Deformable Optical Element Steering Off-State Light for High Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current projection systems, such as those using digital micromirror devices (DMDs), face limitations in producing images with high dynamic range due to the need for uniform illumination across the entire DMD surface, which restricts the representation of images with varying brightness levels.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a deformable optical element in the optical path between the light source and the DMD to steer light from off-state paths to on-state paths, allowing for increased dynamic range by redirecting light from darker areas to brighter areas, thereby enhancing the image's brightness and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If uniform illumination is provided across the entire DMD surface, then the illumination of the brightest areas is limited by the overall illumination, but this results in an image that is not a true representation of the original image having high dynamic range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing non-uniform illumination across the DMD surface, where different regions receive different amounts of light. The illumination system is designed to deliver higher light intensity to regions corresponding to dark areas of the image and reduced intensity to regions corresponding to bright areas, thereby enabling high dynamic range representation while maintaining overall image accuracy.
2Illumination intensity
If light is redirected from off-state paths to on-state paths using a deformable optical element, then dynamic range is increased, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a deformable optical element that can dynamically change its shape or configuration to redirect light from off-state paths to on-state paths. This dynamic element allows the system to adapt light distribution in real-time, increasing dynamic range while maintaining a relatively compact and integrated system architecture.
3Loss of energy
If a deformable optical element is used to steer light, then light utilization efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable optical element is positioned and configured to automatically redirect off-state light paths to on-state paths based on the image content being displayed. This self-adjusting mechanism improves light utilization efficiency by capturing and redirecting light that would otherwise be wasted, while the element's design integrates it seamlessly into the existing optical train.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution increases the dynamic range of the produced image, ensuring a more accurate representation of the original image by efficiently utilizing light resources and reducing energy waste, while also simplifying system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable optical element disposed in the optical path between the light source and the digital micromirror device for steering at least some of the light from the off-state light path to the on-state light path
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
A system for producing an image having high dynamic range comprising:a light source (305) for providing light along an optical path (315); a digital micromirror device (340a-340c) for directing portions of the light to off-state light path (325a) and on-state light path (325b-325c), thereby producing an image; and a deformable optical element (390a) disposed in the optical path between the light source (305) and the digital micromirror device (340a-340c) for steering at least some of the light from the off-state light path (325a) to the on-state light path (325a") to increase dynamic range of the image produced by the digital micromirror device; wherein the deformable optical element can comprises in alternative at least one steerable segment and at least one static element; and corresponding method for producing an image.