Multiple stage modulation projector display systems having efficient light utilization

摘要

Dual or multi-modulation display systems comprising a first modulator and a second modulator are disclosed. The first modulator may comprise a plurality of analog mirrors (e.g. MEMS array) and the second modulator may comprise a plurality of mirrors (e.g., DMD array). The display system may further comprise a controller that sends control signals to the first and second modulator. The display system may render highlight features within a projected image by affecting a time multiplexing scheme. In one embodiment, the first modulator may be switched on a sub-frame basis such that a desired proportion of the available light may be focused or directed onto the second modulator to form the highlight feature on a sub-frame rendering basis.

主权项

1. A multi-modulation projector display system, said display system comprising:
a light source, said light source comprising a plurality of independently controllable emitters; a controller; a first modulator, said first modulator being illuminated by said light source and said first modulator comprising a plurality of analog mirrors to modulate light from the light source; a second modulator, said second modulator being illuminated by light from said first modulator and capable of modulating light from said first modulator, and said second modulator comprising a plurality of mirrors; said controller further comprising: a processor; a memory, said memory associated with said processor and said memory further comprising processor-readable instructions, such that when said processor reads the processor-readable instructions, causes the processor to perform the following instructions:
receiving image data, said image data comprising at least one highlight feature, the highlight feature representing a proper subset of the image to be rendered, the highlight feature further comprising a luminance not less than the highest luminance of the remaining area of the image to be rendered;sending control signals to said first modulator such that said first modulator may allocate a desired proportion of the light from said light source during a desired sub-frame period of time onto said second modulator to form said highlight featuresending control signals to said independently controllable emitters to emit a desired amount of light energy during said desired sub-frame period of time to form said highlight feature; andsending control signals to said second modulator such that said desired proportion of the light from said light source is modulated to form said highlight feature.