A projector can include a projection lens that is positioned substantially one focal length away from a spatial light modulator. The projector may also include a non-imaging optic configured to illuminate the spatial light modulator. The non-imaging optic may include a light emitter and an etendue-preserving reflector. The projector can be configured to project an image created by the spatial light modulator at a distance using light from the non-imaging optic.

Claims

26 · 3 independent · depth 4

26 granted claims

›1.independentA projection device comprising:na first lens, the first lens having a first focal length and a first optical axis;a spatial light modulator positioned…+11

›2.↳ 1The projection device of claim 1, wherein the spatial light modulator is adjacent an output plane of the light source.d2

›3.↳ 1The projection device of claim 1, wherein the etendue-preserving reflector is configured to substantially direct a beam of light from the light source…d2

›4.↳ 1The projection device of claim 1, wherein the etendue-preserving reflector is configured to substantially direct a beam of light from the light source…d2

›5.↳ 1The projection device of claim 1, wherein the light source includes an array of light emitters.d2+3

›9.↳ 1The projection device of claim 1, wherein the spatial light modulator is transmissive.d2

›10.↳ 1The projection device of claim 1, wherein the spatial light modulator is controllable to create any of a plurality of patterns.d2

›11.↳ 1The projection device of claim 1, wherein the spatial light modulator includes a liquid crystal display panel or an array of interferometric modulator…d2

›12.↳ 1The projection device of claim 1, wherein the device does not include a mechanism for adjusting the focus of the device.d2

›13.independentA method of fabricating a projection device, the method comprising:nproviding a first lens, the first lens having a first focal length and a first opt…+11

›14.↳ 13The method of claim 13, wherein the spatial light modulator is provided adjacent an output plane of the light source.d2

›15.↳ 13The method of claim 13, wherein the etendue-preserving reflector is configured to substantially direct a beam of light from the light source into a cl…d2

›16.↳ 13The method of claim 13, wherein the etendue-preserving reflector is configured to substantially direct a beam of light from the light source into an a…d2

›17.↳ 13The method of claim 13, wherein the light source includes an array of light emitters.d2+3

›21.↳ 13The method of claim 13, wherein the spatial light modulator is transmissive.d2

›22.↳ 13The method of claim 13, wherein the spatial light modulator is controllable to create any of a plurality of patterns.d2

›23.↳ 13The method of claim 13, wherein the spatial light modulator includes a liquid crystal display panel or an array of interferometric modulators.d2

›24.↳ 13The method of claim 13, wherein the device does not include a mechanism for adjusting the focus of the device.d2

›25.independentA projection device comprising:nmeans for producing a beam of light, wherein the light beam production means includes means for preserving etendue of …+1

Classifications

5 codes

IPC · International Patent Classification

Section F — Mechanical engineering; lighting; heating; weapons

F21V33/00

Section G — Physics

G03B21/20
G03B21/00

Section H — Electricity

H04N9/31
H04N5/74

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Pendency

3.2 y

1,181 days filing → grant

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none on record

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3 RCE

Examiner

Laura Tso

art unit 2875 · TC 2800

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1 priority documents

›Priority documents — 1

Type	Document	Date
related publication	US 20130343053 A1	26 Dec 2013

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