LCOS (Liquid Crystal On Silicon) reflective LCD panels, which enable projected images free of lattice-like grid patterns, are ideal for use as high-resolution image display elements in LCD projectors. Achieving both brightness and high contrast using these panels, however, proved an extremely difficult challenge.
In order to overcome this problem, Canon employed cylindrical lenses to develop its unique AISYS optical system. AISYS independently controls the vertical and horizontal components of light from the light source, causing the vertical component to converge for enhanced brightness and converting the horizontal component into parallel beams to prevent light leakage in the PBS (polarization beam splitter) and LCOS panel, resulting in high contrast. The system makes possible an LCOS panel LCD projector that combines high luminance and image quality with a compact body size.

AISYS Illumination Optics Configuration Diagram

Canon's SX6/SX7/SX60/X700 multimedia projector models also employ a PBS with newly developed color-synthesis capabilities to enable compatibility between ever-shrinking optical systems and ever-increasing image quality.

Optical System of SX6/SX7/SX60/X700 Multimedia Projectors