HK1205337B - Display and projection system - Google Patents

Description

Display and projection system

The present application is a divisional application of an invention patent application having an application date of 2009, 11/9, application No. "200980145231.9", and an invention name of "customized point spread function using clustered light sources".

Cross-referencing

This application requests priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/114, 548, filed 11/14/2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a display device.

Background

Existing solutions for Light Emitting Diode (LED) backlighting use individually controlled LEDs, or clusters of LEDs controlled as a single unit. In each case, each LED is provided with substantially the same voltage and current as each other LED.

The emission pattern of the individual LEDs essentially predetermines the diffuse light output or Point Spread Function (PSF). As shown in fig. 1, a single LED 100 produces a fixed light emission pattern (LED light) 110. The LED light is incident on, for example, light film 120, resulting in a shaped light output or PSF 130 (a pattern of diffuse light). The PSF 130 is essentially constant, but may vary in intensity depending on the brightness level or modulation that energizes the LED.

Similar results occur when using light source clusters. Fig. 2 is an example of an LED cluster 200 resulting in a PSF 250. Here, the PSF 250 is composed of aggregation of light from the LED clusters 200. The PSF 250 has a different shape, but remains essentially constant with varying intensity.

Disclosure of Invention

The present inventors have recognized that a significant obstacle to creating an economically viable, individually modulated LED backlight is the shape of the light emitted from the LEDs and impinging on the back of the LCD panel. The invention provides a cost-effective way of shaping the light emitted by the backlight.

In summary, the present invention provides for generating PSFs of arbitrary shape. In one embodiment, the present invention includes an LED cluster comprising an array of LEDs energized with a pattern of voltages and/or currents to produce a custom PSF. The arrays can be aligned to rectangular points, or to any other arbitrary arrangement, such as triangular or hexagonal. The clusters may be controlled as a single unit, for example.

In one embodiment, the invention includes a display comprising a backlight comprising an array of light sources arranged in clusters, wherein the clusters are configured to emit a light pattern having a customized PSF. The PSF includes, for example, enabling customization via application of at least one of: variable spacing between light sources of a cluster, different amounts of energization applied to light sources within a cluster, different types of energization applied to light sources of a cluster, different light source sizes of a cluster. The light source is for example an LED.

In one embodiment, the custom PSF light pattern may be determined by a power-on selected from a group of possible power-ons, wherein each of the group of possible power-ons provides a different custom PSF. For example, a custom PSF light pattern may be determined by a power-on selected from a group of possible power-ons, each of which provides a different custom PSF, and selected for each cluster based on image data in an area of an image that most closely corresponds to the cluster.

In one embodiment, the display further comprises a light modulator arranged so as to be illuminated by the clusters, wherein modulation data of the light modulator comprises artifact reduction (artifact reduction) to be applied to individual pixels based on at least one custom PSF illuminating the individual pixels. For example, the clusters of light are then energized with a light level (light level) that is approximately equal to or close to the low resolution version of the desired image, and the light modulator also modulates the light emitted from the clusters so that the light is close to the desired image. Another modulation includes, for example, artifact reduction techniques that target artifacts generated using custom PSFs.

The above embodiments may include, for example, a processor configured to receive image data and apply a variable energization pattern to a selected group of light sources within each cluster to implement a customized PSF selected based on the received image data. For example, the selected custom PSF selected for the image region that transitions to dark includes a narrow PSF, while the selected custom PSF selected for the image region corresponding to light includes a flat PSF.

The invention may be embodied as a method comprising the steps of: the method includes receiving image data, evaluating regions of the image data to determine a quality (quality) of the image regions, and applying a custom PSF to a cluster of light sources corresponding to each region, wherein the custom light source is best suited to illuminate an area of the light modulator corresponding to the region. In one embodiment, the most suitable light source comprises a narrow PSF for the dark transition region, and a flat PSF for the brighter region. In another embodiment, the selected custom PSF is selected from a group of custom PSFs.

According to one embodiment, there is provided a display comprising a dual modulation architecture, the dual modulation architecture comprising: a first modulation device configured to generate first modulated light from a plurality of illumination clusters, wherein each cluster comprises a plurality of illumination elements arranged in an array, and wherein each cluster and its array of illumination elements are configured to generate an illumination pattern comprising a PSF; a second modulation device arranged in optical series with the first modulation device such that the plurality of PSFs produced by the illumination cluster of the first modulation device illuminate a modulation surface of the second modulation device; and a controller configured to energize the first modulation device and the second modulation device according to the image data. Wherein the controller is configured to energize the first modulation device such that the plurality of PSFs of the illumination cluster are dynamically shaped during projection of the image.

According to another embodiment, there is provided a projection system including: a first modulator; a controller configured to energize the first modulator according to image data, wherein the first modulator is energized to produce first modulated light from a plurality of illumination clusters, wherein each illumination cluster comprises a plurality of illumination elements arranged in an array, and wherein each illumination cluster and its respective array of illumination elements emit light comprising a PSF; and a second modulator arranged in optical series with the first modulating means such that the plurality of PSFs produced by the plurality of illumination clusters of the first modulating means illuminate the modulating surface of the second modulating means. Wherein the controller is further configured to: the area of the second modulator is energized in accordance with the PSF and the image data illuminating the energized area of the second modulator.

In various embodiments, the method further comprises the step of determining a modulation for the cluster illuminated spatial modulator, wherein the determined modulation comprises an artifact reduction technique selected based on the PSF of the cluster illuminating the modulator.

Portions of the apparatus and portions of the method may be implemented conventionally in a programmed manner on a general purpose computer, or a networked computer, and the results may be displayed on an output device connected to any of the general purpose computer, the networked computer, or transmitted to a remote device for output or display. Additionally, any components of the present invention presented as computer programs, data sequences and/or control signals may be implemented as an electronic signal broadcast (or transmitted) at any frequency using any medium, including, but not limited to, wireless broadcasts, as well as transmissions over copper wire, fiber optic cable, and coaxial cable, among others.

Drawings

A more complete appreciation of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a single LED PSF;

FIG. 2 depicts an LED cluster PSF;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an arrangement of LEDs in a cluster according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an LED cluster and a PSF according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of several alternative PSFs that may be otherwise utilized or customized in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a cluster implementing individual light sources with varying sizes and variable modulation in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of an image on an LCD screen illuminated by different custom PSFs in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a process according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 9 is a system according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Referring again to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts, and more particularly to fig. 3 thereof, there is depicted a schematic diagram of an arrangement of LEDs in a cluster 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cluster 300 is an exemplary cluster according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the cluster 300 includes a 3 × 5 array of LEDs (e.g., LEDs R1, C1 and LEDs R3, C5 located at opposite corners of the array). In other embodiments, the particular rows and columns may not be apparent, and the clusters may take on shapes other than an array of rows and columns.

The LEDs within a cluster may be energized at variable levels. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, LEDs R2, C2/C3/C4/C5 are each shown charged with Vf ═ x2V, I ═ j2 mA; while the remaining LEDs, including R1, C1, are shown charged according to approximately Vf ═ x1V, I ═ Y mA. Here, "x 1" and "x 2" represent different voltages applied to the LED. "j 1" and "j 2" represent the currents driving the LEDs. The number of different voltages and currents provided is only constrained by the number of LEDs in the cluster.

Alternatively or additionally, the spacing between any pair or group of LEDs (e.g., row, column, or sub-cluster) need not be constant to allow for additional light shaping possibilities. In the depicted exemplary array embodiment, the LEDs may include variable spacing of rows and variable spacing of columns, for example. The PSF ultimately projected from the cluster is customized with either variable spacing between LEDs, or an indicated variable spacing between rows and/or an indicated variable spacing between columns.

The goal of this flexible configuration is to increase the light shaping capability of the backlight. The variable spacing of the LEDs, which are different in energization level or otherwise essentially identical, results in different PSFs being generated. In this case, the inner and middle LEDs have less intensity and may tend to flatten the PSF.

Fig. 4 is a diagram of an LED cluster 400 including LEDs L1, L2, L3, and L4 and generating a PSF 450 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, LEDs L1 and L4 are energized at a higher level (Vf1, I1) than LEDs L2 and L3 (e.g., LEDs L2 and L3 are energized at Vf2, I2, where I2 < I1). Due to the different energization levels, LEDs L2 and L3 produce less light than LEDs L1 and L4. The result is a diffuse PSF with a custom shape.

Fig. 5 is a diagram of several alternative PSFs that may be utilized or customized in further accordance with various embodiments of the invention. For example, the depicted PSF may be created by variable spacing of the LEDs in the cluster, variable energization of the LEDs within the cluster, variable LED size within the cluster, variable LED properties within the cluster, or any other variation of the backlight that causes the emitted PSF to change or vary.

For example, reducing the voltage or current of the LEDs at the center of the cluster can produce a PSF with a flatter illumination profile at the top, and a relatively sharper drop at the edges. Alternatively, the center of the cluster can be driven harder than the edges to create a PSF with a higher than normal brightness above the center of the cluster. Adjusting the spacing of the LEDs within a cluster can be used to achieve similar effects by modifying the amount of brightness overlap between the LEDs.

All combinations of the above variations and other variations are contemplated. For example, clusters of LEDs emit a custom PSF, where the LEDs within a cluster have different properties including variable spacing between LEDs, different energization (e.g., any or all of current, voltage, modulation differences), different natural luminosity, different natural colors, different sizes, different types of LEDs.

More specifically, each of the depicted and exemplary custom PSFs may be generated as specified in table 1:

TABLE 1

Variation 1 and variation 2 examples depict another feature of the present invention in which one or more relatively brighter light sources in a cluster can change position. Such an embodiment may be implemented by electronically swapping light sources of clusters determined to be relatively brighter or darker. In the case of the variant 2PSF 530, the selected relatively brighter light source is "shifted" to the left (from R2C3 of cluster 535 to R2C2 of cluster 535, shifting the peak of the PSF 530 to the left (shifted PSF 532)). The result is a peak that can be displaced electronically.

The displacement or change attribute of the other PSF can take the form of an additional displacement or reshaping of the dynamics of the PSF (e.g., can be used to change the PSF during viewing of an image displayed using the PSF). In addition to the flexibility provided by being able to shift the peaks of the PSFs, such shifts may also be used to more closely target transition regions, which can benefit from PSFs having sharp peaks by moving peaks more precisely into position at the transition, or from PSFs having sharp peaks by following moving transitions between video frames.

Other alternative configurations may employ, for example, smaller light sources, wherein the configuration requires greater spacing between light sources and/or reduced intensity light sources. Fig. 5 also indicates an exemplary physical configuration of the clusters 535 (e.g., variation 2 having 2 higher brightness light sources surrounded by a boundary of relatively lower brightness light sources). And again, any number of combinations of spacing, drive intensity, or light source size may be employed to create the same or similar effects.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of an implementation of a cluster 600 of individual light sources with varying sizes and variable modulation according to an embodiment of the present invention. The light sources are approximately evenly spaced, but have different sizes and luminosity. In this example, the central light source 610 is a relatively large size LED, while the surrounding relatively smaller light sources are relatively smaller LEDs. In addition, the clusters, which are preferably controlled as cells, may optionally comprise a modulation means 650, which modulation means 650 varies the modulation of the clusters, thereby generating a PSF which varies the overall intensity.

In this example, the modulation device 650 provides a modulated power source for driving the LEDs. Different types of modulation may be employed, in this example, the modulation device 650 is a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) device. In one embodiment, rather than being strictly controlled as a unit, multiple modulation devices may be employed. For example, by providing a second modulation device (not shown), one modulation device can be configured to energize the smaller LEDs as a group, while the other modulation device can be configured to energize the larger sized central light source 610. As with differences in light source size, spacing, luminosity, etc., differences in modulation between the various light sources in a cluster can affect the PSF of the cluster in a manner that produces a desired PSF.

In one embodiment, a display in accordance with the present invention is produced by providing a series of clusters similarly customized in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Similarly customized clusters are arranged as backlights in, for example, dual modulation, high dynamic range displays. The customization of the PSF is selected, for example, as the PSF that is best suited for all areas of the entire image to be displayed. The most suitable PSF is determined, for example, by averaging the ranges or regions of the image to be displayed, and selecting a PSF that satisfies a predetermined set of requirements for each range or region.

Alternatively, the backlight in a dual modulation display may be configured with a series of clusters, where each cluster is dynamically customizable. In one embodiment, all clusters are dynamically customized. Dynamic customization is performed, for example, by varying by one or more real-time variable PSF customization attributes, such as varying the luminosity of a predetermined set of LEDs within a cluster. Such real-time customization may be performed on a direct row-and-column array of LED clusters, or may be performed on clusters having, for example, various "fixed" customizations (e.g., LED spacing, size, or other generally non-tunable qualities). In one embodiment, each cluster includes a programmable switch that causes the PSF to vary by a variable degree, for example, from a strong contrast PSF to a low flat-top PSF. The customized PSF is then powered on as a unit for the desired brightness or luminosity of the entire PSF.

Fig. 7 is a diagram of an image on an LCD screen 700 illuminated by different custom PSFs according to an embodiment of the present invention. The displayed image includes a bright region 710 and a dark region 730 separated by a moderately bright region or transition region. As shown, a "flattened" PSF 720 (e.g., similar to 510/520) is employed in clusters that directly illuminate the bright regions 710. The transition region, particularly the transition region near dark region 730, is illuminated with a backlight cluster exhibiting a more "peaked" PSF740 (e.g., similar to variation 2530 described above). In this way, each portion of the image being generated may use a backlight cluster that is particularly beneficial to the image quality of that portion.

Fig. 8 is a flow diagram of a process 800 according to an embodiment of the invention. Process 800 implements a dynamically customized PSF based on the received image. At step 810, an image is received. The image is, for example, a portion of an HDTV radio broadcast, a portion of video/image data received from a cable or satellite, a portion of video/image content from a DVD/blu-ray player, an i-pod, Hard Disk Drive (HDD), memory stick, or other storage device, and/or a portion of video/image received from a cell phone, network, or high speed internet or intranet. The video/image data may be related to, for example, video/image data such asOr other audio format, for simultaneous presentation of audio media.

At step 820, the image data is segmented and evaluated. The portion of the image corresponds, for example, approximately to the extent or area of the image that each cluster substantially illuminates. The evaluation includes, for example, averaging the luminosity, color, or other attributes of the images within the sections. The evaluation may include, for example, a transition evaluation to identify transition regions between light or moderate and dark portions of the image.

A custom PSF is selected based on the evaluation, and at step 830, the backlight cluster is customized to generate the selected PSF. At step 840, a second modulation value (e.g., an LCD modulation value) is calculated. The LCD modulation values may be calculated in any manner that when backlit by a cluster with a custom PSF results in the desired image being displayed, including, for example, modulating the LCD with the difference between the light pattern emitted by the backlight cluster and the desired image. In one embodiment, the LCD is modulated with data for a desired image.

However, depending on the selected PSF, more or fewer artifacts (artifacts) may be produced. Therefore, based on the selected PSF mode and its implementation, the present invention includes a customization of the artifact reduction process that generates optimized values for controlling LCD pixels for the selected PSF illuminated pixels. And different sets of pixel values are generated by processing employing different sets of artifact reduction techniques, for example, because LCD pixels on a portion of the display are potentially illuminated by backlight clusters of different PSFs as compared to LCD pixels on different portions of the display. Such artifact reduction techniques may be selected, for example, from those described in U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/020,104 entitled "differentiation Of LCD Flare," filed on 9.1.2008 by Harrison, et al.

Each such technique will be tested for each potential type of PSF and the best technique or set of techniques will be stored in a database or table from which it can be selected. Alternatively, the database may be maintained in the programming or code of a device operating in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a system according to an embodiment of the invention. The processor 910 receives an image from any of a number of sources. The processor includes, for example, a memory 915 or other computer-readable memory that provides instructions to: such instructions, when loaded into the CPU or other computing mechanism of the processor, cause the processor to perform the steps of the processes described herein. In certain embodiments, the memory 915 also includes memory, such as for a PSF database, and the memory 915 is employed by programming instructions to the processor 910.

The image data is processed (including any processing required to extract the image data from its broadcast or transmission format (e.g., ATSC, PAL, MPEG-4, AVC, and others)). The processing also includes image slicing and evaluation, selection of a PSF as described above, and generation of a control signal 920 for powering on the backlight in a manner that produces the selected custom PSF. The control signal 920 is communicated to the backlight 925.

A modulation signal 930 for controlling the LCD pixels is also generated based in part on the selected PSF, and the modulation signal 930 includes any selected artifact reduction technique as described above, and the modulation signal 930 is communicated to the LCD 935. The combination of the backlight-generated custom PSF and LCD modulation provides an image on an HDTV or monitor device 940, and the viewer 950 views the image.

Although LEDs and light sources are used herein somewhat interchangeably, the present invention has been described with reference to LEDs used to create backlight clusters. However, it should be understood that other types of light sources may be substituted therefor. In addition, the present invention describes dual modulation using primarily an LCD panel as the second modulator, but it should be understood that it may be replaced with other types of modulators (e.g., spatial light modulators). In addition, other types of display systems or projection systems may be modified or adapted using the techniques and processes described herein, as would occur to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure.

In describing the preferred embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents (including equivalents related to the principles of law and those that would be recognized as equivalents by those skilled in the art). For example, when describing clusters, whether listed herein or not, they may be replaced by any other equivalent means, such as a series of parallel or serial lamps, a fluorescent light source, an electric light source, a nanotube-based light emitting device, or other source of lamps, or other devices of equivalent function or capability. Additionally, the inventors recognize that portions of the description may be replaced with newly developed technology presently unknown and still not depart from the scope of the present invention. All other described items, including but not limited to portions and processes of the present invention, should also be considered in light of any and all available equivalents.

Portions of the present invention may be conveniently implemented using a conventional general purpose computer or microprocessor, or a special purpose computer or microprocessor, programmed according to the teachings of the present disclosure, as will occur to those skilled in the computer art.

Suitable software coding can be readily prepared by programming skilled artisans based on the teachings of the present disclosure, as will occur to those skilled in the software art. The present invention may also be implemented by the preparation of application specific integrated circuits or by interconnecting an appropriate network of conventional component circuits, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art based on the present disclosure.

The present invention includes a computer program product which is a storage medium (media) having instructions stored thereon/in which can be used to control or cause a computer to perform any of the processes of the present invention. The storage medium can include, but is not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, mini hard disks (MD), optical disks, DVD, HD-DVD, blu-ray, CD-ROMs, CD or DVD RW +/-, microdrive, and magneto-optical disks, ROMs, RAMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, DRAMs, VRAMs, flash memory devices (including flash cards, memory sticks), magnetic or optical cards, SIM cards, MEMS, nanosystems (including molecular memory ICs), RAID devices, remote data storage/archiving/warehousing, or any type of media or device suitable for storing instructions and/or data.

The present invention includes software stored on any one of a computer readable medium (media) for controlling the hardware of a general purpose/special purpose computer or microprocessor, as well as software for enabling the computer or microprocessor to interact with a human user or other mechanism utilizing the results of the present invention. Such software may include, but is not limited to, device drivers, operating systems, and user applications. Finally, as described above, such computer-readable media also includes software for performing the present invention.

Software modules for implementing the teachings of the present invention are included in the programming (software) of a general/special purpose computer or microprocessor, including, but not limited to: receiving image data, unpacking (unpacking) the image data, slicing the image data, selecting a custom PSF, preparing a modulation signal comprising an LCD modulation signal with applied artifact reduction, selecting artifact reduction based on the selected custom PSF of the backlight cluster, and displaying, storing or transmitting the results of a process according to the invention.

The invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, any of the elements (parts or features of the invention) and their equivalents. Additionally, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element, whether or not specifically disclosed herein. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the claims, which are to be included in the subsequently filed patent application, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

In addition, the embodiment of the invention also comprises:

(1) a display comprising a backlight comprising an array of light sources arranged in clusters, wherein the clusters are configured to emit a light pattern with a customized PSF.

(2) The display of (1), wherein the PSF is customized via application of at least one of: variable spacing between light sources of a cluster, different amounts of energization applied to light sources within a cluster, different types of energization applied to light sources of a cluster, different light source sizes of a cluster.

(3) The display of (2), wherein the light source comprises an LED.

(4) The display of (1), wherein the customized PSF light pattern is determined by a power-on selected from a group of possible power-ons, wherein the possible power-ons each provide a different customized PSF.

(5) The display of (1), wherein the customized PSF light pattern is determined by a power-on selected from a group of possible power-ons, wherein the possible power-ons each provide a different customized PSF; and selecting a custom PSF light pattern for each cluster based on image data in an area of the image that most closely corresponds to the cluster.

(6) The display of (1), further comprising a light modulator arranged to be illuminated by the clusters, wherein modulation data of the light modulator comprises artifact reduction to be applied to individual pixels based on at least one custom PSF illuminating the individual pixels.

(7) The display of (1), further comprising a processor configured to receive image data and apply a variable power-on pattern to selected groups of light sources within each cluster to achieve a customized PSF selected based on the received image data.

(8) The display of (7), wherein the selected custom PSF selected for the image region that transitions to dark comprises a narrow PSF and the selected custom PSF selected for the image region corresponding to the bright region comprises a flat PSF.

(9) A method, comprising the steps of:

receiving image data;

evaluating a region of the image data to determine a quality of the image region;

applying a custom PSF to the cluster of light sources corresponding to each region, wherein the custom light source is best suited to illuminate the range of light source modulators corresponding to the region.

(10) The method of (9), wherein the most suitable light source comprises a narrow PSF for dark transition regions and a flat PSF for brighter regions.

(11) The method of (9), wherein the applied custom PSF is selected from a group of custom PSFs.

(12) The method of (9), further comprising the step of determining a modulation for a spatial modulator illuminated by the cluster, wherein the determined modulation comprises an artifact reduction technique selected based on the PSF of the cluster illuminating the modulator.

(13) The method according to the above-mentioned (9),

implementing the method in a set of computer instructions stored on a computer readable medium;

when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of the method.

(14) The method of (13), wherein the computer instructions are compiled computer instructions stored as an executable program on the computer readable medium.

(15) The method of (9), wherein the method is implemented in a set of computer readable instructions stored in an electronic signal comprising an electromagnetic wave having a physical property that varies so as to exhibit a modulation configured to carry and transmit the instructions.

(16) The method according to the above-mentioned (12),

implementing the method in a set of computer instructions stored on a computer readable medium;

when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of the method.

(17) The method of (16), wherein the computer instructions are compiled computer instructions stored as an executable program on the computer readable medium.

Claims (20)

1. A display comprising a dual modulation architecture, the dual modulation architecture comprising:

a first modulation device configured to generate first modulated light from a plurality of illumination clusters, wherein each cluster comprises a plurality of illumination elements arranged in an array, and wherein each cluster and its array of illumination elements are configured to generate an illumination pattern comprising a point spread function;

a second modulation device arranged in optical series with the first modulation device such that a plurality of point spread functions produced by the illumination cluster of the first modulation device illuminate a modulation surface of the second modulation device; and

a controller configured to energize the first modulation device and the second modulation device according to image data,

wherein the controller is configured to energize the first modulation device such that the plurality of point spread functions of the illumination cluster are dynamically shaped during projection of an image.

2. A display as claimed in claim 1, in which the first modulation means comprises modulation means illuminated by a light source.

3. A display as claimed in claim 1, in which the first modulating means comprises modulating means illuminated by a plurality of light sources.

4. The display of claim 3, wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode.

5. The display of claim 1, wherein the display comprises a projection system.

6. The display of claim 5, wherein the controller determines a point spread function for each cluster to be projected by: averaging regions of the image to be displayed and selecting for each region a point spread function that satisfies a set of predetermined conditions, and energizing the first modulation means such that the clusters corresponding to each region produce the point spread function selected for that region.

7. The display of claim 6, wherein the illumination elements are identical but energized at different energization levels, and wherein the illumination elements in a cluster are energized at different energization levels.

8. A display according to claim 6, wherein the lighting elements are identical but arranged to produce different brightness levels, and wherein the lighting elements in a cluster are arranged at different brightness levels.

9. The display of claim 8, wherein the brightness level of the illumination element is set by turning the element on or off.

10. The display of claim 9, wherein the brightness level of the illumination element is set via pulse width modulation.

11. The display of claim 6, wherein the selected point spread function is generated via dynamic customization of real-time variable point spread function characteristics.

12. The display of claim 11, wherein the customization of real-time variable characteristics includes brightness.

13. The display of claim 12, wherein the brightness is set via pulse width modulation.

14. The display of claim 11, wherein the customization is capable of a row and column array of illumination elements, and wherein the customization treats clusters of illumination elements corresponding to dark portions of an image differently than clusters of illumination elements corresponding to light portions of the image.

15. The display of claim 11, wherein the point spread function is customized via application of a customized modulation scheme to each cluster.

16. The display of claim 15, wherein the customized modulation scheme comprises a power-on scheme selected based on image data.

17. The display of claim 11, wherein all of the illumination elements are constantly spaced from one another.

18. A projection system, comprising:

a first modulator;

a controller configured to energize the first modulator according to image data, wherein the first modulator is energized to produce first modulated light from a plurality of illumination clusters, wherein each illumination cluster comprises a plurality of illumination elements arranged in an array, and wherein each illumination cluster and its respective array of illumination elements emit light comprising a point spread function; and

a second modulator arranged in optical series with the first modulating means such that a plurality of point spread functions produced by the plurality of illumination clusters of the first modulating means illuminate a modulating surface of the second modulating means,

wherein the controller is further configured to:

energizing an area of the second modulator according to the image data and a point spread function illuminating the energized area of the second modulator.

19. The projection system of claim 18, wherein the controller is further configured to: energizing different regions of the second modulator using different artifact reduction schemes based on the point spread function illuminating the different regions of the second modulator.

20. The projection system of claim 18, wherein the energized region is energized according to a point spread function illuminating the region and an artifact reduction technique selected based on the point spread function.