Large-aperture, digital micromirror array-based imaging system
US6231195A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 19, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 15, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 19, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N5/7458
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method disclosed herein can be utilized in all DMA-based optical systems, such as imaging and projection devices, in order to improve light efficiency and brightness by a significant factor and maintain good contrast. This feature is especially important in night vision systems and other low light applications. A means is provided of masking a designated area of light collected by the system objective lens in order to eliminate light collected from "flat" or "off" state micromirrors that would degrade the image quality produced. The masked objective lens, with a larger aperture, enhances the light collection from micromirrors in the "on" state only.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.