Dual-Light-Source Optics for Wide Dynamic Range Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light sources for applications like head-up displays (HUD) and head-mounted displays (HMD) face challenges in achieving a high dynamic range of optical power with bulky and heavy electronics due to the need for a wide range of drive currents, which complicates the design and increases size.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic light source configuration using two light sources, where one light source emits light that is reflected back to the other, allowing for a higher dynamic range of power with similar drive current demands, and optionally incorporating a fibre optic cable to adapt conventional light sources to require smaller electrical currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional light source is used to achieve a high dynamic range of optical power, then a wide range of drive currents is required, but this complicates the electronics and increases device size and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single light source into two separate light sources (first light source and second light source). The first light source handles high power output while the second light source handles low power output. This segmentation allows each light source to operate within a narrower, simpler current range while collectively providing a wide dynamic range of optical power.
Solution Approach 2:
The first light source acts as an intermediary for the second light source. Light from the second light source is reflected off the first light source, effectively using the first light source as an optical mediator. This allows the system to achieve low power outputs through the reflected light path while maintaining simple electronics for both sources.
2Illumination intensity
If a wide range of drive currents is used to achieve high dynamic range, then the device can provide varying power levels, but this makes the device bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the light source into two separate LEDs with different current requirements, the patent eliminates the need for bulky power supply electronics that would be required to support a single LED operating over a wide current range. This segmentation directly reduces device weight.
3Illumination intensity
If a single light source is used, then the design is simple, but achieving high dynamic range requires complicated electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination function into two separate light sources, each with its own simpler drive circuit. This segmentation trades optical component complexity for electronics simplicity, as each LED can be driven with a narrow current range using simple constant current drivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The first light source serves as an optical intermediary that reflects light from the second light source. This optical mediation allows the system to achieve low power levels without requiring complex dimming electronics, as the reflected light path naturally provides attenuation.
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 configuration enables a higher dynamic range of power with reduced electrical current requirements, allowing for a more compact and lightweight design suitable for applications like HMDs.
Implementation Method 1
the first device 210 is further configured to reflect light incident outside the first cone of angles 240 back towards the first light source 220
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic light source for a display is disclosed. The dynamic light source comprises a first light source located inside a first device; and a second light source. The first device is configured to allow light from the first light source to exit the first device in a first cone of angles and to reflect light incident outside the cone of angles back towards the first light source. The first device is configured such that injected light from the second light source is reflected by the first light source in a second cone of angles substantially coincident with the first cone of angles and that light output by the first device from the second light source is attenuated more than light output by the first light source, and an amount of attenuation is based on an intended dynamic power range of the dynamic light source.