Lighting device, lighting method, and projector device

Abstract

The present technology provides an illumination device including a light source section, a phase modulation section, and a control section. The light source section has a light emitting element. The phase modulation section performs spatial light phase modulation on incident light from the light source section. The control section controls the phase modulation section so that a plurality of domains formed by dividing a phase modulation plane of the phase modulation section reproduce, in a common area on a projection plane, a light intensity distribution based on a common phase distribution determined based on a free-form method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This technology relates to the field of lighting devices for reproducing a desired image by performing spatial light phase modulation on incident light, lighting methods performed by such lighting devices, and projection devices using such lighting devices. Background Technology

[0002] There are known techniques for reproducing a desired image (light intensity distribution) by performing spatial light modulation on incident light using a liquid crystal panel and a spatial light modulator (SLM) such as a DMD (digital micromirror device). For example, a technique for reproducing a desired image by performing spatial light intensity modulation on incident light is well known.

[0003] Meanwhile, techniques for projecting a desired reconstructed image by performing spatial light phase modulation on the incident light are also known (e.g., see PTL1 below). In the case of performing spatial light intensity modulation, the incident light is partially darkened or blocked in the SLM to reproduce the desired light intensity distribution. However, in the case of performing spatial light phase modulation, light utilization efficiency can be improved because the desired light intensity distribution can be reproduced without darkening or blocking the incident light in the SLM.

[0004] [List of Citations]

[0005] [Patent Literature]

[0006] [PTL1]

[0007] JP-T-2017-520022 Summary of the Invention

[0008] [Technical Issues]

[0009] For use in the execution of spatial light phase modulation, a free-form method, represented by the method disclosed in PTL1, is known as a method for determining the phase distribution for reproducing a desired image. Here, the free-form method is a general term for methods for determining the phase distribution for reproducing a desired image based on ray optics.

[0010] However, the traditional free-form method disclosed in PTL1 assumes that the intensity distribution of the incident light is uniform (a uniform distribution with no intensity variation in the in-plane direction) and is a method for determining the phase distribution of the incident light to refract in a way that connects the ray grid points (the points where virtual rays penetrate each plane) in the entire phase modulation plane and the entire projection plane in an optimal one-to-one relationship. Therefore, if the intensity distribution of the incident light is not uniform, the intensity distribution of the incident light is superimposed on the reconstructed image. Here, the optimal one-to-one relationship means that the density distribution of the ray grid points mapped from the phase modulation plane to the projection plane in a one-to-one relationship is as close as possible to the target intensity distribution on the projection plane.

[0011] In view of the above, this technology is proposed. The purpose of this technology is to improve robustness against incident light intensity distribution.

[0012] [Solution to the problem]

[0013] The lighting device according to this technology includes a light source unit, a phase modulation unit, and a control unit. The light source unit has a light-emitting element. The phase modulation unit performs spatial light phase modulation on the incident light from the light source unit. The control unit controls the phase modulation unit such that multiple domains formed by dividing the phase modulation plane of the phase modulation unit reproduce a light intensity distribution based on a common phase distribution in a common region on the projection plane, the common phase distribution being determined based on a free-form method.

[0014] The free-form method is a general term for methods used to determine the phase distribution for reproducing a desired image based on geometric optics. When multiple domains reproduce the light intensity distribution based on a common phase distribution in a common region on the projection plane, as described above, the light intensity distribution reproduced in the common region represents the light intensity distribution obtained by merging the light intensity distributions of each domain. Therefore, even if the light intensity distribution of the incident light is non-uniform and inconsistent, the contributions from each domain are averaged in the projection plane. Thus, the light intensity distribution of the reproduced image is unlikely to change.

[0015] The lighting device described above according to the present technology may optionally be configured such that the light source section has multiple light-emitting elements.

[0016] This optional configuration eliminates the need to use a single high-output light-emitting element in the light source section to meet the predetermined light intensity requirements.

[0017] The lighting device described above according to the present technology may optionally be configured such that the control unit uses a phase distribution obtained by performing scaling processing based on the size of the domain on a phase distribution calculated by a free-form method as a common phase distribution.

[0018] This optional configuration eliminates the need to compute the phase distribution of each domain using a free-form method.

[0019] The lighting device described above according to the present technology can optionally be configured such that the control unit uses the phase distribution obtained by adding lens components based on domain position to a common phase distribution as the phase distribution of each domain.

[0020] This optional configuration allows for proper reproduction of the common light intensity distribution in the common region of the projection plane when a common phase distribution is used for each domain.

[0021] The lighting device described above according to this technology can optionally be configured such that the control unit dynamically changes the number of domain divisions.

[0022] Increasing the number of domain divisions improves robustness to incident light intensity distribution. Decreasing the number of domain divisions increases the resolution of the reconstructed image.

[0023] The lighting device described above according to this technology can optionally be configured such that the control unit changes the number of domain divisions based on the evaluation results of the uniformity of the light intensity distribution of the incident light.

[0024] This optional configuration allows for appropriate control of the number of domain divisions based on the incident light intensity distribution. For example, when the uniformity of the incident light intensity distribution is low, the number of domain divisions can be increased to mitigate the impact of the incident light intensity distribution on the reconstructed image, while when the uniformity of the incident light intensity distribution is high, the number of domain divisions can be reduced to improve the resolution of the reconstructed image.

[0025] The lighting device described above according to the present technology can optionally be configured such that, when the uniformity is assessed as low, the control unit provides a greater number of domain divisions compared to when the uniformity is assessed as high.

[0026] This optional configuration allows for mitigating the impact of incident light intensity distribution on the reconstructed image by increasing the number of domain divisions when the uniformity of the incident light intensity distribution is low, and improving the resolution of the reconstructed image by reducing the number of domain divisions when the uniformity of the incident light intensity distribution is high.

[0027] The lighting device described above according to this technology can optionally be configured such that the control unit increases the number of domain divisions when the uniformity evaluation level decreases.

[0028] This optional configuration allows for increased effectiveness in mitigating the impact of incident light intensity distribution on the reproduced image when the uniformity of the incident light intensity distribution becomes lower.

[0029] Optionally, the lighting device according to the present technology can be configured such that the light source section has multiple light-emitting elements, and the control section evaluates uniformity based on whether a non-light-emitting element is detected in the light source section.

[0030] This optional configuration allows the uniformity of the incident light intensity distribution to be evaluated based on the detection results of the conduction state of the light-emitting element.

[0031] The lighting device described above according to the present technology can be optionally configured such that the control unit determines the difference between the light intensity distribution of the reproduced image on the projection plane and the target light intensity distribution based on the captured image of the projection plane, and changes the number of domain divisions according to the determined difference.

[0032] This optional configuration allows the number of domain divisions to be adjusted in a way that reduces the difference between the light intensity distribution of the reproduced image and the target light intensity distribution.

[0033] Meanwhile, the illumination method according to this technology is an illumination method performed by an illumination device including a light source unit and a phase modulation unit. The light source unit has a light-emitting element. The phase modulation unit performs spatial light phase modulation on the incident light from the light source unit. The illumination method controls the phase modulation unit such that multiple domains formed by dividing the phase modulation plane of the phase modulation unit reproduce a light intensity distribution based on a common phase distribution in a common region on the projection plane, the common phase distribution being determined based on a free-form method.

[0034] The above-described lighting method provides operation similar to that of the lighting device described above according to the present technology.

[0035] The projector device according to this technology includes a light source unit, a phase modulation unit, an intensity modulation unit, and a control unit. The light source unit has a light-emitting element. The phase modulation unit performs spatial light phase modulation on the incident light from the light source unit. The intensity modulation unit performs spatial light intensity modulation on the light that has undergone spatial light phase modulation by the phase modulation unit. The control unit controls the phase modulation unit such that multiple domains formed by dividing the phase modulation plane of the phase modulation unit reproduce a light intensity distribution based on a common phase distribution in a common region on the intensity modulation plane of the intensity modulation unit, the common phase distribution being determined based on a free-form method.

[0036] Therefore, a projector device that includes a phase modulation unit for improving the light utilization efficiency of incident light from the light source unit ensures that even if the light intensity distribution of the incident light relative to the phase modulation unit is uneven and inconsistent, the light intensity distribution of the reproduced image is unlikely to change. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a lighting device according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0038] Figure 2 This is an example diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a light source unit included in a lighting device according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 3This is an example diagram illustrating the principle of image reproduction through spatial phase modulation.

[0040] Figure 4 An example diagram illustrating the current problem with the free-form method is shown.

[0041] Figure 5 This is an example diagram outlining the image reproduction method according to the first embodiment.

[0042] Figure 6 Example diagrams illustrating the operations involved in the image reproduction method according to the first embodiment are described.

[0043] Figure 7 This is an example diagram showing the coordinate systems of the phase modulation region and domain in the phase modulation plane and the coordinate system of the projection region (common region) in the projection plane.

[0044] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the phase distribution of the entire phase modulated region and the intensity distribution realized in the projection region through the phase distribution.

[0045] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the phase distribution in the domain and the intensity distribution realized in the projection region through the phase distribution.

[0046] Figure 10 This is an example diagram showing the addition of a lens component to a scaled phase distribution.

[0047] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of the process used to determine the phase distribution of each domain.

[0048] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing how all domains reproduce the common light intensity distribution in the common area.

[0049] Figure 13 This is an example diagram illustrating an instance of reproducing the shared light intensity distribution in a shared region using only some domains.

[0050] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a lighting device according to a first example of a second embodiment.

[0051] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of domain partitioning processing according to a first instance of the second embodiment.

[0052] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a lighting device according to a second example of a second embodiment.

[0053] Figure 17This is a flowchart illustrating an example of domain partitioning processing according to a second embodiment of the second implementation.

[0054] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a projector device that applies a lighting device according to an embodiment.

[0055] Figure 19 This is an example diagram showing a modified light source section. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Embodiments of this technology will now be described in the following order with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] <1. First Implementation Method>

[0058] [1-1. Configuration of Lighting Equipment]

[0059] [1-2. Image Reproduction Method According to the First Embodiment]

[0060] [1-3. Processing Procedure]

[0061] <2. Second Implementation Method>

[0062] [2-1. First Example]

[0063] [2-1. Second Example]

[0064] <3. Third Implementation Method>

[0065] [3-1. Projector Equipment Configuration]

[0066] [3-2. Image Reproduction Method According to the Third Embodiment]

[0067] <4. Variations>

[0068] <5. Overview of Implementation Methods>

[0069] <6. This technology>

[0070] <1. First Implementation Method>

[0071] [1-1. Configuration of Lighting Equipment]

[0072] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a lighting device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0073] like Figure 1 As shown, the lighting device 1 includes a light source unit 2, a phase modulation SLM (spatial light modulator) 3, a driving unit 4, and a control unit 5.

[0074] The lighting device 1 is configured to reproduce a desired image (light intensity distribution) on the projection plane Sp by performing spatial light phase modulation on the incident light from the light source unit 2 using a phase modulation SLM3. For example, the lighting device 1 described above can be applied to a vehicle's headlight. When the lighting device 1 is applied to a headlight, the lighting device 1 can be configured to perform spatial light phase modulation on the phase modulation SLM3 to change the illumination range of the high beam or low beam.

[0075] The light source unit 2 serves as a light source that directs light onto the phase-modulated SLM3. In this embodiment, the light source unit 2 includes, for example... Figure 2 The multiple light-emitting elements 2a are shown. More specifically, the light source unit 2 includes a light source having a two-dimensional array of multiple light-emitting elements 2a, and light emitted from the multiple light-emitting elements 2a is incident on the phase modulation SLM3.

[0076] In this embodiment, a laser light-emitting element is used as the light-emitting element 2a. It should be noted that the light-emitting element 2a is not limited to a laser light-emitting element. For example, an LED (light-emitting diode), a discharge lamp, or other light-emitting elements may be optionally used as the light-emitting element 2a.

[0077] Phase modulation SLM3 includes, for example, a transmissive liquid crystal panel, and performs spatial light phase modulation on the incident light.

[0078] It should be noted that the phase modulation SLM3 can optionally be configured as a reflective spatial light phase modulator instead of a transmissive spatial light phase modulator. For example, a reflective liquid crystal panel or a DMD (digital micromirror device) can be used as a reflective spatial light phase modulator.

[0079] The driving unit 4 includes a driving circuit for driving the phase modulation SLM3. The driving unit 4 is configured to drive the pixels in the phase modulation SLM3 individually.

[0080] The control unit 5 is configured, for example, as a microcomputer including, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read-Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory). The control unit 5 receives input of a target image (i.e., information representing the target light intensity distribution) and calculates the phase distribution of the phase modulation SLM3 to reproduce the target image on the projection plane Sp. The control unit 5 controls the drive unit 4 to drive the phase modulation SLM3 according to the calculated phase distribution.

[0081] It should be noted that the phase distribution calculated by the control unit 5 in this embodiment will be described in detail later.

[0082] [1-2. Image Reproduction Method According to the First Embodiment]

[0083] First, before describing the image reproduction method according to the first embodiment, refer to the following...Figure 3 Describe the principle of image reproduction through spatial phase modulation.

[0084] Figure 3 The diagram schematically illustrates the relationship between the light rays incident on the phase modulation surface Sm of the phase modulation SLM3, the wavefront of the phase distribution in the phase modulation SLM3, the phase-modulated light rays, and the light intensity distribution formed on the projection plane Sp by the phase-modulated light rays.

[0085] First, as a prerequisite, since the freeform method is used, smooth curves are drawn to represent... Figure 3 The wavefront of the phase distribution in the phase-modulated SLM3 is shown. Because the phase-modulated SLM3 performs spatial light phase modulation, the incident light is refracted to travel in the normal direction of the wavefront of the phase distribution. Due to this refraction, portions with high ray density and portions with low ray density are formed on the projection plane Sp. This results in a light intensity distribution on the projection plane Sp.

[0086] Based on the above principle, the desired image can be reproduced on the projection plane Sp by setting the phase distribution pattern in the phase modulation SLM3.

[0087] Here, as mentioned earlier, the free-form method is well-known as a method for determining the phase distribution used to reconstruct a target image. The free-form method is a general term for methods used to determine the phase distribution for reconstructing a desired image based on ray optics.

[0088] For example, the conventional free-form method disclosed in PTL1, as mentioned earlier, assumes that the intensity distribution of light incident on the phase modulation surface Sm is uniform, such as... Figure 4 As shown in A, represents a uniform distribution in which there is no variation in light intensity in the in-plane direction. Furthermore, the traditional free-form method is a way to determine the phase distribution used to refract incident rays such that the ray grid points (the points where virtual rays penetrate each plane) in the entire phase modulation plane and the entire projection plane are connected in an optimal one-to-one relationship.

[0089] Therefore, in cases where the intensity distribution of incident light is non-uniform, for example, ... Figure 4 As shown in B, because the light incident on the phase modulation plane Sm is partially blocked by the shield Oa, the intensity distribution of the incident light can be superimposed on the reconstructed image and result in the inability to achieve proper image reconstruction.

[0090] In view of the above, this embodiment adopts the following... Figure 5The method shown divides the phase modulation surface Sm into multiple domains Dm to improve robustness to the incident light intensity distribution. More specifically, this embodiment uses a method that reproduces the light intensity distribution based on a shared phase distribution in a shared region Rc on the projection plane Sp among the multiple domains Dm. In this case, the shared phase distribution among the multiple domains Dm is determined by a free-form method.

[0091] Because multiple domains Dm reproduce the light intensity distribution based on a shared phase distribution in a shared region Rc on the projection plane Sp, the reproduced light intensity distribution in the shared region Rc represents the distribution obtained by merging the light intensity distributions of each domain Dm. Therefore, even if the light intensity distribution of the incident light is non-uniform and inconsistent, the contributions from each domain Dm are averaged in the projection plane Sp. Thus, the light intensity distribution of the reproduced image is unlikely to change.

[0092] Figure 6 The description shows that due to the use of reference Figure 5 Example diagram of the operations performed by the described method.

[0093] More specifically, in Figure 6 middle, Figure 6 A illustrates the use of a method based on a reference when the incident light intensity distribution is non-uniform (because the light incident on the phase modulation plane Sm is partially blocked by the shield Oa). Figure 5 The image reproduction method described in the embodiment reproduces an image in a common region Rc of the projection plane Sp. Furthermore, Figure 6 B shows the reconstructed image provided by each domain Dm in the case of non-uniform incident light intensity distribution, because the light incident on the phase modulation plane Sm is partially blocked by the occluder Oa in a manner similar to the case described above.

[0094] like Figure 6 As shown in B, the domain Dm significantly affected by shading (i.e., the domain Dm with a relatively small amount of incident light due to shading) tends to provide a reconstructed image with a relatively small amount of light. Meanwhile, the domain Dm less affected by shading tends to provide a reconstructed image with a relatively large amount of light. Therefore, the contributions from each domain Dm are averaged in the common region Rc on the projection plane Sp. As a result, even if the light intensity distribution of the incident light is non-uniform and inconsistent, the light intensity distribution of the reconstructed image is unlikely to change.

[0095] Therefore, in cases where the intensity distribution of incident light is non-uniform, it makes it less likely that the intensity distributions of the incident light will overlap in the reconstructed image. This improves robustness against the incident light intensity distribution.

[0096] Furthermore, because the phase modulation plane Sm is divided into multiple domains Dm, robustness to performance variations from one pixel to another in the phase modulation SLM3 is also improved. For example, if a pixel in the phase modulation SLM3 becomes defective during the use of a conventional method without dividing the phase modulation plane Sm, the desired reconstructed image is typically not displayed at the point in the projection plane Sp corresponding to the defective pixel. However, in this embodiment, the aforementioned averaging effect ensures that the desired reconstructed image is displayed correctly even at the corresponding point in the projection plane Sp.

[0097] Now refer to Figures 7 to 9 Describe the specific method for determining the phase distribution of each domain Dm.

[0098] For ease of explanation, the coordinate systems (x, y), (x', y'), and (ux, uy) will be referred to below as follows: Figure 7 The definitions and uses are as follows: A coordinate system (x, y) is defined for the phase modulation region in the phase modulation plane. A coordinate system (x', y') is defined for the domain Dm in the phase modulation plane. A coordinate system (ux, uy) is defined for the projection region (the aforementioned common region Rc) in the projection plane. Furthermore, the offset of the position of the domain Dm relative to the phase modulation region is defined as (Δx, Δy), and the area reduction rate of the domain Dm relative to the phase modulation region is defined as r (r>2). Additionally, the distance between the phase modulation plane and the projection plane is defined as f.

[0099] First, a free-form method is used to determine the phase distribution P that allows for a one-to-one correspondence of light rays from the entire phase modulation region to the projection region. As described in PTL1, light rays incident on a point (x, y) = (x1, y1) in the phase modulation region are refracted through the phase distribution P in a manner represented by the gradient vector of the phase distribution P at the point (x, y) = (x1, y1). The gradient vector is represented in Equation 1 below.

[0100] [Mathematical Expression 1]

[0101]

[0102] The in-plane displacement between the point (ux, uy) = (ux1, uy1) in the projection plane that is penetrated by the light and the point (x, y) = (x1, y1) in the phase modulation plane is given as the product of the gradient vector and the projection distance f, as shown in Equation 2 below.

[0103] [Mathematical Expression 2]

[0104]

[0105] Therefore, the correspondence between the point on the phase modulation plane that is penetrated by the light refracted by the phase distribution P and the point on the projection plane that is penetrated by the same light ray is given by the following equation 3.

[0106] [Mathematical Expression 3]

[0107]

[0108] The phase distribution given to the domain Dm is now called "P'".

[0109] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the intensity distribution realized in the projection region when light incident on the entire phase-modulated region is refracted by the phase distribution P is now called "I", and the intensity distribution realized in the projection region when light incident on the domain Dm is refracted by the phase distribution P' is now called "I'". The condition satisfied by the phase distribution P' is that the intensity distribution I and the intensity distribution I' are consistent with each other.

[0110] Now, let's assume that a point in the domain Dm is as follows: Figure 9 Point A' is shown, and its coordinates are (x', y') = (s). x s y Furthermore, assume that the point through which the projection plane is pierced by the light refracted by the phase distribution P' at point A' is point B'.

[0111] In addition, such as Figure 8 The description assumes that the coordinates relative to point A' are (x, y) = (r·S). x ,r·S y The point on the phase modulation region corresponding to the phase distribution P at point A is point A, and the point on the projection plane through which the light refracted by the phase distribution P at point A passes is point B.

[0112] To ensure that intensity distribution I matches intensity distribution I', it is sufficient to determine phase distribution P' in such a way that point B matches point B'. If we assume the existence of a phase distribution P' that satisfies the above conditions, then, as described in conjunction with Equation 2, the product of the gradient vector of phase distribution P' at point A' and the projected distance f matches the in-plane displacement between point B and point A'. However, the coordinates of point B are represented in Equation 4 below, which uses the expression on the left side of Equation 3.

[0113] [Mathematical Expression 4]

[0114]

[0115] When the coordinates of the point of interest A' in the (x, y) coordinate system are (x, y) = (s x +Δx, s yWhen the fact of +Δy) is obtained, the following equation 5 is obtained as the conditional expression satisfied by the phase distribution P'.

[0116] [Mathematical Expression 5]

[0117]

[0118] By using Equation 3, Equation 5 can be rewritten as Equation 6 below.

[0119] [Mathematical Expression 6]

[0120]

[0121] Here, since point A' is a point on the field Dm, we obtain a conditional expression such as Equation 7 below. When (s in Equation 6) x s y When (x', y') is rewritten as (x', y'), we obtain Equation 7.

[0122] [Mathematical Expression 7]

[0123]

[0124] When calculating the rotational field (x', y') on the right-hand side of Equation 7, we obtain Equation 8 below.

[0125] [Mathematical Expression 8]

[0126]

[0127] Here, the phase distribution P is a known scalar field on (x, y), and the rotation field of its gradient field is zero with respect to any (x, y). Therefore, Equation 8 ultimately becomes zero. Generally, a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of a scalar field that serves as the gradient field for a vector field is that the rotation field of that vector field is zero at any point. Therefore, when the rotation field on the right-hand side of the conditional expression shown in Equation 7 is zero, this indicates that a phase distribution P' truly exists that satisfies Equation 7, that is, the phase distribution P' given as the gradient field on the right-hand side of Equation 7. Therefore, at some point (x', y') = (s) on the domain Dm x s y The value of the phase distribution P' at () can be configured as indicated below by the right side of line integral equation 7.

[0128] [Mathematical Expression 9]

[0129]

[0130]

[0131] The first term in Equation 10 above represents the component obtained by scaling the phase distribution P in both the spatial and phase directions by a reduction rate r. Meanwhile, the second and third terms in Equation 10 represent the lens components determined by the position of the domain Dm. Therefore, to calculate the phase distribution P' for each domain division, it is sufficient to first perform spatial and phase direction scaling on the phase distribution P determined by the free-form method, add the lens components corresponding to the position of each domain Dm to the scaled phase distribution, and then distribute the sum as the phase distribution P' for each domain Dm.

[0132] Performing the above steps allows the common light intensity distribution in the common projection area on the projection plane to be reproduced without offsetting the position of the reproduced image obtained from each domain Dm.

[0133] Now, in the following text, the phase distribution P determined for the entire phase modulation region will be referred to as the "basic phase distribution Dpr". Furthermore, the phase distribution obtained by performing spatial direction scaling and phase direction scaling on the basic phase distribution Dpr according to the size of the domain Dm will be referred to as the "common phase distribution Dpc" in the following text.

[0134] It should be noted that the fundamental phase distribution Dpr is defined as the phase distribution of the entire phase modulation region on the phase modulation surface Sm. However, the fundamental phase distribution Dpr is a phase distribution corresponding to the size of the fundamental region Ar set on the phase modulation surface Sm. The size of the fundamental region Ar only needs to be at least greater than the size of the domain Dm and not greater than the size of the phase modulated region on the phase modulation surface Sm.

[0135] In the above example, when the area of ​​the basic region Ar is "arr" and the area of ​​the domain Dm is "ard", the basic phase distribution Dpr is scaled at a ratio of "ard / arr".

[0136] Figure 10 This is an example diagram illustrating the addition of lens components.

[0137] Figure 10 The domains shown are domains Dm-1, Dm-2, and Dm-3. Domain Dm-1 is located at the center. Domain Dm-2 is located above domain Dm-1. Domain Dm-3 is located below domain Dm-1. The phase distribution depicted as lens component Dpl-1 is the phase distribution of the lens component corresponding to the position in domain Dm-1. The phase distribution depicted as lens component Dpl-2 is the phase distribution of the lens component corresponding to the position in domain Dm-2. The phase distribution depicted as lens component Dpl-3 is the phase distribution of the lens component corresponding to the position in domain Dm-3.

[0138] like Figure 10As shown, the phase distribution Dpd-1 set for domain Dm-1 is determined as the phase distribution obtained by adding the lens component Dpl-1 to the common phase distribution Dpc. Similarly, the phase distribution Dpd-2 set for domain Dm-2 is determined as the phase distribution obtained by adding the lens component Dpl-2 to the common phase distribution Dpc. Likewise, the phase distribution Dpd-3 set for domain Dm-3 is determined as the phase distribution obtained by adding the lens component Dpl-3 to the common phase distribution Dpc.

[0139] Therefore, domains Dm-1, Dm-2, and Dm-3 can each reproduce the common light intensity distribution in the common region Rc on the projection plane Sp.

[0140] The phase distribution obtained by adding the lens components Dpl corresponding to each domain Dm to the common phase distribution Dpc as described above is referred to as the "domain phase distribution Dpd" below.

[0141] [1-3. Processing Procedure]

[0142] Now refer to Figure 11 The flowchart describes a specific example of the process used to determine the domain phase distribution Dpd.

[0143] It should be noted that, Figure 11 The processing shown is by Figure 1 The control unit 5 shown is executed.

[0144] First, in step S101, the control unit 5 inputs the target image.

[0145] Here, when reproducing video images, the target image to be input is a frame image included in the video image. In the case of video image reproduction, the process is repeated at the frame intervals of the video images. Figure 11 The process is shown. In the case of reproducing a still image, the still image is taken as the target image input. In this case, for the still image to be reproduced, only the following steps are required: Figure 11 The process shown is performed at least once.

[0146] In step S102, following step S101, the control unit 5 performs a phase distribution calculation process. This phase distribution calculation process calculates the aforementioned basic phase distribution Dpr using a free-form method. More specifically, the basic phase distribution Dpr used to reproduce the target image input in step S101 on the projection plane Sp is calculated using a free-form method.

[0147] In step S103, following step S102, the control unit 5 scales the phase distribution. More specifically, a common phase distribution Dpc is obtained by performing the aforementioned spatial direction scaling and phase direction scaling on the basic phase distribution Dpr calculated in step S102.

[0148] In step S104 following step S103, the control unit 5 resets the domain identifier n to its initial value of 0. The domain identifier n is an identifier managed by the control unit 5 to identify the domain Dm to be processed.

[0149] In step S105, following step S104, the control unit 5 acquires the lens component Dpl of the nth domain. Here, in this example, the lens component Dpl of each domain Dm is pre-stored in the control unit 5. Therefore, in step S105, the control unit 5 performs the process of acquiring the lens component Dpl of the nth domain Dm from the stored lens components Dpl.

[0150] In step S106 following step S105, the control unit 5 calculates the phase distribution of the nth domain by adding the lens component Dpl to the scaled phase distribution. More specifically, it calculates the domain phase distribution Dpd of the nth domain Dm by adding the lens component Dpl obtained in step S105 to the common phase distribution Dpc obtained in the scaling process performed in step S103.

[0151] In step S107 following step S106, the control unit 5 determines whether the domain identifier n is equal to or greater than the maximum value nMAX. Here, the maximum value nMAX is the value corresponding to the number of domains Dm divided. For example, if the number of domains Dm divided is equal to 16, then the value "15" is set to the maximum value nMAX.

[0152] If the domain identifier n is less than the maximum value nMAX in step S107, the control unit 5 proceeds to step S108, increments the domain identifier n by 1, and returns to step S105. Therefore, without calculating the domain phase distribution Dpd for any domain Dm, step S105 and subsequent steps are executed for the next domain Dm.

[0153] Meanwhile, if in step S107 the domain identifier n is equal to or greater than the maximum value nMAX, then control unit 5 terminates. Figure 11 The series of processes shown.

[0154] Furthermore, the above description is given under the assumption of a common light intensity distribution in a common region Rc on the projection plane Sp of all domains Dm.

[0155] Figure 12 The diagram illustrates how all domains Dm reproduce the common light intensity distribution in the common region Rc in this way.

[0156] However, not all domains Dm are required to reproduce the common light intensity distribution in the common region Rc. For example... Figure 13 As shown, an alternative configuration can be used to make only some domains Dm reproduce the common light intensity distribution in the common region Rc.

[0157] <2. Second Implementation Method>

[0158] [2-1. First Example]

[0159] The second embodiment will now be described.

[0160] The second implementation is configured to dynamically change the number of domain Dm partitions.

[0161] As a first example of the second implementation, an example of changing the number of domains Dm based on the evaluation results of the uniformity of the incident light intensity distribution is described below.

[0162] The intensity distribution of incident light can vary over time. Specifically, as described in conjunction with this example, when using a light source with an arrangement of multiple light-emitting elements 2a as the light source unit 2, some light-emitting elements 2a may fail to emit light due to malfunctions, etc. Therefore, the intensity distribution of incident light relative to the phase-modulated SLM3 can vary over time.

[0163] For reference Figure 6 The described principle is understandable: the effect of averaging the incident light intensity distribution across each domain Dm tends to decrease as the number of domains Dm decreases, and tends to increase as the number of domains Dm increases. Simultaneously, with a decrease in the number of domains Dm, an increase in the number of pixels is allocated to each domain Dm. Therefore, the resolution of the reconstructed image can be improved.

[0164] Therefore, this example uses the following method: evaluate the uniformity of the light intensity distribution of the incident light, and ensure that the number of domain Dm partitions is greater when the uniformity is evaluated as low than when the uniformity is evaluated as high.

[0165] This allows the impact of incident light intensity distribution on the reconstructed image to be mitigated by increasing the number of domains Dm when the uniformity of incident light intensity distribution is low, and the resolution of the reconstructed image to be improved by reducing the number of domains Dm when the uniformity of incident light intensity distribution is high.

[0166] As a result, the balance between robustness to the incident light intensity distribution and the resolution of the reconstructed image can be appropriately adjusted according to the incident light intensity distribution.

[0167] Figure 14This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a lighting device 1A according to a first example of a second embodiment.

[0168] Additionally, in the following description, parts that are the same as those already familiar will be marked with the same symbols and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0169] Lighting equipment 1A and Figure 1 The difference in the lighting device 1 shown is that it includes a non-light-emitting element detection unit 6 and a control unit 5A instead of a control unit 5.

[0170] The non-light-emitting element detection unit 6 detects non-light-emitting elements 2a within the light source unit 2. For example, the non-light-emitting element detection unit 6 detects non-light-emitting elements 2a based on the conduction state of each light-emitting element 2a. More specifically, in this example, the non-light-emitting element detection unit 6 monitors the driving current value of each light-emitting element 2a and detects light-emitting elements 2a whose driving current value is a predetermined value or less as non-light-emitting elements 2a.

[0171] The control unit 5A dynamically changes the number of domains Dm based on the detection results from the non-light-emitting element detection unit 6. More specifically, the control unit 5A executes... Figure 15 The processing shown.

[0172] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of domain partitioning processing according to a first instance of the second embodiment.

[0173] First, in step S201, the control unit 5A determines whether a non-light-emitting element 2a exists. This determination is based on the detection result of the non-light-emitting element detection unit 6.

[0174] If it is determined that the non-light-emitting element 2a does not exist, the control unit 5A terminates. Figure 15 The series of processes shown. That is, in this case, the number of partitions of domain Dm remains unchanged. More specifically, the reference number of partitions described later is maintained.

[0175] On the other hand, if it is determined that a non-light-emitting element 2a is present, the process proceeds to step S202 to determine whether the number of non-light-emitting elements (the number of non-light-emitting elements 2a) is at or below the threshold TH1. Here, the threshold TH1 is set to a natural number of 2 or higher. Additionally, note that the number of non-light-emitting elements can be determined based on the detection results from the non-light-emitting element detection unit 6.

[0176] If the number of non-light-emitting elements is equal to or less than the threshold TH1, the control unit 5A proceeds to step S203 and sets the number of domain divisions to "reference division number + α1". Here, the division reference number is predetermined as the reference number for dividing domain Dm. In this example, the reference division number is determined based on the state that there are no non-light-emitting elements 2a in the light source unit 2. For example, although the reference division number can change, for example, with the number of pixels in the phase modulation SLM3, the reference division number can be set to 4×4=16 or 6×6=36.

[0177] Simultaneously, if the number of non-light-emitting elements exceeds the threshold TH1, the control unit 5A proceeds to step S204 and sets the number of domain divisions to "reference division number + α amount". In this case, α0 > α0.

[0178] As a result, when the number of non-emitting elements is 1 or more but not greater than the threshold TH1, the number of domains Dm is set to "reference division number + α amount". When the number of non-emitting elements is greater than the threshold TH1, the number of domains Dm is set to "reference division number + α amount" which is greater than "reference division number + α amount". In other words, the number of domains Dm increases as the evaluation level of the uniformity of the incident light intensity distribution decreases.

[0179] Upon completion of step S203 or S204, control unit 5A terminates. Figure 15 The series of processes shown.

[0180] Here, when the number of domain divisions Dm is dynamically changed, a domain-specific lens component Dpl is prepared for each of the possible domain divisions Dm. For example, relevant data is stored in a memory readable by the control unit 5A. When the number of domain divisions Dm changes, the control unit 5A checks the domain-specific lens components Dpl for each domain division stored in the memory, obtains the domain-specific lens components Dpl for the changed number of domain divisions, and uses the obtained domain-specific lens components Dpl to calculate the domain phase distribution Dpd.

[0181] It should be noted that an alternative approach is to calculate and obtain the lens component Dpl for each domain Dm each time the number of domains Dm is changed.

[0182] [2-1. Second Example]

[0183] A second instance of the second embodiment is configured such that the number of domain Dm divisions is changed based on the difference in light intensity distribution between the reproduced image and the target image.

[0184] Figure 16This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a lighting device 1B according to a second example of a second embodiment.

[0185] Lighting equipment 1B and Figure 1 The difference in the lighting device 1 shown is that it has an imaging unit 7 and a control unit 5B instead of a control unit 5.

[0186] For example, the imaging unit 7 includes imaging elements such as a CCD (charge-coupled device) sensor or a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) sensor, and captures a regenerated image projected onto the projection plane Sp by a phase-modulated SLM3.

[0187] Based on the image captured by the imaging unit 7, the control unit 5B determines the difference (target light intensity distribution) between the light intensity distribution of the reconstructed image and the light intensity distribution of the target image, and changes the number of domains Dm divided according to the determined difference in light intensity distribution. More specifically, the control unit 5B executes... Figure 17 The processing shown.

[0188] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of domain partitioning processing according to a second embodiment of the second implementation.

[0189] First, in step S301, the control unit 5B calculates an evaluation value of the difference in light intensity distribution between the reproduced image and the target image based on the captured image. For example, it is assumed that the calculated evaluation value increases as the difference in light intensity distribution increases.

[0190] In step S302, following step S301, the control unit 5B determines whether the evaluation value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If it is determined that the evaluation value is less than the predetermined value (i.e., the difference in light intensity distribution is small), the control unit 5B terminates the process. Figure 17 The series of processes shown.

[0191] Simultaneously, if the evaluated value is determined to be equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the control unit 5B proceeds to step S303, sets the number of domain divisions to "reference division number + α", and then terminates. Figure 17 The series of processes described in the text.

[0192] This ensures that when the difference in light intensity distribution between the reconstructed and target images is large, the number of domain divisions Dm is greater compared to when the difference is small. Consequently, the number of domain divisions can be adjusted in a way that reduces the difference in light intensity distribution between the reconstructed and target images.

[0193] It should be noted that in the second instance, the number of domain Dm divisions can increase as the difference in light intensity distribution between the target image and the reconstructed image increases.

[0194] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the imaging unit 7 does not need to be integrated with the lighting device 1B, and can also be disposed outside the lighting device 1B.

[0195] <3. Third Implementation Method>

[0196] [3-1. Projector Equipment Configuration]

[0197] The third embodiment is configured such that the lighting device described in the embodiment is applied to the projector device.

[0198] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a projector device 10 that applies a lighting device according to an embodiment.

[0199] like Figure 18 As shown, with Figure 1 The same as the lighting device 1 shown, the projection device 10 includes a light source unit 2, a phase modulation SLM 3, a driving unit 4 and a control unit 5, and the projection device 10 also includes an intensity modulation SLM 11, a low-frequency image generation unit 12, a high-frequency image generation unit 13 and a driving unit 14.

[0200] The intensity modulation SLM11 includes, for example, a transmissive liquid crystal panel and performs spatial light intensity modulation on the incident light. For example... Figure 18 As shown, the intensity modulation SLM11 is connected to the output stage of the phase modulation SLM3. Therefore, light emitted from the light source 2 and spatially phase-modulated by the phase modulation SLM3 is incident on the intensity modulation SLM11.

[0201] The projection device 10 projects a reproduced image of the target image onto the projection plane Sp' by projecting light that has undergone spatial light intensity modulation by intensity modulation SLM11 onto the projection plane Sp'.

[0202] It should be noted that, for example, a reflective spatial light phase modulator (such as a reflective liquid crystal panel or a DMD) can be used as an intensity modulation SLM11.

[0203] The low-frequency image generation unit 12 is configured as a low-pass filter for the target image and is adapted to extract the low-frequency components of the target image, and output the extracted low-frequency components as a low-frequency image to the control unit 5. In this case, in order to calculate the domain phase distribution Dpd of each domain Dm, the control unit 5 uses the low-frequency image output from the low-frequency image generation unit 12 as the target image to perform calculations such as... Figure 7 The process shown is according to the first embodiment. Then, the control unit 5 controls the drive unit 4 to perform spatial optical phase modulation according to the calculated domain phase distribution Dpd.

[0204] Here, it is evident from the position of the depicted projection plane Sp that the phase distribution in this case is calculated using a free-form method to reproduce the target image on the intensity modulation plane of the intensity modulation SLM11. Furthermore, the lens component Dpl for each domain Dm used in this case is obtained by performing calculations to reproduce the light intensity distribution of each domain Dm in the common region Rc on the projection plane Sp set in the intensity modulation plane of the intensity modulation SLM11.

[0205] The high-frequency image generation unit 13 is configured as a high-pass filter for the target image and is adapted to extract the high-frequency components of the target image and output the extracted high-frequency components as a high-frequency image to the drive unit 14.

[0206] The driving unit 14 drives intensity modulation of each pixel in the SLM11 according to the input high-frequency image.

[0207] Therefore, light that has undergone spatial intensity modulation by intensity modulation SLM11 is given according to the light intensity distribution of the high-frequency image.

[0208] [3-2. Image Reproduction Method According to the Third Embodiment]

[0209] Incidentally, traditional projector devices reproduce images by using an intensity modulation SLM11 to perform spatial light intensity modulation on the light from the light source. However, spatial light intensity modulation partially blocks or dims the light incident from the light source. Therefore, light utilization efficiency is low, and contrast enhancement is difficult to achieve.

[0210] In view of the above, this embodiment is configured such that the lighting device described in conjunction with the first and second embodiments (i.e., the lighting device suitable for performing spatial light phase modulation for reproducing a desired light intensity distribution) is applied to the projector device 10 to improve light utilization efficiency and achieve contrast enhancement of the reproduced image.

[0211] according to Figure 18 In the configuration shown, the phase modulation SLM3 performs spatial light phase modulation to reproduce the light intensity distribution of a low-frequency image based on the target image in a common region Rc on a projection plane Sp, which is positioned within the intensity modulation plane of the intensity modulation SLM11. This corresponds to forming an approximate light intensity distribution of the target image before spatial light intensity modulation using the intensity modulation SLM11, and is similar to the control commonly referred to as zone partitioning drive used to provide backlight for a liquid crystal display. However, in this case, the light intensity distribution is formed by phase modulation. This prevents a reduction in the utilization efficiency of light from the light source.

[0212] In the above case, the intensity modulation SLM11 arranges the details of the reproduced image of the low-frequency image reproduced by the phase modulation SLM3 and is used to reproduce the light intensity distribution of the target image on the projection plane Sp'. This allows for the enhancement of the contrast of the reproduced image while suppressing the reduction in the resolution of the reproduced image.

[0213] As a method of spatial optical phase modulation in phase modulation SLM3 Figure 18 The projector device 10 shown employs a method that reproduces a common light intensity distribution in a common area for each domain Dm. Therefore, the light intensity distribution of incident light from the light source is prevented from overlapping the reproduced image on the projection plane Sp'. This improves the robustness of image reproduction on the projection plane Sp' relative to the incident light intensity distribution.

[0214] It should be noted that although the description shown is not given here, the projector device 10 can also perform the process of dynamically changing the number of domain Dm partitions as described in the first and second examples in conjunction with the second embodiment.

[0215] <4. Variations>

[0216] Here, this technology is not limited to the specific examples of the above embodiments and can be configured as various variations.

[0217] For example, while the above describes an example of calculating the fundamental phase distribution Dpr using a free-form method as needed, it is alternative to using a pre-calculated fundamental phase distribution Dpr.

[0218] For example, when the lighting device 1 is applied to, for example, a headlight, the image (light intensity distribution) to be reproduced may be limited in certain situations. In this case, an alternative is to pre-store information about the basic phase distribution Dpr pre-calculated for each image to be reproduced in a memory readable by the control unit 5, and read the relevant basic phase distribution Dpr from the memory when the reproduced image is switched, and use the read information accordingly.

[0219] Furthermore, with a fixed number of domains Dm, the lens component Dpl for each domain Dm is also fixed. Therefore, the domain phase distribution Dpd for each domain Dm can be pre-calculated for each image to be reproduced using the fixed lens component Dpl. Alternatively, one could pre-store the pre-calculated domain phase distribution Dpd for each domain Dm of each image in memory, read the relevant domain phase distribution Dpd from memory during image reproduction switching, and use the read information accordingly.

[0220] Furthermore, the light source unit 2 used is optionally configured such that multiple R (red), G (green), and B (blue) light-emitting elements 2r, 2g, and 2b are as follows:Figure 19 The light source units 2A are arranged as shown. In this case, the light emitted from the light-emitting elements 2r, 2g, and 2b of corresponding colors can be combined to achieve image reproduction by using white.

[0221] In the examples above, the lighting and projector devices according to the embodiments utilize the phenomenon of refraction for the purpose of image reproduction (e.g., see reference). Figure 3 This allows the problem of wavelength selectivity to be ignored, for example, in the case of image reconstruction using diffraction phenomena used to generate CGH (computer-generated holograms). Therefore, even if the employed light source section 2A includes... Figure 19 In the case of the array of light-emitting elements 2r, 2g, and 2b of the corresponding colors shown, considering wavelength selectivity, the light-emitting elements 2r, 2g, and 2b do not need to emit light in a temporally perceptual manner. Furthermore, unlike the case of a three-panel projector device, the optical path and spatial light modulator do not need to be divided into optical paths and spatial light modulators for individual colors for configuration purposes.

[0222] <5. Overview of Implementation Methods>

[0223] As described above, the lighting device (lighting device 1, 1A, or 1B, or projection device 10) provided as an embodiment includes a light source unit (light source unit 2 or 2A), a phase modulation unit (phase modulation SLM3), and a control unit (control unit 5, 5A, or 5B). The light source unit has light-emitting elements (light-emitting elements 2a, 2r, 2g, 2b). The phase modulation unit performs spatial light phase modulation on the incident light from the light source unit. The control unit controls the phase modulation unit such that multiple domains (domains Dm) formed by dividing the phase modulation plane of the phase modulation unit reproduce a light intensity distribution based on a common phase distribution (common phase distribution Dpc) in a common region (common region Rc) on the projection plane (projection plane Sp), the common phase distribution being determined based on a free-form method.

[0224] Because multiple domains reproduce the light intensity distribution based on a shared phase distribution in a common region on the projection plane in this way, the light intensity distribution reproduced in the common region represents the light intensity distribution obtained by merging the light intensity distributions of the individual domains. Therefore, even if the light intensity distribution of the incident light is non-uniform and inconsistent, the contributions from each domain are averaged in the projection plane. Thus, the light intensity distribution of the reproduced image is unlikely to change.

[0225] Therefore, when the incident light intensity distribution is non-uniform, the non-uniform incident light intensity distribution is less likely to be superimposed on the reconstructed image. This improves robustness against incident light intensity distribution.

[0226] When robustness to incident light intensity distribution is improved, the light source unit does not need to emit light with a uniform intensity distribution. Therefore, the light source unit can include an array of multiple light-emitting elements. This reduces costs.

[0227] Furthermore, when the light source used includes an array of light-emitting elements, the impact on the reproduced image can be mitigated even if the difference in luminous intensity between the light-emitting elements becomes significant due to aging.

[0228] Furthermore, the lighting device provided as an embodiment is configured such that the light source section has multiple light-emitting elements.

[0229] Therefore, the light source does not need to use a single high-output light-emitting element to meet the predetermined light intensity requirements.

[0230] This reduces the cost of the light source.

[0231] Furthermore, the lighting device provided as an embodiment is configured such that the control unit uses the phase distribution obtained by performing scaling processing based on the domain size on the phase distribution calculated using the free form method as a common phase distribution.

[0232] This configuration eliminates the need to compute the phase distribution of each domain using free-form methods.

[0233] As a result, the processing burden can be reduced.

[0234] Furthermore, the lighting device provided in the embodiment is configured such that the control unit allocates the phase distribution obtained by adding the lens component (lens component Dpl) based on the domain position to the common phase distribution as the phase distribution of each domain.

[0235] Therefore, the common light intensity distribution can be appropriately reproduced in the common region on the projection plane in a manner corresponding to the case where a common phase distribution is used for each domain.

[0236] As a result, robustness to incident light intensity distribution can be improved while reducing the processing burden on phase distribution calculations.

[0237] Furthermore, the lighting device provided as an embodiment is configured such that the control unit (control unit 5A or 5B) dynamically changes the number of domain divisions.

[0238] Increasing the number of domain divisions improves robustness to the intensity distribution of incident light, while decreasing the number of domain divisions improves the resolution of the reconstructed image.

[0239] As a result, the balance between robustness and reproducible image resolution can be dynamically adjusted by dynamically changing the number of domain partitions.

[0240] Furthermore, the lighting device provided in the embodiment is configured such that the control unit (control unit 5A) changes the number of domain divisions based on the evaluation results of the uniformity of the incident light intensity distribution.

[0241] This configuration allows for appropriate control of the number of domain divisions based on the incident light intensity distribution. For example, when the uniformity of the incident light intensity distribution is low, the number of domain divisions can be increased to mitigate the impact of the incident light intensity distribution on the reconstructed image, while when the uniformity of the incident light intensity distribution is high, the number of domain divisions can be reduced to improve the resolution of the reconstructed image.

[0242] Therefore, the balance between robustness to the incident light intensity distribution and the resolution of the reproduced image can be appropriately adjusted according to the incident light intensity distribution.

[0243] Furthermore, the lighting device provided as an embodiment is configured such that the control unit controls it to increase the number of area divisions when the uniformity is assessed as low, compared to when the uniformity is assessed as high.

[0244] This configuration allows for mitigating the impact of incident light intensity distribution on the reconstructed image by increasing the number of domain divisions when the uniformity of incident light intensity distribution is low, and improving the resolution of the reconstructed image by reducing the number of domain divisions when the uniformity of incident light intensity distribution is high.

[0245] Therefore, the balance between robustness to the incident light intensity distribution and the resolution of the reproduced image can be appropriately adjusted according to the incident light intensity distribution.

[0246] Furthermore, the lighting device provided as an embodiment is configured such that the control unit increases the number of divisions as the uniformity evaluation level decreases.

[0247] This configuration ensures that the effect of mitigating the impact of incident light intensity distribution on the reproduced image increases as the uniformity of the incident light intensity distribution decreases.

[0248] Therefore, it is possible to appropriately reduce the impact of incident light intensity distribution on the reconstructed image.

[0249] Furthermore, the lighting device provided as an embodiment is configured such that the light source section has multiple light-emitting elements, and the control section evaluates uniformity based on whether non-light-emitting elements are detected in the light source section.

[0250] This configuration allows the uniformity of the incident light intensity distribution to be assessed based on the detection results of the conduction state of the light-emitting element.

[0251] Therefore, the configuration of the detection unit used for uniformity assessment can be simplified to reduce the number of parts and cost.

[0252] Furthermore, the lighting device provided as an embodiment is configured such that the control unit (control unit 5B) determines the difference between the light intensity distribution of the reproduced image on the projection plane and the target light intensity distribution based on the captured image of the projection plane, and changes the number of domain divisions according to the determined difference.

[0253] This configuration allows the number of domain divisions to be adjusted in a way that reduces the difference between the light intensity distribution of the reproduced image and the target light intensity distribution.

[0254] Therefore, robustness to incident light intensity distribution can be improved.

[0255] Furthermore, the illumination method provided as an embodiment is an illumination method performed by an illumination device including a light source unit and a phase modulation unit. The light source unit has a light-emitting element. The phase modulation unit performs spatial light phase modulation on the incident light from the light source unit. The illumination method controls the phase modulation unit in such a way that by dividing the phase modulation plane of the phase modulation unit into multiple domains, a light intensity distribution based on a common phase distribution is reproduced in a common region on the projection plane, the common phase distribution being determined based on a free-form method.

[0256] The lighting method described above, as an embodiment, also enables the provision of similar operations and advantages as those provided by the lighting device described above, as an embodiment.

[0257] Furthermore, the projector device (projector device 10) provided as an embodiment includes a light source unit, a phase modulation unit, an intensity modulation unit (intensity modulation SLM11), and a control unit (control unit 5). The light source unit has a light-emitting element. The phase modulation unit performs spatial light phase modulation on incident light from the light source unit. The intensity modulation unit performs spatial light intensity modulation on light that has undergone spatial light phase modulation via the phase modulation unit. The control unit controls the phase modulation unit such that multiple domains formed by dividing the phase modulation plane of the phase modulation unit reproduce a light intensity distribution based on a common phase distribution in a common region on the intensity modulation plane of the intensity modulation unit, the common phase distribution being determined based on a free-form method.

[0258] Therefore, a projector device that includes a phase modulation unit for improving the light utilization efficiency of light incident from the light source unit can ensure that even if the light intensity distribution of the incident light relative to the phase modulation unit is not uniform and inconsistent, the light intensity distribution of the reproduced image cannot be changed.

[0259] Therefore, robustness to incident light intensity distribution can be improved, while enhancing the contrast of the regenerated image.

[0260] It should be noted that the advantages described in this document are illustrative rather than limiting. This technology may provide additional advantages beyond those described in this document.

[0261] <6. This technology>

[0262] It should be noted that this technology can also be configured as follows.

[0263] (1) A lighting device, comprising:

[0264] The light source section has a light-emitting element;

[0265] The phase modulation unit performs spatial light phase modulation on the incident light from the light source unit; and

[0266] The control unit controls the phase modulation unit so that multiple domains formed by dividing the phase modulation plane of the phase modulation unit reproduce the light intensity distribution based on the common phase distribution in a common region on the projection plane. The common phase distribution is determined based on a free-form method.

[0267] (2) The lighting device according to (1) above, wherein the light source unit includes a plurality of light-emitting elements.

[0268] (3) The lighting device according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the control unit uses a phase distribution obtained by performing scaling processing based on the size of the domain on a phase distribution calculated by a free form method as a common phase distribution.

[0269] (4) The lighting device according to (3) above, wherein the control unit allocates the phase distribution obtained by adding the lens component based on the domain position to the common phase distribution as the phase distribution of each domain in the domain.

[0270] (5) The lighting device as described in any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein the control unit dynamically changes the number of domain divisions.

[0271] (6) The lighting device according to (5) above, wherein the control unit changes the number of domain divisions based on the evaluation result of the uniformity of the light intensity distribution of the incident light.

[0272] (7) The lighting device according to (6) above, wherein when the evaluation uniformity is low, the control unit provides a larger number of domain divisions compared to when the evaluation uniformity is high.

[0273] (8) The lighting device according to (7) above, wherein when the evaluation level of uniformity decreases, the control unit increases the number of domain divisions.

[0274] (9) The lighting equipment as described in any one of (6) to (8) above,

[0275] The light source section has multiple light-emitting elements, and

[0276] The control unit evaluates uniformity based on whether non-emitting light-emitting elements are detected in the light source unit.

[0277] (10) The lighting device according to any one of (5) to (9) above, wherein the control unit determines the difference between the light intensity distribution of the reproduced image on the projection plane and the target light intensity distribution based on the captured image of the projection plane, and changes the number of domain divisions according to the determined difference.

[0278] (11) A lighting method performed by a lighting device, the lighting device comprising a light source unit and a phase modulation unit, the light source unit having a light-emitting element, and the phase modulation unit performing spatial light phase modulation on incident light from the light source unit, the lighting method comprising:

[0279] The phase modulation unit is controlled such that multiple domains formed by dividing the phase modulation plane of the phase modulation unit reproduce the light intensity distribution based on the common phase distribution in a common region on the projection plane. The common phase distribution is determined based on a free-form method.

[0280] (12) A projector device, comprising:

[0281] The light source section has a light-emitting element;

[0282] The phase modulation unit performs spatial light phase modulation on the incident light from the light source unit;

[0283] The intensity modulation unit performs spatial light intensity modulation on the light whose spatial light phase has been modulated by the phase modulation unit; and

[0284] The control unit controls the phase modulation unit so that multiple domains formed by dividing the phase modulation plane of the phase modulation unit reproduce the light intensity distribution based on the common phase distribution in a common region on the intensity modulation plane of the intensity modulation unit. The common phase distribution is determined based on a free-form method.

[0285] [List of Reference Numbers]

[0286] 1, 1A, 1B: Lighting equipment

[0287] 2, 2A: Light source section

[0288] 2a, 2r, 2g, 2b: Light-emitting elements

[0289] 3: Phase Modulation SLM

[0290] 4, 14: Drive Unit

[0291] 5, 5A, 5B: Control Department

[0292] 6: Non-light-emitting element detection section

[0293] 7: Imaging section

[0294] Sp, Sp': Projection plane

[0295] Sm: Phase modulation plane

[0296] Dm, Dm-1, Dm-2, Dm-3: Domains

[0297] Rc: Shared Area

[0298] Oa: Covering

[0299] Ar: Basic Region

[0300] Dpr: Fundamental Phase Distribution

[0301] Dpc: Common Phase Distribution

[0302] Dpd: Domain Phase Distribution

[0303] Tar, Tas: (a traditional Chinese idiom)

[0304] Dpl, Dpl-1, Dpl-2, Dpl-3: Lens components

[0305] 10: Projector equipment

[0306] 11: Intensity Modulation SLM

[0307] 12: Low-frequency image generation unit

[0308] 13: High-frequency image generation unit.

Claims

1. A lighting device, comprising: The light source section has a light-emitting element; The phase modulation unit performs spatial light phase modulation on the incident light from the light source unit; as well as The control unit controls the phase modulation unit such that multiple domains formed by dividing the phase modulation plane of the phase modulation unit reproduce a light intensity distribution based on a common phase distribution in a common region on the projection plane. This common phase distribution is determined based on a free-form method. The control unit dynamically changes the number of domain divisions.

2. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, The light source section includes multiple light-emitting elements.

3. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit uses the phase distribution obtained by performing scaling processing based on the size of the domain on the phase distribution calculated by the free-form method as the common phase distribution.

4. The lighting device according to claim 3, wherein, The control unit allocates the phase distribution obtained by adding the lens component based on the domain position to the common phase distribution as the phase distribution of each domain in the domain.

5. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit changes the number of domain divisions based on the evaluation result of the uniformity of the light intensity distribution of the incident light.

6. The lighting device according to claim 5, wherein, When uniformity is evaluated as low, the control unit provides a larger number of domain divisions compared to when uniformity is evaluated as high.

7. The lighting device according to claim 6, wherein, When the evaluation level of uniformity decreases, the control unit increases the number of domain divisions.

8. The lighting device according to claim 5, in, The light source has multiple light-emitting elements, and The control unit evaluates the uniformity based on whether a non-emitting light-emitting element is detected in the light source unit.

9. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit determines the difference between the light intensity distribution of the reproduced image on the projection plane and the target light intensity distribution based on the captured image on the projection plane, and changes the number of domain divisions according to the determined difference.

10. A lighting method performed by a lighting device, the lighting device comprising a light source section and a phase modulation section, the light source section having a light-emitting element, the phase modulation section performing spatial light phase modulation on incident light from the light source section, the lighting method comprising: The phase modulation unit is controlled such that multiple domains formed by dividing the phase modulation plane of the phase modulation unit reproduce a light intensity distribution based on a common phase distribution in a common region on the projection plane, wherein the common phase distribution is determined based on a free-form method. Among these, the number of domain partitions is dynamically changed.

11. A projector device, comprising: The light source section has a light-emitting element; The phase modulation unit performs spatial light phase modulation on the incident light from the light source unit; The intensity modulation unit modulates the spatial light intensity of light that has been spatially phase-modulated by the phase modulation unit. as well as The control unit controls the phase modulation unit such that multiple domains formed by dividing the phase modulation plane of the phase modulation unit reproduce a light intensity distribution based on a common phase distribution in a common region on the intensity modulation plane of the intensity modulation unit. The common phase distribution is determined based on a free-form method. The control unit dynamically changes the number of domain divisions.

Images