An image-projection system includes a light source, a light guide, and an image-projection module. The light source is configured to provide planar illumination. The light guide has a first end and a second end, with the first end being coupled with the light source to receive the planar illumination and the second end being configured to provide a transmitted planar illumination. The light guide may have an internal structure providing a reflective surface for reflecting the planar illumination received from the first end. The image-projection module may be coupled with the second end of the light guide and configured to receive an image signal input and project, in response to the image signal, an image via the transmitted planar illumination.