Multi-Modulator Projector Light Field Modeling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dual and multi-modulator projector display systems face challenges in achieving optimal image rendering performance and efficiency due to limitations in light processing and alignment requirements between modulators, leading to issues like halos and contrast ratio.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a first modulator to create a halftone image, which is then blurred using a Point Spread Function (PSF) optical system and processed by a second modulator to produce a pulse-width modulated image, with calibration methods to correct misalignment and improve light field modeling for enhanced image rendering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If dual and multi-modulator projector display systems are used to improve dynamic range and light efficiency, then image rendering performance is enhanced, but alignment precision and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic rangeVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the modulation function into multiple independent modulators (first modulator for halftone image, second modulator for pulse width modulation) that operate in sequence rather than requiring simultaneous precise alignment. Each modulator handles a specific aspect of image rendering, reducing the overall alignment precision requirements while maintaining enhanced dynamic range and light efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by moving object

If additional modulators are added to improve light processing capability, then light efficiency is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A blurring optical system is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second modulators. This optical system processes the halftone image from the first modulator and prepares it for pulse width modulation by the second modulator, enabling enhanced light efficiency through multiple modulation stages while managing system complexity through a well-defined optical intermediary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Illumination intensity

If halftone image processing is used to improve contrast ratio, then image rendering performance is enhanced, but halo artifacts increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrast ratioVSAvoidhalo artifacts

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces direct mechanical/optical alignment methods with computational image processing approaches. A light field model computationally predicts the blurred image from the halftone pattern, and this computational model is used to generate compensation patterns that reduce halo artifacts while maintaining the contrast ratio benefits of halftone processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If precise time-division alignment is required between modulators, then image rendering accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage rendering accuracyVSAvoidsystem efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

A light field model is created in advance that predicts the blurred image output from the first modulator. This preliminary computational model allows the second modulator to be controlled based on predicted rather than real-time alignment measurements, maintaining image rendering accuracy while eliminating the need for continuous precise time-division alignment and improving system productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach results in improved contrast ratios and image rendering performance, reducing halos and enhancing system efficiency by avoiding precise time-division alignment requirements and allowing for continuous calibration and refinement.

Implementation Method 1

a blurring optical system that blurs said halftone image with a Point Spread Function (PSF)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPoint Spread Function (PSF):

Data Source

PatentUS9955132B2Systems and methods for light field modeling techniques for multi-modulation displays

Publication Date: 2018.04.24 DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORP

AI summary

Dual and multi-modulator projector display systems and techniques are disclosed. In one embodiment, a projector display system comprises a light source; a controller, a first modulator, receiving light from the light source and rendering a halftone image of said the input image; a blurring optical system that blurs said halftone image with a Point Spread Function (PSF); and a second modulator receiving the blurred halftone image and rendering a pulse width modulated image which may be projected to form the desired screen image. Systems and techniques for forming a binary halftone image from input image, correcting for misalignment between the first and second modulators and calibrating the projector system—e.g. over time—for continuous image improvement are also disclosed.