Display system with sequential color and wobble device Number:7,086,736 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent A display system for displaying an image includes a modulator configured to produce a light beam that sequentially bears a plurality of color image sub-frames, where each color image sub-frame corresponds to one color in a plurality of colors; display optics configured to display the light beam such that the plurality of color image sub-frames are successively displayed to form the image; and a wobbling device configured to displace the light beam between display of each of the color image sub-frames such that a color image sub-frame corresponding to each color in the plurality of colors is displayed in each of a number of image sub-frame locations.<H sequential, Display, Display, system, , 7086736.html, Patent, pto, 7086736

Title: Display system with sequential color and wobble device

Abstract: A display system for displaying an image includes a modulator configured to produce a light beam that sequentially bears a plurality of color image sub-frames, where each color image sub-frame corresponds to one color in a plurality of colors; display optics configured to display the light beam such that the plurality of color image sub-frames are successively displayed to form the image; and a wobbling device configured to displace the light beam between display of each of the color image sub-frames such that a color image sub-frame corresponding to each color in the plurality of colors is displayed in each of a number of image sub-frame locations.

Patent Number: 7,086,736 Issued on 08/08/2006 to Collins, et al.

Inventors: Collins; David C. (Philomath, OR), Aufranc, Jr.; Richard E. (Albany, OR)
Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (Houston, TX)

Appl. No.: 10/762,086

Filed: January 20, 2004

Current U.S. Class: 353/30 ; 348/743; 353/84

Current International Class: G03B 21/26 (20060101); G03B 21/14 (20060101); H04N 9/12 (20060101)

Field of Search: 353/30,31,84,94 348/742,743,745,771,806

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Primary Examiner: Perkey; W. B.
Assistant Examiner: Blackman; Rochelle

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A display system for displaying an image, comprising: a modulator configured to produce a light beam that sequentially bears a plurality of color image sub-frames, wherein each color image sub-frame corresponds to one color in a plurality of colors; display optics configured to display said light beam such that said plurality of color image sub-frames are successively displayed to form said image; and a wobbling device configured to displace said light beam between display of each of said color image sub-frames such that a color image sub-frame corresponding to each color in said plurality of colors is displayed in each of a number of image sub-frame locations.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: an image processing unit configured to process image data defining said image and generate said image sub-frames; and a sequential color device configured to shine a color light beam on a face of said modulator, said color light beam having a color that sequentially rotates through said plurality of colors; wherein said modulator is configured to modulate said color light beam according to said number of color image sub-frames to produce said light beam bearing said plurality of color image sub-frames.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of color image sub-frames comprises a number of color image sub-frames equal to said number of image sub-frame locations multiplied by a number of colors in said plurality of colors.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein said number of image sub-frame locations comprises: a first image sub-frame location; and a second image sub-frame location; wherein said second image sub-frame location is spatially offset by an offset distance from said first image sub-frame location.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein said offset distance comprises a vertical offset distance and a horizontal offset distance, said second image sub-frame location being vertically offset from said first image sub-frame location by said vertical offset distance and horizontally offset from said first image sub-frame location by said horizontal offset distance.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein said vertical offset distance is and said horizontal offset distance are substantially equal to one-half of a pixel.

7. The system of claim 4, wherein said offset distance comprises a vertical offset distance, said second image sub-frame location being vertically offset from said first image sub-frame location by said vertical offset distance.

8. The system of claim 4, wherein said offset distance comprises a horizontal offset distance, said second image sub-frame location being horizontally offset from said first image sub-frame location by said horizontal offset distance.

9. The system of claim 4, wherein said successive display of said plurality of color image sub-frames comprises alternately displaying said plurality of color image sub-frames in said first image sub-frame location and in said second image sub-frame location.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein said plurality of colors comprises a first color, a second color, and a third color.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein said wobbling device is further configured to displace said light beam between the display of each of said plurality of color image sub-frames in a manner wherein, in the following order: a first color image sub-frame corresponding to said first color is displayed in said first image sub-frame location; a first color image sub-frame corresponding to said second color is displayed in said second image sub-frame location; a first color image sub-frame corresponding to said third color is displayed in said first image sub-frame location; a second color image sub-frame corresponding to said first color is displayed in said second image sub-frame location; a second color image sub-frame corresponding to said second color is displayed in said first image sub-frame location; and a second color image sub-frame corresponding to said third color is displayed in said second image sub-frame location.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein said plurality of colors comprises a first color, a second color, a third color, and a fourth color.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein said wobbling device is further configured to displace said light beam between the display of each of said plurality of color image sub-frames in a manner wherein, in the following order: a first color image sub-frame corresponding to said first color is displayed in said first image sub-frame location; a first color image sub-frame corresponding to said second color is displayed in said second image sub-frame location; a first color image sub-frame corresponding to said third color is displayed in said first image sub-frame location; a first color image sub-frame corresponding to said fourth color is displayed in said second image sub-frame location; a second color image sub-frame corresponding to said first color is displayed in said second image sub-frame location; a second color image sub-frame corresponding to said second color is displayed in said first image sub-frame location; a second color image sub-frame corresponding to said third color is displayed in said second image sub-frame location; and a second color image sub-frame corresponding to said fourth color is displayed in said first image sub-frame location.

14. The system of claim 3, wherein said number of image sub-frame locations comprises: a first image sub-frame location; a second image sub-frame location; a third image sub-frame location; and a fourth image sub-frame location.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein: said second image sub-frame location is spatially offset by a first offset is distance from said first image sub-frame location; said third image sub-frame location is spatially offset by a second offset distance from said second image sub-frame location; and said fourth image sub-frame location is spatially offset by a third offset distance from said third image sub-frame location.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein: said first offset distance comprises a vertical offset distance and a horizontal offset distance, said second image sub-frame location being vertically offset from said first image sub-frame location by said vertical offset distance and horizontally offset from said first image sub-frame location by said horizontal offset distance; said second offset distance comprises said vertical offset distance, said third image sub-frame location being vertically offset from said second image sub-frame location by said vertical offset distance; and said third offset distance comprises said vertical offset distance and said horizontal offset distance, said fourth image sub-frame location being vertically offset from said first image sub-frame location by said vertical offset distance and horizontally offset from said third image sub-frame location by said horizontal offset distance.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein said vertical offset distance and said horizontal offset distance are substantially equal to one-half of a pixel.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein said successive display of said plurality of color image sub-frames comprises alternately displaying said plurality of color image sub-frames in said first, second, third, and fourth image sub-frame locations.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein said plurality of colors comprises a first color, a second color, and a third color.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein said wobbling device is is further configured to displace said light beam between the display of each of said plurality of color image sub-frames in a manner wherein, in the following order: a first color image sub-frame corresponding to said first color is displayed in said first image sub-frame location; a first color image sub-frame corresponding to said second color is displayed in said second image sub-frame location; a first color image sub-frame corresponding to said third color is displayed in said third image sub-frame location; a second color image sub-frame corresponding to said first color is displayed in said fourth image sub-frame location; a second color image sub-frame corresponding to said second color is displayed in said first image sub-frame location; a second color image sub-frame corresponding to said third color is displayed in said second image sub-frame location; a third color image sub-frame corresponding to said first color is displayed in said third image sub-frame location; a third color image sub-frame corresponding to said second color is displayed in said fourth image sub-frame location; a third color image sub-frame corresponding to said third color is displayed in said first image sub-frame location; a fourth color image sub-frame corresponding to said first color is displayed in said second image sub-frame location; a fourth color image sub-frame corresponding to said second color is displayed in said third image sub-frame location; and a fourth color image sub-frame corresponding to said third color is displayed in said fourth image sub-frame location.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein said wobbling device is further configured to displace said light beam between the display of each of said plurality of color image sub-frames in a manner wherein, in the following order: a first color image sub-frame corresponding to said first color is displayed in said first image sub-frame location; a first color image sub-frame corresponding to said second color is displayed in said second image sub-frame location; is a first color image sub-frame corresponding to said third color is displayed in said first image sub-frame location; a second color image sub-frame corresponding to said first color is displayed in said second image sub-frame location; a second color image sub-frame corresponding to said second is displayed in said first image sub-frame location; a second color image sub-frame corresponding to said third color is displayed in said second image sub-frame location; a third color image sub-frame corresponding to said first color is displayed in said third image sub-frame location; a third color image sub-frame corresponding to said second color is displayed in said fourth image sub-frame location; a third color image sub-frame corresponding to said third color is displayed in said third image sub-frame location; a fourth color image sub-frame corresponding to said first color is displayed in said fourth image sub-frame location; a fourth color image sub-frame corresponding to said second color is displayed in said third image sub-frame location; and a fourth color image sub-frame corresponding to said third color is displayed in said fourth image sub-frame location.

22. The system of claim 1, wherein said modulator comprises a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) array.

23. The system of claim 1, wherein said modulator comprises a micromirror array.

24. The system of claim 1, wherein said wobbling device comprises a galvanometer mirror.

25. The system of claim 2, wherein said sequential color device comprises a color wheel.

26. A display system for displaying an image, comprising: a modulator configured to produce a light beam that sequentially bears a plurality of color image sub-frames, said plurality of color image sub-frames divided into a number of groups of first, second, and third color image sub-frames of different colors; display optics configured to display said light beam such that said plurality of color image sub-frames are successively displayed to form said image; and a wobbling device configured to displace said light beam such that said first and second image sub-frames in each of said number of groups are displayed in one of a number of image sub-frame locations and said third image sub-frame in each of said number of groups is displayed in another of said number of image sub-frame locations.

27. The system of claim 26, further comprising: an image processing unit configured to process image data defining said image and generate said image sub-frames; and a sequential color device configured to shine a color light beam on a face of said modulator, said color light beam having a color that sequentially rotates through said plurality of colors; wherein said modulator is configured to modulate said color light beam according to said number of color image sub-frames to produce said light beam bearing said plurality of color image sub-frames.

28. The system of claim 26, wherein said number of groups is equal to said number of image sub-frame locations.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein said number of image sub-frame locations comprises: a first image sub-frame location; a second image sub-frame location; a third image sub-frame location; and a fourth image sub-frame location.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein: said second image sub-frame location is spatially offset by a first offset distance from said first image sub-frame location; said third image sub-frame location is spatially offset by a second offset distance from said second image sub-frame location; and said fourth image sub-frame location is spatially offset by a third offset distance from said third image sub-frame location.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein: said first offset distance comprises a vertical offset distance and a horizontal offset distance, said second image sub-frame location being vertically offset from said first image sub-frame location by said vertical offset distance and horizontally offset from said first image sub-frame location by said horizontal offset distance; said second offset distance comprises said vertical offset distance, said third image sub-frame location being vertically offset from said second image sub-frame location by said vertical offset distance; and said third offset distance comprises said vertical offset distance and said horizontal offset distance, said fourth image sub-frame location being vertically offset from said first image sub-frame location by said vertical offset distance and horizontally offset from said third image sub-frame location by said horizontal offset distance.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein said vertical offset distance and said horizontal offset distance are substantially equal to one-half of a pixel.

33. The system of claim 30, wherein said number of groups comprises a first, second, third, and fourth group of color image sub-frames.

34. The system of claim 33, wherein said wobbling device is further configured to displace said light beam such that: said first and second color image sub-frames in said first group are displayed in said first image sub-frame location; said third color image sub-frame in said first group is displayed in said third image sub-frame location; said first and second color image sub-frames in said second group are displayed in said second image sub-frame location; said third color image sub-frame in said second group is displayed in said fourth image sub-frame location; said first and second color image sub-frames in said third group are displayed in said fourth image sub-frame location; said third color image sub-frame in said third group is displayed in said second image sub-frame location; said first and second color image sub-frames in said fourth group are displayed in said third image sub-frame location; and said third color image sub-frame in said fourth group is displayed in said first image sub-frame location.

35. The system of claim 33, wherein said wobbling device is further configured to displace said light beam such that: said first and second color image sub-frames in said first group are displayed in said first image sub-frame location; said third color image sub-frame in said first group is displayed in said fourth image sub-frame location; said first and second color image sub-frames in said second group are displayed in said second image sub-frame location; said third color image sub-frame in said second group is displayed in said third image sub-frame location; said first and second color image sub-frames in said third group are displayed in said third image sub-frame location; said third color image sub-frame in said third group is displayed in said second image sub-frame location; said first and second color image sub-frames in said fourth group are displayed in said fourth image sub-frame location; and said third color image sub-frame in said fourth group is displayed in said first image sub-frame location.

36. The system of claim 26, wherein: said first image sub-frame in each of said groups comprises a red color image sub-frame; said second image sub-frame in each of said groups comprises a blue color image sub-frame; and said third image sub-frame in each of said groups comprises a green color image sub-frame.

37. A method of displaying an image, said method comprising: producing a light beam that sequentially bears a plurality of color image sub-frames with a modulator, wherein each color image sub-frame uniquely corresponds to one color in a plurality of colors; displaying said light beam such that said plurality of color image sub-frames are successively displayed to form said image; and displacing said light beam between display of each of said color image sub-frames such that a color image sub-frame corresponding to each color in said plurality of colors is displayed in each of a number of image sub-frame locations.

38. The method of claim 37, further comprising: processing image data defining said image and generating said image sub-frames; shining a color light beam on a face of said modulator, said color light beam having a color that sequentially rotates through said plurality of colors ; and modulating said color light beam according to said number of color image sub-frames to produce said light beam bearing said plurality of color image sub-frames.

39. The method of claim 37, wherein said plurality of color image sub-frames comprises a number of color image sub-frames equal to said number of image sub-frame locations multiplied by said plurality of colors.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein said number of image sub-frame locations comprises: a first image sub-frame location; and a second image sub-frame location; wherein said second image sub-frame location is spatially offset by an offset distance from said first image sub-frame location.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein said offset distance comprises a vertical offset distance and a horizontal offset distance, said second image sub-frame location being vertically offset from said first image sub-frame location by said vertical offset distance and horizontally offset from said first image sub-frame location by said horizontal offset distance.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein said vertical offset distance and said horizontal offset distance are substantially equal to one-half of a pixel.

43. The method of claim 40, wherein said offset distance comprises a vertical offset distance, said second image sub-frame location being vertically offset from said first image sub-frame location by said vertical offset distance.

44. The method of claim 40, wherein said offset distance comprises a horizontal offset distance, said second image sub-frame location being horizontally offset from said first image sub-frame location by said horizontal offset distance.

45. The method of claim 40, wherein said step of displaying said light beam comprises alternately displaying said plurality of color image sub-frames in said first image sub-frame location and in said second image sub-frame location.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein said plurality of colors comprises a first color, a second color, and a third color.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein said step of displaying said light beam comprises, in the following order: displaying a first color image sub-frame corresponding to said first color in said first image sub-frame location; displaying a first color image sub-frame corresponding to said second color in said second image sub-frame location; displaying a first color image sub-frame corresponding to said third color in said first image sub-frame location; displaying a second color image sub-frame corresponding to said first color in said second image sub-frame location; displaying a second color image sub-frame corresponding to said second color in said first image sub-frame location; and displaying a second color image sub-frame corresponding to said third color in said second image sub-frame location.

48. The method of claim 45, wherein said plurality of colors comprises a first color, a second color, a third color, and a fourth color.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein said step of displaying said light beam comprises, in the following order: displaying a first color image sub-frame corresponding to said first color of said first group in said first image sub-frame location; displaying a first color image sub-frame corresponding to said second color of said first group in said second image sub-frame location; displaying a first color image sub-frame corresponding to said third color in said first image sub-frame location; displaying a first color image sub-frame corresponding to said fourth color in said second image sub-frame location; displaying a second color image sub-frame corresponding to said first color in said second image sub-frame location; displaying a second color image sub-frame corresponding to said second color in said first image sub-frame location; is displaying a second color image sub-frame corresponding to said third color in said second image sub-frame location; and displaying a second color image sub-frame corresponding to said fourth color in said first image sub-frame location.

50. The method of claim 39, wherein said number of image sub-frame locations comprises: a first image sub-frame location; a second image sub-frame location; a third image sub-frame location; and a fourth image sub-frame location.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein: said second image sub-frame location is spatially offset by a first offset distance from said first image sub-frame location; said third image sub-frame location is spatially offset by a second offset distance from said second image sub-frame location; and said fourth image sub-frame location is spatially offset by a third offset distance from said third image sub-frame location.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein: said first offset distance comprises a vertical offset distance and a horizontal offset distance, said second image sub-frame location being vertically offset from said first image sub-frame location by said vertical offset distance and horizontally offset from said first image sub-frame location by said horizontal offset distance; said second offset distance comprises said vertical offset distance, said third image sub-frame location being vertically offset from said second image sub-frame location by said vertical offset distance; and said third offset distance comprises said vertical offset distance and said horizontal offset distance, said fourth image sub-frame location being vertically offset from said first image sub-frame location by said vertical offset distance and horizontally offset from said third image sub-frame location by said horizontal offset distance.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein said vertical offset distance and said horizontal offset distance are substantially equal to one-half of a pixel.

54. The method of claim 51, wherein said step of displaying said light beam comprises alternately displaying said plurality of color image sub-frames in said first, second, third, and fourth image sub-frame locations.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein said plurality of colors comprises a first color, a second color, and a third color.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein said step of displaying said light beam comprises, in the following order: displaying a first color image sub-frame corresponding to said first color in said first image sub-frame location; displaying a first color image sub-frame corresponding to said second color in said second image sub-frame location; displaying a first color image sub-frame corresponding to said third color in said third image sub-frame location; displaying a second color image sub-frame corresponding to said first color in said fourth image sub-frame location; displaying a second color image sub-frame corresponding to said second color in said first image sub-frame location; displaying a second color image sub-frame corresponding to said third color in said second image sub-frame location; displaying a third color image sub-frame corresponding to said first color in said third image sub-frame location; displaying a third color image sub-frame corresponding to said second color in said fourth image sub-frame location; displaying a third color image sub-frame corresponding to said third color in said first image sub-frame location; displaying a fourth color image sub-frame corresponding to said first color in said second image sub-frame location; is displaying a fourth color image sub-frame corresponding to said second color in said third image sub-frame location; and displaying a fourth color image sub-frame corresponding to said third color in said fourth image sub-frame location.

57. The method of claim 55, wherein said step of displaying said light beam comprises: displaying a first color image sub-frame corresponding to said first color in said first image sub-frame location; displaying a first color image sub-frame corresponding to said second color in said second image sub-frame location; displaying a first color image sub-frame corresponding to said third color in said first image sub-frame location; displaying a second color image sub-frame corresponding to said first color in said second image sub-frame location; displaying a second color image sub-frame corresponding to said second color in said first image sub-frame location; displaying a second color image sub-frame corresponding to said third color in said second image sub-frame location; displaying a third color image sub-frame corresponding to said first color in said third image sub-frame location; displaying a third color image sub-frame corresponding to said second color in said fourth image sub-frame location; displaying a third color image sub-frame corresponding to said third color in said third image sub-frame location; displaying a fourth color image sub-frame corresponding to said first color in said fourth image sub-frame location; displaying a fourth color image sub-frame corresponding to said second color in said third image sub-frame location; and displaying a fourth color image sub-frame corresponding to said third color in said fourth image sub-frame location.

58. The method of claim 37, wherein said modulator comprises a liquid crystal on silicon (LOOS) array.

59. The method of claim 37, wherein said modulator comprises a micromirror array.

60. The method of claim 37, wherein said wobbling device comprises a galvanometer mirror.

61. The method of claim 37, wherein said generating a light beam is performed with a color wheel.

62. A method of displaying an image, comprising: producing a light beam that sequentially bears a plurality of color image sub-frames, said plurality of color image sub-frames divided into a number of groups of first, second, and third color image sub-frames of different colors; displaying said light beam such that said plurality of color image sub-frames are successively displayed to form said image; and displacing said light beam such that said first and second image sub-frames in each of said number of groups are displayed in one of a number of image sub-frame locations and said third image sub-frame in each of said number of groups is displayed in another of said number of image sub-frame locations.

63. The method of claim 62, further comprising: processing image data defining said image and generating said image sub-frames; shining a color light beam on a face of said modulator, said color light beam having a color that sequentially rotates through said plurality of colors ; and modulating said color light beam according to said number of color image sub-frames to produce said light beam bearing said plurality of color image sub-frames.

64. The method of claim 62, wherein said number of groups is equal to said number of image sub-frame locations.

65. The method of claim 64, wherein said number of image sub-frame locations comprises: a first image sub-frame location; a second image sub-frame location; a third image sub-frame location; and a fourth image sub-frame location.

66. The method of claim 65, wherein: said second image sub-frame location is spatially offset by a first offset distance from said first image sub-frame location; said third image sub-frame location is spatially offset by a second offset distance from said second image sub-frame location; and said fourth image sub-frame location is spatially offset by a third offset distance from said third image sub-frame location.

67. The method of claim 66, wherein: said first offset distance comprises a vertical offset distance and a horizontal offset distance, said second image sub-frame location being vertically offset from said first image sub-frame location by said vertical offset distance and horizontally offset from said first image sub-frame location by said horizontal offset distance; said second offset distance comprises said vertical offset distance, said third image sub-frame location being vertically offset from said second image sub-frame location by said vertical offset distance; and said third offset distance comprises said vertical offset distance and said horizontal offset distance, said fourth image sub-frame location being vertically offset from said first image sub-frame location by said vertical offset distance and horizontally offset from said third image sub-frame location by said horizontal offset distance.

68. The method of claim 67, wherein said vertical offset distance and said horizontal offset distance are substantially equal to one-half of a pixel.

69. The method of claim 68, wherein said number of groups comprises a first, second, third, and fourth group of color image sub-frames.

70. The method of claim 69, wherein said step of displaying said light beam comprises: displaying said first and second color image sub-frames of said first group in said first image sub-frame location; displaying said third color image sub-frame of said first group in said third image sub-frame location; displaying said first and second color image sub-frames of said second group in said second image sub-frame location; displaying said third color image sub-frame of said second group in said fourth image sub-frame location; displaying said first and second color image sub-frames of said third group in said fourth image sub-frame location; displaying said third color image sub-frame of said third group in said second image sub-frame location; displaying said first and second color image sub-frames of said fourth group in said third image sub-frame location; and displaying said third color image sub-frame of said fourth group in said first image sub-frame location.

71. The method of claim 69, wherein said step of displaying said light beam comprises: displaying said first and second color image sub-frames of said first group in said first image sub-frame location; displaying said third color image sub-frame of said first group in said fourth image sub-frame location; displaying said first and second color image sub-frames of said second group in said second image sub-frame location; displaying said third color image sub-frame of said second group in said third image sub-frame location; displaying said first and second color image sub-frames of said third group in said third image sub-frame location; displaying said third color image sub-frame of said third group in said second image sub-frame location; displaying said first and second color image sub-frames of said fourth group in said fourth image sub-frame location; and displaying said third color image sub-frame of said fourth group in said first image sub-frame location.

72. The method of claim 62, wherein: said first image sub-frame in each of said groups comprises a red color image sub-frame; said second image sub-frame in each of said groups comprises a blue color image sub-frame; and said third image sub-frame in each of said groups comprises a green color image sub-frame.

73. A system for displaying an image, said system comprising: means for producing a light beam that sequentially bears a plurality of color image sub-frames, wherein each color image sub-frame corresponds to one color in a plurality of colors; means for displaying said light beam such that said plurality of color image sub-frames are successively displayed to form said image; and means for displacing said light beam between display of each of said plurality of color image sub-frames such that a color image sub-frame corresponding to each color in said plurality of colors is displayed in each of a number of image sub-frame locations.

74. A system for displaying an image, comprising: means for producing a light beam that sequentially bears a plurality of color image sub-frames, said plurality of color image sub-frames divided into a number of groups of first, second, and third color image sub-frames of different colors; means for displaying said light beam such that said plurality of color image sub-frames are successively displayed to form said image; and means for displacing said light beam such that said first and second image sub-frames in each of said number of groups are displayed in one of a number of image sub-frame locations and said third image sub-frame in each of said number of groups is displayed in another of said number of image sub-frame locations.

Description

BACKGROUND

Many image display systems, such as monitors, projectors, or other image display systems, exist to display a still or motion picture video image. Viewers evaluate image display systems based on many criteria such as image size, contrast ratio, color purity, brightness, pixel color accuracy, and resolution. Pixel color accuracy and resolution are particularly important metrics in many display markets because the pixel color accuracy and resolution can limit the clarity and size of a displayed image.

A conventional image display system produces a displayed image by addressing an array of pixels arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns. Because pixels have a rectangular shape, it can be difficult to represent a diagonal or curved edge of an object in a image that is to be displayed without giving that edge a stair-stepped or jagged appearance. Furthermore, if one or more of the pixels of the display system is defective; the displayed image will be affected by the defect. For example, if a pixel of the display system exhibits only an "off" position, the pixel may produce a solid black square in the displayed image. The undesirable results of pixel geometry and pixel inaccuracy are accentuated when the displayed image is projected onto a large viewing surface in color.

Many display systems create a full color display with a single modulator by creating three or more modulated images in primary colors (red, green, and blue) per video frame. The primary colors are typically derived from a white light source using a color wheel, prism, or some other color filter. The modulated images are sequentially displayed at a high rate so as to create a full color image in the human visual system. Thus, this method of generating a full color display is called "sequential color." However, in some sequential color systems, undesirable visual artifacts such as flicker may occur during the display of an image.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present invention and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary display system according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates the generation of a displayed image using sequential color according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary sequential color device according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary display system with an expanded view of exemplary functions inside the image processing unit according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 5A C illustrate that a number of image sub-frames may be generated for a particular image according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 6A B illustrate displaying a pixel from the first sub-frame in a first image sub-frame location and displaying a pixel from the second sub-frame in the second image sub-frame location according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 7A D illustrate that the sub-frame generation function may define four image sub-frames for an image frame according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 8A D illustrate displaying a pixel from the first sub-frame in a first image sub-frame location, displaying a pixel from the second sub-frame in a second image sub-frame location, displaying a pixel from the third sub-frame in a third image sub-frame location, and displaying a pixel from the fourth sub-frame in a fourth image sub-frame location according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment wherein the wobbling device shifts the display position of the image sub-frames between two image sub-frame locations.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary embodiment wherein the wobbling device vertically shifts the display position of the image sub-frames between two image sub-frame locations.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary embodiment wherein the wobbling device horizontally shifts the display position of the image sub-frames between two image sub-frame locations according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary embodiment wherein the wobbling device shifts the display position of the image sub-frames between four image sub-frame locations according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary alternative embodiment wherein the wobbling device shifts the display position of the image sub-frames between four image sub-frame locations such that two of the primary colors are displayed in the same image sub-frame location before the third primary color is displayed in a different image sub-frame location according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 illustrates another exemplary alternative embodiment wherein the wobbling device shifts the display position of the image sub-frames between four image sub-frame locations such that two of the primary colors are displayed in the same image sub-frame location before the third primary color is displayed in a different image sub-frame location according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 illustrates an second exemplary embodiment wherein the wobbling device shifts the display position of the image sub-frames between four image sub-frame locations.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present display system. It will be apparent; however, to one skilled in the art that the present display system may be practiced without these specific details. Reference in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearance of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

The term "display system" will be used herein and in the appended claims, unless otherwise specifically denoted, to refer to a projector, projection system, image display system, television system, video monitor, computer monitor system, or any other system configured to display an image. The image may be a still image, a series of images, or motion picture video. The term "image" will be used herein and in the appended claims, unless otherwise specifically denoted, to refer broadly to a still image, series of images, motion picture video, or anything else that is displayed by a display system.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary display system (100) according to an exemplary embodiment. The components of FIG. 1 are exemplary only and may be modified or changed as best serves a particular application. As shown in FIG. 1, image data is input into an image processing unit (106). The image data defines an image that is to be displayed by the display system (100). While one image is illustrated and described as being processed by the image processing unit (106), it will be understood by one skilled in the art that a plurality or series of images, or motion picture video, may be processed by the image processing unit (106). The image processing unit (106) performs various functions including controlling the illumination of a light source (101) and controlling a spatial light modulator (SLM) (103). The image processing unit (106) will be explained in more detail below.

As shown in FIG. 1, the light source (101) provides a beam of light to a sequential color device (102). The light source (101) may be, but is not limited to, a high pressure mercury lamp. The sequential color device (102) enables the display system (100) to display a color image. The sequential color device (102) may be a set of rotating prisms, a color wheel, or any other device capable of providing sequential color. Sequential color and the sequential color device (102) will be explained in more detail below.

Light transmitted by the sequential color device (102) is focused onto the spatial light modulator (SLM) (103) through a lens or through some other device (not shown). SLMs are devices that modulate incident light in a spatial pattern corresponding to an electrical or optical input. The terms "SLM" and "modulator" will be used interchangeably herein to refer to a spatial light modulator. The incident light may be modulated in its phase, intensity, polarization, or direction by the modulator (103). Thus, the SLM (103) of FIG. 1 modulates the light output by the sequential color device (102) based on input from the image processing unit (106) to form an image bearing beam of light that is eventually displayed by display optics (105) on a viewing surface (not shown). The display optics (105) may comprise any device configured to display or project an image. For example, the display optics (105) may be, but are not limited to, a lens configured to project and focus an image onto a viewing surface. The viewing surface may be, but is not limited to, a screen, television, wall, liquid crystal display (LCD), or computer monitor. Alternatively, the display optics may include a view surface onto which the image is projected.

The SLM (103) may be, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) array or a micromirror array. LCOS and micromirror arrays are known in the art and will not be explained in detail in the present specification. An exemplary, but not exclusive, LCOS array is the Philips.TM. LCOS modulator. An exemplary, but not exclusive, micromirror array is the Digital Light Processing (DLP) chip available from Texas Instruments.TM. Inc.

Returning to FIG. 1, before the display optics (105) display the image, the modulated light may be passed through a "wobbling" device (104), according to an exemplary embodiment. A wobbling device, as will be described in detail below, is a device that is configured to enhance image resolution and hide pixel inaccuracies. An exemplary, but not exclusive, wobbling device (104) is a galvanometer mirror. The wobbling device (104) may be integrated into the SLM (103) or some other component of the display system (100) in alternative embodiments.

FIG. 2 will be used to illustrate the generation of a displayed image using sequential color. In the example of FIG. 2, the sequential color device (102; FIG. 1) uses the three primary colors--red, green, and blue. As previously mentioned, a sequential color device (102; FIG. 1) used in combination with a modulator (103; FIG. 1) enables the display system (100; FIG. 1) to display an image in full color. Sequential color display systems take advantage of the relatively slow response time of the human eye to produce a full color image. Each frame period is divided into at least three periods. During each of these periods, a primary color image is produced. If the primary color images are produced in rapid succession, the eye will perceive a single full-color-image.

FIG. 2 shows the face (113) of a modulator at different times between t.sub.0 and t.sub.3. As shown in FIG. 2, only one color of light is shown on the modulator face (113) during each time period. For example, between times t.sub.0 and t.sub.1, the sequential color device (102; FIG. 1) causes red light (114) to be shown onto the modulator face (113). The modulator face (113) may be, but is not limited to, a LCOS panel or the surface of a micromirror array, for example. Consequently, during the first time period (t.sub.0 through t.sub.1), the modulator (103; FIG. 1) generates a red image. Between times t.sub.1 and t.sub.2, the sequential color device (102; FIG. 1) causes green light (115) to be shown onto the modulator face (113). During this second time period, the modulator (103; FIG. 1) generates a green image. Finally, between times t.sub.2 and t.sub.3, the sequential color device (102; FIG. 1) causes blue light (116) to be shown onto the modulator face (113). During this final time period, the modulator (103; FIG. 1) generates a blue image. The red, green, and blue images are then sequentially displayed to form the displayed, full-color image. The primary colors may be sequentially shown on the modulator face (113) for subsequent images that are to be displayed.

FIG. 2 shows three colors being used by the sequential color device (102; FIG. 1) for explanatory purposes only. In an alternative embodiment, more, fewer or different colors than just the primary colors may be sequentially shown on the modulator face (113) for an image that is to be displayed. For example, the sequential color device (102; FIG. 1) may break the light emitted from the light source (101; FIG. 1) into red, green, blue, yellow, and cyan colors. The number of colors used in a sequential color display system will vary as best serves a particular application.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary sequential color device (102), according to an exemplary embodiment. The sequential color device (102) of FIG. 3 is one of many different sequential color devices that may be used to effectuate sequential color in a display system. The exemplary sequential color device (102) of FIG. 3 is a color wheel that spins about a central axis. The color wheel is divided into a red (114) filter region, a green filter region (115), and a blue (116) filter region. Each filter region only allows its respective color of light to pass through the color wheel by blocking the transmission of undesired light wavelengths. For example, if a beam of white light is focused onto the red (114) filter region, only red light will be allowed to pass through the color wheel. The color wheel is configured to spin such that a sequence of red (114), green (115), and blue (116) light is passed to the modulator (103; FIG. 1). In other embodiments, the color wheel may provide these colors in a different sequence or a different set of sequential colors.

FIG. 4 illustrates the same display system (100) of FIG. 1 with an expanded view of exemplary functions inside the image processing unit (106). In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the image processing unit (106) comprises a frame rate conversion unit (150) and an image frame buffer (153). As described below, the frame rate conversion unit (150) and the image frame buffer (153) receive and buffer the image data to create an image frame corresponding to the image data. In addition, the image processing unit (106) m