 1210C, and a fourth vertex 1210D. However, other numbers of edges and vertices are contemplated, such as configurations including three edges and three vertices, five edges and five vertices, and greater or lesser numbers of edges and vertices.

[0071] The plurality of edges 1215 are concave portions that are shaped inwardly (e.g., curved inwardly) toward the center of the pincushion-shaped hole 1205. The depth or curvature of the plurality of edges 1215 is set according to the angle of the plurality of vertices 1210. In the illustrated example, the plurality of vertices 1210 are each acute angles (e.g., less than 90°). In some embodiments, the plurality of vertices 1210 are rounded to form "soft" corners. However, in other embodiments, the plurality of vertices 1210 are "sharp" corners (e.g., not rounded).

[0072] Fig.13An example aperture 1300 (e.g., a pincushion aperture) is illustrated having a pincushion-shaped aperture 1305. The pincushion-shaped aperture 1305 includes a plurality of edges 1315 and a plurality of vertices 1310. In the illustrated example, the pincushion-shaped aperture 1305 includes four edges 1315: a first edge 1315A, a second edge 1315B, a third edge 1315C, and a fourth edge 1315D. Additionally, in the illustrated example, the pincushion-shaped aperture 1305 includes four vertices 1310: a first vertex 1310A, a second vertex 1310B, a third vertex 1310C, and a fourth vertex 1310D. However, other numbers of edges and vertices are contemplated, such as configurations including three edges and three vertices, five edges and five vertices, and greater or lesser numbers of edges and vertices.

[0073] The plurality of edges 1315 are convex portions that are shaped outwardly (e.g., curved inwardly) away from the center of the pillow-shaped aperture 1305. The outward curvature of the plurality of edges 1315 is set according to the angle of the plurality of vertices 1310. In the illustrated example, the plurality of vertices 1310 are each obtuse angles (e.g., greater than 90°). In some embodiments, the plurality of vertices 1310 are rounded to form "soft" corners. However, in other embodiments, the plurality of vertices 1310 are "sharp" corners (e.g., not rounded).

[0074] Fig.14 An image of a point source 1400 focused by a lens having a pincushion-shaped aperture 1200 is provided. Fig.14 As seen in Figure 8 Compared to a square aperture, diffraction artifacts are reduced along the vertical axis 1405 and the horizontal axis 1410. Fig.15 An image of a point source 1500 focused by a lens having a pincushion aperture 1300 is provided. Fig.15 As seen in Figure 8 Compared to a square aperture, diffraction artifacts expanded along the vertical axis 1505 and the horizontal axis 1510 are reduced.

[0075] Fig.16 The pixel focal points produced by two modulator pixels (eg, micromirrors 302 ) using a projection lens system 700 having a pincushion-shaped aperture 1200 are illustrated. Fig.17 The pixel focus produced by two modulator pixels using a projection lens system 700 with a pincushion aperture 1300 is shown. Fig.10 The amount of light energy that overflows into areas outside the two modulator pixels is reduced compared to that shown.

[0076] Other shapes for aperture 702 are also contemplated. Fig.18An example aperture 1800 (e.g., a cross-shaped aperture) is illustrated having a cross-shaped aperture 1805. The cross-shaped aperture 1805 includes a plurality of convex portions 1810 and a plurality of concave portions 1815. In the illustrated example, the cross-shaped aperture 1805 includes four convex portions 1810: a first convex portion 1810A, a second convex portion 1810B, a third convex portion 1810C, and a fourth convex portion 1810D. Additionally, in the illustrated example, the cross-shaped aperture 1805 includes four concave portions 1815: a first concave portion 1815A, a second concave portion 1815B, a third concave portion 1815C, and a fourth concave portion 1815D. However, other numbers of convex and concave portions are contemplated, such as configurations including three convex portions and three concave portions, five convex portions and five concave portions, and greater or lesser numbers of convex and concave portions.

[0077] Although the example shapes of aperture 702 described herein are symmetrical, asymmetrical shapes are also possible. Fig.12 , each of the plurality of edges 1215 is shaped such that they all curve inwardly toward the center of the pincushion-shaped hole 1205. In some examples, one, two, or three of the plurality of edges 1215 may be shaped such that they curve outwardly away from the center of the pincushion-shaped hole 1205. Fig.13 , each of the plurality of edges 1315 is shaped so that they all curve outwardly away from the center of the pillow-shaped hole 1305. In some examples, one, two, or three of the plurality of edges 1315 may be shaped so that they curve inwardly toward the center of the pillow-shaped hole 1305.

[0078] Fig.19 An example aperture 1900 having an asymmetric aperture 1905 is provided. The asymmetric aperture 1905 includes a plurality of vertices 1910 and a plurality of edges 1915. In the illustrated example, the asymmetric aperture 1905 includes four vertices 1910: a first vertex 1910A, a second vertex 1910B, a third vertex 1910C, and a fourth vertex 1910D. Additionally, in the illustrated example, the asymmetric aperture 1905 includes four edges 1915: a first edge 1915A, a second edge 1915B, a third edge 1915C, and a fourth edge 1915D. The first edge 1915A and the fourth edge 1915D are convex (e.g., curved outward) relative to the center of the asymmetric aperture 1905. The second edge 1915B and the third edge 1915C are concave (e.g., curved inward) relative to the center of the asymmetric aperture 1905. The first vertex 1910A is an obtuse angle. The third vertex 1910C is an acute angle. The second vertex 1910B and the fourth vertex 1910D are substantially at a right angle (eg, approximately 90°).

[0079] Systems, methods, and devices according to the present disclosure may adopt any one or more of the following configurations.

[0080] (1) A projection lens assembly for a projector system, comprising: an aperture, the aperture being integrated within the projection lens assembly and being configured to block a portion of incident light, the aperture comprising an aperture hole consisting of at least three edges and a plurality of vertices, wherein the at least three edges are curved relative to a center of the aperture hole.

[0081] (2) The projection lens assembly according to (1), further comprising: a Fourier lens assembly, wherein the Fourier lens assembly is configured to form a Fourier transform of the object at an exit pupil of the Fourier lens assembly, wherein the aperture is substantially disposed at a plane of the Fourier transform.

[0082] (3) The projection lens assembly according to any one of (1) to (2), wherein the aperture hole is composed of four edges and four vertices.

[0083] (4) The projection lens assembly according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein each of the plurality of edges is curved inwardly toward a center of the aperture hole.

[0084] (5) The projection lens assembly according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein each of the plurality of edges is curved outwardly away from a center of the aperture hole.

[0085] (6) A projection lens assembly according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein at least one of the multiple edges is curved inward toward the center of the aperture hole, and wherein at least one of the multiple edges is curved outward away from the center of the aperture hole.

[0086] (7) The projection lens assembly according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein each of the plurality of vertices is curved relative to a center of the aperture hole.

[0087] (8) The projection lens assembly according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the f-number of the incident light is between f / 9 and f / 15.

[0088] (9) The projection lens assembly according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein each of the plurality of vertices is an acute angle.

[0089] (10) The projection lens assembly according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein each of the plurality of vertices is an obtuse angle.

[0090] (11) A method for providing a projection lens system, comprising: providing a Fourier lens assembly, wherein the Fourier lens assembly is configured to form a Fourier transform of an object at an exit pupil of the Fourier lens assembly; and setting an aperture approximately at a plane of the Fourier transform, wherein the aperture is configured to block a portion of incident light, wherein the aperture includes an aperture hole consisting of at least three edges and a plurality of vertices, wherein the at least three edges are curved relative to a center of the aperture hole.

[0091] (12) The method according to (11), wherein the aperture hole is composed of four edges and four vertices.

[0092] (13) The method according to any one of (11) to (12), wherein each of the plurality of edges is curved inwardly toward a center of the aperture hole.

[0093] (14) The method according to any one of (11) to (12), wherein each of the plurality of edges is curved outward away from a center of the aperture hole.

[0094] (15) A method according to any one of (11) to (12), wherein at least one of the multiple edges is bent inward toward the center of the aperture hole, and wherein at least one of the multiple edges is bent outward away from the center of the aperture hole.

[0095] (16) The method according to any one of (11) to (15), wherein each of the plurality of vertices is curved relative to a center of the aperture hole.

[0096] (17) The method according to any one of (11) to (16), wherein the f-number of the incident light is between f / 9 and f / 15.

[0097] (18) The method according to any one of (11) to (17), wherein each of the plurality of vertices is an acute angle.

[0098] (19) The method according to any one of (11) to (17), wherein each of the plurality of vertices is an obtuse angle.

[0099] (20) A projector comprises: a light source configured to emit light in response to an image signal, wherein the image signal comprises image data; a modulator configured to receive light from the light source and apply spatially varying modulation to the light, thereby deflecting the light and generating first deflected light; and a projection lens assembly configured to receive the first deflected light from the modulator, the projection lens assembly comprising an aperture configured to block a portion of incident light, the aperture comprising an aperture hole formed by a plurality of concave edges and a plurality of convex edges.

[0100] With respect to the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc. described herein, it should be understood that although the steps of these processes, etc. have been described as being performed in a particular ordered order, these processes can be practiced with the described steps performed in an order different from that described herein. It should further be understood that certain steps can be performed simultaneously, other steps can be added, or certain steps described herein can be omitted. In other words, the process descriptions herein are provided for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments and should in no way be construed as limiting the claims.

[0101] Therefore, it should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. By reading the above description, many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided will be apparent. The scope should not be determined with reference to the above description, but should be determined with reference to the full range of equivalents to which the appended claims and these claims are eligible to be considered. It is expected and hoped that the technology discussed herein will develop in the future, and the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In a word, it should be understood that the present application is capable of modification and change.

[0102] All terms used in the claims are intended to be given their broadest reasonable interpretations and ordinary meanings as understood by those skilled in the art described herein, unless an explicit indication to the contrary appears herein. In particular, use of singular articles such as "a," "the," "said," etc. should be understood to recite one or more of the indicated elements, unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary.

[0103] The abstract of the present disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly determine the nature of the technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the aforementioned detailed description, it can be seen that various features are combined together into various embodiments for the purpose of connecting the present disclosure as a whole. The method of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting the intention that the claimed embodiments incorporate more features than those explicitly recited in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the attached claims, the inventive subject matter lies in less than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the attached claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, and each claim stands alone as a separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A projection lens assembly for a projector system, comprising: an aperture, the aperture being integrated in the projection lens assembly and configured to block a portion of incident light, the aperture comprising an aperture hole consisting of at least three edges and a plurality of vertices, Wherein, the at least three edges are curved relative to the center of the aperture hole.

2. The projection lens assembly of claim 1, further comprising: A Fourier lens assembly is configured to form a Fourier transform of an object at an exit pupil of the Fourier lens assembly, wherein the aperture is disposed substantially at a plane of the Fourier transform.

3. The projection lens assembly of claim 1, wherein: The aperture hole is composed of four edges and four vertices.

4. The projection lens assembly of claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of edges curves inwardly toward a center of the aperture hole.

5. The projection lens assembly of claim 1, wherein: The plurality of edges each curve outwardly away from a center of the aperture hole.

6. The projection lens assembly of claim 1, wherein: At least one of the plurality of edges curves inwardly toward a center of the aperture hole, and wherein at least one of the plurality of edges curves outwardly away from a center of the aperture hole.

7. The projection lens assembly of claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of vertices is curved relative to a center of the aperture hole.

8. The projection lens assembly of claim 1, wherein: The f-number of the incident light is between f / 9 and f / 15.

9. The projection lens assembly of claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of vertices is an acute angle.

10. The projection lens assembly of claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of vertices is an obtuse angle.

11. A method of providing a projection lens system, comprising: providing a Fourier lens assembly configured to form a Fourier transform of an object at an exit pupil of the Fourier lens assembly; as well as An aperture is disposed substantially at the plane of the Fourier transform, the aperture being configured to block a portion of incident light, the aperture comprising an aperture hole formed by at least three edges and a plurality of vertices, Wherein, the at least three edges are curved relative to the center of the aperture hole.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein: The aperture hole is composed of four edges and four vertices.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein: Each of the plurality of edges curves inwardly toward a center of the aperture hole.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein: The plurality of edges each curve outwardly away from a center of the aperture hole.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein: At least one of the plurality of edges curves inwardly toward a center of the aperture hole, and wherein at least one of the plurality of edges curves outwardly away from a center of the aperture hole.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein: The plurality of vertices are curved relative to a center of the aperture hole.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein: The f-number of the incident light is between f / 9 and f / 15.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein: Each of the plurality of vertices is an acute angle.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein: Each of the plurality of vertices is an obtuse angle.

20. A projector, comprising: a light source configured to emit light in response to an image signal, wherein the image signal includes image data; a modulator configured to receive light from the light source and apply spatially varying modulation to the light, thereby turning the light and generating first turned light; and A projection lens assembly is configured to receive the first redirected light from the modulator, the projection lens assembly includes an aperture, the aperture is configured to block a portion of the incident light, and the aperture includes an aperture hole composed of a plurality of concave edges and a plurality of convex edges.

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