DIGITAL IMAGE PROJECTION METHODS AND APPARATUS THEREOF
Disclosed herein is a method of projecting images using light valves. Pixel patterns generated of the light valve pixels based on image data are projected at different locations at a time.
1 . A method for shifting an image on a target, comprising:
directing light from a light source onto a light valve comprising an array of pixels;
modulating the light from the light source with the light valve pixels;
forming the image with the modulated light from the light valve on the target with a projection lens;
moving the projection lens so as to shift the formed image on the target.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the projection lens is moved with a piezoelectric actuator.
3 . (canceled)
4 . The method of claim 3 , wherein a housing encasing the plurality of projection lenses is moved.
5 . (canceled)
6 . The method of claim 4 , further comprising a hinge disposed to allow the movement of the housing.
7 . The method of claim 6 , wherein a first hinge is provided on a first side of the housing and a second hinge is provided on a second side of the housing.
8 . (canceled)
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the projection lens is translationally moved.
10 - 11 . (canceled)
12 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the light valve is a micromirror array.
13 - 18 . (canceled)
19 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the image is shifted from first position to second position due to the movement of the projection lens.
20 . The method of claim 19 , wherein a frame of image data is provided to form a first sub frame of image data and a second sub frame of image data, wherein the first sub frame of image data is provided to the light valve when pixel images are in the first positions on the target and wherein the second sub frame of image data is provided to the light valve when the pixel images are in the second positions on the target.
21 . The method of claim 1 , wherein a color wheel is provided to direct a series of colored light beams onto the light valve.
22 - 25 . (canceled)
26 . The method of claim 19 , wherein the positions are substantially linear in spatial arrangement on the target.
27 - 39 . (canceled)
40 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the movement of the projection lens is through a total distance of from 1 to 50 microns.
41 - 43 . (canceled)
44 . A projection system, comprising:
a light source for providing light to a light valve;
a light valve with a plurality of light valve elements for spatially modulating light from the light source;
a projection lens through which light from the light valve passes; and
a piezoelectric actuator provided for moving the projection lens.
45 - 90 . (canceled)
91 . A projection system, comprising:
a light source for providing light onto a light valve;
a light valve having individual light valve elements which reflect or transmit light to a screen;
means for vibrating the light valve so as to shift the pixel images from the light valve elements on the screen.
92 . The system of claim 91 , wherein the means for vibrating the light valve comprises a piezoelectric mechanism connected directly or indirectly to the light valve so as to shift the pixel images from the light valve elements on the screen.
93 . The projection system of claim 92 , wherein the light valve is connected via one or more flexure hinges to the piezoelectric mechanism.
94 - 96 . (canceled)
97 . The method of claim 92 , wherein the movement of the projection lens is in a form of vibration; and wherein the vibration has a characteristic frequency of 60 HZ or higher.
98 . The method of claim 92 , wherein the movement of the projection lens is in a form of vibration; and wherein the vibration has a characteristic frequency of 120 HZ or higher.
99 - 119 . (canceled)
120 . The method of claim 92 , wherein the light valve is a spatial light modulator that is connected to a flex package.
121 - 143 . (canceled)
144 . The system of claim 91 , wherein the light valve is a micromirror array.