EXHIBIT 2166EXHIBIT 2166
`
`

`
`(12) United States Patent
`Cowan et al.
`
`(54)
`
`(75)
`
`(73)
`
`(‘J
`
`CONIBINDIG P AND S RAYS FOR BRIGHT
`STEREOSCOPIC PROJECIION
`
`Inventors: Matt Cnwan, Bloomingdale (CA);
`Lenny Lipton, Los Angeles, CA (US):
`Jerry Carolin, Carlsbad, CA (US)
`
`Assignee: Ream l.nc., Beverly Hills, CA (US)
`
`W0
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`parent is extended or adjusted under 35
`USC. l54(b] by 761 days.
`
`
`Illllllllllllllllllllllllllllll
`US007851'45SB2
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,857,455 B2
`Dec. 28, 2010
`
`6.280.034 B1‘ @2001 Brcnncslioltz .... ..
`
`.. 351920
`
`(Continued)
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2Ul]6038?44 A
`4f2I‘.|06
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`(21; Appl. No.: 11:ss3,243
`Filed:
`Oct. 18, 2006
`Prior Publication Data
`
`(22)
`
`(55)
`
`Jun. 19, 2003
`
`US ZDOBIUI 43965 Al
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`G033 21.05
`353.920; 3533?‘; 35338; 353.998;
`l.|.S. CL
`353x99; 353.31; 3495; 349:7; 34-9:15; 3-19:18;
`3-I1-SW97; 3493106; 349fIl5; 349K117; 348542;
`34957; 34858; 348.59; 34550; 3593162;
`3593465; 359340; 359363‘, SSWFD; 359:’-I63;
`3593495; 3593496; 359.“-9?; 35360
`Field of Classification Seartel:
`3-l9.I'l5,
`349318, 67, 96,113, 114, [17, 89, 9?, 106,
`349:1 15, 5, 1; 353,13, 20, 30, 31, 98, 99;
`3-1-BM-2, 57, S8, 59, I50; 359.3462, 464, 4-65;
`352.u"60
`See application file for complete search history.
`Rcfu muons Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(51)
`
`(52}
`
`(53)
`
`($6)
`
`3.704.997 A
`4.792350 A "
`5.2?B,6SlJ A
`5.566.367 A
`S.9l'l',S68 A '
`5.993.004 A ‘
`6.252.624 Bl "
`
`t2.r1912 Smith
`I2.-‘I983 Liptoh etal. ..
`U199-I Knasawa
`|D.f1996 Mitsutakeetal.
`61'l999 Johnsotnetal.
`ll.n'l999 Moseleyelal.
`642001 Yuasaetnl.
`
`.. 34815?
`
`.. . .. .
`
`. . ..
`
`'3»49l‘ll6
`353$
`
`
`international Pnlim.inaryExami.na1ion Report for PCl'.I'L'S07I2 1823
`maiied May 14. 2009.
`
`(Continued)
`Primary Examtiu-r—-Georgia Y Epps
`Assistant E.ramr'ner~—S1:JtaI1 Chowdhuiy
`(74) Attorney Agent, or Firvi-r——B alter & Meilenzie LLP
`
`(5?)
`
`ABSTILQCT
`
`A multiple path stereoscopic projection system is disclosed.
`The system comprises a polarizing splitting element config-
`ured to receive image light energy and spljl the image light
`energy received into a primary path and a secotzidary path, a
`reflector in the secondary path, and a polarization modulator
`or polarization modulator a.rra.ngement positioned in the pri-
`mary path and configured to modulate the primal)-' path of
`light energy. A polarization modulator may be included
`within the secondary path, a retarder may be used, and
`optional devices that may be suooessfitlly employed in the
`system include elements to substantially optically superim-
`posc light energy transmission between paths and cleanup
`polarizters. The projection System can enhance the brightness
`ofstermscopic images pemeived by a viewer. Static pnlarirer
`dual projection implementations free of polarization modu-
`lators are also provided.
`
`13 Claims, 12 Drawing Sheets
`
`302
`
`
`
`
`
`REALD INC.
`
`Exhibit 2166-1
`
`MASTERIMAGE 3D, et aL V REALD INC.
`lPR20l5-00035
`
`

`
`US 7,857,455 B2
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMJ-_a'NTS
`
`91-'2I}06 Soneham
`200510215112 Al‘
`
`1.0.-"2006 Lihristsal eta].
`3591279
`2006711221429 A1‘
`912003 Schuck eta].
`200370225236 A1
`OTIIER PUBLICATIONS
`,
`,
`_
`European Appllcanm .\o.
`I}TBS2'?'05.B, Supplunnentary European
`-
`-
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`of cumsnt technologies"
`Di9P'3Y5 DWi=°5- DWP“ ""‘>“°“i°I=5- T°k3‘°- -'3 “°‘- ”« N°- 3-
`E$‘lIT|£l:3I?:I!:!;lflCC;1o‘I];lJ£)(|)Jl1 and writien opinion of inlernslioml
`searching authoriiy fo:1=L'm_Is07ms23 mailed Apx. 2, 2003.
`International search rcpcm and written opinion nf imamarionnl
`mulching authority for PC'l‘fUS07.I"?99S3 mailed Jul. 28. 2008.
`International preliminary repolt on pm-.uta1:.i11:y Em’ 111377115071
`7995: mailed Apcr.9 2009.
`‘
`‘ cited by examiner
`
`REALD INC.
`Exhibit 2166-2
`
`MASTERIMAGE 3D, et al. V REALD INC.
`IPR20l5—00035
`
`359F435
`353181
`. 353:8
`3495
`
`353:7
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`131'’ W001 1’=r1<1='==H*l-
`132
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`6,288,840
`5,775,327
`5,45-1.416
`6.547.396
`5,704,055
`7,003,070
`7,131,737
`7,204,592
`1251,45)
`7.270,416
`7.295.371
`7,7 53,531
`200110013971
`200510007537
`200510044516
`200010092380
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2010
`
`Sheet 1 of 12
`
`US 7,857,455 B2
`
`104
`
`106
`
`‘IA(PRIORART)
`FIG.
`
`REALD INC.
`
`Exhibit 2166-3
`
`MASTERIMAGE 3D, et al. V REALD INC.
`[PR20l5-00035
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2010
`
`Sheet 2 of 12
`
`Us 7,857,455 B2
`
`FIG.1B(PRIORART)
`
`1"E\-
`
`REALD INC.
`
`Exhibit 2166-4
`
`MASTERIMAGE 3D, et al. v REALD INC.
`[PR20l5-00035
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2010
`
`Sheet 3 of 12
`
`US 7,857,455 B2
`
`207
`
`208
`
`FIG.2(PRIORART)
`
`REALD INC.
`Exhibit 2166-5
`
`MASTERIMAGE 3D, et al. v REAL!) INC.
`[P112015-00035
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2010
`
`Sheet 4 a
`
`r 12
`
`US 7,857,455 B2
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`mom
`
`REALD INC.
`Exhibit 2166-6
`
`MASTERIMAGE 3D, et al. V REALD INC.
`IPR20 15-00035
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2010
`
`Sheet 5 of 12
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`US 7,857,455 B2
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`Exhibit ZI66-7
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`MASTERIMAGE 3D, et al. v REALD INC.
`[PR20l5-00035
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2010
`
`Sheet 6 of 12
`
`US 7,857,455 B2
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`REALD INC.
`Exhibit 2166-8
`
`MASTERIMAGE 3D, et al. v REALD INC.
`lPR20l5-00035
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2010
`
`Sheet 7 of 12
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`US 7,857,455 B2
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`Exhibit 2l66-9
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`MASTERIMAGE 3D, et al. v REALD INC.
`lPR20l5-00035
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`U.S. Patent
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`MASTERIMAGE 3D, et al. v REALD INC.
`[P112015-00035
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Dec. 23, 2010
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`Sheet 9 of 12
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`Exhibit 2166-] I
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`MASTERIMAGE 3D, et al. V REALD INC.
`lPR20l5-00035
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 28, 2010
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`Sheet 10 of 12
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`US 7,857,455 B2
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`Exhibit 2166-12
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`MASTERIMAGE 3D, et al. v REALD INC.
`lPR20l5-00035
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`U.S. Patent
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`Dec. 23, 2010
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`MASTERIMAGE 3D, et al. v REALD INC.
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`U.S. Patent
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`lPR20l5-00035
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`

`
`US 7,857,455 B2
`
`1
`COMBINING PAND S RAYS FOR BRIGHT
`SIEREOSCUPIC PROJECTION
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE lNVEN']'l0N
`
`'0
`
`15
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The field of the present invention is the display of stereo-
`scopic ntotion pictures, and more specifically to increasing
`image brightness in the projection of stereoscopic images.
`2. Description oftbe Related Art
`Stereoyaphic moving images are frequently transmitted
`using projection systems, including but not limited to the
`ZScreen® product available from R] D and StereoGraph—
`ics® Corporation. A primary concem relating to stereoscopic
`image projection is the low brightness of the image on the
`screen. The Zscreen and other similar approaches employ at
`least one absorption sheet polarizer for stereoscopic image
`selection, and in case, the brightness ofthe image is reduced
`by at least fifiy percent. In other worths, the stereoscopic
`image is less than half the brightness ofa projected planar
`image. Since analyzer polarifets aneuserl for image selarti on,
`the final brightnessresults from the losses oftwo psrallelaxes
`polarizers giving oonsiderablyless thanhalfthe planar bright-
`ness.
`One technique that has been employed to decrease the
`brightness loss due to projection tfiinspfllarizerimage selec-
`tion is to use high gain projection screens. This inetln-d can
`partially mitigate the loss in bright, but the fundamental
`light
`loss problem associated with absorption polarizers
`remains because sheet polarizers achieve their function by
`passing through light polarized along the polar'tzer‘s trans-
`mission axis and holding back the remainder ofthe light. The
`light held backheats the polarizer insteadof providing useful
`illurrtination.
`to address and overcome the
`It
`is therefore beneficial
`brightness issue present in previously known stereoscopic
`image selection tochniqucs for projection, and to provide a
`stereoscopic projection apparatus or design having improved
`brightness over devices exhibiting the light loss described 40
`herein.
`
`STIMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`According to a first aspect of the present design, there is 45
`provided an apparatus for projecting stereoscopic images.
`The apparatus comprises a polarizing splitting element con-
`figured to receive image light energy and split the image light
`energy received into a primary path (P path) of light energy
`along with a secondary path (5 path) of light energy. The 59
`apparatus further comprises a reflector configured to receive
`secottdary path light energy and direct reflected secondary
`path light energy toward a projection surface. A first polar-
`ization ntodulatoris employed. the first polarization modula-
`tor positioned in the primary path and configured to receive 55
`the primary path oflight energr, modulate the primary path of
`light energy into primary path light energy, and tra.nsr:nit
`primary path modulated light energy toward the surface or
`projection screen.
`A retarder and a seourttlztry pnlarizalittn modulator may he 60
`employed, the retarder configured to receive either the pri-
`mary or secondary path of light energy and transmit rotated
`primary or secondary path light energy, and the secondary
`polarization modulator positioned in the secondary path and
`configured lo receive the secondary path of light energy, 65
`modulate the secondary path of light energy into secontlary
`path polarized light energy, and transrnit secondary palh
`
`2
`modulated light energy toward a mirror or reflectirtg surface
`and then to the projection surface
`According to a secondaspect ofthe present design, there is
`provided a method of projecting stereoscopic images. The
`method comprises receiving image light energy, splitting the
`image light energy received into a priniary path of light
`energy transmitted along a primarypath and a secondary path
`of light energy transmitted along a secondary path. The
`method also comprises receiving secondary path light energy
`and directing reflected secondary palh light energy toward a
`surfitce and modulating the primary path of light energy into
`primary path modulated light energy, and transniirting pri-
`mary path modulated light energy toward the surface
`According to a third aspecl ofthe present design, there is
`provided an apparatus for projecting stereoscopic images.
`The apparatus comprises a splitter configured to split the
`image received into a primary path and a secondary path, a
`Ieflector positioned in the secondary pafli configured to
`reflect secondary path light energy, and a polarization modu-
`lator srrangemertt comprising at lst one polarization modu-
`lator positioned in the primary path and C0l'll'lg'Ll.l13d to modu-
`late the primary path of light
`r.-.nr:rgy'. The polarization
`modulator anangesnent additionally modulates secondary
`path light eriergy.
`According to a fourth aspect of the present design, there is
`provided an apparatus For pmjectirig stereoscopic irnagrfi.
`The apparatus otttnpt-is ti polarizing splitting clement con-
`figured to receive imagelight energy and split the image light
`energy received into it primary path oflight energy transmit-
`ted along a primary path and a secondary path of light energy
`transmitted along a secondary path, a reflector configured to
`receive path light energy from one ofpritrtary path energy and
`secondary path light energy and the path light energy toward
`a surfitce, and a static polarizer element configured to rotate
`one ofsaid primary path light energy and said secondary path
`light energy.
`These and other objects and advantages of the present
`invention will become apparent to those skilled inthe art Erom
`the following detailed description of the invention and the
`aocornpanying drawings.
`DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1A illustratesa previous single path projection system
`design;
`FIG. 1B shows the detailed construction and fiinctionality
`of :! polarization modulator usable in the present design,
`namely the Zscreen;
`FIG. 2 is a dual projection system for projecting stereo-
`scopic images that has been employed for many decades;
`FIG. 3 iiiustrata the novel dual path projection system of
`the present design;
`FIG. 4A represents ‘uncompensated projection of stereo-
`mpic images usingthe desigt of FIG. 3A having a reflective
`surface;
`FIG. 4B shows reflection of a reflective surface;
`FIG. 4C illustrates compensated projection using an
`altered, typically curved, refiective surface in the design of
`FIG. 3;
`FIG. 4D shows a deformable reflective surface or mirror
`that may beentployed in the design ofFIG. 3 to provide S and
`P beam transmissions such as is shown in FIG. 4C;
`FIG. 5A represents two dual pathprojection systems in an
`anangement similar to FIG. 2 but using two instances ofthe
`novel dual path projection design presented bereinin a circu-
`lar polarization arrangement employing polarization modu-
`lators;
`
`REALD INC.
`
`Exhibit 2166-15
`
`MASTERIMAGE 3D, et al. v REALD INC.
`lPR20l5-00035
`
`

`
`US 7,857,455 B2
`
`3
`FIG. 5B shows a linearpolarizer alternative to the design of
`FIG. 5A, using no polarizing modulators but operating in a
`different manner;
`FIG. 6A is an alternate embodiment including elements to
`equalize the primary and secondary path lengths of light
`energy in an embodiment designed to achieve the same ends
`as those delinted in FIG. 3;
`FIG. 5B represents a dual projection version ofthe embodi-
`ment of FIG. GA;
`FIG. 6C shows a linear polarizer alternative to the design of
`FIG. 6B, using no polarizing modulators but again operating
`in a fundamentally diflerent manner; and
`FIG. ‘I is a tabular compilation of various static pola.I'i‘ner
`design alternatives employable using the teachings provided
`herein.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF "II-ll-T. INVENTION
`
`The present do sign seeks to increase overall hriglitness l.'|'l a
`projected stereoscopic image using polarization for image
`selection. The system creates a dual path arrangement that
`can greatly increase the brightness ofthe image perceived by
`the vie'wer—in essence almost doubling the amount of light
`energy projected on the screen.
`A previous stereoscopic projection system is described in
`FIG. 1A. The dtnign ofl-'-‘SIG. 1A um a single projector having
`imaging surface llll and lens 102. Mounted in from of the
`projection lens 102 is a Zscreen as manufactured and sold for
`more than a decade by StereoGraphics Corp. The Zéicreen
`polarization modulator has been described in great detail in
`Lipton U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,350: which is hereby incorporated
`by reference. The image is produced using the field-sequem
`tial or time-multiplex formal for the viewing of stereoscopic
`computer generated and camera produced images and is well
`known and understood. Observer 106 wearing polarizing
`image selection eyewear 105 views the image projected on
`screen 104 and that screen has polarization conserving char-
`acteristics. The ZSCIMJ1 103 is described in greater detail in
`FIG. 1B and is used in conjunction with at least one embodi-
`ment of this disclosure. The projector produces a stream of
`allurlatirlg left and right image fields and lhese fields of
`perspective information are selected for the appropriate eye
`by means of polarization image sclection. The Zscrocn cloc-
`tro—optical polarization modulator switches its characteristics
`of polarization at field rate between left and right handed
`circularly polarized light and the eyewear Worn by the
`observer 1% use analyzers incorporating left and right
`handed cin::u]a.r polarizers.
`Note that in FIG. IA, as with every drawing presented
`herein, the drawing is specifically not to scale, either with
`respect to component sizes or the physical dimensional rela-
`tionship belween components. It is lo be appreciated that the
`drawings are intended to disclose and teach the inventive
`concepts disclosed herein and me dimensions and relation-
`ships between the elements presented are no! to scale.
`FJG. 11-} gives the detailed cunstruclion and funclionalily
`of the Zsereen or as it is also known, push—pull modulator.
`Ray 10'? is representative of a central ray (and all image
`forming rays) ofunpolarizecl light passing through device or
`i?.Screen 102. Ray 10'? passes through linear polarizer [I18
`whose axis is given by the doublerheaded arrowecl line 109.
`The Zscreen, to properly mfldulate received light energy,
`requires the input of linearly polarized light. The Zscreen is
`made up of two electro-optical cells, or pi-cells, also known
`as surface mode devices, one shown as pi—cell 111 with axis
`110, and the other as pi-cell 112 with axis 113. The pi—ceIls
`1 I1 and 112 are phase shifling devices and in this case they
`
`10
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`15
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`20
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`25
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`30
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`35
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`40
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`45
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`55
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`are tuned to quarter wave retardation so as to turn the linear
`polarized light input by polarizer 108 into circularly polarized
`lign that allernates belween left and right handediicss. 1::
`order to perform prnperly, the orientation of the parts and
`thciraires is as given in thedrawing and described herein. The
`parts are substantially or precisely coplanar and the axes of
`the pi-cells are orthogonal and bisected by the axis of the
`polariner. ln other words, the linear polarizer axis is at 45
`degrees to the axes ofthe picells.
`The pi-cells are electrically driven out ofpbase and pm-
`duce an effect similar or" identical to that of a quarter wave
`retarder rapidly rotated through 90 degrees. In this manner,
`well known in the art, linearly polarized light is turried into
`circularly polarized light and because of the effective tog-
`gling ofthe axes of the pi-cells, left and right handed circu-
`lurly polarized light is produced in synchrony with the field
`rate and image perspectives as projected.
`As used herein, electro-optical devices such as the Zscreen
`will hcgencricallyrezferred to as “elec'|10-optical polarization
`modulators" or simply "polarization modulators‘' P‘ola.rizers
`are a constituent component of the polarization modulator
`providing the roquired polarized light to cnnble modulator
`functionality. The polarization modulators disclosed herein
`are primarily elec‘|.ro-optical but other non-electro<Jptical
`devices may be employed.
`The polarizing device may be linear polarizers. circular
`pnlarizers, or a 2.1-lcreeu and are typically of the sheet polar-
`izer type. Other polarization producing devices may be used.
`By any one of these sheet polarizers (or polarization modu-
`lator devices as shown in FIG. 5B) the light ofeach projector
`is encoded with a certain specific polarization characteristic
`that can be analyzed by the eyewear or spectacles 203 such
`that each eye seen its appropriate perspective view. Each
`projector projects one of me two perspective views required
`for a stereoscopic image to be appreciated by observer 209.
`The manner of producing and projecting these stereoscopic
`images is well known in the art, and reference is made to, for
`CK&n'l]'Ile, Fbrrrrd'a'ri'orr.s' afrilm Stereoscopic (firrrrrrra by Lipton,
`published by \-*'anNost1and Reinhold, New York, 1982, which
`describes the general method of producing; and projecting
`stereoscopic images, the entirety of which is incorporated
`herein by reference. Projection in this manner, usually using
`sheet linear polariners, is extant in theme parks and location
`based entertainment venues.
`While the term "circular" is used herein with respect to the
`polarization, it is to be understood that with respect to polar-
`ization modulators such as the Zscreen, polarization is circu-
`lar at the desired wavelength and may be elliptical at other
`wavelengths. As used herein, the term “circular” or “circular
`polarization" or “c-irculnrly polarized" is inlended to cover
`any elliptical type of polarization, i.e. polarization at any
`wavelength under any guterally elliptical and non-linear
`polafimtion. It is understoodby those versed inthe art that by
`relatively simple means, linear and circular polarization
`states may he managed so as to convert one type into another
`and nothing in this discussion precludes the use ofone type
`when the other is referred to.
`The traditional method for proj ecting stereo scopic movies,
`first discussed morethan lllll years ago, is described with the
`help of FIG. 1. Two projectors are used in conjunction with
`polarizers 205 and 206, a polarization conserving screen 207,
`and audience members 208 wearing analyzing eyewear 209.
`The polarlzers 205 and 206 shown are known as static polar-
`izers and differ {mm the polarization modulators or Zscreen
`embodiments disclosed herein. The projectors are repre-
`sented, first for the left machine, by image surface 101, lens
`203, and polarizing device 205. For the right machine the
`
`REALD INC.
`
`Exhibit 2166-16
`
`MASTERIMAGE 3D, et al. v REALD INC.
`lPR20l5-00035
`
`

`
`US 7,357,455 B2
`
`5
`image surface is given by 201, the lens by 204, and the
`polarizing device by 206. When projecting stereoscopic
`images or movies. the device of FIG. 2 typically transmits
`images from image surface 201 and 202 at orthogonal axes,
`thereby producing the stereoscopic cfi"ec1.
`FIG. 3 illustrates the layout of the present apparatus. The
`projection system includes an imaging su.rface301 inside the
`projector and thc projection lens 302. Light from a source
`within the projector (not shown) is modulated by the imaging
`surface and sent to the projection lens.The light will generally
`be non-polarized exiting the lens, but in some instances, the
`light may be polarized to some extent. In a typical system, the
`light is cvcntually proj octcd through a polarization modulator
`(or modulators) 304 and 30'? such as the aforementioned
`ZScrocn to a projection sl.I.t‘fat.‘e 309, typically a projection
`screen. The system of FIG. 3 separates the light beam or light
`energy into two paths, a primary path P and a secondary path
`8, or more specifically into orthogonal polarization states
`using a polarizing splitter 303. Polarizing splitter 303 may be
`a polarizing beamsplitter such as a glass prism or MacNei.l.le
`prism, or a wire grid polarizer, or other device able to create
`P and S beams with substantially orthogonal polarition
`states. In such a case the P rays 31 0 project straight through
`the splitter 303 and have one polarization orientation, along a
`primary path, and the S rays 31] are reflected alonga second-
`ary path with orthogonal polarization to the P rays.
`Polarization ofthe S rays is, in one embodiment rotated by
`90 degrees using a half wave retarder 306. In an allemative
`embodiment, the S ray polarization remains non—rot.u1et:l:t.nd
`the Pray polar-1 tion is alternately rotated by placing the half
`wave retarder in the transmitted bcarn instead ofthc reflcctcd
`beam, or in other words, a halfwave retarder is placed afier
`the polarizing splitter 303 or between polarizing splitter 303
`and pmjeclittn screen 309.
`Rotation ofthe axes of the polarized beams, either P or S,
`is required in ordcr to make thc axes parallel. As employed
`herein, to clarify any issues regarding nomenclature, a beam
`designated as P or 5 indicates that beam comes from a splitter
`in that form, and ‘thus while the beam may be altered in form
`by retarders or other components, the beam originally was
`either transmitted or reflected in the format identified. In the
`case of FIG. 3, the circular polarization resulting from the
`polarization modulators’ action typically provides a rela-
`tively high dynamic range when analyzed provided that the
`linear components’ axes of the polarlzners and analyzers are
`orthogonal, which is relatively straightforward to manage as
`is known inthe art. ifthe S and P beamshave theiraxes
`orthogonal, the circularly polarized light outputtcd by the
`polarizing modulators or Zscreen will be made up of com-
`ponents of circularly polarized light partially made up of
`circularly polarized light whose maximum dynamic range
`may be analyzed at two positions orthogonal to each other. It
`is not possible to achieve this using the sheet polarizer ana-
`lyzers cllrrently available. Thus the axes of one beam must be
`rotated, but it is immaterial which so long as both enter the
`polarization modulators with axes parallel.
`Polarization bearnsplitters may in some circumstances not
`provide a sufficiently pure linear polarimrion and can require
`a “clean-up" polarizer 305, 315 also referred to herein as a
`static polarizler. Such a clean—up polarizer 305, 315 is gener-
`ally known in the art and is optional in the configuration
`shown or in other configurations. In general practice, the
`transmitted beam P has a high degree of purity, and the
`reflected beam 5 less so. In an embodiment of FIG. 3, the
`cleanup polarizer 305 is required only in the reflected (S) or
`secondary beam path, but may also be placed in the primary
`path (see, e.g., 315). Further, any clean-up polarizer may be
`
`15
`
`35
`
`-Ill
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`6
`placed in any location after Ihe polarizing beatnsplither or
`wire
`polarizer 303 in the device shown. For example,
`while clean-up polarizer 305 is shown betweentbe polarizing
`beamsplitter or wire grid polariner 303 and halfwave retarder
`306 in practice clean-up polarizer 305 may be positioned
`between 30".’ and 305, or in the Ppalh between303 and3‘l5 or
`315 and 304.
`Once the P and S beams have achieved a high degree of
`polarization, the beams are then modulated by the polariza-
`tion modulators or ?.'Screen.-: 304 and 307 in the manner
`tltaicribedin FIG. 1. At this point, the device is project ing two
`beams of light, the primary P beam and reflected beam or
`sccondazy S beam, respectively.
`The sccondarysbeamnoedstc bendintbedircction ofthe
`projection stzroen 309. A reflective sllrface such as a mirror
`308 (or other reflecting device such as aprism) can be used to
`do this bonding. The mirror 308 is tmpable ofadjustlng beam
`path angles such that the primary and secondary beams may
`be aligned prcciscly on the projection screen 309. At this
`point the path lengfltto the screen 309 is different for thetwo
`beams, andtbis will result in a difiisrence inmagnifisation and
`poor resultant image quality since the two images do not
`precisely overlap. The mirror 308 is therefore preferably
`defonnnhle to provide optical power, adjust for the difference
`in magnification of the two beams, and substantially match
`the magnification ofthe primary path and secondary path to
`strike the same position on the projection screen 309. The
`deformable mirror or reflective surface may be an wsentially
`planar flont surface mirror with a mechanical element 318
`capable ofpulling or pushing a point such as the center ofthe
`surface of the refioctive surface to form an approximation of
`an elliptical surface to provide the required optical power.
`More than one mechanical element may be employed and any
`rrteclianical element ernployud may be positioned anywhere
`around the refiective surface. The minor or reflective surfiace
`may also be deformed using other means, including but not
`limited to fabricating an appropriately optically powercd
`refiective surface having curvature built therein, or deforming
`or altering the surface using means other than mechanical
`deformation. In addition a set of mirrors figured with various
`curvaturts may he provided to be interchangeably used in tho
`optical path in place ofpart 308 so that a mirror of the correct
`% length may be chosen fi'om amongst the set to cause the
`primary and secondary beams’ images to have the same mag-
`nlfication.
`While not shown inFlG. 3 or any specific drawing, at single
`relatively large polarization modulator or Zscreen may be
`employed owing both P and 5 paths rather than the two
`polarization modulators or Zscreens 304 and 307. In such an
`clznbodiment, the large Zscreen or polarization modulator
`would be placed in line or parallel to the screen309 relative to
`polarization modulator or Zscroon 304 and extend upward to
`be positioned also between deformable reflective surface or
`mirror 308 and the screen 309. One can ir:nagi,ne polarizing
`modulator 304 being extended upwards to cover the rays
`reflected by mirror 308.
`Further, while not specifically shown in FIG. 3, an alternate
`arrangement may be employed wherein the Pheam from the
`polarizing splitter 303 contacts a reflective surface and the S
`beam prccccds toward the Screen 309 without contacting a
`reflective surface or minor. Such an arrangement may be
`achieved ifthe imaging surface 30] and projection lens 302
`are, for cxamplc, pointing in at direction 90 degrees offset
`from the screen 309 rather than directly atthe screen 309.Il1e
`Isey is for the S and P light energy paths to substantially
`coincide at the screen 309 using reflective surfam where
`required inorrlnrtoachieve increased hi-lght:t1ess.An embodi-
`
`REALD INC.
`Exhibit 2166-17
`
`MASTERIMAGE 3D, et al. v REALD INC.
`IPR20l5-00035
`
`

`
`US 7,857,455 B2
`
`7
`men: using different components and altering the S and P
`paths is showninFIG. 6 described below.
`The representation of FIG. 3 contemplates circular polar-
`ization with reaped to various components shown, including
`but not limited to polarization modulators 604 and 607. How-
`ever, it should be noted that linear polarization may also be
`employed, replacing the circularly polarized or polarizing
`elements of FIG. 3 with linearly polarized elements.
`As noted, the optical path lengths ofthe I’-polarization and
`Srpolnrization states, as given in FIG. 3, are of unequal
`length. The S path is longer. Hence its image will be larger
`than theimage formed by the P pathhlbeitthis is a small path
`difference compared with the throw from projector to prcj ec-
`tiort screen but it is long enough to createa significant differ-
`ence in magnification between the two beams. Both images
`must substantially coincide and be ofthe some magnification
`to within a fine tolerance. The resultant images, uncompen-
`sated, are shown in FIG. 4A, wherein the S image is larger
`than the P image and should be brought into coincidence as
`shown in FIG. 4C.
`Bringing images into coincidence is achieved using the
`deformable mirror 308 shown in FIG. 3 and as additionally
`shown in FIGS. -1B and -1D. The rellective surface or mirror
`408 in its flat slate or non-deformed state is shown at 403.
`Mirror 408 is shown with a concave curve in 404. Note that
`light rays 405 and 405' originating from the extreme edges of
`11:3 image are divergent compared to the light rays. shown at
`406 and 406'. The slight curvature required, exaggerated here
`from actual practice for didactic purposes, is provided by
`cleforming the relatively thin mirror 408 by a minute amount
`by pulling on its center ora pointon the rear ofllte mirror308
`as shown conceptually by element 318. The mechanical
`rnetvtns for achieving this are generally untlerslnod in the art
`and employed invarions cpticaidcvices such as telescopes. In
`scttirtgup the dmign, a technician adjustirlgthclight enhancer
`or minor 308 observes the screen 309, possibly with a tele-
`scope from the projection booth, and by means ofcmploying
`1he proper target can make adjustments to element 318 and
`mirror 308's curvature to bring the S and P images into
`coincidence.
`The present design may be employed not only for single
`projector projection as shown in FIG. 3 for use with a polar-
`iration modulator such as a Zscreen or similar polarization
`switching device, but it may also be used for dual projection
`systems as described in FIG. 2. FIG. 5A shows a nearly
`identical arrangement of parts with the exception that the
`polarization device is repl ktced by the present design. All parts
`in FIG. 5A are shown mirror image as an illustration conve-
`nience. In FIG. 5A, imaging snrfacesfll isan imagingsurface
`associated with the left projector and lens 502 is the corre-
`sponding lcns. Device 50'? is the present dual palh device
`placed int