Light guide device, lighting system and projection system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a light guide device, lighting system and projection system relates to optical illumination technical field. Light guide device includes light blocking device and light guide structure, and light guide structure is by a plurality of microstructure composition, sets up in the light blocking device side to the useless light, and the microstructure is far away from the light blocking device side gradually smaller and surface light absorption. After useless light incidence, multiple reflection extinction occurs on the microstructure, and microstructure guides the scattered light far away from the lens, avoids the scattered light into the lens and influences the display effect. The utility model discloses through microstructure and realizes high -efficient extinction and light path control, need not high -cost extinction paint, and the display quality of projection system under the dark picture of remarkable promotion, simple structure, and strong applicability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of optical lighting technology, specifically to a light guide device, an lighting system, and a projection system. Background Technology

[0002] like Figure 1 The diagram shows a lighting system in the prior art. After being modulated by a light modulator DMD (Digital Micromirror Device), the incident light is modulated into useful light and useless light. The useful light passes through the lens to realize the output of the image, while the useless light is incident on the light blocking device and blocked.

[0003] To prevent unwanted light from scattering and entering the lens, existing technologies generally employ applying a matte finish to the light-blocking device to absorb unwanted light to the greatest extent possible. Figure 2 As shown, a matte finish is applied to the side of the light-blocking device facing the unwanted light to prevent reflected, scattered light from entering the lens. However, since matte finish cannot completely absorb unwanted light, at least 10% reflection is generally present, resulting in some scattered light still remaining. Figure 3 As shown, scattered light is reflected by the light modulator and enters the lens, causing some areas of the projected dark image to appear brighter, thus affecting the display effect. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to achieve maximum light extinction by adding microstructures to the light-blocking device facing the side of the useless light; at the same time, to guide the remaining scattered light in a direction that cannot enter the lens, thereby avoiding the possibility of scattered light entering the lens.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] First, this utility model proposes a light guiding device, including a light blocking device and a light guiding structure. The light guiding structure is disposed on the side of the light blocking device facing the useless light. The light guiding structure is composed of multiple microstructures. The microstructures gradually become smaller away from the light blocking device, so as to cause the useless light to be reflected and extinct multiple times on the microstructures and guide the scattered light away from the lens.

[0007] As a further preferred embodiment of the light guiding device proposed in this utility model, the microstructure is an array of protrusions, the shape of which includes one or more of the following: conical, frustum-shaped, prismatic, or strip-shaped.

[0008] As a further preferred embodiment of the light guiding device proposed in this utility model, the protrusions of the microstructure are oriented towards the incident direction of the useless light.

[0009] As a further preferred embodiment of the light guiding device proposed in this utility model, the microstructure is a sheet-like structure, and the growth direction of the sheet-like structure is oriented towards the incident direction of the useless light.

[0010] As a further preferred embodiment of the light guiding device proposed in this utility model, the light blocking device is provided with a mirror on the side facing the useless light, and the light guiding structure is located on the light path after the useless light is reflected by the mirror.

[0011] As a further preferred embodiment of the light guiding device proposed in this utility model, the surface of the microstructure is provided with a light-absorbing material.

[0012] Secondly, this invention proposes an illumination system, including a light modulator, a lens, and a light guide device as proposed in this invention, located between the lens and the light modulator. This light guide device is used to process unwanted light generated by the light modulator. The light modulator is a digital micromirror array (DMD).

[0013] On the other hand, this utility model also proposes another lighting system, including a light modulator, a lens, and a prism between the lens and the light modulator. A light guiding device as proposed in this utility model is also provided between the prism and the lens. The light modulator is a digital micromirror array (DMD).

[0014] Finally, the present invention proposes a projection system that includes the lighting system described in the present invention.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention, by adopting the above technical solution, has the following technical effects:

[0016] The light guiding device proposed in this invention achieves a deep integration of physical structure and optical function through its microstructure array. When unwanted light is incident, it first strikes the inclined surface or sidewall of the microstructure, where a portion of the light energy is immediately absorbed. The remaining light, after reflection, strikes another adjacent microstructure, undergoing a second, third, or even more absorption processes until the energy is gradually depleted. Simultaneously, the tilt angles of all microstructures collectively form a macroscopic light guiding surface, ensuring that even if a tiny amount of light is reflected, its exit angle is strictly controlled, deviating from the optical axis of the lens, thus preventing scattered light from interfering with imaging.

[0017] Experiments show that the light guide device using this structure can reduce the intensity of stray light from useless light by more than an order of magnitude, improve contrast by more than 30%, and avoid the cost increase caused by selecting high-absorption matte paint. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a lighting system in the prior art.

[0019] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of applying matte paint to a light-blocking device in the prior art.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of scattered light being reflected by a light modulator into the lens in existing technology.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the light guiding device in this utility model.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the shape of the microstructure in the light guide structure.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the direction of the protrusions in the microstructure.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another configuration of the light guide device structure of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the optical path of the light guide device.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a lighting system using the light guide device of this utility model.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a projection system using the light guide device of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A schematic diagram of another configuration of the central light guide structure.

[0029] The diagram is labeled as follows: 1-Optical Modulator (DMD), 2-Incident Light, 3-Useful Light, 4-Useless Light, 401-Diffuse Light, 5-Lens, 6-Light-Blocking Device, 7-Diffuse Light, 8-Reflected Light, 601-Matte Paint, 602-Light Guide Structure, 603-Mirror, 10-Prism. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0031] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in general dictionaries should be understood to have the same meaning as in the context of the prior art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless defined as herein.

[0032] Example 1: As Figure 4As shown, this embodiment proposes a light guiding device, which consists of a light-blocking device 6 and a light guiding structure 602. The light guiding structure 602 is disposed on the side of the light-blocking device 6 facing the unwanted light 4, and is composed of multiple microstructures. The microstructures gradually decrease in size on the side away from the light-blocking device 6, and the shapes of the microstructures can be configured in various ways, see [reference needed]. Figure 5 (a)-(e) can take the form of conical, frustum, prismatic, or strip-shaped protrusions, with varying sizes, and the surface is coated or has a high light-absorbing material. When useless light 4 is incident on the light guide structure 602, due to the geometry and surface characteristics of the microstructure, the light undergoes multiple reflections between the structures, with each reflection being partially absorbed, achieving multiple extinctions. Simultaneously, the angle and direction of the microstructure are designed to guide residual scattered light in a direction that prevents it from entering the lens 5, thus avoiding reflection from the light modulator (such as a DMD) and subsequent entry into the lens.

[0033] To further optimize the light guiding effect, the protrusions of the microstructure are preferably oriented towards the incident direction of the useless light 4, such as... Figure 6 As shown in (a) above. Alternatively, the microstructure can be designed as a sheet-like structure with its growth direction oriented toward the incident light direction of the useless light 4, such as... Figure 6 As shown in (b) above. When unwanted light is incident on the sheet-like structure, the gaps between the sheets cause the light to be reflected multiple times, enhancing the extinction effect. See the schematic diagram of the optical path below. Figure 6 (c) in the middle.

[0034] Example 2: As Figure 7 As shown, in some lighting systems, if the space on the DMD side of the light-blocking device 6 is limited and it is not possible to install the light guide structure 602, a alternative can be used. Figure 7 The setup shown is as follows: The light-incident surface of the light-blocking device 6 is set as a mirror 603 (this mirror can be a polished surface of the structure or a separate reflector). The unwanted light 4 is reflected by the mirror 603 and then incident on the light-guiding structure 602. The light-guiding structure 602 is located on the optical path of the unwanted light after reflection by the mirror, ensuring that the unwanted light is effectively processed and guided. See the schematic diagram of the optical path. Figure 8 .

[0035] Example 3: As Figure 9 As shown, this embodiment proposes an illumination system, including illumination incident light 2, light modulator DMD1, useful light 3, useless light 4, light guide device, and lens 5. The light guide device is configured according to embodiment 1 or embodiment 2 to process the useless light 4 modulated by DMD1, thereby improving system contrast and display effect.

[0036] After applying the light guide device of this invention to the lighting system, the system can effectively handle the unwanted light 4 generated by DMD1 modulation. This not only prevents the problem of image fogging and reduced contrast caused by unwanted light scattering, but also reduces the requirements for light-absorbing treatment of other parts of the system's inner wall, simplifying the overall structural design. Ultimately, this enables the lighting system to output pure, high-contrast light, providing a high-quality light source guarantee for subsequent projection imaging.

[0037] Example 4: This example proposes a lighting system that differs from Example 3 in that it includes a prism 7. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the lighting system includes a light modulator DMD1, a lens 5, and a prism 7. The light guide device is configured according to Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2. The light guide structure can be located on the side of the light-blocking device 6 facing the unused light 4, or it can be positioned opposite it according to optical layout requirements, such as... Figure 11 As shown, this is to accommodate different projection optical path designs.

[0038] Example 5: This example proposes a projection system including the lighting system described in either Example 3 or Example 4. In this projection system, the integration of the light guide device of this invention significantly improves the overall optical performance. Especially when displaying dark-field materials such as starry skies and night scenes, the background is deep and the black is pure, with no bright spots or halos, greatly improving the user experience. Simultaneously, this design allows for a more flexible optical engine layout, contributing to the miniaturization and thinning of the projection device.

[0039] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A light guiding device, characterized in that, It includes a light-blocking device (6) and a light-guiding structure (602). The light-guiding structure (602) is disposed on the side of the light-blocking device (6) facing the useless light (4). The light-guiding structure (602) is composed of multiple microstructures. The microstructures gradually become smaller on the side away from the light-blocking device (6) so that the useless light (4) is reflected and extinct multiple times on the microstructures and the scattered light is guided away from the lens (5).

2. The light guiding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microstructure is an array of protrusions, and its shape includes one or more of the following: conical, frustum-shaped, prismatic, or strip-shaped.

3. The light guiding device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The protrusions of the microstructure are oriented toward the incident direction of the useless light (4).

4. The light guiding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microstructure is a sheet-like structure, and the growth direction of the sheet-like structure is toward the incident direction of the useless light (4).

5. The light guiding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-blocking device (6) has a mirror (603) on the side facing the useless light (4), and the light guide structure (602) is located on the light path after the useless light (4) is reflected by the mirror (603).

6. The light guiding device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The surface of the microstructure is coated with a light-absorbing material.

7. A lighting system, characterized in that, It includes a light modulator (1), a lens (5), and a light guide device located between the lens (5) and the light modulator (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, the light guide device being used to process the useless light (4) generated by the modulation of the light modulator (1).

8. The lighting system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The optical modulator (1) is a digital micromirror array (DMD).

9. An illumination system comprising a light modulator (1), a lens (5), and a prism (7) between the lens and the light modulator, characterized in that, A light guide device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6 is also provided between the prism (7) and the lens (5).

10. A projection system, characterized in that, It includes the lighting system as described in any one of claims 7-9.

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