Optimizing drive schemes for multiple projector systems

Abstract

Light projection systems and methods may comprise combining light from two or more projectors. Each projector may be controlled so that the combined light output of the projectors matches a target for the projected light. In some embodiments optimization is performed to generate image data and control signals for each of the projectors. Embodiments may be applied in image projecting applications, lighting applications, and 3D stereoscopic imaging.

1 - 68 . (canceled) 
     
     
         69 . A method for projecting a light pattern defined by image data, the method comprising:
 generating first modulated light by modulating light from a first light source using a first imaging element;   providing boost light;   further modulating the first modulated light and modulating the boost light; and   combining the modulated boost light and the further modulated first modulated light.   
     
     
         70 . A method according to  claim 69  wherein combining the modulated boost light and the further modulated first modulated light comprises projecting the modulated boost light and the further modulated first modulated light onto a surface. 
     
     
         71 . A method according to  claim 69  wherein the modulated boost light has a higher black level than the further modulated first modulated light. 
     
     
         72 . A method according to  claim 69  wherein the modulated boost light has a higher peak luminance than the further modulated first modulated light. 
     
     
         73 . A method according to  claim 69  wherein the modulated boost light has a lower dynamic range than the further modulated first modulated light. 
     
     
         74 . A method according to  claim 69  wherein further modulating the first modulated light and modulating the boost light are both performed with a second imaging element. 
     
     
         75 . A method according to  claim 69  wherein further modulating the first modulated light and modulating the boost light both apply the same modulation. 
     
     
         76 . A method according to  claim 75  comprising evenly illuminating a surface of the second imaging element with the boost light. 
     
     
         77 . A method according to  claim 69  wherein providing the boost light comprises controlling an output of light by a boost light source. 
     
     
         78 . A method according to  claim 77  wherein controlling an output of light by the boost light source is based at least in part on a contrast of the image data. 
     
     
         79 . A method according to  claim 78  comprising determining the contrast of the image data by processing an image histogram for the image data. 
     
     
         80 . A method according to  claim 69  comprising dimming the first modulated light in combination with providing the boost light. 
     
     
         81 . A method according to  claim 69  comprising processing the image data to identify any dark patches that exceed a threshold size and, in response to identifying the dark patches that exceed the threshold size, turning off the boost light. 
     
     
         82 . A method according to  claim 75  comprising non-evenly illuminating a surface of the second imaging element with the boost light. 
     
     
         83 . A method according to  claim 69  wherein providing the boost light comprises operating a boost light source separate from the first light source. 
     
     
         84 . A method according to  claim 69  wherein providing the boost light comprises directing light from the first light source onto a second light modulator. 
     
     
         85 . A method according to  claim 84  wherein directing light from the first light source onto the second light modulator comprises controlling a variable beam splitter. 
     
     
         86 . A method according to  claim 69  comprising processing the image data to determine a lowest luminance level present and providing the boost light at a level corresponding to the lowest luminance level. 
     
     
         87 . A method according to  claim 69  comprising processing the image data to simulate veiling luminance, determining a lowest perceptible luminance level present in the image and providing the boost light at a level corresponding to the lowest perceptible luminance level. 
     
     
         88 - 117 . (canceled)