Method and device for projecting an image

According to the present invention there is provided a method for projecting an image on to a display surface, comprising the steps of, providing two or more projection systems; arranging the two or more projection systems such that they each project an image on a display surface; off-setting an oscillating reflective surface within at least one of the two or more projection systems such that the image projected by each of the two or more projection systems are in co-operation on the display surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and device for projecting an image, in particular, but not exclusively, to a method and device for projecting an image of increased brightness and/or of increased size, wherein the image can be projected as a 2-D image or a 3-D image.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

A MEMS micro-mirror device is a device that contains an optical MEMS (Micro-Electrical-Mechanical-System). The optical MEMS may comprise a cylindrical, rectangular or square micro-mirror that is adapted to move and to deflect light over time. The micro-mirror is connected by suspended arms to a fixed part and can tilt and oscillate along one or two axis. For example it can oscillate vertically and horizontally. Different actuation principles can be used, including electrostatic, thermal, electro-magnetic or piezoelectric. MEMS devices are known in which the area of these micro-mirrors are around a few mm2. In this case, the dimensions of the MEMS device, comprising the packaging, is around ten mm2. This device is usually made of silicon, and can be encapsulated in a package that can include the driving actuation electronics. Various optical components, such as for example lenses, beam combiner, quarter-wave plates, beam splitter and laser chips, are assembled with the packaged MEMS to build a complete system.

A typical application of the MEMS micro-mirror devices is for projection systems. In a projection system, a 2-D image or a video can be displayed on any type of surface. In a colour system, each pixel is generated by combining modulated red, green and blue laser light sources, by means of, for example, a beam combiner. A MEMS micro-mirror device directs the light of the laser light source to a projection surface and reproduces the image, or the video, pixel-by-pixel. By means of its oscillations, the micro-mirror within the device will continuously scan from left to right and from top to bottom, or according to a different trajectory including e.g., Lissajou trajectories, so that each pixel of the 2-D image is displayed on the screen.

Typically, the micro-mirror of a MEMS micro-mirror device is able to oscillate along one axis. Therefore, in order to display a 2-D image on a screen a projection system will require two MEMS micro-mirror devices; a first MEMS micro-mirror device is required to deflect light along the horizontal and a second MEMS micro-mirror device is required to deflect light along the vertical. During operation, the micro-mirror of the first MEMS micro-mirror device receives light from the beam combiner and deflects the light to the micro-mirror of the second MEMS micro-mirror device. The micro-mirror of the second MEMS micro-mirror device will in turn deflect the light to the display surface where it will appear as a pixel. The micro-mirror of the first MEMS micro-mirror device will oscillate to scan the light along the horizontal thereby displaying the first row of pixels on the display surface. The micro-mirror of the second MEMS micro-mirror device will oscillate about its oscillatory axis so that light received from the micro-mirror of the first MEMS micro-mirror device is scanned along the vertical. The combined effect of the oscillating micro-mirrors is that the light from the beam combiner is scanned in a zig-zag or raster pattern along the display surface. The process is continuous so that a complete image is visible to the viewer on the display surface. The first and the second MEMS micro-mirror devices are precisely positioned such that the oscillatory axes of the respective micro-mirrors are orthogonal; this ensure that all the light received by the micro-mirror of the first MEMS micro-mirror device will be deflected to the micro-mirror of the second MEMS micro-mirror device as the micro mirrors oscillate.

Other MEMS micro-mirror devices comprise a micro-mirror which can oscillate along two orthogonal axes. Such a micro-mirror can scan the light beam in two dimensions. Therefore, to display a 2-D image on a display surface a single mirror will oscillate about two axes to scan the light in a zig-zag or raster pattern over the display surface. Various methods of oscillating the micro-mirrors are employed. For example, an electrostatic means; thermal means; electro-magnetic means, or piezoelectric means.

Projection systems in general are used to project images or videos onto a display surface. The quality of the image projected by a projection system is dependent on the brightness of the image; in contrast to a bright image, the detail of a dull image will not be visible when projected on the display surface. Accordingly it is advantageous to display a bright image on the display surface so that the detail of the image will be visible. However, in projection systems the brightness of the image projected on the display surface is limited by the brightness of the light which can be provided by a light source of the projection system. The brightness of the light which can be provided by a light source is limited by the electrical capabilities of the light source (e.g., the wattage of a light-bulb in the light source). Consequently, there exists a maximum brightness at which a projection system can display an image. There is a need in the art for a means and method which will enable increasing the brightness of an image which does not require modification of the projection system.

The dimensions of an image projected by a projection system onto a display surface are also limited. To increase the size of the image projected onto a display surface requires adjustment of a focus lens of the projection system such the light corresponding to each pixels is spread over a larger area of the display surface. Increasing the size of the image will compromise the quality of the image as the sharpness and the brightness of the image will decrease. There is a need in the art for a means and method for enabling enlargement of a projected image without compromising the quality of the image.

Additionally, the projection systems currently used to project 3-D images on a display surface are complex and expensive. There is a need in the art for a simplified means and method which will enable the projection of a 3-D image.

US20090257031 discloses the use of a microprocessor to physically move two projectors so that their projected images are aligned on the display screen. Precise positioning of the projectors relative to one another is difficult to achieve. Furthermore, the device of US20090257031 requires that the projectors are connected by means of a linkage so as to allow the microprocessor to position the projectors relative to one another to achieve the desired alignment of images. Thus, the system disclosed in US20090257031 does not permit the projectors to be independent from one another.

It is an aim of the present invention to obviate or mitigate one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for projecting an image onto a display surface, comprising the steps of:

a. providing two or more projection systems;

b. arranging the two or more projection systems such that they each project an image on a display surface;

c. off-setting an oscillating reflective surface within at least one of the two or more projection systems such that the image projected by each of the two or more projection systems are in co-operation on the display surface.

The two or more projection systems may be independent of one another.

Each projection system is configured to project the same image.

Each projection system is configured to project part of a complete image.

When each projection system is configured to project the same image, the two or more projection systems are each configured such that the image projected by each of the two or more projection systems co-operate by overlapping. When the images projected by each of the projection system overlap the overall brightness of the image visible on the display surface is increased. The overlapping of the images on the display surface allows the light projected by each projection system to be combined on the display surface, thereby providing a brighter image. For example, a first projection system may be configured to project an image onto a display surface; a second projection system may be configured to project the same image onto the same position on the display surface. The light projected by the second projection system is superposed on the image projected by the first projection system so that a brighter image is visible on the display surface.

When each projection system is configured to project part of a complete image, the two or more projection systems are each configured such that the image projected by each of the two or more projection systems co-operate by aligning. Aligning the images enables the image projected by the two or more plurality of projection systems to be combined to form a single larger image on the display surface. For example, a first projection system may project an image which forms a first half of a complete image and a second projection system may project an image which form a second half of a complete image, the first and second projection systems may each be configured such that the images they project co-operate by aligning on the display surface. When the first half of the complete image and the second half of the complete image are in alignment, a complete image will be visible on the display surface. The complete image will be larger than an image of the same quality which could be projected by any one of the projections systems alone. Advantageously, unlike ‘video-walls’ there is no border between the images projected by each projection system, so a complete image which is without gaps, borders or spaces, will be visible on the display surface.

According to a variant of the present invention the two or more projection systems may each project an image, wherein the image projected by each projection system comprises a portion of the resolution of a complete image to be displayed on the display surface. The two or more projection systems may be configured such that the image projected by each of the projection system co-operate by meshing. For example, each of the projection systems may project an image, wherein the image projected by each projection system comprises a portion of the pixels required to display a complete image, to be displayed on the display surface. The images projected by each of the projection systems co-operate on the display screen to display an image of improved resolution. Advantageously, with ‘N’ projectors with a defined resolution, an image of ‘N’ times higher resolution can be displayed on the display surface. For example, a first projection system may project a first image on the display surface, the first image comprising half of the pixels of the complete image to be displayed on the display screen. A second projection system may project a second image on the display surface, the second image comprising the other half of the pixels of the complete image to be displayed on the display surface. Both projection systems are configured such that the image projected by each projection system co-operate by meshing on the display surface, to display a complete image on the display surface. The meshing of the first and second images ensures that successive pixels of the complete image are projected by the first and second projection systems alternately. The complete image therefore has twice the resolution of an image which could be projected by either one of the first or second projection systems alone.

The method may further comprise detecting characteristics of the images projected by some or all of the two or more projection systems.

The method may further comprise the step of detecting the position on the display surface of the image projected by a projection system. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of detecting the position on the display surface of the image projected by each of the two or more projection systems. The two or more projection systems may be configured such that the image projected by each of the projection system are in co-operation on the display surface, based on the detected position of the images projected.

The method may further comprise detecting the size of the images projected by some or all of the two or more projection systems.

The method may further comprise detecting the brightness of the images projected by some or all of the two or more projection systems.

The method may further comprise the step of off-setting a reflective surface of a projection system. The method may further comprise the step of off-setting one or more reflective surfaces of the two or more projection systems. Preferably, the method comprises the step of, applying a DC off-set to a reflective surface to off-set the reflective surface. Off-setting the reflective surface will adjust direction in which the projection system projects, accordingly off-setting the reflective surface can be used to move the position of the projected image such that the projected image co-operates with an image projected by one or more other projection systems.

The method may further comprise the step of modifying the speed at which a reflective surface of a projection system oscillates. The method may further comprise the step of modifying the speed at which one or more reflective surfaces of the two or more projection systems oscillate. The method may comprise modifying an actuation signal which is used to oscillate a reflective surface in a projection system. For example, the amplitude of actuation signals used to oscillate reflective surfaces in each of the two or more projection systems may be increased or decreased. Increasing the amplitude of the actuation signal will increase the amplitude of oscillation of the reflective surface; accordingly the light projected from the projection systems will be projected over a wider span of the display surface, thereby increasing the size of the images projected by the projection system. Optionally, the modulation of the laser source may also be modified to decrease the speed at which the light pulses are generated by the laser source when the amplitude of oscillation of the reflective surface is increased; this will ensure that gaps to not appear between successive pixels on the display surface. Decreasing the amplitude of the actuation signal may decrease the amplitude of oscillations of the reflective surface; accordingly the light projected from the projection system will be projected over a shorter span of the display surface, thereby decreasing the size of the image projected. Optionally, the modulation of the laser source may also be modified to increase the speed at which the light pulses are generated by the laser source when the amplitude of oscillation of the reflective surface is decreased; this will ensure that the pixels belonging to a particular row do appear on another row, thereby not distorting the image.

The method may further comprise the step of, modifying the modulation of a light source in a projection system. Modifying the modulation of a light source in a projection system can alter the size of the image projected on the display surface. For example, modifying the modulation of a light source in a projection system can crop the image projected on the display surface, thereby decreasing the size of the image visible on the display surface. For example, the light source in a projection system may be a laser source; light pulses may be generated by the laser source, each light pulse corresponding to a pixel of the image to be projected onto a display surface. The light from the laser source may be scanned across the display surface by a micro-mirror within the projection system. For example, the micro-mirror may oscillate about a two orthogonal oscillation axes to scan the laser light in a zig-zag, lissajou, or raster pattern along the display surface, so that the image is projected, pixel-by-pixel, onto the display surface. If the modulation of the laser source is now modified to increase of the speed at which the light pulses are generated then, assuming the speed of oscillation of the micro-mirror remains the same, the space between consecutive pixels on the display surface will be reduced. Accordingly, a smaller image will be visible on the display surface. Furthermore, increasing the speed of the light pulses generated by the laser source will ensure that each row of pixels of the image will be projected prior to the micro-mirror completing full oscillations. Accordingly, the image is cropped and a smaller image will be visible on the display surface.

The reflective surface may be a mirror. For example, the reflective surface may be a MEMS micro mirror.

The method may further comprise the step of adjusting the brightness of the light projected by one or more of the projection systems. Preferably, the brightness of the light projected by one or more of the projection systems is adjusted so that the brightness of the light projected by each projection system is uniform.

The image projected by each of the projection systems may be a test image which is used to determine how the two or more projection systems should be configuring such that the image projected by each of the projection system are in co-operation on the display surface.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of projecting a 3-D image comprising the steps of:

d. providing two or more projection systems;

e. arranging the two or more projection systems into a first group and second group, wherein the first group and second group each comprise one or more projection systems;

f. arranging the first and second group of projection systems such that each group of projection systems can project an image on a display surface, wherein the first group of projection systems is arranged such that the first group of projection systems can project an image to a first position on the display surface and the second group of projection systems is arranged such that the second group of projection systems can project an image to a second position on the display surface, wherein the first and second positions off-set from one another;

g. configuring the first and second group of projection systems such that the first and second group of projection systems alternately project onto the display surface.

Preferably, the first and second positions are off-set from one another by an amount required to form 3-D image on the display surface. Preferably, the off-set is substantially equal to the average distance between a human's left eye and a humans right eye. Preferably, the off set is between 3 cm-11 cm. More preferably, the off set is between 5 cm-9 cm.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a projection system, which is configured to project an image which is co-operable with images projected by one or more other projection systems, wherein the projection system comprises:

h. a detector operable to detect characteristics of images projected by the projection system and the one or more other projection systems and

i. a controller operable to adjust the projection system and/or the one or more other projection systems, based on the characteristics of the images detected by the detector, such that the images projected by each projection system co-operate on a display surface.

The controller may be operable to adjust a reflective surface within projection system and/or to adjust a reflective surfaces within the one or more other projection systems, based on the characteristics of the images detected by the detector, such that the images projected by each projection system co-operate on the display surface.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a projector arrangement comprising a plurality of projection systems according to the previous paragraph.

The detector may be configured to detect at least one of the characteristics of the images selected from the group of comprising; the position of the image on the display surface; the size of the image on the display surface; the brightness of the image.

The detector may comprise a CCD camera or a CMOS camera or a photodiode.

The controller may be operable to adjust a projection system, based on the characteristics of the images detected by the detector, to change the size, position, and/or brightness of the image projected by the projection system.

The controller may be operable to adjust the projection systems such that the images projected by the projection systems co-operate by overlapping. The controller may be operable to adjust the projection systems such that the images projected by each projection systems co-operate by aligning. Preferably, the controller is operable to off-set a reflective surface of a projection system. For example, a first projection system may project a first image onto a display surface and second projection system may project the same image onto a different position on display surface. Each of the first and second projection systems project images in the same manner: light pulses each corresponding to an image pixel, are generated in a light source of the each projection system; a reflective surface in each projection system, in the form of a MEMS micro mirror, is oscillated about two orthogonal oscillation axis by means of an AC voltage actuation signal which is applied to piezoelectric actuators which co-operate with the MEMS micro mirrors, to scan the light pulses in a zig-zag pattern across the display surface to display the image on the display surface pixel-by-pixel. The first projection system is a projection system according to the present invention. The detector of the first projection system detects the position on the display surface of the images projected by the first and second projection systems. Subsequently, the controller adjusts the AC voltage actuation signals which are applied to piezoelectric actuators in the first projection system, by applying a DC off-set to AC voltage actuation signal, thereby causing the first projection system to project its image to a defined location on the display surface. The controller of the first projection system communicates wirelessly (or with wire) with the second projection system and sends a command to the second projection system to apply a DC off-set to its AC voltage actuation signal, causing the second projection system to also project its image to the defined location on the display surface. Accordingly, the image projected by the first projection system and the image projected by the second projection system overlap on the display surface. Overlapping the images projected by the projections systems will provide for image or increased brightness visible on the display screen. Alternatively, the controller can adjust each projection system such that the images projected by each projection system are in alignment on the display surface. Alternatively, it is also possible for each of the projections systems to comprise its own detector and a controller. The detector and controller of each projections system can co-operate with the detectors and controllers of the other mobile phones to achieve the desired co-operation of the images on the display surface. Alternatively, if each of the projections systems comprises a detector and controller, then the detector and controller of one of the projections systems may be designated as the “master” and the detectors and controllers of the other mobile phone designated as the “slaves”. The master detector and controller may effect adjustment of the projection systems in the other mobile phones.

The controller may be operable to adjust one or more projection systems such that the size of the image projected by each projection system is altered. Preferably, the controller is operable to modifying the amplitude at which a reflective surface in each of the one or more projection systems, oscillate. For example, the detector can detect the size of the image projected by the two projection systems and subsequently the controller can adjust each projection system such that they each project the same size of image, by for example, modifying the amplitude at which a reflective surface in each of the two projection systems, oscillate.

The controller may be operable to modifying the modulation of a light source in one or more projection systems.

The controller may be operable to adjust the brightness of the light projected by a projection system. The controller may be operable to adjust the brightness of the light projected by each of the projection systems. Preferably, the controller is operable to adjust the brightness of the light projected by one or more projection systems such that brightness of the light is projected by each the projection system is uniform.

The controller may be operable to calculate an optimum position on the display surface for projection of the image. Projecting the image at the optimum position will minimise required overall adjustment of the projection systems in order to achieve the desired co-operation of the images on the display surface.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a projection system, which is configured to project an image which is co-operable with images projected by one or more other projection systems, wherein the projection system comprises:

j. a receiver, configured to receive commands from a controller of another projection system.

Preferably, the receiver is configured to receive commands from a controller of a projection system according to any of the above-mentioned projection systems.

The projection system may comprise a controller configured to execute the commands received.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a mobile device comprising any of the above-mentioned projection systems.

The mobile device may be at least one selected from the group comprising, a mobile phone, digital camera, laptop computer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1provides a perspective view of four mobile phones2,4,6,8. Each of the mobile phones2,4,6,8comprises a projection system102,104,106,108which projects an image12,14,16,18onto a display surface10. The four mobile phones2,4,6,8each have a different orientation, accordingly, the positions of their respective projected images12,14,16,18on the display surface10is different.

FIG. 1aprovides a perspective view of the projection system102,104,106,108which each mobile phone2,4,6,8comprises. As shown in the figure the projection system102,104,106,108comprises a beam combiner800, a beam splitter403and two packages405,407each of which houses a micro mirror (not shown) which can deflect light from the beam splitter to the display screen (not shown).

FIG. 2illustrates one possible configuration for the features which are common to each projection system102,104,106,108of each mobile phone2,4,6,8. Each projection system comprises a light source120which comprises a red122, green124and blue126lasers, each of which provides light which is combined in a beam combiner128to generate light pulses4. Each light pulse4corresponds to a pixel of an image130(or video) to be projected onto the display surface10. Each projection system102,104,106,108comprises a housing70which comprises a fixed reflective element121and a MEMS micro mirror132supported therein. The MEMS micro mirror132is configured to oscillate about two orthogonal oscillation axes134,136.

During operation light pulses4pass from the beam combiner128to the fixed reflective element121via a transparent window in the housing70. The light pulses4are deflected by the fixed reflective element121to the MEMS micro-mirror132. The MEMS micro-mirror132deflects the light pulses4to the display surface10, via a second transparent window107in the housing70, allowing the reproduction of the image130(or video) on the display surface10. As the MEMS micro-mirror132deflects the light pulses4to the display surface10it oscillates to about its two orthogonal oscillation axes134,136. By oscillating, the micro-mirror132within the projection systems102,104,106,108will continuously scan the light pulses in a zig-zag pattern over the display surface10so that the 2-D image is displayed on the display surface10, pixel-by-pixel.

The MEMS micro-mirror132is actuated to oscillate about its two orthogonal oscillation axes134,136by an AC voltage actuation signal which is applied to piezoelectric actuators (not shown) which co-operate with the MEMS micro mirror132to oscillate it about its two orthogonal oscillation axes134,136.

An alternative to the configuration illustrated inFIG. 2, each projection system102,104,106,108may be configuration as illustrated inFIG. 3. In the configuration shown inFIG. 3, instead of having one micro-mirror which oscillates about two orthogonal axis, two MEMS micro mirrors103,105are provided, each MEMS micro mirror103,105is arranged to oscillate about a single oscillation axis9,11and wherein the axes of oscillation9,11of the MEMS micro mirrors103,105are perpendicular. The projection system102,104,106,108operates in a similar fashion to the projection system illustrated inFIG. 2, except that the first MEMS micro-mirror103oscillates about oscillation axis9to cause the light pulses4to be deflected along the horizontal and a second MEMS micro-mirror105oscillates about oscillation axis11to cause the light pulses4to be deflected along the vertical. The combined effect of the two oscillating MEMS micro-mirrors103,105is to scan the light pulses4in a zig-zag pattern over the display surface10so that the 2-D image130is displayed on the display surface10, pixel-by-pixel. As was the case for the configuration shown inFIG. 2, each MEMS micro-mirror103,105is actuated by an AC voltage actuation signal which is applied to piezoelectric actuators (not shown) which co-operate with each of the MEMS micro mirrors103,105to oscillate them about their respective oscillation axis9,11.

In the present example, the projection systems102,104,106,108of each of the mobile phones2,4,6,8, shown inFIG. 1each comprise a MEMS micro-mirror which is configured to oscillate about two orthogonal oscillation axes (i.e., each projection system has the configuration shown inFIG. 2). Accordingly, each of the projection systems102,104,106,108project their images12,14,16,18in the same manner: light pulses4corresponding to image pixels, are generated in a light source120of the projection system; a MEMS micro mirror132, in each projection system102,104,106,108, is oscillated about its two orthogonal oscillation axes134,136by means of an actuation signal (usually an AC voltage) applied to piezoelectric actuators (not shown) which co-operate with the MEMS micro mirror132, to scan the light pulses4in a zig-zag pattern across the display surface10to display the image130on the display surface.

Referring once again toFIG. 1; the projection system102, contained in mobile phone2, further comprises a detector22and a controller24. The detector22is operable to detect characteristics of the images12,14,16,18projected by the projection systems102,104,106,108of each mobile phone2,4,6,8. In the present embodiment the detector22is operable to detect, the position of each image12,14,16,18on the display surface10, the brightness of each image12,14,16,18and the dimensions of each image12,14,16,18. It will be understood that the detector22could be configured to detect other characteristics of each image12,14,16,18in addition to image's position, brightness and dimensions. In the present embodiment the detector22is a CCD or CMOS camera or a photodiode, however it will be understood that the detector22may take any other suitable form.

The controller24is operable to adjust the projection system102, and the projection systems104,106,108in the other mobile phones4,6,8, based on the characteristics of the images12,14,16,18detected by the detector22. The controller24is in wireless communication (as illustrated by zig-zag arrows) with the projections systems104,106,108of the other mobile phones4,6,8, via a wireless communication means (not shown). In order to adjust the projection systems104,106,108of the other mobile phones4,6,8, the controller24sends adjustment commands to the projection systems104,106,108of the other mobile phones4,6,8, via the wireless communication means. The projection systems104,106,108in each of the other mobile phones4,6,8, comprise a receiver40,60,80which receives adjustment commands sent by the controller24. It is also possible for projection system102,104,106,108of each of the mobile phones2,4,6,8to comprise its own detector22and a controller24. The detector22and controller24of each mobile phone can co-operate with the detectors22and controllers24of the other mobile phones to achieve the desired co-operation of the images on the display surface. Alternatively, if each of the projection system102,104,106,108of each of the mobile phones2,4,6,8comprises a detector22and controller24, then the detector22and controller24of one of the mobile phones2,4,6,8may be designated as the “master” and the detectors22and controllers24of the other mobile phone designated as the “slaves”. The “master” detector22and controller24may effect adjustment of the projection systems102,104,106,108in the other mobile phones2,4,6,8.

The brightness of each of the images12,14,16,18visible on the display surface10is limited by the maximum brightness of the light which can be provided by the light source120in each projection system102,104,106,108. Overlapping the images12,14,16,18projected by each projection system102,104,106,108on the display surface10will display a single, brighter image, on the display surface10.

To achieve overlapping of the images12,14,16,18on the display surface10a user may simply orientate the mobile phones2,4,6,8so that their respective projection systems102,104,106,108each project to the same position on the display surface10. Accordingly, if the projection system102,104,106,108of each mobile phone2,4,6,8projects the same image12,14,16,18the images will overlap so that a single image is visible on the screen. As the single image is formed by the light projected by all four of the projection systems102,104,106,108the displayed single image will appear brighter on the display surface10.

Alternatively, to achieve overlapping of the images12,14,16,18, the detector22in projection system102detects the position of each of the images12,14,16,18on the display surface10. The detector22also detects the brightness of each image and the dimensions of each image12,14,16,18. The detector22passes image position information, image size information and image brightness information, for each of the images12,14,16,18, to the controller24.

Based on the image position information provided by the detector22, the controller24calculates an optimum position on the display surface10at which the images12,14,16,18, should be overlapped. The optimum position is the position on the display surface10which is closest to each of the projected images (i.e., the average position); therefore, overlapping the images12,14,16,18at the optimum position which will ensure minimal overall adjustment of the projection systems102,104,106,108is required in order to achieve the desired overlapping of images12,14,16,18on the display surface10. In the present example the controller24has calculated that the optimum position on the display surface10for overlapping of images12,14,16,18is position30. Accordingly, the controller24will adjust each of the projection systems102,104,106,108such that they each project their respective images12,14,16,18to position30on the display surface10.

To adjust the projection system102such that it projects its image12to position30on the display surface, the controller24adjusts the AC voltage actuation signal, which is applied to piezoelectric actuators (not shown) that oscillate the MEMS micro-mirror132within the projection system102about the two oscillation axes134,136, to include a DC off-set. It will be understood that the actuators may take any suitable form and are not limited to piezoelectric actuators; for example the actuators may be magnetic, electrostatic, thermal, or electro-magnetic. The application of a DC off-set to the AC voltage actuation signal causes off-setting of the position of the MEMS micro mirror132so that the image12is projected to position30on the display surface10. Comparing the current position of the image12with the optimum position30, the controller24calculates the amplitude of DC off-set to be applied to the AC voltage actuation signal.

To adjust the other projection systems104,106,108such that they each project their respective images14,16,18to position30on the display surface10, the controller24sends an adjustment command, via the wireless communication means, to each of the other projection systems104,106,108. The adjustment commands are received by the receivers40,60,80of each projection system104,106,108. Each adjustment command, when executed within the projection system104,106,108, will effect adjustment of the AC voltage actuation signal, which is applied to piezoelectric actuators (not shown) to oscillate the respective MEMS micro-mirrors132within each projection system104,106,108about the two oscillation axes134,136, to include a DC off-set. In each projection system104,106,108the application of a DC off-set to the AC voltage actuation signal causes off-setting of the position of the MEMS micro mirror132within that projection system104,106,108so that the projection system104,106,108projects its image14,16,18to position30on the display surface10. For each projection system104,106,108the required amplitude of DC off-set to be applied to the AC voltage actuation signal is calculated by the controller24by comparing the current position of the image14,16,18projected by that projection system104,106,108, with the optimum position30. As each mobile phone2,4,6,8has a different orientation, the MEMS micro mirror132of each projection system104,106,108will require a different adjustment, consequently the amplitude of DC off-set to be applied to the AC voltage actuation signal in each projection system104,106,108will be different for each projection system104,106,108.

Once the required DC off-set has been applied to the AC voltage actuation signal in each projection system102,104,106,108, the projection system102,104,106,108of each mobile phone2,4,6,8will project their respective images12,14,16,18to the same position on the display surface (i.e., to optimum position30) so that the images12,14,16,18overlap at optimum position30.

To display a single image of increased brightness the overlapping images12,14,16,18should each be the same size. To adjust the size of the image12,14,16,18projected by a projection system102,104,106,108, the controller24adjusts the amplitude of the AC voltage actuation signal which is applied to piezoelectric actuators to oscillate the MEMS micro-mirrors132within each projection system102,104,106,108. Based on the image size information provided by the detector22the controller24calculates an optimum image size. The optimum image size will be the average size of each of the four projected images12,14,16,18, thus will be the image size which can most efficiently be achieved as it will required the least overall adjustment of the projection systems102,104,106,108. For each projection system102,104,106,108, using the image size information provided by the detector22, the controller24determines whether that projection system102,104,106,108should be adjusted to increase the size of the image12,14,16,18, or adjusted to decrease the size of the image12,14,16,18, to achieve the optimum image size.

To increase the size of an image12,14,16,18the controller24increases the amplitude of the AC voltage actuation signal, which is applied to piezoelectric actuators to oscillate the MEMS micro-mirror132within that projection system102,104,106,108. Increasing the amplitude of the actuation signal increases the amplitude of oscillations of the MEMS micro-mirror132about at least one of its oscillation axes134,136(e.g. the oscillation axis about which the MEMS micro mirror132oscillates to scan light along the horizontal). Increasing the amplitude of the oscillations of the MEMS micro-mirror132about at least one of its oscillation axes134,136will ensure light is scanned across a larger area of the display surface10, thus the image12,14,16,18will be projected over a larger area of the display surface10to provide a larger image. Conversely, to decrease the size of an image12,14,16,18the controller24decreases the amplitude of the AC voltage actuation signal which is applied to piezoelectric actuators to oscillate the MEMS micro-mirror132within that projection system102,104,106,108. Decreasing the amplitude of the AC voltage actuation signal decreases the amplitude of oscillation of the MEMS micro-mirror132about at least one of its oscillation axes134,136(e.g., the oscillation axis about which the MEMS micro mirror132oscillates to scan light along the horizontal). Decreasing the amplitude of oscillations of the MEMS micro-mirror132about at least one of its oscillation axes134,136will ensure light is scanned across a smaller area of the display surface10, thus the image12,14,16,18will be projected over a smaller area of the display surface10to provide a smaller image.

Based on the size information for the images12,14,16,18provided by the detector22, the controller24calculates the size adjustment required for each image12,14,16,18so that each image has a size equal to the optimum image size. In the present example the optimum image size is illustrated as a dashed line at position30of the display surface10. To achieve the optimum image size the image12projected by projection system102should be reduced in size and images14,16, and18projected by projection systems104,106,108should each be increased in size. Based on the size information for the images12,14,16,18provided by the detector22, the controller24calculates the reduction in image size required for image12and equates this reduction in image size to a required reduction in amplitude for the AC voltage actuation signal used to oscillate the MEMS micro-mirror132. The controller24subsequently reduces the amplitude of the AC voltage actuation signal in projection system102accordingly. Based on the size information provided by the detector22, the controller24also calculates the increase in image size required for each of images14,16,18and equates each increase in image size to a required increase in amplitude for the AC voltage actuation signals used in each projection system104,106,108to oscillate the MEMS micro-mirror132. The controller24subsequently sends adjustment commands to each of projection systems104,106,108which affect the required increase in the amplitudes of the AC voltage actuation signals when executed within the respective projection system104,106,108. Once the amplitudes of the MEMS mirror actuation signals in each projection system102,104,106,108have been adjusted by the controller24, the same sized image12,14,16,18will be projected by each of the projection systems102,104,106,108at optimum position30on the display surface10.

Additionally, or alternatively, the size of the image12,14,16,18projected by a projection system102,104,106,108may be adjusted by changing the modulation of the light source120in the projection system102,104,106,108. The controller24may increase the rate at which light pulses are generated by the light source120within a projection system102,104,106,108to decrease the size of the image12,14,16,18projected by that projection system102,104,106,108. An increase in the rate at which light pulses4are generated causes successive light pulses4to reach the MEMS micro mirror132of a projection system102,104,106,108at a faster rate which in turn means that successive light pulses4are projected to the display surface10at a faster rate. Since each light pulse4corresponds to a pixel of the projected image12,14,16,18, the pixels will be closer together on the display surface10as the time between consecutive light pulses4is less and the speed of oscillation of the MEMS micro mirror has remained unchanged. Accordingly, a smaller image12,14,16,18will be visible on the display surface10. Furthermore, given that the light pulses4are generated at a higher rate the light pulses4corresponding to each a row of pixels are projected onto the display surface10before the MEMS micro mirror132has completed an oscillation. Accordingly, the row of pixels will be displayed over a smaller span of the display surface10. The same will be true for each row of pixels. Accordingly, the image12,14,16,18will be displayed over a smaller area of the display surface10.

Optionally, the speed of oscillation of the MEMS micro mirror132within each projection system102,104,106,108may also be adjusted to compensate for the effects of laser modulation. For example, the speed of oscillation of the MEMS micro mirror132may be increased to ensure that the distance between successive pixels is not reduced by an increase in the rate at which the light source120generates light pulses4.

It will be understood that each projection system102,104,106,108could be simultaneously adjusted by the controller24for image size and image position.

FIG. 4provides a perspective view of the mobile phones after each projection system102,104,106,108of each mobile phone2,4,6,8has been adjusted to project an image of the same size (optimum size) to the optimum position30. Each of the projection systems102,104,106,108projects the same image onto the display surface10. Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 4, the image projected by each projection system overlaps on the display surface to display a single image31at position30. The single image31has an overall brightness which is greater than the brightness of an image which could be projected by any of the projection systems102,104,106,108alone. The overlapping of the images on the display surface10allows the light projected by each projection system102,104,106,108to be combined on the display surface10, to form a brighter image31.

Instead of adjusting each projection system102,104,106,108so that the projected images overlap on the display surface10, the controller24may alternatively adjust each projection systems102,104,106,108so that the projected images are in alignment on the display surface10. As illustrated inFIG. 5, the images12,14,16,18projected by each projection system102,104,106,108align on the display surface10to form a single, larger complete image41. The images12,14,16,18projected by each projection system102,104,106,108each form a different part of the complete image41; image12projected by projection system102forms the bottom left quarter of the complete image41, image14projected by projection system104forms the top left quarter of the complete image41, image16projected by projection system106forms the bottom right quarter of the complete image41, image18projected by projection system108forms the top right quarter of the complete image41. The images12,14,16,18combine, similar to pieces of a jig-saw, to display a single complete image41on the display surface10. The resulting image displayed on the display surface10is larger than an image (of the same brightness) which could be projected by any of the projection systems102,104,106,108alone.

The controller24adjusts each projection system102,104,106,108so that the images12,14,16,18projected by each projection system102,104,106,108precisely align on the display surface10. Precise alignment of the projected images12,14,16,18ensures that the complete image41, is without gaps, spaces or borders (For example, there exists no gap between image12and any of the other images14,16,18). Using the position information provided by the detector22, the controller24adjusts each projection system102,104,106,108so that each projection system102,104,106,108projects an image to a desired position on the display surface10. The controller24adjusts each projection system102,104,106,108in a similar manner as previously described (i.e. by adjusting AC voltage actuation signal actuation signals used to oscillate the MEMS micro-mirror132, to include a DC off-set), to achieve alignment of the projected images12,14,16,18.

As well as adjustment of the projection systems for image size and position, the controller24may further adjust each projection system102,104,106,108such that the brightness of each image projected by each projection system102,104,106,108is the same. This is particularly useful when the images projected by each projection system102,104,106,108are to be aligned rather than overlapped, as it allows for the complete image41visible on the projection display surface10to have a uniform brightness.

Based on the brightness of each image12,14,16,18detected by the detector22, the controller24can determine the adjustment required for each projection system102,104,106,108such that each projection system102,104,106,108projects an image at a predetermined brightness. The predetermined brightness may be the average of the brightness of all the projected images12,14,16,18detected by the detector22. The controller24adjusts the light source120within the projection system102to increase or decrease the brightness of the projected light to the predetermined brightness. For projection systems104,106,108the controller24sends adjustment commands to each of the projection systems104,106,108which when executed adjusts the light sources120within each of the projection systems104,106,108to increase or decrease the brightness of the projected light to the predetermined brightness.

Various modifications and variations to the described embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiment.