Texas Instruments Corporation

Roger S Carver

Daniel Jay Morgan

Duane Scott Dewald

Michael Terry Davis

Amit K Saha

Steven Monroe Penn

Stephen Wesley Marshall

Walter Marvin Duncan

Frank Joseph Poradish

Donald Andrew Powell

Leigh Ann Files

William M Bommersbach

Frederick C Wedemeier

Gary S Wolverton

Donald C Whitney

N Jack Gregory

Amit Saha

Described are handheld devices with combined image capture and image projection functions. One embodiment includes modulating and capturing a light beam along the same optic path. In another embodiment, the optical components are operable to switch between projection and capture modes. In yet another embodiment, the optical components may be formed on the same semiconductor substrate thereby increasing functionality.

Methods for combining camera and projector functions in a single device

An improved spatial light modulation display system includes light sources for providing red, green, and blue light. A system controller includes functionality for controlling a color balance of the red, green, and blue light. A sensor is provided for sensing light from each of the light sources. The controller can detect a shift in color balance based on the intensity of light sensed by the sensor. If the sensor output indicates that the sensor is operating out of a desirable range, the spatial light modulator can modulate the light in order change the brightness of light sensed by the sensor. The modulation pattern can be varied until the sensor output is a specified value or within a specified range of values. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor is located to receive off-state light from the spatial light modulator so as to avoid obstruction of light used for displaying images.

Spatial light modulation display system

An image system comprises a light valve and an image capturing unit. The light valve comprises an array of individually addressable pixels capable of generating an image. The image capturing unit comprises a detector having an array of detector pixels capable of capturing images. The detector pixels are correlated with the light valve pixels.

Light valve projection of visible image correlated with non-visible image

An optical system for projecting an image having x and y axes onto a image plane is provided. The system includes an SLM device spaced from the image plane, the SLM device having a plurality of pixels operable to project pixels of the image onto the image plane and positioned such that the individual pixels of the projected image are oriented at substantially 45 degrees relative to the x and y axes of the image. The system further includes an optic element disposed between the SLM device and the image plane and a linear displacement device operatively connected to and operable to selectively displace at least one of the SLM device and the optic element. A method for projecting an image onto a image plane is also provided.

Optical system and method for increasing image resolution and/or dithering in projection applications

A color splitting prism assembly ( ) comprised of three prisms. Each a dichroic filter at an interface ( ) between a first and second of the three prisms reflects a first primary color component of a white light beam passing through the prism assembly. The first primary color component is directed to a first modulator ( ). The remaining portions of the white light beam enter a second prism ( ) and strike a second dichroic filter at the interface between ( ) the second and third prisms. The second dichroic filter separates a second primary color component from the white light beam leaving a third primary color component to travel through the third prism ( ) to a third modulator. The second primary color component of the white light beam is directed to a second modulator ( ). Light modulated by the first and third modulators travels through the prisms at a slightly different angle than the unmodulated light and therefore reacts differently upon striking the first dichroic filter for the second time. Portions of the light modulated by the first and third modulator travel toward the second modulator ( ). An additional filter on or near the exit face ( ) of the second prism ( ) prevents light in the first and third primary color components from reaching the second modulator ( ) and heating the second modulator ( ). The light rejected by the additional filter is dispersed by ground glass surfaces of the color splitting prism assembly.

Bandpass filter to reduce thermal impact of dichroic light shift

Growing community of inventors

McKinney, TX, United States of America

Roger S Carver