Projection display

Abstract

A system and method for displaying an image using projection optics is disclosed. In one embodiment, a projector comprises an array of display elements, each display element comprising a first layer which is at least partially reflective and a second layer which is at least partially reflective and spaced a variable distance from the first layer, a controller configured to change the variable distances of the display elements based on image data representing an image, a light source configured to illuminate the array of display elements, and at least one lens configured to refract light reflected by or transmitted through the array so as project the image.

1 . A projector comprising:
 an array of display elements, each display element comprising a first layer which is at least partially reflective and a second layer which is at least partially reflective and spaced a variable distance from the first layer;   a controller configured to change the variable distances of the display elements based on image data representing an image;   a light source configured to illuminate the array of display elements; and   at least one lens configured to refract light reflected by or transmitted through the array so as project the image.   
     
     
         2 . The projector of  claim 1 , wherein each display element is configured to reflect at least a first wavelength of light at a first variable distance and to not reflect the first wavelength of light at a second variable distance different from the first variable distance. 
     
     
         3 . The projector of  claim 1 , wherein each display element is configured to transmit at least a first wavelength of light at a first variable distance and to not transmit the first wavelength of light at a second variable distance different from the first variable distance. 
     
     
         4 . The projector of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one lens is configured to refract light reflected by the array so as to project the image. 
     
     
         5 . The projector of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one lens is configured to refract light transmitted through the array so as to project the image. 
     
     
         6 . The projector of  claim 1 , further comprising a housing which houses the array, controller, light source, and lens. 
     
     
         7 . The projector of  claim 6 , further comprising a screen housed by the housing, and wherein the lens is configured to project the image onto the screen. 
     
     
         8 . The projector of  claim 6 , wherein the lens is configured to project the image onto a screen which is not housed by the housing. 
     
     
         9 . The projector of  claim 1 , further comprising a memory storing the image data. 
     
     
         10 . The projector of  claim 1 , further comprising an input port receiving image data from an external source. 
     
     
         11 . The projector of  claim 1 , further comprising a focus controller configured to change a focus of the at least one lens. 
     
     
         12 . A method of projection, the method comprising:
 illuminating an array of display elements, each display element comprising a first layer which is at least partially reflective and a second layer which is at least partially reflective and spaced a variable distance from the first layer;   changing the variable distances of the display elements based on image data representing an image; and   refracting light reflected by or transmitted through the array so as project the image.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein refracting light comprises refracting light reflected by the array so as to project the image. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein refracting light comprises refracting light transmitted through the array so as to project the image. 
     
     
         15 . An apparatus comprising:
 means for illuminating an array of display elements, each display element comprising a first layer which is at least partially reflective and a second layer which is at least partially reflective and spaced a variable distance from the first layer;   means for changing the variable distances of the display elements based on image data representing an image; and   means for refracting light reflected by or transmitted through the array so as project the image.   
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the means for illuminating comprises at least one of a light source or light source optics, wherein the means for changing comprises at least one of a processor, controller, or driving circuit, or wherein the means for refracting comprises at least one of a lens or projection optics.