Digital system and method for displaying images using shifted bit-weights for neutral density filtering applications

Abstract

Disclosed herein are visual display systems and methods capable of having shifted bit-weights in neutral density filtering (NDF) applications. In one embodiment, a method () of displaying an image comprises transmitting light through an optical filter () comprising at least one high transmissivity portion configured to output light at an initial intensity, and at least one low transmissivity portion configured to output light at a lower intensity than the initial intensity, where the initial intensity and lower intensity output light illuminates a spatial light modulator (). The method also includes providing a plurality of data bits (non-ND) from a predetermined number of data bits (B–B), where each of the plurality comprises a pulse-width longer than a load-time for operating the spatial light modulator (). In this embodiment, the method further includes providing at least one data bit (ND) from the predetermined number of data bits, where the at least one data bit comprises an initial pulse-width less than the load-time and comprises an adjusted pulse-width greater than the load-time. Then, the method further comprises operating selected portions of the spatial light modulator () in coordination with the initial intensity and lower intensity output light using the pulse-widths of one or more of the plurality of data bits (non-ND) and the adjusted pulse-width of the at least one data bit (ND).