Patent ID: 6788469
Filing Date: 2004-09-07
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
An optics/controller sub-assembly for automated focus and brightness control in a spatial light modulator projection system, comprising:a lamp/reflector providing white light along a first light path, said light brought to a focus point at the entrance to a light integrator; a first relay lens receiving light from said light integrator and sizing said light to the entrance of a second group of relay lenses; light from said relay lenses continuing along said first light path, striking the surface of a partial folding mirror; primary light reflecting off said partial folding mirror along a second light path and partial light passing through said partial folding mm-or exiting along a third light path; a third relay lens placed in said second light path, receiving said reflected primary light from said partial folding mirror and resizing said light to match said system's total internal reflective prism; light passing through said total internal reflective prism to red-green-blue splitting prisms; spatial light modulators positioned to receive said red-green-blue light, respectively, from said color prisms, said light being modulated and reflected from said respective spatial light modulators into recombining optics, through a projection lens, and on to a display screen; a third relay lens located in said third light path, receiving said partial light passing trough said partial folding mirror, sizing, and directing said light on to the surface of secondary folding mirror; a light detector receiving said reflected light from said secondary folding minor, a micro-controller coupled to the output of said detector; first, second, and third outputs from said micro-controller coupled to lamp x, y, z focus servomotors, respectively; a fourth output from said micro-controller coupled to a lamp power supply; and a fifth output from said micro-controller to enable a maintenance notification function.