Optical image generators using miniature display panels

Abstract

Designs of optical image generators are described, where an optical image generator is to produce images of light intensities from image data. According to one aspect of the present invention, an exemplary optical image generator includes a microdisplay comprising one or more display panels. All of the panels are formed by dividing an array of such elements into corresponding groups, hence all are self aligned. Elements in each of the groups are covered with a layer of homogeneous colored pigments or color filter. Three groups of the elements produce three colored images that are then converted into optical images for being projected into a light waveguide.

I claim: 
     
         1 . An optical image generator comprising:
 a substrate;   at most three two-dimensional panels including:
 a first array of self-illuminated elements; 
 a second array of self-illuminated elements; and 
 a third array of self-illuminated elements, wherein the first array, the second array and third array of self-illuminated elements are deposed on the substrate and next to each other in parallel, the self-illuminated elements in the first array, the second array, and the third array are respectively deposed with a layer of first homogeneous color filters, second homogeneous color filters and third homogeneous color filters, the first, second and third array of self-illuminated elements are driven by a circuit receiving image data, the first array, the second array, and the third array of self-illuminated elements each display a first monochromatic image, a second monochromatic image, and a third monochromatic image, all contents in the first monochromatic image, the second monochromatic image, and the third monochromatic image are identical but in different colors, the first monochromatic image, the second monochromatic image, and the third monochromatic image are next to each other in parallel; and 
   a set of mirrors, each of the mirrors deposed above, facing at an angle, one of the first array, the second array, and the third array of self-illuminated elements, wherein the first, the second and the third monochromatic images from the first array, the second array, and the third array are registered optically via an arrangement of the mirrors and reproduce a full color optical image when combined via the mirrors.   
     
     
         2 . The optical image generator as recited in  claim 1 , wherein each of the mirrors produces one of the first, the second and the third monochromatic images from a displayed image on the first array, the second array, and the third array of self-illuminated elements. 
     
     
         3 . The optical image generator as recited in  claim 2 , wherein each of the mirrors reflects one monochromatic image at 90 degrees. 
     
     
         4 . The optical image generator as recited in  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a focusing mechanism disposed to capture the three monochromatic images and project the combined full color optical image into a light bar.   
     
     
         5 . The optical image generator as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the focusing mechanism includes a collimator provided to collimate the three monochromatic images. 
     
     
         6 . The optical image generator as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first array, the second array, and the third array of self-illuminated elements are self-aligned on the substrate but displaced with respect to each other. 
     
     
         7 . The optical image generator as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the first, the second and the third monochromatic images are registered optically. 
     
     
         8 . The optical image generator as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the angle is 45 degrees, at least one of the mirrors is a deflector, another one of the mirrors is coated with a type of material being reflective for one color and transmissive for another color. 
     
     
         9 . The optical image generator as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first homogeneous color filters, second homogeneous color filters and third homogeneous color filters are based on three primary colors. 
     
     
         10 . The optical image generator as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the three primary colors are red, green and blue. 
     
     
         11 . The optical image generator as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the first array, the second array, third array of self-illuminated elements and the first homogeneous color filters, second homogeneous color filters, third homogeneous color filters are integrated in form of cuboid. 
     
     
         12 . The optical image generator as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the elements are either μOLED or μLED. 
     
     
         13 . The optical image generator as recited in  claim 1 , coupled to an active optical cable and receiving the image data therefrom. 
     
     
         14 . The optical image generator as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the active optical cable includes at least two wires to energize the optical image generator and at least one optical fiber transmitting image data and control signals. 
     
     
         15 . The optical image generator as recited in  claim 14 , wherein the image data and control signals are provided from an enclosure wearable by a user, the active optical cable couples the optical image generator to the enclosure to receive the image data and control signals therefrom.