Spatial Light Modulator Masking-Comparators Brightness Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display systems using microdisplay spatial light modulators (SLMs) with solid-state illumination, such as LEDs and lasers, face limitations in brightness and power efficiency due to restricted light-on time, which affects the overall brightness and efficiency of projector systems.
Innovation Solution
A spatial light modulator with a plurality of masking-processors and processing elements that compute and generate drive waveforms for each pixel, utilizing logic circuitry for logical and arithmetic comparisons of pixel control values with programmable match values, and an ERAM-aligned architecture to optimize memory usage and processing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional SLM control methods are used, then the system structure is simple, but the brightness and power efficiency are limited due to restricted light-on time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pixel control into multiple independent processing elements, each capable of autonomous parallel operation. Each processing element handles specific pixel control values independently, enabling fine-grained control of light-on time for each pixel without requiring complex centralized control logic, thus improving brightness while managing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by implementing multi-field sequential color operation, where different color fields are displayed in successive time intervals. This allows the system to accumulate brightness over multiple fields while maintaining color accuracy, effectively increasing illumination intensity without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional SLM control methods are used, then the storage requirements are sufficient, but the bandwidth and storage efficiency are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage architecture into multiple specialized memory structures including frame buffers, look-ahead buffers, and processing element registers. This segmentation allows efficient parallel access to pixel data by multiple processing elements simultaneously, reducing bandwidth bottlenecks while the modular structure keeps each storage component relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements look-ahead buffering that pre-loads and prepares pixel control values before they are needed for display. This preliminary action allows processing elements to operate continuously without waiting for data, optimizing bandwidth utilization while maintaining a straightforward storage hierarchy.
3Duration of action of moving object
If traditional SLM control methods are used, then the field sequential color operation is supported, but the blanking time is excessive reducing light-on time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses look-ahead buffers to pre-load pixel control values for upcoming color fields during the blanking intervals. This preliminary preparation allows the system to minimize actual blanking time while ensuring all necessary data is ready for immediate processing, thereby maximizing light-on time for each color field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements overlapping operation where processing elements continue processing pixel data for one color field while data for the next color field is being loaded into buffers. This continuity eliminates idle time between color field transitions, maximizing the proportion of time that light is actually on and reducing effective blanking time.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a device comprising a spatial light modulator comprising a plurality of comparators for computing a respective drive for each pixel of a plurality of pixels.