The array projector: Breaking Scheimpflug´s rule

State of the art projectors which use a single aperture for image forming require a certain volume to provide a reasonable bright image. The developed ‘array projection’ technology overcomes this constraint by using a multi-aperture design, consisting of two microlens arrays for condensor and projection optics. Originally this method was used because it grants a scalable flux by increasing only the lateral size of the projector. An important property of this design is the large DOF of the individual channels. This ensures that images can be displayed on inclined or curved screens only by using a specific distorting algorithm for the slide array. Due to the extended depth of field this can be realized without considering Scheimpflugs principle, which means tilting of slide and projection optics. We introduce the theory as well as the design rules for the optics and slide pre-distortion. Furthermore we present fabricated samples for the array projection on vertical, as well as inclined screens.