Blurring Element Light Spread Control in Dual-Modulation Projectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual and multi-modulation projector systems face challenges in achieving improved image rendering performance and system efficiency due to limitations in light processing, particularly in the alignment and correspondence requirements of multiple Digital Micromirror Devices (DMDs) and other reflectors, which can be difficult to achieve in practice.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a blurring element, such as an immersed lenslet array with a substantially irregular or regular surface, is placed in the light path to control and shape the light spread between modulators, allowing for a desired Point Spread Function (PSF) and reducing the need for precise time-division alignment and pixel-to-pixel correspondence between DMDs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If dual/multi-modulator projector systems are used to improve dynamic range and image rendering, then the contrast ratio and brightness range are improved, but the alignment precision and pixel correspondence between multiple DMDs become difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
A blurring element is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second DMDs. This element deliberately introduces controlled blur to the light pattern from the first DMD, which simplifies the alignment requirements between the two DMDs while maintaining the high contrast ratio benefits of dual-modulation architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spatial distribution parameters of light by introducing a blurring element that modifies the point spread function. This parameter change in light distribution allows the system to achieve desired contrast ratios without requiring sub-pixel alignment precision between multiple DMDs.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple DMDs are used in series to achieve HDR projection, then the dynamic range is improved, but the system complexity and alignment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blurring element serves as a mediator that decouples the complexity of aligning multiple DMDs while preserving the HDR capability. By placing this element in the optical path between DMDs, the system achieves brightness range improvement without proportionally increasing alignment complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If precise time-division alignment is required between multiple DMDs, then image rendering performance is improved, but the ease of operation and system stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The blurring element acts as an intermediary that reduces the stringency of time-division alignment requirements between multiple DMDs. This allows the system to maintain good image rendering performance while being more tolerant of timing variations and easier to operate in practice.
4Shape
If light spread control is improved between modulators, then the point spread function shape is improved, but additional optical components are required
Solution Approach 1:
A single blurring element is introduced as an intermediary component that provides the necessary light spread control to achieve desired point spread function shapes. This single component approach minimizes the increase in optical components while achieving the goal of improved PSF control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances image rendering performance by achieving a desired light spot shape and reducing alignment requirements, leading to improved contrast ratio and efficiency in dual or multi-modulation projector systems.
Implementation Method 1
The introduction of a blurring element, such as an immersed lenslet array with a substantially irregular or regular surface, is placed in the light path to control and shape the light spread between modulators
Implementation Method 2
an immersed lenslet array with a substantially irregular or regular surface, is placed in the light path to control and shape the light spread
Data Source
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AI summary
Projection systems and/or methods comprising a blurring element are disclosed In one embodiment, a blurring element may comprise a first plate having a pattern on a first surface and second plate. The first plate and the second plate may comprise material having a slight difference in their respective index of refraction. In another embodiment, a blurring element may comprise a first plate having a pattern thereon and a second immersing material. The blurring element may be placed in between two modulators in a dual or multi-modulator projector system. The blurring element may be configured to give a desired shape to the light transmitted from a first modulator to a second modulator.