Optical projection with combined beams

Abstract

To illuminate a projector imager by combining beams of light.SOLUTION: Optical assemblies comprise a plurality of spatial light modulators arranged to modulate light in a plurality of light beams. The modulated light is combined in angular space by converging the light beams onto a target area of an image plane 13. Light from the image plane may be received at an inlet pupil of an optical system. A diffuser 13A may be provided to increase utilization of an acceptance angle of the optical system. The optical system may comprise an image projection system comprising an imager that is illuminated by the light from the image plane. An example application of the described technology is cinema projection of scenes which include high luminance highlights.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to Canadian Patent Application No. 3,095,177, filed October 2, 2020, entitled "Beam Combined Optical Projection," and U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 119,580, filed November 30, 2020, entitled "Beam Combined Optical Projection," both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. Under U.S. regulations, this application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 119,580, filed November 30, 2020, entitled "Beam Combined Optical Projection." [Background technology]

[0002] The present invention relates to combining beams of light. One application of the invention is to illuminate a projector imager. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention has many aspects. These include: Light projector; an optical assembly for combining light beams; Highlight projector; Methods for combining and / or modulating light beams; TIR prism assembly; A method for projecting an image; Other innovations described herein Includes:

[0004] Some aspects of the invention provide light for high intensity highlights in a projected image by combining multiple light beams where the light is directed to a highlight location in the image plane. The multiple light beams may illuminate one or more imagers of the same set. An advantage of some such embodiments is that they substantially increase the light budget available for highlights. An advantage of some such embodiments is that they increase the reliability of spatial phase modulators that may be used for light directing, which may be achieved by splitting the optical power among multiple phase modulators.

[0005] The techniques described herein can be applied, for example, to provide projected images having highlights with a total luminous flux budget of at least 4000 lumens in excess of a baseline of 15000 lumens on a large size cinema screen.

[0006] Some aspects of the invention provide an optical assembly including multiple spatial phase modulators each illuminated by a light beam from a highly collimated light source. A control system may configure each of the phase modulators to apply a phase displacement to steer the light to a common target or image plane. The light steered by each phase modulator may provide a light field at the target that includes areas of greater and lesser light intensity. The light fields may overlap at the target and may be co-registered such that corresponding areas in the overlapping light fields are superimposed. Combination of the light steered by different phase modulators may be achieved by directing the light from the different phase modulators to converge at an acute angle α.

[0007] The combined light field at the target may, for example, illuminate an imager (such as any suitable type of spatial amplitude modulator). In some embodiments, the angle between the optical axis of each phase modulator relative to the common target image is less than 1 / 2, 1 / 3, 1 / 4, 1 / 5, 1 / 6, etc. of the maximum boundary of the acceptance angle of the optical system including the imager. In some embodiments, at least one optical diffuser is provided in the optical path between the common target and the imager. The optical diffuser may increase the angular spread of the combined light guidance.

[0008] One aspect of the invention provides a projection system including one or more light sources operative to emit light and optical elements configured to direct light from the one or more light sources in two or more separate collimated beams, each of the beams illuminating an active area of ​​an imager, the beams converging on an image plane at an acute angle not exceeding 10 degrees, and the optical elements including a spatial light modulator configured to modulate light of at least one of the beams.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention provides a system and method for providing light for high intensity highlights in a projected image. In some embodiments, at least one modulated light beam (e.g., a light beam modulated by a spatial phase modulator) is combined with a base light beam (e.g., a beam that provides uniform illumination). The modulated light beam and the base light beam preferably have similar coverage in angular space. This advantageously allows the light from both the modulated light beam and the base light beam to be diffused using the same optical diffuser, thereby increasing the angular extent of the combined modulated and base light beams without significant loss of light outside the acceptance angle of the downstream optical system.

[0010] In some embodiments, a holographic diffuser is provided in the optical path of the base light beam, hi some embodiments, the holographic diffuser acts as a static or "frozen" phase grating.

[0011] In some embodiments, a base light beam having similar coverage in angular space as the modulated light beam is generated by collecting light from a separate light source (e.g., a laser light source) into an optical fiber (e.g., an optical fiber with a numerical aperture (NA) of 0.2 and an approximately 2x1 mm cut). The light from the optical fiber and the light from the modulated light beam can be projected (e.g., imaged) onto a common target image plane.

[0012] Further aspects and example embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and / or described in the following description.

[0013] It should be noted that the present invention relates to all combinations of the above features with each other and with any one or any combination of the features of the accompanying claims, even if these are recited in different claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] The accompanying drawings illustrate non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a projection system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary angle space.

[0017] [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example configuration of a footprint in angle space with two beams.

[0018] [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example configuration of a footprint in angle space with four beams.

[0019] [Figure 3C]1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary configuration of footprints in angle space; [Figure 3D] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary configuration of footprints in angle space; [Figure 3E] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary configuration of footprints in angle space; [Figure 3F] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary configuration of footprints in angle space; [Figure 3G] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary configuration of footprints in angle space; [Figure 3H] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary configuration of footprints in angle space;

[0020] [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of a projection system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an optical configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0022] [Figure 5B] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an optical configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] [Figure 5C] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an optical configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] [Figure 5D] FIG. 2 is a schematic side elevation view of an optical configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an optical configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] [Figure 6B] 1 illustrates an exemplary optical path.

[0027] [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an optical configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] [Figure 7B] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an optical configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] [Figure 7C] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an optical configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] [Figure 8A] FIG. 2 is a top view of an optical assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8B] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of an optical assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram of an optical device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known elements have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings should be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. definition

[0033] An "imager" is any device operable to impart a desired image (the image can be any pattern) to a beam of light. A spatial light modulator can be used as an imager. For example, in a cinema projector, the imager can be used to modulate incident light from one or more light sources according to image data and project the image onto a screen according to the image data.

[0034] A "spatial light modulator" or "SLM" is a device that operates to apply different modifications to the properties of light at different locations. Typically, an SLM contains an array of controllable elements or "pixels" that are individually operable to modify the properties of light at corresponding pixel locations. Properties of light that can be modified by an SLM include amplitude (light intensity), polarization, and phase. An SLM may modulate light that is sent through the SLM (e.g., light is incident on one side of the SLM and modulated light is emitted from another, opposite side of the SLM). An SLM may modulate light that is reflected from one side of the SLM (e.g., light is incident on one side of the SLM and modulated light is emitted from the same side of the SLM).

[0035] "Spatial Amplitude Modulator" or "SAM" refers to a type of SLM operable to controllably modify the amplitude of light. Non-limiting examples of SAMs are liquid crystal panels (also called LCDs), liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) devices, and digital mirror device (DMD) devices.

[0036] A "spatial phase modulator" or "SPM" is a type of SLM operable to controllably alter the phase of light. Non-limiting examples of SPMs are LCoS devices and deformable mirrors. Some embodiments apply SPMs with a pitch (i.e., the space between adjacent pixels in a row and / or column) of about 10 μm or less.

[0037] Some SLMs operate only to modulate the optical amplitude. Some SLMs operate to modulate the optical phase. Some SLMs operate to modulate both the optical amplitude and the optical phase. The operation of some SLMs can be dynamically controlled in real time: Only modulates the light amplitude; Only modulate the optical phase; or Modulates both the optical phase and the optical amplitude.

[0038] The "f-number" is a dimensionless number that can be used to characterize an optical system. The f-number is the ratio of the focal length of an optical system to the diameter of the optical system's entrance pupil.

[0039] "Highlight" with respect to a projected light field (which may include an image) means a bright spot or area. A highlight may include the brightest point in the light field.

[0040] As used herein, a "highlight beam" includes a beam of light that generates a non-uniform light field that includes one or more highlights in a target area. The target area may be, for example, a screen or image plane on which the highlight beam is incident. The highlight beam may include areas with higher illumination intensity and areas with lower illumination intensity. The highlight beam may result, for example, from light steering.

[0041] "Modulation" means to change the properties of something. Light may be modulated temporally or spatially. Examples of properties of light that may be modulated include amplitude (brightness or intensity), phase, and polarization state. Spatial modulation of light may be achieved by selectively attenuating light at spatial locations (e.g., pixels) and / or by steering light. Light steering involves steering light that would otherwise illuminate some spatial locations to other spatial locations. Light steering may be achieved, for example, using variable lenses, deformable mirrors, and / or phase modulators (e.g., SPMs). Phase patterns applied by SPMs may direct incident light to selected regions in the image plane. Interference between different portions of the directed light may result in some locations in the image plane having more light (i.e., constructive interference) and / or some locations in the image plane having less light (i.e., destructive interference). As a result of such interference, the phase pattern applied by the SPM can effectively steer or direct incident light away from particular regions in the image plane and / or steer or direct incident light so that the light is concentrated at particular regions in the image plane.

[0042] The "numerical aperture" or NA for an optical system is a dimensionless number that provides a measure of the range of angles of incident light that can pass through the optical system. NA is given by the product of the refractive index of the medium through which incident light passes to reach the optical system and the sine of the maximum angle of a light ray passing through the optical system, relative to the optical axis of the optical system.

[0043] The "acceptance angle" for an optical system is the solid angle through which a ray of light that enters the optical system with a direction that lies within the solid angle passes through the optical system. Solid angles may be measured in steradians.

[0044] "Etendue" is a number that characterizes how light spreads in area and angle. In terms of an optical system, etendue can be defined as the area of ​​the entrance pupil of the optical system multiplied by the acceptance angle (as defined herein) of the optical system. explanation

[0045] One aspect of the invention relates to combining multiple light beams. An example application is combining beams of light from different light sources onto an imager in an optical projection system. In some embodiments, some or all of the beams of light are modulated light. The modulation of the modulated light can be time-varying.

[0046] In some embodiments, the techniques described herein are applied to generate dynamic illumination of a projector imager. For example, multiple beams may be modulated and then combined to illuminate the imager with light that varies in intensity on the active surface of the imager. The modulation applied to the beams may be controlled to match the image the imager is controlled to display. For example, different beams of light may each be modulated by a different SLM and then combined as described herein to illuminate the imager (or be combined for some other purpose).

[0047] The light may be used to display a video or digital cinema image comprising a sequence of frames, while the modulation of the modulated light of one or more beams may be set on a frame-by-frame or scene-by-scene basis, for example, the imager may be controlled by image data comprising video frames, and the modulation applied to the beams may vary in different frames.

[0048] In some embodiments, one or more of the beams are base light beams. The base light beams may provide, for example, uniform illumination or illumination that is modulated in a static (non-time-varying) manner. For example, the base beam may provide an imager with enough light to project a desired image, and one or more other beams may be modulated to provide additional light for highlights.

[0049] In some embodiments, some or all of the combined light beams are pre-modulated in accordance with image data so that more light is provided in areas of the imager corresponding to brighter portions of the image to be displayed, and less light is provided in areas of the imager corresponding to darker portions of the image.

[0050] An example application of this technology is to illuminate at least one area of ​​an imager or other target with modulated light having high intensity at selected locations.

[0051] An SLM may have a reduced lifetime or may be damaged or destroyed if it is used to modulate light with an intensity greater than the SLM was designed for. This problem can be avoided by combining two or more lower intensity beams of light, each modulated by a separate SLM.

[0052] Another challenge that may be avoided or reduced by combining multiple beams of light is that it may be desirable to use multiple lower power light sources to generate the light instead of a single higher power light source. This may be motivated, for example, by cost, availability, and / or thermal management issues.

[0053] By combining light beams modulated by multiple SLMs, the energy of the combined beam may be spread across multiple SLMs. This configuration may allow the use of less expensive SLMs and / or simplify thermal management (e.g., to maintain the operating temperature of the SLMs within a desired range) and / or extend the estimated mean time between failures of the SLMs. In some embodiments, the multiple SLMs are operable to modulate a beam of light having an intensity that is about 1 / N of the desired total average intensity of the combined beam, including a total of N SLMs that each SLM is illuminated.

[0054] Embodiments that combine light from multiple SLMs may facilitate providing high intensity illumination of a projector imager using light of the beam wavelengths and polarizations.

[0055] Another challenge is that in some applications it is desirable to combine different beams of light that may not always or at all have different spectra or different polarizations that would allow for the combination of the different beams using conventional optical combiners such as dichroic mirrors (which may be used to combine two beams of light of different wavelengths) or polarizing beam splitters (which may be used to combine two beams of light with different polarizations). Typical dichroic mirrors cannot be used to efficiently combine beams that have the same wavelength, or wavelengths that differ from each other by at least less than about 10 nm. Typical polarizing beam splitters that may be used to combine beams work most efficiently for orthogonal polarization states.

[0056] An example of an application where this problem can arise is when the imager is of a type that requires illumination with light having a particular polarization, and it is desired to combine two light beams of the same color and the same polarization.

[0057] In some embodiments of the present technology, different beams of light may be combined that have spectra and polarization states that are either identical, or very close to identical, or that are not always different (i.e., sometimes identical or nearly identical). For example, the beams of light may all have the same particular polarization (e.g., a polarization direction that matches the polarization direction required by the imager).

[0058] For example, the multiple light beams may have the same or substantially the same wavelengths and the same or similar polarizations, where substantially the same wavelength means that at least 95% or at least 98% of the energy of the multiple light beams is within a wavelength band that spans 30 nm or less, or 20 nm or less, or 10 nm or less, thereby making it unfeasible and / or inefficient to use a dichroic element to efficiently combine the light beams. Here, the first and second light beams may have a "similar polarization state" if a polarizing beam splitter configured to pass a maximum amount of the optical energy of the first light beam also passes at least 50%, or at least 70%, or at least 85% of the maximum amount of the optical energy of the second light beam that the polarizing beam splitter can pass, thereby making it unfeasible or inefficient to use the polarizing beam splitter as an optical combiner to combine the light of the first and second light beams (without first adjusting the polarization states of the first and / or second light beams to be closer to a right angle using additional optical elements). In some embodiments, the methods and apparatus described herein are applied to combine two beams of light having the same circular polarization state.

[0059] In some embodiments, the light in the combined beams is · It is unpolarized (e.g. randomly polarized); have spatially and / or time-varying polarization; or ·Has fixed polarization.

[0060] In some embodiments, the combined beams include: · Monochromatic; ·has a bandwidth of 18 nm or less, or 12 nm or less, or 5 nm or less, or 3 nm or less; have the same wavelength for the different beams; and / or -has a wavelength that differs from other beams by 5nm, 10nm or 15nm or less Includes light.

[0061] In some embodiments, the light in the multiple light beams is generated by multiple corresponding light sources.

[0062] In some embodiments, each of the light beams is spatially modulated by a corresponding monochromatic SLM (ie, an SLM that does not include color filters that allow separate control of light of different primary colors).

[0063] In some embodiments, the combined beams include coherent light. In some embodiments, the beams that are combined together include light of slightly different wavelengths. For example, the light can be from a laser source that emits a combination of light of slightly different wavelengths. This helps with speckle removal.

[0064] In some embodiments, the SLMs are provided by phase modulators (e.g., SPMs) that are each controlled to direct the light of one of the beams, the different beams being composed of narrow bands of light having slightly different wavelengths. Each of the SLMs can be controlled to direct the light of a corresponding beam based on the wavelength of the light in the corresponding beam. Typically, such SLMs perform better (e.g., direct light more efficiently) if the wavelength of the light in the corresponding beam is within a small range around the wavelength that each of the SLMs is set to (e.g., within about ±10 nm of the wavelength that the SLM is set to direct).

[0065] 1 illustrates a schematic of a projection system 10 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. First and second light beams 12A and 12B (generally, collectively, beams 12) converge on an image plane 13 at a relative angle α. α can be a small angle. For example, in some embodiments, α is about 10 degrees or less, or about 5 degrees or less. Each of the light beams 12 arrives at the image plane 13 at an angle that is within an acceptance angle 11 of an optical system of which the image plane 13 is a part.

[0066] Light beams 12A and 12B each include light emitted by light sources 14A and 14B modulated by SLMs 15A and 15B (generally collectively SLMs 15), and optionally passing through a set of one or more optical elements 16A and 16B. Optical elements 16A and 16B may include, for example, one or more lenses, mirrors, prisms, filters, free space, or the like.

[0067] In some advantageous embodiments, the SLM 15 includes a spatial phase modulator that is controlled to exhibit a pattern of phase displacement that causes light incident on the SLM 15 to be directed onto the image plane 13. In this manner, the light incident on the SLM 15 can be concentrated at locations on the image plane 13 where greater light intensity is desired, and / or directed away from locations on the image plane 13 where lower light intensity is desired.

[0068] The pixels of SLM 15 may be set to exhibit a phase pattern that produces a desired level of focusing of the light pattern on image plane 13. In some such embodiments, no additional focusing optics are provided to focus the light from beam 12 on image plane 13. Focusing may be provided, for example, by setting the pixels of a phase modulator to mimic a converging lens in combination with optics for the desired light steering.

[0069] The control system of the phase modulator may include a data processor configured to deliver control signals to configure pixels of the phase modulator to have a desired phase pattern. The data processor may, for example, process image data to determine a desired light guiding pattern and drive the phase modulator to steer light to achieve the desired light guiding pattern.

[0070] The present invention is not limited to the case where the SLM 15 is a phase modulator and is controlled to steer light, however, light steering using a phase modulator may be implemented in any of the embodiments described herein.

[0071] In some embodiments, each SLM 15 is individually driven and / or controlled. In some embodiments, the light in different beams 12 corresponds to different colors (e.g., red, green, and blue). Each color may have a different target profile (e.g., a different light intensity profile, a different polarization, etc.).

[0072] In some embodiments, the light in the different beams 12 have different intensity profiles that, when combined, result in a desired target light intensity profile (e.g., the light in beam 12A has a first intensity profile and the light in beam 12B has a second intensity profile that is different from the first intensity profile). The light in the different beams 12 that include different intensity profiles can be the same color or can be different colors.

[0073] A single SLM 15 or a set of SLMs 15 may be driven to generate a beam (or beams) 12 having desired target characteristics for the corresponding color. For example, a first set of SLMs 15 may be driven to generate a desired beam 12 corresponding to red light, a second set of SLMs 15 may be driven to generate a desired beam 12 corresponding to green light, and a third set of SLMs 15 may be driven to generate a desired beam 12 corresponding to blue light. Within a particular set of SLMs 15, the individual SLMs 15 may be driven together (i.e., all of the SLMs in the set are controlled in the same manner) or individually (i.e., different SLMs in the set are controlled differently) to compensate for performance variations of each of the SLMs or to optimize efficiency. Efficiency may be optimized, for example, by focusing each of the SLMs on a portion of the target image (e.g., creating a more efficient configuration of the target image).

[0074] In some embodiments, all SLMs 15 are controlled in the same manner, or different SLMs 15 are controlled differently to form a combined image at image plane 13 that would not be possible (or would be very difficult) to obtain if a single SLM 15 were used. For example, different SLMs 15 may be individually controlled to direct the light in beam 12 differently to form a desired image at image plane 13.

[0075] In some embodiments, the light beams corresponding to the different colors are combined using a dichroic combination (e.g., with a dichroic mirror that passes one wavelength band and reflects another). After such combination, the light beams corresponding to the different colors share a common optical axis and therefore the same spot location in angular space.

[0076] The light in beam 12 combines to form a combined image at image plane 13, which is remote from SLM 15. The light in beam 12 may have any combination of the properties described above. In some embodiments that have significant commercial applications, beam 12 contains light having the same polarization and wavelength.

[0077] The light beams 12 overlap at the image plane 13. In some embodiments, the light beams 12 all illuminate the same area on the image plane 13. In some embodiments, the light in each of the light beams 12 is modulated with the same pattern, and at the image plane 13 the light beams 12 are aligned with one another, so that in each portion of the image formed at the image plane 13, the same portions of the pattern in each of the light beams 12 overlap and reinforce one another.

[0078] 1 , an image at image plane 13 provides dynamic illumination to optical system 17. In projector system 10, optical system 17 includes projector imager 19. SLMs 15 can be controlled to modulate the light in beams 12. For example, SLMs 15 can each be controlled to apply the same modulation to a corresponding beam 12. The modulation can be determined, for example, at least in part, from image data that defines the image to be displayed by projection system 10.

[0079] In some embodiments, the projector imager 19 is located very close to or coincident with the image plane 13. In some embodiments, the projector imager 19 is located far from the image plane 13. An optional optical system 18 including one or more sets of optical elements may be provided to direct light from the image plane 13 to the projector imager 19. Light incident on the projector imager 19 is further modulated by the projector imager 19 and projected by a projection lens 20.

[0080] In some embodiments, light beam 12 is shaped to illuminate an area of ​​a particular size and shape at image plane 13. For example, in some applications, the final image may have a particular aspect ratio. For example, an aspect ratio (width:height) of 16:9 is common. Light beam 12 may have an aspect ratio of 16:9, for example, when it reaches image plane 13. In some embodiments, light beam 12 has an aspect ratio when it reaches image plane 13 that matches the aspect ratio of imager 19.

[0081] Changes in the angle of incident light at image plane 13 can affect the telecentricity of projection system 10. In some such cases, the angular footprint of SLM 15 may change dynamically. Additionally or alternatively, the angular footprint may not be constant across the image on image plane 13. To minimize adverse effects, optical system 17 may be selected to telecenter the average stimulation profile of SLM 15.

[0082] The technique is not limited to two beams 12, but may be implemented with any suitable number of beams 12 (eg, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 beams, etc.).

[0083] It can be seen that the combination of beams 12 is done through angle combination (and therefore etendue combination). This scheme of combining beams 12 does not depend on the light of beams 12 having any particular polarization or wavelength. This scheme of combination can combine light from different beams 12 having the same wavelength and the same polarization.

[0084] Angle space is a representation in which the radial distance of a point from an origin represents an angle, and the angular position of the point about the origin represents an azimuthal angle. Angle space may be defined for a particular optical system such that the origin corresponds to the optical axis of the entrance pupil of the optical system (e.g., optical system 17 described elsewhere herein).

[0085] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary angle space. Origin 21 indicates an angle corresponding to the optical axis. Dashed circles 22A, 22B, 22C (collectively or generally dashed circles 22) represent specific angles relative to the optical axis. Different points around any one of dashed circles 22 correspond to different azimuthal directions. For example, circles 22A, 22B, 22C may represent angles of 1, 2, and 3 degrees relative to the optical axis, or angles of 2, 4, and 6 degrees relative to the optical axis, respectively. Different points around any one of dashed circles 22 correspond to different azimuthal directions. Solid circles 23 indicate boundaries of acceptance angles for the optical system. Light incident on the entrance pupil of the optical system at angles greater than the acceptance angle indicated by circle 23 will not be properly processed by the optical system. Light incident on an entrance pupil with the same angle of incidence and the same azimuthal angle relative to the optical axis will correspond to the same point in angular space (e.g., two parallel light rays will correspond to the same point in angular space, all points in real space that lie along a light ray emanating from the center of the entrance pupil of the optical system can be associated with the same point in angular space, etc.).

[0086] 2, patches 24A and 24B represent the footprints in angular space of the light rays emanating from SLM 15A and SLM 15B, respectively (collectively, or generally, footprints 24). SLMs 15 may be positioned in real space such that footprints 24 in angular space are close to each other. This may be done while allowing the positions of SLMs 15 to be separated by any distance in real space.

[0087] The SLMs 15 may be tilted perpendicular to the direction of the corresponding beams 12. The SLMs 15 may optionally all be tilted by the same amount, or may be individually tilted by different amounts.

[0088] Any number of SLMs 15 can be configured in real space to deliver light to an imager 19 (or another target), as long as their footprint 24 in angular space is within the acceptance angle of the optical system of interest (e.g., optical system 17), i.e., within circle 23 in the example of FIG. 2.

[0089] The angle between the beams 12 (e.g., angle α) may be freely selected as long as the footprint 24 corresponding to the beams 12 is within an acceptance angle, e.g., the angle indicated by circle 23. In embodiments where there are more than two beams 12, it is optional and not required that all of the beams 12 combine at the same angle.

[0090] The angle between the beams 12 may be selected to accommodate the physical limitations of the hardware and / or to facilitate the desired image quality. For any number of beams 12, it is generally beneficial to configure the beams 12 such that the combining angle α is minimized. By combining the beams 12 at a small angle α, Minimize geometric distortion, and / or · Maintaining the angular space within the acceptance angle (this allows for improved image quality) This can help.

[0091] Image quality improvement can be achieved by placing an optical diffuser 13A in or near the image plane 13. The diffuser 13A scatters light incident on the diffuser at a range of angles. The angular scattering characteristics of the diffuser 13A can be selected such that light from the footprint 24 in the angular space is mixed and more nearly filled with minimal light falling outside the acceptance angle. The strength of the diffuser 13A can be selected to fill the acceptance angle (i.e., f-number) of the optical system (e.g., optical system 17) as described elsewhere herein.

[0092] In some embodiments, projector system 10 includes multiple diffusers 13A. For example, a first diffuser may be located in or near image plane 13 and a second diffuser may be located in or near projector imager 19. The light scattering provided by multiple diffusers 13A is additive (linear or non-linear). Different ones of the multiple diffusers may be identical or may have at least one characteristic that differs from the others of the multiple diffusers. A desired amount of light scattering may be achieved by scattering light by multiple diffusers 13A.

[0093] Additionally or alternatively, projector system 10 may include at least one additional optical relay between image plane 13 and projector imager 19. Diffuser 13A may be located in or near the plane of the additional optical relay.

[0094] In some embodiments, projector system 10 includes three different image planes 13 (e.g., one image plane for each of the three color channels). For example, projector system 10 may include a first image plane 13 corresponding to a red color channel, a second image plane 13 corresponding to a green color channel, and a third image plane 13 corresponding to a blue color channel. A diffuser 13A may be disposed at or near each of the three image planes 13. Such a projector system 10 may also include an additional optical relay between the image planes 13 and the projector imager 19. The additional optical relay may combine the beams from the three image planes 13 (e.g., using a dichroic mirror). A diffuser 13A is optionally provided at or near the plane of the additional optical relay.

[0095] In some embodiments, diffuser 13A is rotationally symmetric (i.e., it scatters light evenly in all directions), while in some other embodiments, diffuser 13A is asymmetric and scatters light more strongly in some directions than in others.

[0096] The diffuser 13A may enhance safety by limiting the maximum radiance of the light at any particular angle.

[0097] In particular, if the footprint 24 is tightly packed near the origin of the angle space, the selection of the diffuser 13A to scatter the light can be optimized to fill the angle space up to the boundaries of the acceptance angle. Such optimization can improve quality factors such as: Accommodating asymmetric entrance pupils (e.g. D-shaped entrance pupils) in the optical system 17. If the angular footprints are well mixed and concentrated, it is possible to avoid clipping one angular footprint 24 more than another. Diffuser 13A may reduce laser speckle (when beam 12 contains coherent light, for example when light source 14 provides narrow band laser illumination). Avoiding color deviations due to the angular dependence of optical components in the light path of the projection device.

[0098] In some embodiments, diffuser 13A is an asymmetric diffuser, for example such an asymmetric diffuser may scatter light less along the axis along which the angular footprints combine, while scattering more light along the axis perpendicular to the axis along which the angular footprints combine.

[0099] 3A and 3B illustrate example configurations of footprints 24 in angular space for the cases of two and four beams 12, respectively. In FIG. 3A, footprints 24A and 24B are located far apart on either side of the origin in angular space. When diffuser 13A is present, the angular spread of the incident light at image plane 13 is increased, resulting in enlarged effective footprints 25A and 25B, corresponding to footprints 24A and 24B, respectively. Effective footprints 25A and 25B overlap region 26.

[0100] 3B, footprints 24-1 through 24-4 are clustered near the origin in angular space. When diffuser 13A is present, the angular spread of the incident light at image plane 13 increases, resulting in an expansion of effective footprints 25-1 through 25-4, which correspond to footprints 24-1 through 24-4, respectively. Effective footprints 25-1 through 25-4 overlap in region 26.

[0101] 3A and 3B illustrate that the presence of diffuser 13A can increase coverage of angular space. By selecting a diffuser 13A that scatters light over a larger range of angles, the overlap 26 between effective footprints 25 can be increased and the amount of available angular space within the acceptance angle (i.e., within circle 23) can be increased. However, if diffuser 13A scatters light over too large an angle and / or if footprint 24 is located too close to circle 23, a significant amount of light from beam 12 can be scattered at angles outside of the acceptance angle (where the light cannot be effectively utilized).

[0102] Figures 3C through 3H illustrate one advantage of configuring beam 12 to converge at a small angle α and providing footprint 24 near the origin in angular space. In Figures 3C, 3D, and 3E, the centers of footprints 24A and 24B are separated by angles α0, α1, and α2, respectively, where α0<α1<α2. As a result, the maximum angular (outermost) portions of footprint 24 are separated from circle 23 by corresponding angles d0, d1, and d2, where d0>d1>d2.

[0103] The proximity of footprint 24 to circle 23 limits the extent to which the acceptance angle (angular space within circle 23) can be filled by providing a diffuser to spread the light of beam 12 over a wider range of angles without wasting light by spreading some light into angles that are outside the acceptance angle (outside circle 23).

[0104] 3F shows that when footprint 24 is close to the origin in angular space, it is possible to apply a diffuser that spreads the light over a relatively wide angle to obtain effective footprints 25A and 25B that fill most of the angular space within circle 23, without any light leakage outside circle 23. The spreading of the light also results in a large area overlap 26 between effective footprints 25A and 25B.

[0105] Figure 3G shows that as footprint 24 moves away from the origin in angular space, the maximum angle of scattering spread that the diffuser can provide without leakage of light outside circle 23 is reduced. In Figure 3G, effective footprints 25A and 25B still fill most of the angular space within circle 23, but not as completely as in Figure 3F. The area of ​​area overlap 26 between effective footprints 25A and 25B is also reduced compared to Figure 3F.

[0106] Figure 3H shows that as footprint 24 is even further from the origin of angle space, the maximum angle of scattering that the diffuser can provide without leakage of light outside circle 23 is reduced, further causing effective footprints 25A and 25B to no longer overlap and to occupy a relatively small portion of the area within circle 23.

[0107] Increasing the overlap in angular space between footprints 24 advantageously increases the likelihood of seeing combinations of light from different SLMs 15 from an increased number of viewing angles. Typically, increasing the overlap in angular space between footprints 24 additionally helps reduce speckle. If an optical system (e.g., optical system 17) includes an asymmetric aperture, light from one or more SLMs 15 is cut off disproportionately more than one or more other SLMs 15.

[0108] In some embodiments, the systems described herein include optical elements that fold light beam 12 such that light beam 12 converges on image plane 13 at angle α (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ), while SLM 15 and / or light source 14 are not aligned with the portion of light beam 12 that converges on image plane 13. An example of such a configuration is illustrated in FIG.

[0109] 4 shows a system in which light modulated by light modulators 15A and 15B is redirected to form beams 12A and 12B that converge towards image plane 13 at angle α. One or more optical elements may be provided to redirect the light. In the embodiment shown, the redirection is provided by prism 30. From the perspective of optical system 17, light modulators 15A and 15B appear to be at locations 15A' and 15B', respectively.

[0110] The configuration of Fig. 4 advantageously allows flexibility in the position of the SLM 15 and may facilitate a smaller angle α between the different beams 12. The actual size of the SLM is often larger than the active area of ​​the SLM. Fig. 4 shows that the apparent positions 15A' and 15B' may be arranged such that the active areas appear to be right next to each other, even though the packaging 37 of SLMs 15A and 15B extends outside the active area 38.

[0111] Light for the beams 12 is provided by one or more light sources 14. In some embodiments, one light source 14 provides light for multiple beams 12. In some embodiments, light for each beam 12 is provided by a separate light source 14. The light sources 14 can be any of a wide variety of types. The light sources 14 can be selected based on technical factors such as desired optical power output, desired wavelength or spectral composition, desired polarization state, etc. (as well as factors such as cost, durability, size, power requirements, operating temperature range, etc.).

[0112] In some embodiments, light source 14 includes a laser. In some embodiments, light source 14 includes a solid-state light emitter, such as a semiconductor laser, a laser diode, a light emitting diode, or the like.

[0113] In some embodiments, it is desirable for light source 14 to emit unpolarized light, which can be obtained, for example, by combining light from two lasers with orthogonal polarizations, or by passing light from a laser through an optical element, such as an optical fiber, that depolarizes the laser light.

[0114] In typical applications, it is desirable for the light from light source 14 to be well collimated. The desired degree of collimation can be achieved, for example, by using a light source such as a suitable laser that emits collimated light or by providing collimating optics.

[0115] Light from light source 14 is directed to SLM 15 for modulation. If SLM 15 is a reflective type SLM (e.g., an LCoS device), the light from light source 14 is directed onto an active area of ​​SLM 15 where the light is modulated and specularly reflected. The reflected modulated light is then provided as beam 12 that travels to image plane 13 where it is combined with light from other beams 12 as described herein.

[0116] In a preferred embodiment, the light source 14 is: Generates light in a narrow wavelength band that corresponds to the wavelength band for which the particular SLM 15 into which the light is incident is optimized; · Producing highly collimated light (which may, for example, increase the sharpness of the image on the image plane 13); Polarizing the light in a manner corresponding to the particular SLM 15 (e.g., single polarization, split polarization, etc.); and / or Produces light that is uniform in both the angular and spatial domains (non-uniformity can result in non-optimal illumination of the SLM 15, spatial dependence of the system’s point spread function, etc.).

[0117] Figure 5A shows a simple embodiment in which light is directed from opposite sides of image plane 13 to illuminate the active area of ​​each SLM 15 (e.g., beam 45A illuminates SLM 15A and beam 45B illuminates SLM 15B). After reflection by SLM 15, the light is directed in beams 12 (e.g., beams 12A and 12B) that converge towards image plane 13. In practice, the configuration illustrated in Figure 5A may be disadvantageous due to optical and mechanical constraints.

[0118] 5B shows optical configuration 50, which is one example of a manner of illuminating the active area of ​​SLM 15 to generate beam 12. Optical configuration 50 provides a three-dimensional curved light path that facilitates component positioning. Optical configuration 50 also illustrates how a single light source 14 can illuminate the active areas of two SLMs. Optical configuration 50 also illustrates how light directed to multiple SLMs can have the same polarization.

[0119] In this example, light source 14 emits a collimated beam of unpolarized light. The light passes to polarizing beam splitter 51. A portion of the light with one polarization (usually half the light) passes through polarizing beam splitter 51 to mirror 52. The remainder of the light is reflected by polarizing beam splitter 51. This results in two beams of light (53A, 53B) that are directed towards prism 55, which redirects the light to illuminate the active areas of SLMs 15A and 15B, respectively. The light is reflected by SLMs 15A and 15B, which provide beams 12A and 12B, respectively, that converge at an angle α towards image plane 13.

[0120] Configuration 50 may be constructed such that the polarization states of beams 53A, 53B are identical. This may be achieved by providing an optical element 54 (e.g., a wave plate) that changes the polarization state of one of beams 53A, 53B to match the polarization state of the other of beams 53A, 53B. In some embodiments, optical element 54 (or multiple optical elements 54) changes the polarization states of both beams 53A, 53B. For example, the polarization direction of one of beams 53A, 53B may be rotated 90 degrees, or the polarization direction of both beams 53A, 53B may be rotated 45 degrees.

[0121] In optical configuration 50, beams 53A and 53B (generally collectively beam 53) are bent with respect to beam 12. Beam 53 forms an angle β with beam 12. β may be, for example, about 20 degrees. β may be selected such that beam 53 and beam 12 overlap only a short distance. This configuration may facilitate relatively unobstructed access to image plane 13 and easy coupling with light source 14. In the illustrated optical configuration 50, beams 53A and 53B do not intersect with one another.

[0122] 5C is a plan view of another exemplary optical configuration 55. Like optical configuration 50, optical configuration 55 provides an optical path formed with three-dimensional bending. In optical configuration 55, illumination beams 56A and 56B (generally, collectively beams 56) from light sources 14A and 14B, respectively, intersect each other at angle α before reaching prism 57, which redirects beams 56 to corresponding SLMs 15A and 15B. Beams 56 intersect at location 58.

[0123] Figure 5D is a schematic side elevation view of optical configuration 55. As shown diagrammatically in Figure 5D, light in beam 56 from light source 14 is at an angle relative to prism 57, and beam 12 exits prism 57 at an angle to converge at image plane 13. In some embodiments, image plane 13 is directly below where beams 56 intersect 58. Optical configuration 55 does not utilize tilt of SLM 15 to direct beam 12 to converge at angle α.

[0124] In optical configuration 55, angle α is defined by the orientation of beam 56. Light may be incident normal to SLM 15 in at least one plane. Optical configuration 55 may therefore provide reduced parallelogram distortion (i.e. distortion resulting from SLM 15 being illuminated from a direction that is not normal to the plane of the SLM panel).

[0125] As explained above, the light delivered to illumination SLM 15 may be bent at a bending angle β relative to light beam 12 delivered to image plane 13. The bending angle β may be in a different plane than the angle α at which beam 12 converges. Bending at angle β may facilitate the location where beam 12 converges on image plane 13 being physically separated from the light beams (e.g., beams 53 or 56) that deliver light to SLM 15.

[0126] A small bend angle β results in a relatively large distance along beam 12 to achieve the desired separation distance between where beam 12 converges on image plane 13 and the plane of the beam that delivers light to SLM 15. In some embodiments, bend angle β is selected to be relatively large (e.g., at least 9 degrees, or at least 12 degrees, or at least 15 degrees, or at least 18 degrees). In some embodiments, angle β is about 20°.

[0127] However, as shown in Figure 6B, increasing the bend angle β may result in light being directed onto the SLM 15 at a relatively large angle of incidence (with respect to a vector perpendicular to the active area of ​​the SLM 15), which may result in issues such as loss of bit depth, image compression, parallelogram distortion, pixel crosstalk, polarization matching issues, and / or reduced SLM panel lifetime.

[0128] 6A shows an optical configuration 60 that includes a total internal reflection (TIR) ​​prism set 62. The TIR prism set 62 includes a first portion 62A and a second portion 62B separated by a small gap 62C of a material (e.g., air) having a lower refractive index than the portions 62A and 62B. The first and second prism portions 62A and 62B can be made of, for example, glass, fused silica, or other optical materials.

[0129] An incident light beam 61 may enter the TIR prism set 62 at a face 63 of the first portion 62A. The first portion 62A shifts and changes the angle of the beam 61. Before the light exits the TIR prism set 62 and is delivered to the SLM 15, the light is totally internally reflected at the interfaces of the first portion 62A.

[0130] Light reflected from SLM 15 enters TIR prism set 62 at face 64. Returning light is not totally internally reflected at gap 62C and may travel through gap 62C. The travel of light across gap 62C may be enhanced by providing an anti-reflective (AR) coating on the interface of portions 62A and 62B with gap 62C. Light modulated by SLM 15 passes through TIR prism set 62 and exits at face 65 of second portion 62B.

[0131] In some embodiments, the SLM 15 is mounted directly to the first portion 62 A of the TIR prism set 62 .

[0132] The shape of TIR prism set 62 may direct outgoing beam 12 at an angle β relative to incoming beam 61 (e.g., beam 61 may appear as if it was reflected by SLM 15 at position 15'). However, the difference in the angle at which light enters SLM 15 and is reflected by SLM 15 (angle β' in FIG. 6A ) may be made much smaller than β, thereby reducing or mitigating at least some of the issues mentioned above.

[0133] In exemplary embodiments, β' is less than 50% of β. For example, in some embodiments, β is about 20 degrees and β' is about 8 degrees.

[0134] The TIR prism set may be used in conjunction with other optical configurations described herein. The same TIR prism set may be used to direct multiple light beams to be modulated by multiple SLMs 15. Additional SLMs may be included by using prisms (e.g., prism 30) or by arranging the SLMs side-by-side in the same plane or in an array in any other manner described herein.

[0135] 7A shows an optical configuration 70 including a TIR prism set 62 and a pair of SLMs 15A and 15B. Illumination light beams 61A and 61B (which may be provided as described elsewhere herein or in any other manner) pass through a first portion 62A.

[0136] Beam 12 interacting with SLMs 15 A and 15 B returns to TIR prism set 62 and exits TIR prism set 62 at an angle β relative to light beam 61 .

[0137] In the optical assembly 70, the illumination light beams 61A and 61B may be angled and directed such that they converge by an angle α. In such an embodiment, the illumination beams 61A and 61B reach the SLM 15 in a direction determined by two angles α and β'. For example, α may be approximately 5 degrees and β' may be approximately 8 degrees.

[0138] It is possible to add optical elements that cause beam 12 to converge at a relative angle α without requiring that upstream beam 61 from SLM 15 converge at angle α. For example, face 65 of TIR prism set 62 may be formed so that beam 12 converges at angle α. This may be done, for example, by forming face 65 as a concave dihedral.

[0139] Face 63 of TIR prism set 62 may be shaped to adjust the relative angle of incident beams 61A and 61B. For example, if beams 61A and 61B converge when they reach face 63, face 63 may have angled facets to receive each of beams 61 and adjust beams 61 to be parallel or have another desired angular relationship. The facets may make face 63 convex. In some embodiments, the facets make face 63 concave.

[0140] 7B shows an example optical configuration 72 in which face 63 of TIR prism set 62 includes two facets 63A and 63B angled relative to one another by a dihedral angle. Beam 61A enters face 63 at facet 63A and beam 63B enters face 63 at facet 63B. Refraction of beams 61A and 61B at facets 63A and 63B, respectively, may reduce or eliminate the convergence of beams 61A and 61B and / or cause beams 61A and 61B to encounter SLMs 15A and 15B perpendicular to the plane of beams 61A and 61B.

[0141] In the optical assembly 72, the face 65 of the TIR prism set 62 has facets 65A and 65B. The facets 65A and 65B are angled with respect to one another. Beam 12A exits from facet 65A and beam 12B exits from facet 65B. The facets 65A and 65B can be angled to adjust the beams 12A and 12B to converge at a desired angle α. For example, the facets 65A and 65B can be angled so that the face 65 is convex and the refraction of the beams 12A and 12B at the facets 65A and 65B causes the beams 12A and 12B to converge more. In some embodiments, the beams 12A and 12B are parallel within the TIR prism set 62.

[0142] The TIR prism set 62 may be designed such that two or more SLMs 15 are mounted directly on the TIR prism set 62. For example, the SLMs 15 may be arranged side-by-side or in an array on the face 64 of the TIR prism set 62. In some embodiments, a prism functioning like the prism 30 described elsewhere herein is integrated with the TIR prism set 62. Such a construction may reduce losses by eliminating some air / glass interfaces. Also, by providing a prism 30 that is fixed or integrated with the TIR prism set 62, alignment may be maintained more reliably than a separate part.

[0143] 7C illustrates an exemplary optical configuration 73. Optical configuration 73 is identical to optical configuration 72 illustrated in FIG.

[0144] 8A and 8B are top and side elevation views of an exemplary optical configuration 80 including a TIR prism set 62 supporting multiple SLMs 15. The SLMs 15 may be in direct contact with a face of the TIR prism set 62. In the illustrated embodiment, face 64 of the TIR prism set 62 is extended to include integral prisms 82A and 82B. The rear faces of prisms 82A and 82B are at 45 degrees to the axis of the TIR prism set 62. The SLMs 15A and 15B are mounted to the sides of the integrated prisms 82A and 82B, respectively.

[0145] Without being limited thereto, some example dimensions that may be applied to the devices described herein may include: SLM15 is approximately 15.5 x 8 mm 2 and / or the distance from the SLM panel 15 to the image plane 13 may be about 150 mm; and / or the f-number of the projection optical system 17 may be about F / 4.5, corresponding to a radius in angular space of about 6.4°; and / or The footprint 24 may span a half angle in an angular space of approximately 1.6°×0.85°; and / or The double angle footprint may span half an angle in an angle space of approximately 1.6°×2.1° (0.85+0.85+0.4); and / or The diffuser 13A may scatter light in a cone having a half angle of about 4°; and / or The half angle for converging the beam 12 may be about 2.50° (corresponding to an angle α of about 5°).

[0146] In some embodiments, an apparatus according to any of the embodiments described herein combines the highlight beam with the base light beam at or upstream of the imager. The base light beam may be combined with the highlight beam using the same angled shapes described herein (e.g., in any of Figures 4 to 8B). The base light beam may uniformly illuminate the imager. To facilitate this combination, the base light beam may have a similar etendue to the modulated light beam with which it is combined. In a preferred embodiment, the etendue (or area in angular space) of the base light beam and the modulated light beam are the same or similar (e.g., no more than 10% difference).

[0147] FIG. 9 shows an apparatus 90 according to an example embodiment in which a base light beam 92 is combined with a modulated light beam 96 at an imager 94. In this example, the base light beam 92 is composed of light from a light source 95. The base light beam 92 may be homogenized and collimated to provide uniform illumination of the imager 94. In some embodiments, the optical path followed by the base light beam 92 includes a holographic diffuser 98 that acts as a "frozen phase grating" that creates a fixed full screen pattern on the imager 94. In some embodiments, the base light beam 92 is formed by illuminating the holographic diffuser 98 with a highly collimated light source. In some embodiments, the base light beam 92 includes white light.

[0148] In some embodiments, the optical path traversed by the base light beam has the same configuration as the optical path traversed by the modulated light beam (including the light source being highly collimated), except that an SLM (e.g., an SPM) in the optical path of the base light beam is configured with a phase pattern that exhibits a "frozen phase grating" such that the base light beam 92 illuminates a target (e.g., image plane 13) with a fixed light pattern (e.g., a uniform light pattern). In some embodiments, such an SLM is replaced with a holographic diffuser (e.g., holographic diffuser 98) that acts as a "frozen phase grating". In such an embodiment, the light source can be, for example, a source that can place all of its output light into a fiber with dimensions on the order of 400 x 240 μm and NA 0.2.

[0149] In some embodiments, the base light beam is realized by homogenizing light from a separate (laser) light source, for example by passing the light through an optical fiber with a rectangular cut and then projecting a magnified image of the rectangular cut onto the target image 13. A collimated light source can be, for example, a source that can place all of its output light into a fiber with dimensions on the order of 2×1.2 mm and NA 0.2.

[0150] In some embodiments, the SLM 15 can be controlled (e.g., by applying an appropriate phase pattern) to direct unwanted light away from an image plane or image (e.g., image plane 13). For example, the SLM 15 can be controlled to direct the unwanted light onto an aperture or apertures that can absorb the unwanted light. This can advantageously produce high quality black areas of the image. In some embodiments, the unwanted light is directed onto a cooled aperture.

[0151] In some embodiments, the light beams are aligned with respect to each other and to the SLM 15 so as to satisfy the following condition: The unmodulated light reflected from each SLM 15 forms a single uniform illumination on the image plane or imager; and · The patterns formed on each SLM 15 are matched together to form one matched pattern. In some cases, iterations between two conditions are necessary before both conditions are satisfied.

[0152] In some embodiments, mismatch between the beams of unmodulated light is compensated for by applying a corrective phase pattern to one or more SLMs 15. Additionally or alternatively, applying a corrective phase pattern to a particular SLM 15 may compensate for performance deficiencies present in a particular SLM 15.

[0153] In some embodiments, the positions and / or orientations of the components of the apparatus described herein (e.g., light source 14, SLM 15, optical element 16, etc.) are dynamically adjusted to align or realign the components as desired. For example, the components may be coupled to a self-adjusting support, such as a gimbal, a movable mounting mechanism, etc., that can change the position or orientation of the coupled component.

[0154] In some embodiments, multiple devices according to any of the embodiments described herein are each adapted to generate modulated light of a corresponding one of multiple different corresponding colors (e.g., red, green, or blue). The modulated light of the different colors may be combined to produce a full-color image having a desired gamut of colors. Any suitable technique may be used to combine the modulated light of the different colors.

[0155] The present invention includes, but is not limited to, the following enumerated exemplary embodiments. (Embodiment 1) one or more light sources operable to emit light; an optical element configured to direct the light from the one or more light sources in two or more separate collimated beams, each of the beams illuminating the active area of ​​the imager, the beams converging on the image plane at an acute angle not exceeding 10 degrees; The optical element comprises: a spatial light modulator configured to modulate the light of at least one of the beams; Including, Projection system. (Embodiment 2) The projection system of exemplary embodiment 1 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, including an imager having an active area that is coincident with or adjacent to the image plane. (Embodiment 3) The projector system of exemplary embodiment 2 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein each of the light beams has an aspect ratio that matches the aspect ratio of the imager when it reaches the image plane. (Embodiment 4) The projection system of exemplary embodiment 1 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, comprising an optical system having an entrance pupil that is coincident with or adjacent to the image plane. (Embodiment 5) The projector system of exemplary embodiment 1 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, further comprising an optical diffuser disposed at or adjacent to the image plane. (Embodiment 6) The projection system of any of exemplary embodiments 1 to 5 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the optical element includes a TIR prism set, and the beam enters the TIR prism set at a relative angle greater than 10 degrees, and the beam exits the prism at an acute angle. (Embodiment 7) The projection system of exemplary embodiment 6 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the TIR prism set is formed with a concave dihedral angle and the beam enters the TIR prism set at each facet of the concave dihedral angle. (Embodiment 8) 1. A projector system, comprising: one or more light sources operable to emit first and second beams of monochromatic collimated light, said first and second beams having wavelengths that are the same or differ by no more than 10 nm; a first spatial light modulator (SLM) illuminated in the path of said first beam of light; a second SLM positioned in the path of said second beam of light; Equipped with the first and second beams of light overlap at an image plane that is coincident with or imaged onto a projector imager; Projector system. (Embodiment 9) The projector system of exemplary embodiment 8 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the first and second SLMs comprise spatial phase modulators. (Embodiment 10) The projector of exemplary embodiment 9 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, comprising a controller connected to control the first and second spatial phase modulators to direct light in each of the first and second beams away from one or more areas on the image plane and / or to concentrate light from each of the first and second beams on one or more selected highlight areas on the image plane. (Embodiment 11) The projector of exemplary embodiment 10 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the controller is configured to control the first and second spatial phase modulators to focus the directed light onto the image plane. (Embodiment 12) 1. An apparatus for generating an image including highlights, the apparatus comprising: a first spatial light modulator (SLM) in a first optical path of the first beam of light; a frozen phase grating in a second optical path of a second beam of light, where the first and second optical paths carry the first and second beams of light such that they converge and overlap at an image plane; a controller configured to control the first spatial light modulator to direct the light of the first beam toward a highlighted area in the image plane; An apparatus comprising: (Embodiment 13) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 12 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the frozen phase grating is configured to cause the light of the second beam to uniformly illuminate the area of ​​overlap of the first and second beams in the image plane. (Embodiment 14) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 13 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, comprising an optical system having an entrance pupil at or adjacent to the image plane, the optical system having an acceptance angle, and the light from the first and second beams that are incident on the image plane are within the acceptance angle. (Embodiment 15) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 14 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the optical system includes a projection optical system and a projection imager, and the image plane is coincident with or imaged onto the projection imager. (Embodiment 16) a plurality of spatial light modulators (SLMs) operable as phase modulators; each of the SLMs is illuminated by a light beam, each of the SLMs configured to direct its corresponding light beam onto a common target image plane; the light directed to the common target image plane illuminates an imager in the optical path; Projector system. (Embodiment 16) The projector system of exemplary embodiment 15 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, comprising a controller configured to control each of the SLMs to focus light from the corresponding light beam at a selected highlight location on the image plane. (Embodiment 17) The projector system of exemplary embodiment 16 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the controller is configured to control each of the SLMs with a control signal that compensates for differences between the SLMs. (Embodiment 18) The projector system of exemplary embodiment 16 or 17, or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the controller is configured to match the highlight positions for each of the light beams on the image plane. (Embodiment 19) The projector system of exemplary embodiment 16 or 17, or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the controller is configured to cause at least one of the highlight positions for one of the light beams to be at a highlight position that does not coincide on the image plane with any of the highlight positions for one or more others of the light beams. (Embodiment 20) An apparatus as described in any of exemplary embodiments 16 to 19, or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein an angle of incidence of the first and second beams at the common target image plane is less than a limit in the angular space of acceptance angles of an optical system including the imager. (Embodiment 21) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 20 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the footprints of the first and second beams in angle space are within the bounds of the acceptance angle. (Embodiment 22) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 20 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein an angle between the incident direction of the first and second beams on the image plane and the normal to the image plane is less than or equal to ½ of the angle corresponding to the boundary of the acceptance angle of the imager. (Embodiment 23) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 20 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein an angle between the incident direction of the first and second beams on the image plane and a normal to the image plane is less than or equal to 1 / 3 of the angle corresponding to the boundary of the acceptance angle of the imager. (Embodiment 24) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1 or 3 to 6, or any other exemplary embodiment herein, comprising at least one diffuser in the optical path between the image plane and the imager, which increases the angular spread of the combined beam of light. (Embodiment 25) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1, 8, 12, 16, or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the beam of light is modulated to illuminate at least one area of ​​the image plane with light having an intensity greater than the intensity of light illuminating another area of ​​the image plane. (Embodiment 26) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 25 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the multiple light beams have substantially the same wavelength range and the same polarization. (Embodiment 27) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1-26 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the light in the multiple light beams is generated by multiple corresponding light sources. (Embodiment 28) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 27 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the light source comprises a laser light source. (Embodiment 29) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 28 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein each of the light beams is spatially modulated by a corresponding monochromatic SLM. (Embodiment 30) The apparatus of any of exemplary embodiments 1 to 29 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the SLM is configured to modulate the beam of light to dynamically illuminate a projector imager. (Embodiment 31) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 30 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the multiple beams of light are modulated and then combined to illuminate the imager with light of varying intensity at the active surface of the imager. (Embodiment 32) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 31 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the modulation applied to the beam of light is controlled to correspond to an image that the imager is controlled to display. (Embodiment 33) The apparatus of example embodiment 32 or any other example embodiment herein, wherein the images are images for frames of a video sequence. (Embodiment 34) The apparatus of example embodiment 33 or any other example embodiment herein, wherein the image is an image for one color channel for a frame of a video sequence. (Embodiment 35) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 31 to 34 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the imager is controlled to process image data including video frames, and the modulation applied to the beam varies for the different frames. (Embodiment 36) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 35 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the combined beams of light include unpolarized light. (Embodiment 37) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 35 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the combined beam of light includes light having a polarization that varies in space and / or time. (Embodiment 38) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1-35 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the combined beams of light include light having a fixed polarization. (Embodiment 39) The light contained in the combined beam is It is monochromatic; having a bandwidth of 18 nm or less, or 12 nm or less, or 5 nm or less, or 3 nm or less; the different beams have the same wavelength; and / or having a wavelength that differs from other beams by 5 nm, 10 nm, or 15 nm or less; The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 38 or any other exemplary embodiment herein. (Embodiment 40) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1-39 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the combined beams of light comprise coherent light. (Embodiment 41) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1-40 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the combined beams of light converge on the image plane at a relative angle α. (Embodiment 42) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 41 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein α is a small angle. (Embodiment 43) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 41 or 42, or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein α is less than or equal to about 10 degrees. (Embodiment 44) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 41 or 42, or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein α is less than or equal to about 5 degrees. (Embodiment 45) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 44 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein each of the beams of light reaches the image plane at an angle that is within the boundary of the acceptance angle of an optical system of which the image plane is a part. (Embodiment 46) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 45 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein each of the beams of light passes through a corresponding set of one or more optical elements. (Embodiment 47) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 46 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the optical elements include one or more lenses, mirrors, prisms, filters, and free space. (Embodiment 48) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 47 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the beam of light comprises light having the same polarization and wavelength range. (Embodiment 49) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1-48 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the beams of light all illuminate the same area on the image plane. (Embodiment 50) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 49 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the light in each of the light beams is modulated with an identical pattern and at the image plane the light beams are aligned with one another so that in each portion of the image formed at the image plane the same portions of the pattern in each of the light beams overlap and reinforce each other. (Embodiment 51) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1-50 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the image at the image plane provides dynamic illumination to an optical system. (Embodiment 52) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 51 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the optical system includes a projector imager. (Embodiment 53) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1-52 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein each SLM is controlled to apply the same modulation to its corresponding beam of light. (Embodiment 54) An apparatus as described in any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 53 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the modulation applied by each SLM is determined, at least in part, from image data defining an image displayed by the apparatus. (Embodiment 55) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 54, or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the imager is located very close to or coincident with the image plane. (Embodiment 56) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1-55 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the imager is separate from the image plane. (Embodiment 57) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 56 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, further comprising an optical system positioned between the imager and the image plane, the optical system including a set of one or more optical elements operable to direct light from the image plane to the imager. (Embodiment 58) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 57 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the incident light on the imager is further modulated by the imager and projected by a projection lens. (Embodiment 59) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 58 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the light beam is shaped to illuminate an area of ​​a particular size and shape in the image plane. (Embodiment 60) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 59 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the light beam has an aspect ratio that matches an aspect ratio of the imager. (Embodiment 61) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 60, or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the light beam has an aspect ratio (width:height) of 16:9. (Embodiment 62) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1-61 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, comprising two light beams. (Embodiment 63) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1-61 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, comprising more than two light beams. (Embodiment 64) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 63 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the combination of the light beams is performed via angle combination (etendue). (Embodiment 65) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 64 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the footprint in angular space of each SLM is within the bounds of the acceptance angle of the corresponding optical system. (Embodiment 66) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1-65 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein all of the beams are combined at the same angle α. (Embodiment 67) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1-65 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein at least two of the beams are combined at different angles α. (Embodiment 68) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 67 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the angle between the beams is selected to accommodate physical limitations of hardware and / or to facilitate a desired image quality. (Embodiment 69) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1-68 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the combination angle α is minimized. (Embodiment 70) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1-69 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, comprising an optical diffuser in the image plane. (Embodiment 71) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 70 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the diffuser scatters light incident on the diffuser at a range of angles. (Embodiment 72) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 70 or 71, or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the angular scattering characteristics of the diffuser are such that light from a footprint in the angular space is mixed, the angular space is more nearly filled, and light falling outside the boundaries of the acceptance angle is minimized. (Embodiment 73) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 70-72 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the diffuser is rotationally symmetric. (Embodiment 74) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 70-73 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the diffuser is asymmetric and scatters light more strongly in some directions than in other directions. (Embodiment 75) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 70 to 74 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein filling the angular space up to the boundary of the acceptance angle is optimized by varying the characteristics of the diffuser. (Embodiment 76) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 70 to 75 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the diffuser reduces laser speckle. (Embodiment 77) An apparatus described in any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 76, wherein the light beam converges on the image plane at an angle α, while the SLM and / or light source comprises one or more optical elements configured to bend or curve the light beam so that it is not aligned with the portion of the light beam that converges on the image plane. (Embodiment 78) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 77 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein at least one of the one or more optical elements that bend or deflect the light beam includes a prism. (Embodiment 79) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 78 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, comprising at least one light source operable to provide light to the beam. (Embodiment 80) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1-79 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein one light source provides light for multiple beams. (Embodiment 81) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 1-79 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the light for each beam is provided by a separate light source. (Embodiment 82) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 79 to 81 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the one or more light sources include a laser. (Embodiment 83) The apparatus of any one of exemplary embodiments 79 to 81 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the one or more light sources include solid-state light emitters. (Embodiment 84) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 83 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the solid-state light emitter is one or more of a laser, a laser diode, and a light emitting diode. (Embodiment 85) 1. An apparatus for illuminating a target area, comprising: at least one light source configured to direct light to a plurality of spatial light modulators, the spatial light modulators operable to output beams of modulated light, the beams of modulated light configured to converge at the target area at a convergence angle α to form overlapping light fields at the target area; An apparatus comprising: (Embodiment 86) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 85 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the angle α does not exceed 10 degrees. (Embodiment 87) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 86 or 85, or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the spatial light modulator is a spatial phase modulator, and the apparatus includes a controller connected to deliver control signals to the spatial phase modulator, the control signals setting phase displacements for pixels of the spatial phase modulator that in combination direct the light from the at least one light source to concentrate light at several locations on the target area and / or direct light away from several locations on the target area. (Embodiment 88) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 87 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the controller is configured to control the pixels of the spatial phase modulator to focus the light onto an image plane in the target area. (Embodiment 89) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 85 or 87, or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the controller is configured to apply the same control signal to each of the plurality of spatial phase modulators. (Embodiment 90) The apparatus of any of exemplary embodiments 85 to 89 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the target area is at an entrance pupil of an optical system having an acceptance angle, and the light beam converges to the target area within the acceptance angle. (Embodiment 91) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 90 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein in angular space, footprints corresponding to the beam of modulated light are clustered toward the origin of the angular space. (Embodiment 92) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 91 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, comprising an optical diffuser at or near the target area, wherein the optical diffuser operates to scatter light from the beam of modulated light within the acceptance angle. (Embodiment 93) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 92 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the light scattered by the diffuser occupies at least 60%, or 70%, or 80%, or 90% of the total area within the boundary of the acceptance angle in angular space. (Embodiment 94) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 92 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the light scattered by the diffuser causes light from the different beams to overlap in angular space. (Embodiment 95) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 94 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the light beams are each collimated. (Embodiment 96) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 95 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the light from the at least one light source comprises an incident light beam in a first plane and the output beam is in a second plane, the second plane being inclined at an angle β with respect to the first plane. (Embodiment 97) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 96 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the angle β is at least 10 degrees or at least 15 degrees. (Embodiment 98) a plurality of spatial phase modulators each illuminated by a light beam from a highly collimated light source; a control system configured to configure each of the phase modulators to apply a phase displacement to direct light to a common target or image plane to provide a corresponding light field at the target that includes areas of greater light intensity and areas of lesser light intensity. wherein the light fields overlap at the target and are aligned such that corresponding areas in the overlapping light fields are superimposed. Device. (Embodiment 99) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 98, or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the combination of the light guided by the different phase modulators is achieved by directing the light from the different phase modulators to converge at an acute angle α onto the target area or image plane. (Embodiment 100) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 98 or 99, or any other exemplary embodiment herein, comprising an imager positioned to be illuminated by the combined light fields at the target. (Embodiment 101) The apparatus of exemplary embodiment 100 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the imager includes a spatial amplitude modulator. (Embodiment 102) An apparatus as described in any one of exemplary embodiments 98 to 101 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the angle between the optical axes of each phase modulator relative to the common target image is less than 1 / 3 of the maximum boundary of the acceptance angle of an optical system including the imager. (Embodiment 103) The apparatus of any of exemplary embodiments 98 to 102 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, comprising at least one optical diffuser provided in an optical path between the common target and the imager. (Embodiment 104) 2. The apparatus of any of the preceding exemplary embodiments, comprising a TIR prism set as described herein. (Embodiment 105) An apparatus as illustrated in any of Figures 1 to 9. (Embodiment 106) 1. A method for providing light for a high intensity highlight in a projected image, comprising: combining multiple light beams whose light is directed to a highlight location in an image plane, where the multiple light beams may illuminate the same set of one or more imagers; A method for providing the above. (Embodiment 107) The method of exemplary embodiment 106 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the projected image has highlights that are at least 4000 lumens above a baseline of 15000 lumens. (Embodiment 108) 1. A method for providing light for a high intensity highlight in a projected image, comprising: Combining at least one modulated light beam generated using the device according to any one of the exemplary embodiments herein with a base light beam in an imager. A method for providing the above. (Embodiment 109) The method of exemplary embodiment 108 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the optical path of the base light beam includes a holographic diffuser. (Embodiment 110) The method of exemplary embodiment 119 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the holographic diffuser acts as a frozen phase grating. (Embodiment 111) The method according to exemplary embodiment 118 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the optical path of the base light beam includes an SLM configured as a frozen phase grating. (Embodiment 112) The method of exemplary embodiment 111 or any other exemplary embodiment herein, wherein the SLM is an SPM. (Embodiment 113) A device comprising any novel and non-obvious feature, combination of features, or subcombination of features described herein. (Embodiment 114) A method having any novel and non-obvious feature, act, step and / or combination of acts, or sub-combination of steps and / or acts described herein. Interpretation of some terms

[0156] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, "comprises," "comprises," and the like are to be interpreted in an inclusive sense, i.e., "including but not limited to," as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense. "Connected," "coupled," or any variation thereof, means any connection or coupling between two or more elements, whether direct or indirect, and the coupling or coupling between the elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. The words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when used to describe this specification, shall refer to this specification as a whole and not to any particular portion of this specification. When referring to a list of two or more items, "or" includes all of the following interpretations of this word, namely, any of the items in that list, all of the items in that list, and any and all combinations of the items in that list. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include all appropriate plural meanings. "About," when referring to a numerical value, means a value within ±10% of the stated numerical value, unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0157] Directional terms, such as "vertical," "transverse," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "forward," "rearward," "inward," "outward," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "down," "above," and "below," when used in this specification and any appended claims, are dependent upon the particular orientation of the device as described and illustrated. The subject matter described herein may assume a variety of alternative orientations. Thus, these directional terms are not precisely defined and should not be interpreted narrowly.

[0158] A control system (e.g., controlling an SLM, SAM, or SPM) may be implemented using specifically designed hardware, configurable hardware, a programmable data processor configured by providing executable software (which may optionally include "firmware") on a data processor, an application specific computer or data processor specifically programmed, configured, or constructed to perform one or more steps in the methods detailed herein, and / or a combination of two or more of these. Examples of specifically designed hardware include logic circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), large scale integrated circuits ("LSIs"), very large scale integrated circuits ("VLSIs"), and the like. Examples of configurable hardware include one or more programmable logic devices, such as programmable array logic ("PALs"), programmable logic arrays ("PLAs"), and field programmable gate arrays ("FPGAs"). Examples of programmable data processors include microprocessors, digital signal processors ("DSPs"), embedded processors, graphics processors, mathematical co-processors, general purpose computers, server computers, cloud computers, mainframe computers, computer workstations, and the like. For example, one or more data processors in control circuitry for a projector may implement the methods described herein by executing software instructions in program memory accessible to those processors.

[0159] When a component (e.g., an optical element, a modulator, a light source, a lens, an assembly, a device, a configuration, etc.) is referred to above, unless indicated otherwise, the reference to that component (including the reference to "means") should be interpreted as including any component that performs the function of the described component (i.e., is functionally equivalent) as an equivalent of that component, including components that are not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structures that perform that function in the exemplary embodiments illustrated herein.

[0160] For illustrative purposes, specific examples of systems, methods, and devices are described herein. These are examples only. The techniques provided herein can be applied to systems other than the exemplary systems described above. Many changes, modifications, additions, omissions, and substitutions are possible within the practice of the invention. The present invention includes variations of the described embodiments that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. These variations can be obtained by replacing features, elements, and / or operations with equivalent features, elements, and / or operations, mixing and matching features, elements, and / or operations from different embodiments, combining features, elements, and / or operations from the embodiments described herein with features, elements, and / or operations of other technologies, and / or omitting or combining features, elements, and / or operations from the described embodiments.

[0161] Various features are described herein as being present in "some embodiments" or as "for example." Such features are not required and may not be present in all embodiments. An embodiment of the invention may not include such features, may include any one of such features, or may include any combination of two or more of such features. All possible combinations of such features are contemplated by the present disclosure, even if such features are shown in different drawings and / or described in different sections or paragraphs. This is limited only to the extent that a particular one of such features is incompatible with other features of such features, in the sense that it would be impossible for a person of ordinary skill in the art to construct a practical embodiment combining such incompatible features. As a result, a statement that "some embodiments" have feature A and "some embodiments" have feature B should be interpreted as an explicit indication that the inventors also contemplate embodiments combining features A and B, even if the descriptions of features A and B are illustrated in different drawings and / or described in different sentences, paragraphs, or sections of this application (unless otherwise specified or features A and B are fundamentally incompatible).

[0162] It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and any claims hereafter introduced be interpreted as including all such modifications, permutations, additions, omissions, and subcombinations that are reasonably contemplated. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be accorded the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

1. one or more light sources operable to emit light; an optical element configured to direct the light from the one or more light sources in two or more separate collimated beams, each of the beams illuminating an active area of ​​an imager, the beams converging on an image plane at an acute angle not exceeding 10 degrees; The optical element comprises: at least one spatial light modulator controllable to modulate the light of at least one of the beams in response to a control signal from a controller; Including, Projection system.

2. The at least one spatial light modulator has an array including a plurality of individually controllable elements.

10. The projection system of claim 1.

3. Each of the plurality of individually controllable elements is individually controllable to change a property of light at the position of the element.

3. The projection system of claim 2.

4. The property of light is one or more of amplitude, polarization, and phase.

4. The projection system of claim 3.

5. Each of the plurality of individually controllable elements is individually controllable to modulate the amplitude and phase of light at the position of the element.

3. The projection system of claim 2.

6. The at least one spatial light modulator is controllable to temporally and spatially modulate the light of the at least one of the beams in response to a control signal from a controller.

6. A projection system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The at least one spatial light modulator includes a plurality of spatial light modulators; the one or more light sources configured to direct light to the plurality of spatial light modulators, the plurality of spatial light modulators operable to output modulated beams of light; the beams of modulated light are configured to converge at a convergence angle α to a target area to generate overlapping light fields at the target area.

7. A projection system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The spatial light modulator is a spatial phase modulator, and the control signals are configured to set phase shifts for pixels of the spatial phase modulator, which phase shifts in combination provide a phase pattern to direct the light from the one or more light sources to focus at one or more locations on the target area and / or away from one or more locations on the target area.

8. The projection system of claim 7.

9. The at least one spatial light modulator includes a plurality of spatial light modulators, the plurality of spatial light modulators being a plurality of spatial phase modulators respectively illuminated by light beams from the one or more light sources; the plurality of spatial light modulators are controllable to direct their respective light beams toward a common target or image plane in response to the control signals from the controller; 7. A projection system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. The controller is configured to configure each of the plurality of spatial phase modulators to apply a phase shift to direct light toward the common target or image plane to provide a corresponding light field at the target or image plane that includes regions of higher light intensity and regions of lower light intensity; the light fields are overlapped in the target or image plane and aligned such that corresponding regions in the overlapping light fields are superimposed; 10. The projection system of claim 9.

11. The angle between the optical axes of each of the plurality of spatial phase modulators relative to the common target or image plane is less than 1 / 3 of the maximum boundary value of the acceptance angle of an optical system including the imager.

11. The projection system of claim 10.

12. An imager comprising a step of combining at least one modulated light beam generated by a projection system according to any one of claims 1 to 11 with a base light beam. A method for providing light for high intensity highlights in a projected image.

Images