Optimizing drive schemes for multiple projector systems
AssigneeMTT Innovation Incorporated
InventorsEric Kozak, Gerwin Damberg, Anders Ballestad, Raveen Kumaran, James Gregson, Johannes Minor, Gil Rosenfeld
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Abstract
Light projection systems and methods may comprise combining light from two or more projectors. Each projector may be controlled so that the combined light output of the projectors matches a target for the projected light. In some embodiments optimization is performed to generate image data and control signals for each of the projectors. Embodiments may be applied in image projecting applications, lighting applications, and 3D stereoscopic imaging.
Claims14
A light projector for displaying an image defined by image data, the light projector comprising:
- a main light source;
- a first imaging element configured to modulate visible light from the main light source;
- a second imaging element configured to further modulate the modulated visible light generated by the first imaging element;
- a boost light source configured to deliver to the second imaging element visible boost light for modulation by the second imaging element, wherein the visible boost light is not modulated by the first imaging element;
- and
- a controller configured:
- to process image data;
- to determine a lowest luminance level in the image;
- to output control signals for the first imaging element, the second imaging element, the main light source, and the boost light source;
- and
- to output, when low black levels are not required, the control signal for the boost light source such that the visible boost light is added at a level greater than or equal to the lowest luminance level in the image;
- wherein the controller is configured to determine a contrast of the image;
- and
- when the contrast is lower than a threshold value:
- to simulate a veiling luminance;
- to determine a lowest perceivable luminance level in the image based on the veiling luminance;
- and
- to add the visible boost light at a level corresponding to the lowest perceivable luminance level.
A method for displaying an image defined by image data, the method comprising:
- modulating visible light provided by a main light source using a first imaging element;
- providing visible boost light to a second imaging element using a boost light source wherein the visible boost light is not modulated by the first imaging element;
- combining the visible boost light and the modulated visible light by illuminating a surface of the second imaging element with both the visible boost light and the modulated visible light;
- further modulating the combined light using the second imaging element;
- processing the image data;
- determining a lowest luminance level in the image;
- determining a contrast of the image;
- and
- when the contrast is lower than threshold value:
- simulating a veiling luminance;
- determining a lowest perceivable luminance level in the image based on the veiling luminance;
- adding the visible boost light at a level corresponding to the lowest perceivable luminance level;
- outputting control signals for the first imaging element, the second imaging element, the main light source, and the boost light source;
- and
- outputting, when low black levels are not required, the control signal for the boost light source such that the visible boost light is added at a level greater than or equal to the lowest luminance level in the image.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.