ADDRESSABLE BACKLIGHT FOR LCD PANEL
A display unit includes an LCD which receives an array of pixel data for displaying an image at a first dynamic range. A projector projects colored light of the image at a second dynamic range. The LCD combines the array of pixel data with the colored light to display the image at a third dynamic range. The third dynamic range is greater than the first or second dynamic range.
1 . A display unit comprising:
an LCD configured to receive an array of pixel data for displaying an image at a first dynamic range;
a projector configured to project colored light of the image at a second dynamic range; and
the LCD configured to combine the array of pixel data with the colored light to display the image at a third dynamic range,
wherein the third dynamic range is greater than the first or second dynamic range.
2 . The display unit of claim 1 , further comprising a collimator disposed between the LCD and the projector.
3 . The display unit of claim 1 , further comprising a field format magnifier disposed between the projector and the LCD panel for enlarging the colored light of the image provided to the LCD.
4 . The display unit of claim 1 , further comprising a field format minifier disposed between the projector and the LCD for reducing the colored light of the image provided to the LCD.
5 . The display unit of claim 1 , wherein the projector is a scanning micro-projector.
6 . The display unit of claim 1 , further comprising a synchronizer module for synchronizing the image transmitted from a video signal source to the LCD with the colored light of the image projected by the projector.
7 . The display unit of claim 1 , wherein the projector is disposed behind the LCD and configured to directly illuminate the LCD.
8 . The display unit of claim 1 , wherein the projector is disposed above the LCD.
9 . The display unit of claim 8 , wherein:
the projector is configured to project the colored light of the image away from the LCD toward a mirror, and
the mirror is configured to re-direct the colored light of the image toward the LCD.
10 . A method of manufacturing a display unit comprising the steps of:
(a) manufacturing a projection display and an LCD panel; and
(b) arranging the projection display within a range of the LCD panel for backlighting the LCD panel.
11 . The method of claim 10 , wherein step (b) further comprises vertically stacking the LCD panel and the projection display one behind the other.
12 . The method of claim 10 , further comprising the step of:
(c) vertically stacking a collimator between the LCD panel and the projection display.
13 . The method of claim 10 , wherein step (b) further comprises arranging the projection display above the LCD panel.
14 . The method of claim 13 , further comprising the step of:
(c) arranging a mirror within a range of the projection display for re-directing light projected from the projection display towards the LCD panel.
15 . The method of claim 10 , further including the steps of:
(c) configuring the LCD panel to receive an array of pixel data for displaying an image at a first dynamic range;
(d) configuring the projection display to project colored light of the image at a second dynamic range; and
(e) configuring the LCD panel to combine the array of pixel data with the projected colored light and display the image at a third dynamic range.