Self adjusting tiled projector using test pattern and sensor

A self adjusting projection display system comprising:

• an image source having an array of tiled image displays each having a front surface for projecting images;
• a photoactivated reflective liquid crystal light valve disposed along optical paths of the images projected by the front surfaces of the tiled image displays which are imaged onto an input surface thereof and having an output surface for reflecting illumination light onto a display screen to project a display image on the display screen;
• a plurality of positioning devices, each one of the positioning devices is attached to a corresponding one of the tiled image displays for positioning that tiled image display;
• a plurality of self illuminating targets, each one of the self illuminating targets is attached to a rear surface of a corresponding one of the tiled image displays for projecting a test image pattern;
• a sensor disposed adjacent the self illuminating targets and positioned at a location corresponding to the proper alignment of the test image patterns for sensing the test image patterns projected by the self illuminating targets, wherein the sensor provides a sensor signal indicative of the sensed test image patterns;
• and
• a processor operable with the sensor and the positioning devices, wherein the processor compares the sensor signal to a proper alignment signal indicative of the tiled image displays being properly aligned to provide a positioning signal to the positioning de,ices to position the tiled image displays as a function of the positioning signal until the tiled image displays are in the proper alignment.

In a projection display system provided with an image source having an array of tiled image displays for projecting images and a photoactivated reflective liquid crystal light valve having an input surface for receiving the projected images and an output surface for reflecting illumination light onto a display screen to project a display image on the display screen, a method for properly aligning the tiled image displays, the method comprising:

• projecting a test image pattern from the array of tiled image displays;
• sensing the test image pattern along optical paths of the images projected by the array of tiled image displays at a position corresponding to the proper alignment of the test image pattern;
• providing a sensor signal indicative of the sensed test image pattern;
• comparing the sensor signal to a proper alignment signal to generate a positioning signal, wherein the proper alignment signal is indicative of the tiled image displays being properly aligned;
• and
• positioning the tiled image displays as a function of the positioning signal until the tiled image displays are in the proper alignment.