Projection systems and methods

Image display apparatus and methods may use a single imaging element such as a digital mirror device (DMD) to spatially modulate plural color channels. A color channel may include a light steering element such as a phase modulator. Steered light from a light steering element may be combined with or replaced by additional light to better display bright images. These technologies may be provided together or applied individually.

Display Management Methods and Apparatus

Apparatus and methods for mapping video signal parameters such as tone and color may be applied at various points in a video generation and delivery pipeline. apparatus may be configured to control mappings based on a range of inputs which may include one or more of: ambient conditions, user inputs, control information, adaptation models. Apparatus and methods may be applied to display video or other images so as to preserve a creative intent embodied in video or other image data. 135-. (canceled)36. A method for providing video signals for display on a target display , the method comprising:receiving a first input video signal having a first format wherein a video parameter is represented within a first range;receiving a second input video signal having a second format wherein the video parameter is represented within a second range different from the first range;determining a target range of the target display;generating a target value for the video parameter by extrapolating or interpolating from first and second values of the video parameter in the first and second input video signals based on the first range, the second range, and the target range; andoutputting the target value to the target display.37. A method according to wherein the video parameter comprises a tone or color value.38. A method according to comprising performing the extrapolating or interpolating for the tone or color value for pixels of a video frame.39. A method according to wherein for at least some of the pixels a value of the parameter is the same in the first and second input video signals.40. A method according to wherein the interpolation or extrapolation is performed in a perceptually linear color space.41. A method according to wherein the perceptually linear color space comprises an IPT claim 40 , LogYxy or LogYu′v′ color space.42. A method according to wherein the interpolation or extrapolation comprises tone mapping and the tone mapping comprises determining a weighted sum of ...

High luminance projection displays and associated methods

Projection displays include a highlight projector and a main projector. Highlights projected by the highlight projector boost luminance in highlight areas of a base image projected by the main projector. Various highlight projectors including steerable beams, holographic projectors and spatial light modulators are described.

Generating alternative versions of image content using histograms

One or more versions of video or other image content may be generated by obtaining first histogram data for a first version of the video content; obtaining a second version of the video content; obtaining second histogram data for the second version of the video content; generating a mapping from the second version of the video content to an additional version of the video content by performing a number of iterations of a progressive histogram matching algorithm, the number of iterations being fewer than a maximum number of iterations of the progressive histogram matching algorithm; and applying the mapping to generate the additional version of the video content from the second version of the video content.

Display management methods and apparatus

Apparatus and methods for mapping video signal parameters such as tone and color may be applied at various points in a video generation and delivery pipeline. apparatus may be configured to control mappings based on a range of inputs which may include one or more of: ambient conditions, user inputs, control information, adaptation models. Apparatus and methods may be applied to display video or other images so as to preserve a creative intent embodied in video or other image data.

MULTIPLE-LASER LIGHT SOURCE

A light source includes a plurality of laser diodes or other light emitters. Beams of light from the light emitters are steered to provide n array of parallel beams that illuminate a target area with an array of patches of light. In some embodiments the parallel beams are de-magnified to form the array of patches of light. Such a light source has application in illuminating dynamically-addressable focusing elements such as phase modulators, deformable mirrors and dynamically addressable lenses. Light projectors for a wide variety of applications may combine a light source as described herein with a dynamically-addressable focusing element to project defined patterns of light.

Serial modulation display having binary light modulation stage

A display has first and second spatial light modulators for modulating light from a light source. The first spatial light modulator has a plurality of elements switchable between ON and OFF states according to a pattern having a spatially-varying density. Transfer optics blur and carry light modulated by the first spatial light modulator to the second spatial light modulator to yield a light field at the second spatial light modulator. The second spatial light modulator has a plurality of elements switchable between ON and OFF states to perform temporal dithering of the light field to provide a reconstruction of the image.

Display management methods and apparatus

Apparatus and methods for mapping video signal parameters such as tone and color may be applied at various points in a video generation and delivery pipeline. apparatus may be configured to control mappings based on a range of inputs which may include one or more of: ambient conditions, user inputs, control information, adaptation models. Apparatus and methods may be applied to display video or other images so as to preserve a creative intent embodied in video or other image data. 2. A method according to wherein the video parameter comprises a tone or color value.3. A method according to comprising performing the extrapolating or interpolating for the tone or color value for pixels of a video frame.4. A method according to wherein for at least some of the pixels a value of the parameter is the same in the first and second input video signals.5. A method according to wherein the extrapolating or interpolating is performed in a perceptually linear color space.6. A method according to wherein the perceptually linear color space comprises an IPT claim 5 , LogYxy or LogYu′v′ color space.7. A method according to wherein the extrapolating or interpolating comprises tone mapping and the tone mapping comprises determining a weighted sum of logarithms of tone values from the first and second video signals.8. A method according to wherein claim 7 , in the tone mapping claim 7 , the weighted sum is determined using a weighting factor based on a difference between a maximum of the target range and a maximum of one of the first and second ranges.9. A method according to wherein the extrapolating or interpolating is performed on-the-fly for values of the video parameter specified for pixels in the first and second input video signals.10709. A method according to wherein one of the first and second input video signals comprises a Rec. video signal.11. A method according to wherein one of the first and second ranges covers the full range of parameter values perceptible by the human ...

Multiple-laser light source

A light source includes a plurality of laser diodes or other light emitters. Beams of light from the light emitters are steered to provide n array of parallel beams that illuminate a target area with an array of patches of light. In some embodiments the parallel beams are de-magnified to form the array of patches of light. Such a light source has application in illuminating dynamically-addressable focusing elements such as phase modulators, deformable mirrors and dynamically addressable lenses. Light projectors for a wide variety of applications may combine a light source as described herein with a dynamically-addressable focusing element to project defined patterns of light.

Local definition of global image transformations

A global image adjustment, such as dynamic range adjustment is established based on image characteristics. The image adjustment is based more heavily on pixel values in image areas identified as being important by one or more saliency mapping algorithms. In one application to dynamic range adjustment, a saliency map is applied to create a weighed histogram and a transformation is determined from the weighted histogram. Artifacts typical of local adjustment schemes may be avoided.

Numerical approaches for free-form lensing: area parameterization free-form lensing

A free-form lens (for example a phase modulator, lens or deformable mirror) may be made to reproduce a light pattern specified by image data. Source regions on the free-form lens are mapped to target regions areas on an image. Areas of the source regions are adjusted to vary the amount of light delivered to each of the target regions. Adjustment of the source areas may be achieved using a L-BFGS optimization which preferably incorporates smoothness and curl regularizers. Embodiments apply parallel processing to obtain control values for a free form lens in real time or near real time. Apparatus may process image data and display an image by controlling a dynamically variable free form lens using the processed image data.

Projection systems and methods

Image display apparatus and methods may use a single imaging element such as a digital mirror device (DMD) to spatially modulate plural color channels. A color channel may include a light steering element such as a phase modulator. Steered light from a light steering element may be combined with or replaced by additional light to better display bright images. These technologies may be provided together or applied individually.

Multi-segment imager

Several embodiments of projection systems are disclosed that comprise a plurality of controllable emitters, each said emitter providing light for a light path; a plurality of first optical elements, each said first optical element receiving light from one of said emitters; a controllable modulator receiving light from said plurality of first optical elements; a plurality of conduits, each said conduit disposed over a portion of said controllable modulator; a plurality of second optical elements, each of said second optical elements receiving light from at least one of said plurality of conduits, and a controller for sending control signals to said controllable emitters and said controllable modulator. The illumination from the emitters may form a plurality of overlapping areas of illumination upon a projection screen where the image is intended to be formed.

Optimizing drive schemes for multiple projector systems

Light projection systems and methods may comprise combining light from two or more projectors. Each projector may be controlled so that the combined light output of the projectors matches a target for the projected light. In some embodiments optimization is performed to generate image data and control signals for each of the projectors. Embodiments may be applied in image projecting applications, lighting applications, and 3D stereoscopic imaging.

Local Definition of Global Image Transformations

A global image adjustment, such as dynamic range adjustment is established based on image characteristics. The image adjustment is based more heavily on pixel values in image areas identified as being important by one or more saliency mapping algorithms. In one application to dynamic range adjustment, a saliency map is applied to create a weighed histogram and a transformation is determined from the weighted histogram. Artifacts typical of local adjustment schemes may be avoided.

Projection systems and methods

Image display apparatus and methods may use a single imaging element such as a digital mirror device (DMD) to spatially modulate plural color channels. A color channel may include a light steering element such as a phase modulator. Steered light from a light steering element may be combined with or replaced by additional light to better display bright images. These technologies may be provided together or applied individually.

Multi-Segment Imager

Several embodiments of projection systems are disclosed that comprise a plurality of controllable emitters, each said emitter providing light for a light path; a plurality of first optical elements, each said first optical element receiving light from one of said emitters; a controllable modulator receiving light from said plurality of first optical elements; a plurality of conduits, each said conduit disposed over a portion of said controllable modulator; a plurality of second optical elements, each of said second optical elements receiving light from at least one of said plurality of conduits, and a controller for sending control signals to said controllable emitters and said controllable modulator. The illumination from the emitters may form a plurality of overlapping areas of illumination upon a projection screen where the image is intended to be formed.

High Dynamic Range Projection System

Embodiments relate generally to computer-based image processing, and more particularly, to systems, computer-readable media, methods, integrated circuits, and apparatuses to facilitate operation of a projection system with relatively high dynamic range output by, among other things, providing subsets of light patterns along an optical path during respective first and second temporal fields associated with respective first and second illuminants. The projection system can synthesize color for projectable images by combining or otherwise using the subsets of light patterns with an array of color elements to produce projectable images with color in at least the visible spectrum. 1. A projection system , comprising:two rear modulators configured to provide subsets of light patterns during intervals of time to an optical path, each of the light patterns representing a low resolution version of an input image with a subset of ranges of wavelengths in a visible light spectrum; anda front modulator disposed on the optical path, the front modulator comprising:a plurality of pixels each being configured to modify one or more of the ranges of wavelengths for portions of the light patterns using superposition along the optical path, and to modify a value of luminance for the portions of the light patterns based on the input image,wherein the front modulator is configured to generate a projectable image having a resolution greater than the light patterns, with wavelengths in the visible light spectrum.2. The projection system of claim 1 , wherein the subsets of light patterns are generated based on first and second illuminants.3. The projection system of claim 2 , wherein the first and second illuminants are respectively selected as a color pair from a group comprising blue-yellow claim 2 , cyan-yellow claim 2 , green-magenta claim 2 , cyan-magenta claim 2 , red-cyan claim 2 , and magenta-yellow4. The projection system of claim 1 , further comprising:a temporal color separator ...

Efficient, dynamic, high contrast lensing with applications to imaging, illumination and projection

A new projector design combines one spatial light modulator that affects only the phase of the illumination, and one spatial light modulator that only affects its amplitude (intensity). The phase-only modulator curves the wavefront of light and acts as a pre-modulator for a conventional amplitude modulator. This approach works with both white light and laser illumination, generating a coarse image representation efficiently, thus enabling, within a single image frame, significantly elevated highlights as well as darker black levels while reducing the overall light source power requirements.

Image processing and displaying methods for devices that implement color appearance models

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to image and display processing, and more particularly, to systems, apparatuses, integrated circuits, computer-readable media, and methods that facilitate the prediction of the appearance of color in images for different viewing environments, including high dynamic range images. In some embodiments a method can modify color associated with a source environment at a target environment. The method can include applying different non-linear functions to transform subsets of data representing a color of a sample at the source environment into transformed subsets of data, and generating data representing a chroma correlate as an appearance correlate independent of data representing a hue-related correlate. The chroma correlate can be configured to generate the color at a device at the target environment.

Temporal filtering of video signals

A process for reducing noise and temporal artifacts (e.g. walking LEDs) on a dual modulation display system by applying temporal filtering to rear modulation signals of a sequence of video frames. Flare and dimming rates are calculated for a current frame in the video. If a flare rate threshold is exceeded, an intensity of the backlight is limited to a predetermined flare rate. If a dimming rate threshold is exceeded, the backlight intensity is limited to a predetermined dimming rate. The limitations are applied, for example, on an element-by-element basis. In the event of a scene change, the limitations do not need to be applied. A forward modulation signal is calculated by taking into account any applied backlight limitations.

Multi-Segment Imager

Several embodiments of projection systems are disclosed that comprise a plurality of controllable emitters, each said emitter providing light for a light path; a plurality of first optical elements, each said first optical element receiving light from one of said emitters; a controllable modulator receiving light from said plurality of first optical elements; a plurality of conduits, each said conduit disposed over a portion of said controllable modulator; a plurality of second optical elements, each of said second optical elements receiving light from at least one of said plurality of conduits, and a controller for sending control signals to said controllable emitters and said controllable modulator. The illumination from the emitters may form a plurality of overlapping areas of illumination upon a projection screen where the image is intended to be formed. 1. A projection system comprising:a plurality of controllable emitters, each said emitter providing light for a light path;a plurality of first optical elements, each said first optical element receiving light from one of said emitters;a controllable modulator receiving light from said plurality of first optical elements;a plurality of conduits, each said conduit disposed over a portion of said controllable modulator;a plurality of second optical elements, each of said second optical elements receiving light from at least one of said plurality of conduits;a controller, said controller sending control signals to said controllable emitters and said controllable modulator, said control signals applied according to image data to be rendered upon a screen by projected light from said plurality of second optical elements.2. The projection system of wherein said controllable emitters comprises one of a group claim 1 , said group comprising: LED claim 1 , OLED and quantum dots.3. The projection system of wherein said first optical elements comprise one or more of a group claim 2 , said group comprising: lens claim 2 , ...

Multiple-laser light source

A light source includes a plurality of laser diodes or other light emitters. Beams of light from the light emitters are steered to provide n array of parallel beams that illuminate a target area with an array of patches of light. In some embodiments the parallel beams are de-magnified to form the array of patches of light. Such a light source has application in illuminating dynamically-addressable focusing elements such as phase modulators, deformable mirrors and dynamically addressable lenses. Light projectors for a wide variety of applications may combine a light source as described herein with a dynamically-addressable focusing element to project defined patterns of light.

Phase modulator redirecting incident light from darker areas to lighter areas of images

Undesirably high energy-consumption in illuminating devices can be caused at least in part by wasted (attenuated) light. Optically efficient illumination systems that may be used to project light, including images, use light redirection. Phase modulating devices may be applied to create desired light fields. Some embodiments provide dual or multiple modulation display or projection systems in which some or all of the modulators not only attenuate amplitude, but also amplify amplitude, or change the phase, frequency and polarization of the light provided by the light source.

Generating Alternative Versions of Image Content Using Histograms

One or more versions of video or other image content may be generated by obtaining first histogram data for a first version of the video content; obtaining a second version of the video content; obtaining second histogram data for the second version of the video content; generating a mapping from the second version of the video content to an additional version of the video content by performing a number of iterations of a progressive histogram matching algorithm, the number of iterations being fewer than a maximum number of iterations of the progressive histogram matching algorithm; and applying the mapping to generate the additional version of the video content from the second version of the video content. 111-. (canceled)12. A method for generating additional versions of video content , the method comprising:obtaining first histogram data for a first version of the video content viewable on a first display;obtaining a second version of the video content viewable on a second display; wherein the first and second displays have different display capabilities;obtaining second histogram data for the second version of the video content;generating a mapping from the second version of the video content to an additional version of the video content by performing a number of iterations of a progressive histogram matching algorithm, the number of iterations being fewer than a maximum number of iterations of the progressive histogram matching algorithm; wherein the number of iterations is determined based upon a signal from an ambient light sensor; wherein generating a mapping comprises determining a histogram transformation which morphs the second histogram data to become more like the first histogram data; andapplying the mapping to generate the additional version of the video content from the second version of the video content; wherein the additional version is a recreation of the first version.131. A method according to claim comprising generating mappings corresponding ...

Numerical approaches for free-form lensing: area parameterization free-form lensing

A free-form lens (for example a phase modulator, lens or deformable mirror) may be made to reproduce a light pattern specified by image data. Source regions on the free-form lens are mapped to target regions areas on an image. Areas of the source regions are adjusted to vary the amount of light delivered to each of the target regions. Adjustment of the source areas may be achieved using a L-BFGS optimization which preferably incorporates smoothness and curl regularizers. Embodiments apply parallel processing to obtain control values for a free form lens in real time or near real time. Apparatus may process image data and display an image by controlling a dynamically variable free form lens using the processed image data.

Projection systems and methods

Image display apparatus and methods may use a single imaging element such as a digital mirror device (DMD) to spatially modulate plural color channels. A color channel may include a light steering element such as a phase modulator. Steered light from a light steering element may be combined with or replaced by additional light to better display bright images. These technologies may be provided together or applied individually.

Method of Adapting a Source Image Content to a Target Display

Source image content is adapted to a target display. Target image content associated with the target display is provided. A histogram is computed for the target image content. A prominent feature present in the target histogram is determined. A histogram is computed for the source image content. The source content histogram is manipulated to reflect the determined target histogram prominent feature(s). Adapted source image content is generated based on the manipulated source histograms(s). Another prominent feature present in the target histogram is determined. The source histogram is further manipulated to reflect the other prominent determined target histogram features. Further adapted source image content is generated based on the further manipulated source histogram if the adapted source image content has insufficient image quality and perceptual color characteristics. 118-. (canceled)19117. A method for adapting a source image content () to a target display () from a plurality of different display types offering differing specifications affecting visual perception , the method comprising:{'b': 3', '17, 'providing a target image content () associated with the target display ();'}{'b': 3', '1, 'wherein the target image content () comprises one or more frames of video content representing a “look and feel” to be transferred onto the source image content ();'}{'b': 9', '3, 'calculating at least one target histogram () for the target image content ();'}{'b': '9', 'determining one or more prominent features present in the target histogram ();'}{'b': 7', '1, 'calculating at least one source histogram () for the source image content ();'}{'b': 7', '9, 'manipulating the at least one source histogram () to reflect the one or more prominent features determined for the target histogram ();'}{'b': '11', 'generating an adapted source image content () based on the manipulated at least one source histogram; and'}{'b': 9', '7', '9', '11, 'determining further one or more ...

High dynamic range projection system

Embodiments relate generally to computer-based image processing, and more particularly, to systems, computer-readable media, methods, integrated circuits, and apparatuses to facilitate operation of a projection system with relatively high dynamic range output by, among other things, providing subsets of light patterns along an optical path during respective first and second temporal fields associated with respective first and second illuminants. The projection system can synthesize color for projectable images by combining or otherwise using the subsets of light patterns with an array of color elements to produce projectable images with color in at least the visible spectrum.

Efficient, dynamic, high contrast lensing with applications to imaging, illumination and projection

A new projector design combines one spatial light modulator that affects only the phase of the illumination, and one spatial light modulator that only affects its amplitude (intensity). The phase-only modulator curves the wavefront of light and acts as a pre-modulator for a conventional amplitude modulator. This approach works with both white light and laser illumination, generating a coarse image representation efficiently, thus enabling, within a single image frame, significantly elevated highlights as well as darker black levels while reducing the overall light source power requirements.

Projection systems and methods

Image display apparatus and methods may use a single imaging element such as a digital mirror device (DMD) to spatially modulate plural color channels. A color channel may include a light steering element such as a phase modulator. Steered light from a light steering element may be combined with or replaced by additional light to better display bright images. These technologies may be provided together or applied individually.

Light Detection, Color Appearance Models, and Modifying Dynamic Range for Image Display

Embodiments relate generally to image and display processing, and more particularly, to systems, apparatuses, integrated circuits, computer-readable media, and methods that detect light sources in images to facilitate the prediction of the appearance of color for the images in different viewing environments and/or dynamic range modification based on the light sources (e.g., perceived light sources). In some embodiments, a method includes detecting pixels representing a portion of an image, specifying that a subset of pixels for the image portion is associated with a light source, and determining a parameter for the subset of pixels, the parameter being configured to generate a color in a reproduced image that includes the image portion. In one embodiment, light sources are detected to facilitate converting between high dynamic ranges and low dynamic ranges of luminance values. 1. A method generating images , the method comprising:detecting subsets of pixels representing image portions for an image, the subsets of pixels being associated with data representing luminance values indicative of candidate light sources;specifying that a first subset of pixels for a first image portion is associated with a first light source; anddetermining a parameter for the first subset of pixels, the parameter being configured to generate a color in a reproduced image that includes the first image portion.2. The method of wherein specifying that the first subset of pixels is associated with the first light source comprises:identifying the first subset of pixels as the first light source as a function of a quantity of pixels and luminance values relative to a second subset of pixels associated with a non-light source.3. The method of further comprising:determining that a second subset of pixels for a second image portion is associated with a non-light source.4. The method of further comprising:determining that a second subset of pixels for a second image portion is associated with a non ...

Serial modulation display having binary light modulation stage

A display has first and second spatial light modulators for modulating light from a light source. The first spatial light modulator has a plurality of elements switchable between ON and OFF states according to a pattern having a spatially-varying density. Transfer optics blur and carry light modulated by the first spatial light modulator to the second spatial light modulator to yield a light field at the second spatial light modulator. The second spatial light modulator has a plurality of elements switchable between ON and OFF states to perform temporal dithering of the light field to provide a reconstruction of the image.

Light detection, color appearance models, and modifying dynamic range for image display

Embodiments relate generally to image and display processing, and more particularly, to systems, apparatuses, integrated circuits, computer-readable media, and methods that detect light sources in images to facilitate the prediction of the appearance of color for the images in different viewing environments and/or dynamic range modification based on the light sources (e.g., perceived light sources). In some embodiments, a method includes detecting pixels representing a portion of an image, specifying that a subset of pixels for the image portion is associated with a light source, and determining a parameter for the subset of pixels, the parameter being configured to generate a color in a reproduced image that includes the image portion. In one embodiment, light sources are detected to facilitate converting between high dynamic ranges and low dynamic ranges of luminance values.

High brightness projection systems and methods

A hybrid projector architecture combines steered light with unsteered light. In some embodiments the steered light is narrowband light and the unsteered light is broadband light. Splitting between the steered and unsteered light may be determined based on luminance level. For example, the unsteered light may contribute a large proportion of the light for luminance levels up to a threshold. The steered light may contribute an increasing proportion of the light as luminance values rise above the threshold.

Optimizing drive schemes for multiple projector systems

Light projection systems and methods may comprise combining light from two or more projectors, Each projector may be controlled so that the combined light output of the projectors matches a target for the projected light. In some embodiments optimization is performed to generate image data and control signals for each of the projectors. Embodiments may be applied in image projecting applications, lighting applications, and 3D stereoscopic imaging.

Efficient, dynamic, high contrast lensing with applications to imaging, illumination and projection

A new projector design combines one spatial light modulator that affects only the phase of the illumination, and one spatial light modulator that only affects its amplitude (intensity). The phase-only modulator curves the wavefront of light and acts as a pre-modulator for a conventional amplitude modulator. This approach works with both white light and laser illumination, generating a coarse image representation efficiently, thus enabling, within a single image frame, significantly elevated highlights as well as darker black levels while reducing the overall light source power requirements.

Efficient, dynamic, high contrast lensing with applications to imaging, illumination and projection

A new projector design combines one spatial light modulator that affects only the phase of the illumination, and one spatial light modulator that only affects its amplitude (intensity). The phase-only modulator curves the wavefront of light and acts as a pre-modulator for a conventional amplitude modulator. This approach works with both white light and laser illumination, generating a coarse image representation efficiently, thus enabling, within a single image frame, significantly elevated highlights as well as darker black levels while reducing the overall light source power requirements.

Numerical approaches for free-form lensing: area parameterization free-form lensing

A free-form lens (for example a phase modulator, lens or deformable mirror) may be made to reproduce a light pattern specified by image data. Source regions on the free-form lens are mapped to target regions areas on an image. Areas of the source regions are adjusted to vary the amount of light delivered to each of the target regions. Adjustment of the source areas may be achieved using a L-BFGS optimization which preferably incorporates smoothness and curl regularizers. Embodiments apply parallel processing to obtain control values for a free form lens in real time or near real time. Apparatus may process image data and display an image by controlling a dynamically variable free form lens using the processed image data.

Image Processing and Displaying Methods for Devices that Implement Color Appearance Models

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to image and display processing, and more particularly, to systems, apparatuses, integrated circuits, computer-readable media, and methods that facilitate the prediction of the appearance of color in images for different viewing environments, including high dynamic range images. In some embodiments a method can modify color associated with a source environment at a target environment. The method can include applying different non-linear functions to transform subsets of data representing a color of a sample at the source environment into transformed subsets of data, and generating data representing a chroma correlate as an appearance correlate independent of data representing a hue-related correlate. The chroma correlate can be configured to generate the color at a device at the target environment.

OPTIMIZING DRIVE SCHEMES FOR MULTIPLE PROJECTOR SYSTEMS

Light projection systems and methods may comprise combining light from two or more projectors, Each projector may be controlled so that the combined light output of the projectors matches a target for the projected light. In some embodiments optimization is performed to generate image data and control signals for each of the projectors. Embodiments may be applied in image projecting applications, lighting applications, and 3D stereoscopic imaging,

Method of adapting a source image content to a target display

Source image content is adapted to a target display. Target image content associated with the target display is provided. A histogram is computed for the target image content. A prominent feature present in the target histogram is determined. A histogram is computed for the source image content. The source content histogram is manipulated to reflect the determined target histogram prominent feature(s). Adapted source image content is generated based on the manipulated source histograms(s). Another prominent feature present in the target histogram is determined. The source histogram is further manipulated to reflect the other prominent determined target histogram features. Further adapted source image content is generated based on the further manipulated source histogram if the adapted source image content has insufficient image quality and perceptual color characteristics.

Local definition of global image transformations

A global image adjustment, such as dynamic range adjustment is established based on image characteristics. The image adjustment is based more heavily on pixel values in image areas identified as being important by one or more saliency mapping algorithms. In one application to dynamic range adjustment, a saliency map is applied to create a weighed histogram and a transformation is determined from the weighted histogram. Artifacts typical of local adjustment schemes may be avoided.

TEMPORAL FILTERING OF VIDEO SIGNALS

A process for reducing noise and temporal artifacts (e.g. walking LEDs) on a dual modulation display system by applying temporal filtering to rear modulation signals of a sequence of video frames. Flare and dimming rates are calculated for a current frame in the video. If a flare rate threshold is exceeded, an intensity of the backlight is limited to a predetermined flare rate. If a dimming rate threshold is exceeded, the backlight intensity is limited to a predetermined dimming rate. The limitations are applied, for example, on an element-by-element basis. In the event of a scene change, the limitations do not need to be applied. A forward modulation signal is calculated by taking into account any applied backlight limitations.

OPTIMIZING DRIVE SCHEMES FOR MULTIPLE PROJECTOR SYSTEMS

Light projection systems and methods may comprise combining light from two or more projectors. Each projector may be controlled so that the combined light output of the projectors matches a target for the projected light. In some embodiments optimization is performed to generate image data and control signals for each of the projectors. Embodiments may be applied in image projecting applications, lighting applications, and 3D stereoscopic imaging.

Projection systems and methods

Image display apparatus and methods may use a single imaging element such as a digital mirror device (DMD) to spatially modulate plural color channels. A color channel may include a light steering element such as a phase modulator. Steered light from a light steering element may be combined with or replaced by additional light to better display bright images. These technologies may be provided together or applied individually.

Numerical approaches for free-form lensing: area parameterization free-form lensing

A free-form lens (for example a phase modulator, lens or deformable mirror) may be made to reproduce a light pattern specified by image data. Source regions on the free-form lens are mapped to target regions areas on an image. Areas of the source regions are adjusted to vary the amount of light delivered to each of the target regions. Adjustment of the source areas may be achieved using a L-BFGS optimization which preferably incorporates smoothness and curl regularizers. Embodiments apply parallel processing to obtain control values for a free form lens in real time or near real time. Apparatus may process image data and display an image by controlling a dynamically variable free form lens using the processed image data.

Closed loop driving of a highlighter type projector

A method for driving a projection system and a projection system including a phase modulator and at least one amplitude modulator. The phase modulator is configured to generate a highlight image incident on the amplitude modulator, the projector system further includes at least one image sensor configured to receive at least a portion of an illumination pattern substantially equivalent to the illumination pattern incident on the amplitude modulator, and the image sensor is being used to provide feedback to the controller of the projection system to improve the highlights projected by the projection system.

Efficient, dynamic, high contrast lensing with applications to imaging, illumination and projection

A new projector design combines one spatial light modulator that affects only the phase of the illumination, and one spatial light modulator that only affects its amplitude (intensity). The phase-only modulator curves the wavefront of light and acts as a pre-modulator for a conventional amplitude modulator. This approach works with both white light and laser illumination, generating a coarse image representation efficiently, thus enabling, within a single image frame, significantly elevated highlights as well as darker black levels while reducing the overall light source power requirements.

High luminance projection displays and associated methods

Projection displays include a highlight projector and a main projector. Highlights projected by the highlight projector boost luminance in highlight areas of a base image projected by the main projector. Various highlight projectors are based on steerable beams, holographic projectors, and spatial light modulators. A Fourier transform component and a mask positioned on the Fourier plane thereof are used to attenuate or eliminate selected spatial frequencies, e.g., to increase peak luminance without raising the black level of the projected image.

High Luminance Projection Displays And Associated Methods

Projection displays include a highlight projector and a main projector. Highlights projected by the highlight projector boost luminance in highlight areas of a base image projected by the main projector. Various highlight projectors including steerable beams, holographic projectors and spatial light modulators are described. 1. A display system comprising:a main projector arranged to project an image defined by base image data onto a screen;a highlight projector arranged to project a highlight image defined by highlight image data onto the screen in registration with the base image; anda data processor configured to process image data to generate the highlight image data.2. A display system according to wherein the highlight projector is characterized by a peak luminance that exceeds a peak luminance of the main projector by at least a factor of 3.3. A display system according to wherein the highlight projector comprises a steerable light beam.4. A display system according to wherein the highlight projector comprises a holographic projector.5. A display system according to wherein image processor is configured to process the image data by identifying pixels in the image data for which luminance exceeds a first threshold.6. A display system according to wherein the image processor is configured to generate the highlight image such that no more than a predetermined number of pixels in the highlight image have luminance values exceeding a second threshold.7. A display system according to wherein the highlight projector comprises a light source that generates a beam of light claim 1 , a beam steering device arranged to steer the beam and a controller connected to control the light source and the beam steering device to cause the beam to deliver illumination to one or more highlight areas in the highlight image.8. A display system according to wherein the beam steering device is arranged to steer the beam onto a location in a two-dimensional spatial light modulator and ...

PROJECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Image display apparatus and methods may use a single imaging element such as a digital mirror device (DMD) to spatially modulate plural color channels. A color channel may include a light steering element such as a phase modulator. Steered light from a light steering element may be combined with or replaced by additional light to better display bright images. These technologies may be provided together or applied individually. 1. An image projector comprising:a first light source operable to emit light having a first optical spectrum;a second light source operable to emit light having a second optical spectrum different from the first optical spectrum;an optical combiner arranged to combine the light from the first and second light sources and to direct the combined light onto an imaging element operative to spatially modulate the combined light;a phase modulator located in a light path between the first light source and the optical combiner, the phase modulator operable to provide a phase pattern which causes the first light to be steered to desired locations on the imaging element;a projection lens operative to project the combined light that has been modulated by the imaging element.2. The image projector according to wherein the imaging element comprises an amplitude modulator.3. The image projector according to wherein the amplitude modulator comprises a DMD.4. The image projector according to wherein the phase modulator comprises an LCOS phase modulator.5. The image projector according to wherein the light from the first and second light sources is incident on the imaging element from the same angle of incidence.6. The image projector according to wherein the first light source comprises a first laser.7. The image projector according to wherein the second light source comprises a second laser.8. The image projector according to wherein the optical combiner comprises a color beam splitter.9. The image projector according to wherein the optical combiner ...

EFFICIENT, DYNAMIC, HIGH CONTRAST LENSING WITH APPLICATIONS TO IMAGING, ILLUMINATION AND PROJECTION

A new projector design combines one spatial light modulator that affects only the phase of the illumination, and one spatial light modulator that only affects its amplitude (intensity). The phase-only modulator curves the wavefront of light and acts as a pre-modulator for a conventional amplitude modulator. This approach works with both white light and laser illumination, generating a coarse image representation efficiently, thus enabling, within a single image frame, significantly elevated highlights as well as darker black levels while reducing the overall light source power requirements. 1267.-. (canceled)268. A method for displaying video data , the video data specifying video frames for display at a frame rate , the method comprising:in real time, processing the video data to yield a sequence of phase-modulator control signals at the frame rate,applying the phase modulator control signals to an illuminated two-dimensional spatial phase modulator, anddirecting resulting phase-modulated light to a viewing area.269. The method according to comprising further amplitude-modulating the phase-modulated light.270. The method according to wherein further amplitude-modulating the phase-modulated light comprises controlling a spatial light modulator in a path of the phase-modulated light.271. The method according to comprising computing a blur in the phase-modulated light and controlling the spatial light modulator to reduce the blur.272. The method according to wherein processing the video data comprises:establishing a mapping between points in the light pattern and corresponding points on the light modulator;using the mapping, deriving a phase function, p, that includes the control values by mapping the target light pattern into a coordinate space of the phase modulator; andprocessing the mapped target light pattern in the coordinate space of the phase modulator.273. The method according to wherein processing the mapped target light pattern comprises optimizing a trial ...

PROJECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Image display apparatus and methods may use a single imaging element such as a digital mirror device (DMD) to spatially modulate plural color channels. A color channel may include a light steering element such as a phase modulator. Steered light from a light steering element may be combined with or replaced by additional light to better display bright images. These technologies may be provided together or applied individually. 1. A method for projecting a color image , the method comprising:for each of a sequence of fields, each of the fields associated with a corresponding one of a plurality of colors, setting an imaging element to spatially modulate light according to a pattern corresponding to the color and illuminating the imaging element with light of the corresponding color;wherein illuminating the imaging element with light of the corresponding color comprises directing light of the corresponding color onto a phase modulator that is controlled to provide a phase pattern operative to steer the light of the corresponding color to desired locations on the imaging element;wherein the imaging element is refreshed at a frequency with which the fields of the series of fields are presented; andwherein the phase modulator is refreshed at a frequency that is less than the frequency with which the fields of the series of fields are presented.2. A method according to wherein a separate phase modulator is provided for each of the plurality of colors and the method comprises refreshing the one of the phase modulators corresponding to one of the plurality of colors during a field corresponding to a different one of the plurality of colors.3. A method according to wherein a distinct area of the phase modulator is associated with each one of the plurality of colors and illuminating the imaging element with light of the corresponding color comprises directing light of the corresponding color to illuminate the area of the phase modulator associated with the corresponding color ...

HIGH LUMINANCE PROJECTION DISPLAYS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS

Projection displays include a highlight projector and a main projector. Highlights projected by the highlight projector boost luminance in highlight areas of a base image projected by the main projector. Various highlight projectors including steerable beams, holographic projectors and spatial light modulators are described. 1. A method for displaying images , comprising:spatially modulating light according to a desired image;Fourier transforming the light representing the desired image onto a Fourier plane; andattenuating or eliminating one or more frequency components of the Fourier transformed light by a mask positioned on the Fourier plane.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the light is Fourier transformed onto the Fourier plane based on diffraction.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mask is configured to attenuate or eliminate Fourier components corresponding to one or more spatial frequencies.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mask is a fixed or controllable optical mask.5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:emitting the light by a coherent light source.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the coherent light source includes a laser and a beam expander.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the light is spatially modulated according to the desired image by a spatial light modulator.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the light is Fourier transformed onto the Fourier plane by a phase modulating panel.9. The method of claim 8 , wherein driving values for pixels of the phase modulating panel is determined by an inverse Fourier transform of a desired light distribution.10. The method of claim 8 , wherein phase-shifting effect of the phase modulating panel is spatially varied according to real component of an inverse Fourier transform of the desired image.11. A display system claim 8 , comprising:a spatial light modulator configured to spatially modulate light according to a desired image;a Fourier transform component configured to Fourier transform the ...

Optimizing drive schemes for multiple projector systems

Light projection systems and methods may comprise combining light from two or more projectors. Each projector may be controlled so that the combined light output of the projectors matches a target for the projected light. In some embodiments optimization is performed to generate image data and control signals for each of the projectors. Embodiments may be applied in image projecting applications, lighting applications, and 3D stereoscopic imaging.

Local definition of global image transformations

A global image adjustment, such as dynamic range adjustment is established based on image characteristics. The image adjustment is based more heavily on pixel values in image areas identified as being important by one or more saliency mapping algorithms. In one application to dynamic range adjustment, a saliency map is applied to create a weighed histogram and a transformation is determined from the weighted histogram. Artifacts typical of local adjustment schemes may be avoided.

EFFICIENT, DYNAMIC, HIGH CONTRAST LENSING WITH APPLICATIONS TO IMAGING, ILLUMINATION AND PROJECTION

A new projector design combines one spatial light modulator that affects only the phase of the illumination, and one spatial light modulator that only affects its amplitude (intensity). The phase-only modulator curves the wavefront of light and acts as a pre-modulator for a conventional amplitude modulator. This approach works with both white light and laser illumination, generating a coarse image representation efficiently, thus enabling, within a single image frame, significantly elevated highlights as well as darker black levels while reducing the overall light source power requirements. 1. Apparatus for controlling a phase modulator to display a target light pattern defined by image data , the apparatus comprising a data processor in communication with the phase modulator , the data processor configured to:receive the image data as input;initialize a warped image based on the image data, the warped image warped from the target light pattern by distortions corresponding to a phase function p(x) representing a phase shift applied by the phase modulator for regions in the lens plane; a step of updating the phase function by performing an optimization which yields an updated phase function wherein the updated phase function reduces a difference measure between the warped image and the inverse of a magnification provided by the phase function at points in the warped image; and', 'a step of warping the target light pattern onto the lens plane using a distortion u(x) produced by the updated phase function p(x) to yield an updated warped image; and, 'refine the phase function and the warped image by performing a plurality of iterations wherein each of the plurality of iterations includesgenerate control signals for the phase modulator based on the refined phase function.2. Apparatus according to wherein the difference measure comprises a sum of squares of differences between pixels of the warped image and inverses of the magnification at the points in the warped image.3 ...

EFFICIENT, DYNAMIC, HIGH CONTRAST LENSING WITH APPLICATIONS TO IMAGING, ILLUMINATION AND PROJECTION

A new projector design combines one spatial light modulator that affects only the phase of the illumination, and one spatial light modulator that only affects its amplitude (intensity). The phase-only modulator curves the wavefront of light and acts as a pre-modulator for a conventional amplitude modulator. This approach works with both white light and laser illumination, generating a coarse image representation efficiently, thus enabling, within a single image frame, significantly elevated highlights as well as darker black levels while reducing the overall light source power requirements. 1267.-. (canceled)268. A method for displaying video data , the video data specifying video frames for display at a frame rate , the method comprising:in real time, processing the video data to yield a sequence of phase-modulator control signals at the frame rate;applying the phase modulator control signals to an illuminated two-dimensional spatial phase modulator; anddirecting resulting phase-modulated light to a viewing area.269. The method according to wherein processing the video data comprises:establishing a mapping between points in a target light pattern and corresponding points on the phase modulator;using the mapping, deriving a phase function, p, that includes control values by mapping the target light pattern into a coordinate space of the phase modulator; andprocessing the mapped target light pattern in the coordinate space of the phase modulator.270. The method according to wherein processing the mapped target light pattern comprises optimizing a trial phase function based on comparisons of intensities in the mapped target light pattern at the points on the phase modulator to corresponding optical properties of the phase function in neighborhoods of the points.271. The method according to comprising further amplitude-modulating the phase-modulated light.272. The method according to wherein further amplitude-modulating the phase-modulated light comprises controlling a ...

Multiple-laser light source

A light source includes a plurality of laser diodes or other light emitters. Beams of light from the light emitters are steered to provide n array of parallel beams that illuminate a target area with an array of patches of light. In some embodiments the parallel beams are de-magnified to form the array of patches of light. Such a light source has application in illuminating dynamically-addressable focusing elements such as phase modulators, deformable mirrors and dynamically addressable lenses. Light projectors for a wide variety of applications may combine a light source as described herein with a dynamically-addressable focusing element to project defined patterns of light.

PROJECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Image display apparatus and methods may use a single imaging element such as a digital mirror device (DMD) to spatially modulate plural color channels. A color channel may include a light steering element such as a phase modulator. Steered light from a light steering element may be combined with or replaced by additional light to better display bright images. These technologies may be provided together or applied individually. 1. A method for projecting a color image , the method comprising:for each of a sequence of fields, each of the fields associated with a corresponding color, setting an imaging element to spatially modulate light according to a pattern corresponding to the color and illuminating the imaging element with light of the corresponding color;wherein illuminating the imaging element with light of the corresponding color comprises directing light of the corresponding color onto a phase modulator that is controlled to provide a phase pattern operative to steer the light of the corresponding color to desired locations on the imaging device; andwherein the phase modulator is refreshed at a frequency that is less than a frequency with which the fields of the series of fields are presented.2. A method according to wherein a separate phase modulator is provided for each of the plurality of colors and the method comprises refreshing the one of the phase modulators corresponding to one of the plurality of colors during a field corresponding to a different one of the plurality of colors.3. A method according to wherein a distinct area of the phase modulator is associated with each one of the plurality of colors and illuminating the imaging element with light of the corresponding color comprises directing light of the corresponding color to illuminate the area of the phase modulator associated with the corresponding color while the area of the phase modulator associated with the corresponding color is being controlled to provide the phase pattern operative to ...

PROJECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Image display apparatus and methods may use a single imaging element such as a digital mirror device (DMD) to spatially modulate plural color channels. A color channel may include a light steering element such as a phase modulator. Steered light from a light steering element may be combined with or replaced by additional light to better display bright images. These technologies may be provided together or applied individually. 1. (canceled)2. A method for projecting a color image , the method comprising:illuminating an imaging element with incident light of a color; andoperating the imaging element to spatially modulate the incident light;wherein illuminating the imaging element comprises selectively, based on a brightness or power level for the color in the color image:I) operating in a first mode wherein light of the color is directed onto a phase modulator that is controlled to provide a phase pattern operative to steer the light of the color to desired locations on the imaging element; and:II) operating in a second mode wherein either:a. light of the color is directed onto the imaging device from a light source without interacting with the phase modulator; orb. light of the color is directed onto the phase modulator that is controlled to provide a phase pattern operative to steer the light of the color to desired locations on the imaging device and combined with additional light of the color and the combined light is directed onto the imaging element.3. The method according to wherein the additional light is diffuse.4. The method according to wherein combining the additional light with the steered light that has been steered by the phase modulator produces a beam of light that illuminates the imaging element from a common direction.5. The method according to wherein the additional light comprises light collected from a DC spot produced by the phase modulator.6. The method according to wherein the additional light comprises light from an additional light source.7 ...

NUMERICAL APPROACHES FOR FREE-FORM LENSING: AREA PARAMETERIZATION FREE-FORM LENSING

A free-form lens (for example a phase modulator, lens or deformable mirror) may be made to reproduce a light pattern specified by image data. Source regions on the free-form lens are mapped to target regions areas on an image. Areas of the source regions are adjusted to vary the amount of light delivered to each of the target regions. Adjustment of the source areas may be achieved using a L-BFGS optimization which preferably incorporates smoothness and curl regularizers. Embodiments apply parallel processing to obtain control values for a free form lens in real time or near real time. Apparatus may process image data and display an image by controlling a dynamically variable free form lens using the processed image data. 1. A method for generating a desired light pattern , the method comprising:establishing a correspondence between source regions on a phase retarding modulator and corresponding display regions in an image plane;determining from image data desired optical power densities for the display regions;adjusting one or both of the source regions and the display regions using the image data to achieve a distribution of power densities in the display regions corresponding to the image data; andcontrolling the phase modulator to provide a pattern of phase shifts operative to redistribute light from each of the source regions of the imaging chip to a corresponding one of the display regions by scaling and/or shifting light incident on the source regions of the phase modulator.2. A method according to comprising configuring the source regions to provide lenses having focal lengths configured to provide the scaling.3. A method according to wherein the lenses have different focal lengths in x- and y-directions.4. A method according to comprising configuring the lenses to include slopes configured to provide the shifting.5. A method according to comprising separately controlling the slopes in x- and y-directions.6. A method according to wherein controlling the phase ...

MULTIPLE-LASER LIGHT SOURCE

A light source includes a plurality of laser diodes or other light emitters. Beams of light from the light emitters are steered to provide n array of parallel beams that illuminate a target area with an array of patches of light. In some embodiments the parallel beams are de-magnified to form the array of patches of light. Such a light source has application in illuminating dynamically-addressable focusing elements such as phase modulators, deformable mirrors and dynamically addressable lenses. Light projectors for a wide variety of applications may combine a light source as described herein with a dynamically-addressable focusing element to project defined patterns of light. 1. A light source comprising:a plurality of light emitters, each of the light emitters operable to emit a corresponding beam of light;one or more mirrors arranged to redirect the beams of light to provide a closely-spaced array of parallel light beams; anda dynamically-addressable focusing element illuminated by the closely-spaced array of parallel light beams the dynamically-addressable focusing element having an active area substantially covered by an array of patches of light, each of the patches of light corresponding to one of the light beams in the closely-spaced array of parallel light beams.2. A light source according to wherein the closely-spaced array of parallel light beams is a two-dimensional array having a length and width that are both larger than a length and width of any of the patches of light.3. A light source according to wherein the mirrors comprise a first set of parallel knife-edge mirrors and a second set of parallel knife-edge mirrors oriented transversely relative to the knife-edged mirrors of the first set of knife-edged mirrors.4. A light source according to wherein the mirrors include at least one mirror having a circularly-symmetrical surface and the plurality of light emitters are arranged to direct the corresponding beams of light radially toward the circularly- ...

HIGH BRIGHTNESS PROJECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS

A hybrid projector architecture combines steered light with unsteered light. In some embodiments the steered light is narrowband light and the unsteered light is broadband light. Splitting between the steered and unsteered light may be determined based on luminance level. For example, the unsteered light may contribute a large proportion of the light for luminance levels up to a threshold. The steered light may contribute an increasing proportion of the light as luminance values rise above the threshold. 1. An image projection system comprising:a first projector operative to project first modulated light onto a screen, the first projector comprising a first spatial light modulator;a second projector operative to project second modulated light onto the screen superposed with the first modulated light, the second projector comprising a light steering module;a controller operative to process image data comprising pixel values defining target illumination levels for a target image to be displayed and to generate control signals for the first spatial light modulator and the light steering modulator wherein the processing comprises splitting light output between the first and second projectors in such a manner that the second modulated light includes a portion of the light for each of the pixels of the image and the first modulated light makes up a majority of the light for those pixels of the image for which the target illumination level is less than a first threshold level.2. The image projection system according to wherein the controller is configured to generate a modified target image by processing comprising raising the pixel values defining the target image to the power γ where γ>1 and to base the control signals for the second projector on the modified target image.3. The image projection system according to wherein the controller is configured to perform the splitting on a pixel-by-pixel basis based on the target illumination levels.4. The image projection system ...

OPTIMIZING DRIVE SCHEMES FOR MULTIPLE PROJECTOR SYSTEMS

Light projection systems and methods may comprise combining light from two or more projectors. Each projector may be controlled so that the combined light output of the projectors matches a target for the projected light. In some embodiments optimization is performed to generate image data and control signals for each of the projectors. Embodiments may be applied in image projecting applications, lighting applications, and 3D stereoscopic imaging. 168-. (canceled)69. A method for projecting a light pattern defined by image data , the method comprising:generating first modulated light by modulating light from a first light source using a first imaging element;providing boost light;further modulating the first modulated light and modulating the boost light; andcombining the modulated boost light and the further modulated first modulated light.70. A method according to wherein combining the modulated boost light and the further modulated first modulated light comprises projecting the modulated boost light and the further modulated first modulated light onto a surface.71. A method according to wherein the modulated boost light has a higher black level than the further modulated first modulated light.72. A method according to wherein the modulated boost light has a higher peak luminance than the further modulated first modulated light.73. A method according to wherein the modulated boost light has a lower dynamic range than the further modulated first modulated light.74. A method according to wherein further modulating the first modulated light and modulating the boost light are both performed with a second imaging element.75. A method according to wherein further modulating the first modulated light and modulating the boost light both apply the same modulation.76. A method according to comprising evenly illuminating a surface of the second imaging element with the boost light.77. A method according to wherein providing the boost light comprises controlling an output of ...

NUMERICAL APPROACHES FOR FREE-FORM LENSING: AREA PARAMETERIZATION FREE-FORM LENSING

A free-form lens (for example a phase modulator, lens or deformable mirror) may be made to reproduce a light pattern specified by image data. Source regions on the free-form lens are mapped to target regions areas on an image. Areas of the source regions are adjusted to vary the amount of light delivered to each of the target regions. Adjustment of the source areas may be achieved using a L-BFGS optimization which preferably incorporates smoothness and curl regularizers. Embodiments apply parallel processing to obtain control values for a free form lens in real time or near real time. Apparatus may process image data and display an image by controlling a dynamically variable free form lens using the processed image data. 1. (canceled)2. A light projector comprising:a free form lens illuminated by a light source, the free form lens comprising a two-dimensional array of pixels; anda controller connected to control a configuration of the free form lens, the controller configured to:associate the pixels of the free form lens to a plurality of source regions, each of the source regions corresponding to a corresponding one of a plurality of display regions;based on image data defining an image, adjust relative sizes of the source regions and the corresponding display regions; andcontrol the pixels within each source region to cause light incident on the source region to illuminate the corresponding display region.3. The projector according to wherein the free form lens comprises a spatial phase modulator and the controller is connected to control phase retardations provided by pixels of the spatial phase modulator.4. The projector according to comprising an array of integration rods in an optical path between the free form lens and the display regions wherein the controller is operable to control the free form lens to selectively steer different amounts of light into different ones of the integrating rods.5. The projector according to wherein the controller is configured ...

PROJECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Image display apparatus and methods may use a single imaging element such as a digital mirror device (DMD) to spatially modulate plural color channels. A color channel may include a light steering element such as a phase modulator. Steered light from a light steering element may be combined with or replaced by additional light to better display bright images. These technologies may be provided together or applied individually. 1. An image projector comprising:a light source operable to emit light having separable first and second components;a beam splitter arranged to divide the light into a first path carrying light having the first component and a second path carrying light having the second component;an optical combiner arranged to combine the light from the first and second paths and to direct the combined light onto an imaging element operative to spatially modulate the combined light;a phase modulator located in the first path between the beam splitter and the optical combiner, the phase modulator operable to provide a phase pattern which causes the light having the first component to be selectively steered to desired locations on the imaging element; anda projection lens operative to project the combined light that has been modulated by the imaging element.2. The image projector according to wherein the first component is a first polarization component having a first polarization state and the second component is a second polarization component having a second polarization state.3. The image projector according to wherein the imaging element comprises an amplitude modulator.4. The image projector according to wherein the amplitude modulator comprises a DMD.5. The image projector according to wherein the phase modulator comprises an LCOS phase modulator.6. The image projector according to wherein the light from the first and second paths is incident on the imaging element from the same angle of incidence.7. The image projector according to wherein the light ...

MULTIPLE-LASER LIGHT SOURCE

A light source includes a plurality of laser diodes or other light emitters. Beams of light from the light emitters are steered to provide n array of parallel beams that illuminate a target area with an array of patches of light. In some embodiments the parallel beams are de-magnified to form the array of patches of light. Such a light source has application in illuminating dynamically-addressable focusing elements such as phase modulators, deformable mirrors and dynamically addressable lenses. Light projectors for a wide variety of applications may combine a light source as described herein with a dynamically-addressable focusing element to project defined patterns of light. 1. (canceled)2. A method for aligning an optical apparatus , the method comprising:positioning a light emitter in approximate alignment with a corresponding lens;applying a flat phase pattern to a dynamic diffractive optical element in a path of a light beam emitted by the light emitter and focusing the beam by moving the light emitter relative to the dynamic diffractive optical element;sampling a profile of the beam at plural distances along an optical axis and adjusting a distance between the light emitter and the lens until all the sampled profiles have equal widths;inserting a polarizer into a light path of the beam and adjusting an angle of the light emitter to maximize a brightness of the beam;applying an alignment pattern to the dynamic diffractive element and adjusting a position of the light emitter in one or more of XZ-plane parallelism, YZ-plane parallelism, rotation about the X or Y axis until the alignment pattern is registered.3. A method for aligning a light source comprising a plurality of lasers spaced in an arrangement , each of the lasers operable to emit a beam of light , the method comprising:centering and collimating each of the beams of light by positioning one or more lenses in an optical path of the beam of light and fixing a position of the one or more lenses; ...

PROJECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Image display apparatus and methods may use a single imaging element such as a digital mirror device (DMD) to spatially modulate plural color channels. A color channel may include a light steering element such as a phase modulator. Steered light from a light steering element may be combined with or replaced by additional light to better display bright images. These technologies may be provided together or applied individually. 1. An image projector comprising:a first bank of lasers operable to emit light having a first polarization state;a second bank of lasers operable to emit light having a second polarization state different from the first polarization state;an optical combiner arranged to combine the light from the first and second banks of lasers and to direct the combined light onto an imaging element operative to spatially modulate the combined light;a phase modulator located in a light path between the first bank of lasers and the optical combiner, the phase modulator operable to display a phase pattern which causes the light having the first polarization state to be selectively steered to desired locations on the imaging element; anda projection lens operative to project the combined light that has been modulated by the imaging element.2. The image projector according to wherein the first polarization state is a P-polarized state and the second polarization state is an S-polarized state.3. The image projector according to wherein the light from the first and second banks of lasers is incident on the imaging element with the same angle of incidence.4. The image projector according to comprising an optical homogenizer in a light path between the second bank of lasers and the imaging element.5. The image projector according to comprising an aperture between the optical homogenizer and the imaging element claim 4 , the aperture controllable to adjust the amount of light from the second bank of lasers that is incident on the imaging element.6. The image ...

CLOSED LOOP DRIVING OF A HIGHLIGHTER TYPE PROJECTOR

A method for driving a projection system and a projection system including a phase modulator and at least one amplitude modulator. The phase modulator is configured to generate a highlight image incident on the amplitude modulator, the projector system further includes at least one image sensor configured to receive at least a portion of an illumination pattern substantially equivalent to the illumination pattern incident on the amplitude modulator, and the image sensor is being used to provide feedback to the controller of the projection system to improve the highlights projected by the projection system. 144-. (canceled)45. A method of driving a projector system comprising a light source , a phase modulator and at least one amplitude modulator , the phase modulator being configured to generate a highlight image incident on the amplitude modulator , the projector system further comprising at least one image sensor configured to receive at least a portion of an illumination pattern substantially equivalent to an illumination pattern incident on the amplitude modulator , the method comprising the steps of:1) receiving an input image, a) generating a phase pattern for driving the phase modulator from the target highlight image,', 'b) generating a predicted illumination profile image from the target highlight image,', 'c) generating an amplitude pattern for driving the amplitude modulator from the predicted illumination profile image and the target image,, '2) generating a target highlight image, a target image and light source power control signals from the input image,'}3) receiving an image from the image sensor to provide feedback to at least one of the method steps 2), 2b), 2c) for driving the projector system.46. The method according to claim 45 , wherein the at least one image sensor is running at a multiple of the frame frequency of the input image.47. The method according to claim 45 , wherein the projector system further comprises a second amplitude modulator ...

EFFICIENT, DYNAMIC, HIGH CONTRAST LENSING WITH APPLICATIONS TO IMAGING, ILLUMINATION AND PROJECTION

A new projector design combines one spatial light modulator that affects only the phase of the illumination, and one spatial light modulator that only affects its amplitude (intensity). The phase-only modulator curves the wavefront of light and acts as a pre-modulator for a conventional amplitude modulator. This approach works with both white light and laser illumination, generating a coarse image representation efficiently, thus enabling, within a single image frame, significantly elevated highlights as well as darker black levels while reducing the overall light source power requirements. 1. A method for controlling a phase modulator to display an image defined by image data , the method comprising:determining a proximal operator of an objective function based on the image data;transforming the proximal operator into a frequency space;evaluating the transformed proximal operator in the frequency space to obtain a phase function in the frequency space and inverse transforming the phase function to obtain a solution phase function relating a phase of the phase modulator to position in two dimensions.2. The method according to wherein transforming the proximal operator comprises computing a Fourier transform of the proximal operator.3. The method according to comprising claim 2 , before transforming claim 2 , extending the image data to have periodic boundary conditions and basing the proximal operator on the extended image data.4. The method according to wherein extending the image data comprises making a mirror image of the image data across each boundary of the image data.5. The method according to wherein the objective function is a least squares objective function.6. The method according to wherein the proximal operator includes a cost for deviating from an input argument.7. The method according to wherein the method is performed iteratively and in each of a plurality of iterations the input argument for the proximal operator is the solution phase function for a ...

LIGHT FIELD PROJECTORS AND METHODS

Undesirably high energy-consumption in illuminating devices can be caused at least in part by wasted (attenuated) light. Optically efficient illumination systems that may be used to project light, including images, use light redirection. Phase modulating devices may be applied to create desired light fields. Some embodiments provide dual or multiple modulation display or projection systems in which some or all of the modulators not only attenuate amplitude, but also amplify amplitude, or change the phase, frequency and polarization of the light provided by the light source. 1. A method for displaying images specified by image data , the image data specifying luminance that varies from place to place on the images such that the images have darker areas and lighter areas , the method comprising:controlling a phase modulator to provide a two-dimensional freeform lens having a configuration based on the image data;illuminating the phase modulator with incident light and allowing the incident light to interact with the phase modulator to yield a modified light field; andprojecting the modified light field onto a surface to yield a depiction of the image;wherein: the interaction of the light with the phase modulator causes redirection of light that would otherwise illuminate darker areas of the images to lighter areas of the images.2. A method according to wherein the image data comprises video data and the method comprises controlling the phase modulator to claim 1 , in sequence claim 1 , vary the two-dimensional freeform lens based on successive frames of the image data.3. A method according to comprising refining the modified light field by further spatially modulating the modified light field.4. A method according to wherein further spatially modulating the modified light field comprises reflecting the light of the modified light field from a reflective-type spatial light modulator.5. A method according to wherein further spatially modulating the modified light field ...

High Luminance Projection Displays And Associated Methods

Projection displays include a highlight projector and a main projector. Highlights projected by the highlight projector boost luminance in highlight areas of a base image projected by the main projector. Various highlight projectors including steerable beams, holographic projectors and spatial light modulators are described. 134-. (canceled)35. A projector , comprising:a coherent light source;a phase-modulating panel configured to phase modulate light from the light source and project the phase modulated light onto a spatial light modulating panel;wherein the spatial light modulating panel is configured to amplitude modulate the phase modulated light according to image data.36. The projector according to claim 35 , further comprising:a display controller configured to, receive image data of an image to be projected from the spatial light modulator, determine a desired light distribution on the spatial light modulating panel, and control the phase modulating panel in a manner such that the desired light distribution occurs on the spatial light modulating panel.37. The projector according to claim 36 , wherein the desired light distribution is slowly varying at the spatial light modulating panel.38. The projector according to claim 36 , wherein the phase modulated light is masked in a Fourier plane to attenuate Fourier components corresponding to higher spatial frequencies.39. The projector according to claim 36 , wherein the controller determines a desired light distribution by at least one of low-pass spatial filtering the image data claim 36 , applying a blur filter to the image data claim 36 , and computing local averages or weighted averages of local groups of pixels in the image data.40. The holographic projector according to claim 36 , wherein the controller energizes the spatial light modulating panel according to image data and the phase modulated light at the spatial light modulating panel.41. The holographic projector according to claim 36 , wherein the ...

LIGHT FIELD PROJECTORS AND METHODS

Undesirably high energy-consumption in illuminating devices can be caused at least in part by wasted (attenuated) light. Optically efficient illumination systems that may be used to project light, including images, use light redirection. Phase modulating devices may be applied to create desired light fields. Some embodiments provide dual or multiple modulation display or projection systems in which some or all of the modulators not only attenuate amplitude, but also amplify amplitude, or change the phase, frequency and polarization of the light provided by the light source. 1. A method for displaying an image , the image having a luminance that varies from place to place such that the image has darker areas and lighter areas the method comprising:delivering light from each of a plurality of light sources to illuminate a plurality of corresponding areas of a screen; andin response to image data defining the image altering sizes of the plurality of corresponding areas such that the corresponding areas located in the lighter areas of the image are smaller and the corresponding areas located in the darker areas of the image are larger.2. A method according to wherein delivering the light to the corresponding areas comprises scanning a beam of light originating at the corresponding light source over the corresponding area during a scanning period.3. A method according to wherein the scanning comprises raster scanning.4. A method according to wherein a spacing between scan lines is greater in the larger areas than it is in the smaller areas.5. A method according to wherein a velocity of a point of intersection of the beam of light with the screen is greater in the larger areas than it is in the smaller areas.6. A method according to wherein the corresponding areas of the screen are rectangular.7. A method according to wherein altering sizes of the plurality of corresponding areas comprises changing lengths of at least some of the corresponding areas and changing widths of ...

NUMERICAL APPROACHES FOR FREE-FORM LENSING: AREA PARAMETERIZATION FREE-FORM LENSING

A free-form lens (for example a phase modulator, lens or deformable mirror) may be made to reproduce a light pattern specified by image data. Source regions on the free-form lens are mapped to target regions areas on an image. Areas of the source regions are adjusted to vary the amount of light delivered to each of the target regions. Adjustment of the source areas may be achieved using a L-BFGS optimization which preferably incorporates smoothness and curl regularizers. Embodiments apply parallel processing to obtain control values for a free form lens in real time or near real time. Apparatus may process image data and display an image by controlling a dynamically variable free form lens using the processed image data. 1. (canceled)2. A method for controlling a phase modulator to display an image defined by image data , the method comprising:providing a model of a two-dimensional light source comprising a plurality of non-overlapping source regions, each of the source regions having a boundary, a corresponding source light intensity value and a source area and being associated with a corresponding display region of a display, each of the display regions having a corresponding display area;based on the image data, assigning a light intensity value to each of the display regions;setting a target source area for each of the source regions such that a ratio of the target source area of the source region to the display area of the corresponding display region is proportional to a ratio of the light intensity value assigned to the corresponding display region to the source light intensity value for the source region;performing an optimization to determine configurations for the boundaries of the source regions which best satisfy an objective function which quantifies aggregate deviations of the areas of the source regions from the target source areas corresponding to the source regions;based on the configurations of the source region boundaries after the optimization, ...

High dynamic range projection system, method to operate a high dynamic range projection system and computer readable medium

Optimizing drive schemes for multiple projector systems

Light projection systems and methods may comprise combining light from two or more projectors. Each projector may be controlled so that the combined light output of the projectors matches a target for the projected light. In some embodiments optimization is performed to generate image data and control signals for each of the projectors. Embodiments may be applied in image projecting applications, lighting applications, and 3D stereoscopic imaging.

High luminance projection displays and associated methods

Projection displays include a highlight projector and a main projector. Highlights projected by the highlight projector boost luminance in highlight areas of a base image projected by the main projector. Various highlight projectors including steerable beams, holographic projectors and spatial light modulators are described.

Display management methods and apparatus

Apparatus and methods for mapping video signal parameters such as tone and color may be applied at various points in a video generation and delivery pipeline. apparatus may be configured to control mappings based on a range of inputs which may include one or more of: ambient conditions, user inputs, control information, adaptation models. Apparatus and methods may be applied to display video or other images so as to preserve a creative intent embodied in video or other image data.

High luminance projection displays and associated methods

Light field projectors and methods

Undesirably high energy-consumption in illuminating devices can be caused at least in part by wasted (attenuated) light. Optically efficient illumination systems that may be used to project light, including images, use light redirection. Phase modulating devices may be applied to create desired light fields. Some embodiments provide dual or multiple modulation display or projection systems in which some or all of the modulators not only attenuate amplitude, but also amplify amplitude, or change the phase, frequency and polarization of the light provided by the light source.

Light field projectors and methods

Undesirably high energy-consumption in illuminating devices can be caused at least in part by wasted (attenuated) light. Optically efficient illumination systems that may be used to project light, including images, use light redirection. Phase modulating devices may be applied to create desired light fields. Some embodiments provide dual or multiple modulation display or projection systems in which some or all of the modulators not only attenuate amplitude, but also amplify amplitude, or change the phase, frequency and polarization of the light provided by the light source.

Efficient, dynamic, high contrast lensing with applications to imaging, illumination and projection

A new projector design combines one spatial light modulator that affects only the phase of the illumination, and one spatial light modulator that only affects its amplitude (intensity). The phase-only modulator curves the wavefront of light and acts as a pre-modulator for a conventional amplitude modulator. This approach works with both white light and laser illumination, generating a coarse image representation efficiently, thus enabling, within a single image frame, significantly elevated highlights as well as darker black levels while reducing the overall light source power requirements.

Display management methods and apparatus

Apparatus and methods for mapping video signal parameters such as tone and color may be applied at various points in a video generation and delivery pipeline. apparatus may be configured to control mappings based on a range of inputs which may include one or more of: ambient conditions, user inputs, control information, adaptation models. Apparatus and methods may be applied to display video or other images so as to preserve a creative intent embodied in video or other image data.

Serial modulation display having binary light modulation stage

A display (10) has first and second spatial light modulators for modulating light from a light source. The first spatial light modulator (14) has a plurality of elements (16) switchable between ON and OFF states according to a pattern having a spatially-varying density. Transfer optics (26) blur and carry light modulated by the first spatial light modulator to the second spatial light modulator (20) to yield a light field at the second spatial light modulator. The second spatial light modulator has a plurality of elements (22) switchable between ON and OFF states to perform temporal dithering of the light field to provide a reconstruction of the image.

Efficient, dynamic, high contrast lensing with applications to imaging, illumination and projection

A new projector design combines one spatial light modulator that affects only the phase of the illumination, and one spatial light modulator that only affects its amplitude (intensity). The phase-only modulator curves the wavefront of light and acts as a pre-modulator for a conventional amplitude modulator. This approach works with both white light and laser illumination, generating a coarse image representation efficiently, thus enabling, within a single image frame, significantly elevated highlights as well as darker black levels while reducing the overall light source power requirements.

Light field projectors and methods

Undesirably high energy-consumption in illuminating devices can be caused at least in part by wasted (attenuated) light. Optically efficient illumination systems that may be used to project light, including images, use light redirection. Phase modulating devices may be applied to create desired light fields. Some embodiments provide dual or multiple modulation display or projection systems in which some or all of the modulators not only attenuate amplitude, but also amplify amplitude, or change the phase, frequency and polarization of the light provided by the light source.

Projection systems and methods

Images are formed in a projection system using separate image forming elements for each of red, green, and blue light and then combining these images on a screen. Manufacturers desire to make projectors as inexpensively as possible while image forming elements such as high resolution DMDs are expensive. In some high dynamic range (ôHDRö) projection systems a phase modulator (e.g. an LCOS phase modulator) may be combined with a DMD amplitude modulator. To reduce costs, a HDR projector uses a field sequential technique which would involve a phase modulator. Phase modulators have slow response time such that a human observer can easily perceive individual colour fields in a field sequential application. Embodiments are described which use field sequential projection techniques that are practiced using a single DMD in a projector that uses an LCOS phase modulator and a DMD amplitude modulator to achieve both speed and low-cost requirements.

Temporal filtering of video signals.

Se describe un proceso para reducir ruido y artefactos temporales (por ejemplo, LED de caminata) sobre un sistema de pantalla de doble modulación mediante la aplicación de filtración temporal a señales de modulación posterior de una secuencia de cuadros de video. Las proporciones de destello y disminución de iluminación son calculadas para un cuadro actual en el video. Si se excede el umbral de la proporción de destello, la intensidad de la retroiluminación es limitada a una proporción de destello predeterminada. Si se excede el umbral de la proporción de disminución de iluminación, la intensidad de retroiluminación es limitada a una proporción de disminución de iluminación predeterminada. Las limitaciones son aplicadas, por ejemplo en una base de elemento por elemento. En el caso de un cambio de escena, las limitaciones no necesitan ser aplicadas. Se calcula una señal de modulación delantera al tomar en cuenta cualesquier limitaciones de retroiluminación aplicadas.

Light field projectors and methods

Undesirably high energy-consumption in illuminating devices can be caused at least in part by wasted (attenuated) light. Optically efficient illumination systems that may be used to project light, including images, use light redirection. Phase modulating devices may be applied to create desired light fields. Some embodiments provide dual or multiple modulation display or projection systems in which some or all of the modulators not only attenuate amplitude, but also amplify amplitude, or change the phase, frequency and polarization of the light provided by the light source.

Image projection system and image projection method, content mapping module and content mapping method, and highlight projection system

【課題】画像投影システム及び画像投影方法を提供する。【解決手段】操舵光を非操舵光と組み合わせるハイブリッド投影機アーキテクチャ３２を有する画像投影システムであって、操舵光は狭帯域光であり、非操舵光は広帯域光である。操舵光と非操舵光とを分割することが、輝度レベルに基づいて決定される。【効果】非操舵光は、しきい値までの輝度レベルに対する光の大部分に寄与する。操舵光は、輝度地がしきい値を上回るほど上昇すると、光の増加部分に寄与する。【選択図】図４

Light field projectors and methods

Undesirably high energy-consumption in illuminating devices can be caused at least in part by wasted (attenuated) light. Optically efficient illumination systems that may be used to project light, including images, use light redirection. Phase modulating devices may be applied to create desired light fields. Some embodiments provide dual or multiple modulation display or projection systems in which some or all of the modulators not only attenuate amplitude, but also amplify amplitude, or change the phase, frequency and polarization of the light provided by the light source.

Light field projectors and methods

Undesirably high energy-consumption in illuminating devices can be caused at least in part by wasted (attenuated) light. Optically efficient illumination systems that may be used to project light, including images, use light redirection. Phase modulating devices may be applied to create desired light fields. Some embodiments provide dual or multiple modulation display or projection systems in which some or all of the modulators not only attenuate amplitude, but also amplify amplitude, or change the phase, frequency and polarization of the light provided by the light source.

Numerical approaches for free-form lensing: area parameterization free-form lensing

A free-form lens (for example a phase modulator, lens or deformable mirror) may be made to reproduce a light pattern specified by image data. Source regions on the free-form lens are mapped to target regions areas on an image. Areas of the source regions are adjusted to vary the amount of light delivered to each of the target regions. Adjustment of the source areas may be achieved using a L-BFGS optimization which preferably incorporates smoothness and curl regularizers. Embodiments apply parallel processing to obtain control values for a free form lens in real time or near real time. Apparatus may process image data and display an image by controlling a dynamically variable free form lens using the processed image data.

Temporal filtering of video signals

Temporal filtering of video signals

TEMPORARY FILTERING OF VIDEO SIGNALS

Multiple-laser light source

A light source includes a plurality of laser diodes or other light emitters. Beams of light from the light emitters are steered to provide n array of parallel beams that illuminate a target area with an array of patches of light. In some embodiments the parallel beams are de-magnified to form the array of patches of light. Such a light source has application in illuminating dynamically-addressable focusing elements such as phase modulators, deformable mirrors and dynamically addressable lenses. Light projectors for a wide variety of applications may combine a light source as described herein with a dynamically- addressable focusing element to project defined patterns of light.

Light field projectors and methods

Undesirably high energy-consumption in illuminating devices can be caused at least in part by wasted (attenuated) light. Optically efficient illumination systems that may be used to project light, including images, use light redirection. Phase modulating devices may be applied to create desired light fields. Some embodiments provide dual or multiple modulation display or projection systems in which some or all of the modulators not only attenuate amplitude, but also amplify amplitude, or change the phase, frequency and polarization of the light provided by the light source.

Method and device for projecting color image

【課題】カラー画像を投影するための方法を提供する。【解決手段】画像表示装置および方法は、デジタルミラーデバイス（ＤＭＤ）などの単一の撮像素子を用いて、複数の色チャネルを空間変調し得る。色チャネルは、位相変調器などの光ステアリング素子を含み得る。光ステアリング素子からのステアリング済みの光は、明るい画像をより良好に表示するために、追加の光と合成され得るか、または置き換えられ得る。これらの技術は、共に提供され得るか、または個別に適用され得る。【選択図】図１

Numerical approaches for free-form lensing: area parameterization free-form lensing

Light projector and method for displaying an image

Light projector and method for displaying an image

Projection systems and methods

Local definition of global image transformations

Projection systems and methods

Projection systems and methods

Efficient, dynamic, high contrast lensing with applications to imaging, illumination and projection

A new projector design combines one spatial light modulator that affects only the phase of the illumination, and one spatial light modulator that only affects its amplitude (intensity). The phase-only modulator curves the wavefront of light and acts as a pre-modulator for a conventional amplitude modulator. This approach works with both white light and laser illumination, generating a coarse image representation efficiently, thus enabling, within a single image frame, significantly elevated highlights as well as darker black levels while reducing the overall light source power requirements.

Closed loop driving of a highlighter type projector

A method for driving a projection system and a projection system comprising a phase modulator and at least one amplitude modulator are described. The phase modulator is configured to generate a highlight image incident on the amplitude modulator, the projector system further comprises at least one image sensor configured to receive at least a portion of an illumination pattern substantially equivalent to the illumination pattern incident on the amplitude modulator, and the image sensor is being used to provide feedback to the controller of the projection system to improve the highlights projected by the projection system.

Closed loop driving of a highlighter type projector

A method for driving a projection system and a projection system comprising a phase modulator and at least one amplitude modulator are described. The phase modulator is configured to generate a highlight image incident on the amplitude modulator, the projector system further comprises at least one image sensor configured to receive at least a portion of an illumination pattern substantially equivalent to the illumination pattern incident on the amplitude modulator, and the image sensor is being used to provide feedback to the controller of the projection system to improve the highlights projected by the projection system.

Closed loop driving of a highlighter type projector

A method for driving a projection system and a projection system comprising a phase modulator and at least one amplitude modulator are described. The phase modulator is configured to generate a highlight image incident on the amplitude modulator, the projector system further comprises at least one image sensor configured to receive at least a portion of an illumination pattern substantially equivalent to the illumination pattern incident on the amplitude modulator, and the image sensor is being used to provide feedback to the controller of the projection system to improve the highlights projected by the projection system.

Multiple-laser light source

A light source includes a plurality of laser diodes or other light emitters. Beams of light from the light emitters are steered to provide n array of parallel beams that illuminate a target area with an array of patches of light. In some embodiments the parallel beams are de-magnified to form the array of patches of light. Such a light source has application in illuminating dynamically-addressable focusing elements such as phase modulators, deformable mirrors and dynamically addressable lenses. Light projectors for a wide variety of applications may combine a light source as described herein with a dynamically-addressable focusing element to project defined patterns of light.

Local definition of global image transformations

A global image adjustment, such as dynamic range adjustment is established based on image characteristics. The image adjustment is based more heavily on pixel values in Image areas identified as being important by one or more saliency mapping algorithms. In one application to dynamic range adjustment, a saliency map is applied to create a weighed histogram and a transformation is determined from the weighted histogram. Artifacts typical of local adjustment schemes may be avoided.

Optimizing drive schemes for multiple projector systems

Light projection systems and methods may comprise combining light from two or more projectors. Each projector may be controlled so that the combined light output of the projectors matches a target for the projected light. In some embodiments optimization is performed to generate image data and control signals for each of the projectors. Embodiments may be applied in image projecting applications, lighting applications, and 3D stereoscopic imaging.

Multiple-laser light source

A light source includes a plurality of laser diodes or other light emitters. Beams of light from the light emitters are steered to provide n array of parallel beams that illuminate a target area with an array of patches of light. In some embodiments the parallel beams are de-magnified to form the array of patches of light. Such a light source has application in illuminating dynamically-addressable focusing elements such as phase modulators, deformable mirrors and dynamically addressable lenses. Light projectors for a wide variety of applications may combine a light source as described herein with a dynamically- addressable focusing element to project defined patterns of light.