Stereoscopic Light Recycling Device And Method For Construction

Abstract

A stereoscopic light recycling device is provided. A beam splitter receives image light and is positioned at an angle to a source of the image light. A phase shifting optic is positioned at an angle non-perpendicular to the image light from the beam splitter. The phase shifting optic and the beam splitter are in optical alignment and the angle of the phase sifting optic is dependent on a surface of the phase shifting optic and a distance between the source of the image light and a screen on which the image light is projected.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A stereoscopic light recycling device, comprising:
 a beam splitter on which image light is received and positioned at an angle to a source of the image light; and   a phase shifting optic positioned at an angle non-perpendicular to the image light from the beam splitter, wherein the phase shifting optic and the beam splitter are in optical alignment and the angle of the phase sifting optic is dependent on a surface of the phase shifting optic and a distance between the source of the image light and a screen on which the image light is projected.   
     
     
         2 . A stereoscopic light recycling device according to  claim 1 , wherein the surface of the phase shifting optic is one of uniform and non-uniform. 
     
     
         3 . A stereoscopic light recycling device according to  claim 1 , wherein the non-uniform surface of the phase shifting optic is configured via computer-ray tracing simulators. 
     
     
         4 . A stereoscopic light recycling device according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a chassis configured to house the beam splitter and phase shifting optic.   
     
     
         5 . A stereoscopic light recycling device according to  claim 4 , wherein each of the beam splitter and phase shifting optic are directly affixed to the chassis or affixed to at least one support member within the chassis. 
     
     
         6 . A stereoscopic light recycling device according to  claim 1 , wherein the phase shifting optic is selected based on a distance of the projector from the screen and a size of the screen. 
     
     
         7 . A stereoscopic light recycling device according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a modulator positioned between the beam splitter and phase shifting optic, and the screen.   
     
     
         8 . A stereoscopic light recycling device according to  claim 1 , wherein a size of the phase shifting optic is dependent on a total light path distance from a focal lens point of the projector to the phase shifting optic and a desired minimum width/distance throw ratio. 
     
     
         9 . A stereoscopic light recycling device according to  claim 1 , wherein a shape of the phase shifting optic surface is one of adjustable, static, or a combination of adjustable and static. 
     
     
         10 . A stereoscopic light recycling device according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 one or more screws each inserted through at least a portion of the phase shifting optic at different locations.   
     
     
         11 . A method for constructing a stereoscopic light recycling device, comprising:
 positioning a beam splitter on which image light is received at an angle to a source of the image light; and   placing a phase shifting optic at an angle non-perpendicular to the image light from the beam splitter, wherein the phase shifting optic and the beam splitter are in optical alignment and the angle of the phase sifting optic is dependent on a surface of the phase shifting optic and a distance between the source of the image light and a screen on which the image light is projected.   
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 11 , wherein the surface of the phase shifting optic is one of uniform and non-uniform. 
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 11 , wherein the non-uniform surface of the phase shifting optic is configured via computer-ray tracing simulators. 
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 11 , further comprising:
 housing the beam splitter and phase shifting optic within a chassis.   
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 14 , wherein each of the beam splitter and phase shifting optic are directly affixed to the chassis or affixed to at least one support member within the chassis. 
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 11 , wherein the phase shifting optic is selected based on a distance of the projector from the screen and a size of the screen. 
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 11 , further comprising:
 positioning a modulator between the beam splitter and phase shifting optic, and the screen.   
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 11 , wherein a size of the phase shifting optic is dependent on a total light path distance from a focal lens point of the projector to the phase shifting optic and a desired minimum width/distance throw ratio. 
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 11 , wherein a shape of the phase shifting optic surface is one of adjustable, static, or a combination of adjustable and static. 
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 11 , further comprising:
 inserting one or more screws through at least a portion of the phase shifting optic at different locations.