Patent ID: 7932993
Filing Date: 2011-04-26
Classification: G03B,G03F

Abstract:
1. A system for projecting a pixel-mask pattern onto a subject comprising: a light source configured to project light onto a pixel panel; the pixel panel configured to generate a pattern formed by a plurality of discrete pixels for projection onto the subject using a plurality of pixel elements, wherein the pixel elements are divided into at least first, second, third, and fourth sub-images of at least four pixels each, and wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth sub-images is divided from the other sub-images on the pixel panel by a line of dummy pixel elements that is at least one pixel wide, wherein each dummy pixel element is dark in the generated pattern; a first microlens array having at least first, second, third, and fourth microlenses positioned between the pixel panel and the subject, wherein the first microlens array is configured to receive the first, second, third, and fourth sub-images forming the pattern from the pixel panel and focus the first, second, third, and fourth sub-images on a focus plane that is located between the first microlens array and the subject, and wherein the at least four pixels of the first sub-image are received and focused by the first microlens, the at least four pixels of the second sub-image are received and focused by the second microlens, the at least four pixels of the third sub-image are received and focused by the third microlens, and the at least four pixels of the fourth sub-image are received and focused by the fourth microlens; and a second microlens array having at least fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth microlenses positioned between the focus plane and the subject, wherein the second microlens array is configured to condense the first, second, third, and fourth sub-images after the first, second, third, and fourth sub-images pass through the focus plane and project the condensed first, second, third, and fourth sub-images onto the subject, wherein the at least four pixels of the first sub-image are condensed and projected by the fifth microlens, the at least four pixels of the second sub-image are condensed and projected by the sixth microlens, the at least four pixels of the third sub-image are condensed and projected by the seventh microlens, and the at least four pixels of the fourth sub-image are condensed and projected by the eighth microlens, and wherein the second microlens array is configured to project each pixel of the first, second, third, and fourth sub-images onto the subject with a shape that identical to a shape of the corresponding pixel element used to generate the pixel.