Dynamic Light Source Control for Portable Projection Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current projection systems face issues with inconsistent light source intensity due to aging and temperature changes, leading to degraded image quality and high power consumption, as they often rely on open loop methods or look-up tables that are cumbersome and vendor-specific.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that selectively control light source intensity and pixel opaqueness on a frame-by-frame basis using amplitude or pulse width modulation, with a controller processing image data to determine required light levels for each pixel, reducing power consumption and maintaining image quality over time and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If light sources are operated at full power continuously, then image brightness and quality are maintained, but power consumption increases and light source life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static full-power operation to dynamic frame-by-frame power adjustment. The system continuously adapts light source intensity based on the actual image content requirements, allowing the light sources to operate at varying power levels rather than constant maximum power, thus extending lifespan while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of light sources from fixed full-power mode to variable intensity mode. By modifying the intensity parameter on a frame-by-frame basis according to image content requirements, the system optimizes power consumption while preserving image quality and extending light source durability.
2Device complexity
If open loop method is used for light source control, then system complexity is reduced, but image quality degrades due to inability to compensate for temperature and aging effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor temperature and light source performance characteristics. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust light source intensity and compensate for aging and temperature effects, ensuring consistent image quality without requiring overly complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-characterizing light source behavior across temperature ranges and aging cycles. This预先 knowledge allows the system to anticipate and compensate for degradation effects before they impact image quality, maintaining consistency without complex real-time adjustments.
3Reliability
If look-up tables are used for temperature compensation, then image quality consistency is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to vendor-specific calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by developing a standardized approach to light source control that works across different vendors and light source types. Instead of requiring vendor-specific calibration tables, the system uses universal principles of frame-by-frame intensity adjustment based on image content analysis, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining image quality consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a digital model of light source characteristics that can be replicated across different units. This virtual characterization allows the system to compensate for aging and temperature effects through software-based adjustments rather than requiring physical calibration for each unit, reducing manufacturing complexity.
4Loss of energy
If light intensity is reduced to save power, then power consumption decreases, but image brightness and quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by adjusting light intensity to match the actual requirements of each image frame rather than using full power consistently. By providing just enough light for the current image content (partial action), the system reduces power dissipation while maintaining adequate image brightness, avoiding both energy waste and excessive brightness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamics to transition from static full-power illumination to dynamic intensity adjustment. The light source intensity is continuously adapted based on image content requirements, allowing the system to reduce power dissipation when high brightness is not needed while maintaining image quality when brightness is required.
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 approach significantly reduces power consumption by adjusting light intensity and duration based on frame-by-frame requirements, extending light source life, and improving image quality by matching light output to the maximum intensity needed, potentially saving up to 60% of power dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
the output intensity of one of the one or more light sources is set at a level by means of amplitude, pulse width modulation, or both
Implementation Method 2
the output intensity of one of the one or more light sources is set at a level by means of amplitude, pulse width modulation, or both
Implementation Method 3
providing the pixel matrix control data to one or more pixel matrixes to selectively control the opaqueness of the pixels of the one or more pixel matrixes
Data Source
AI summary
A projection system with one or more light sources reduced power consumption and optional scanning capability is disclosed. A controller processes image data to generate light source control signals and pixel screen control signals which are coordinated to generate an image. Reductions in power consumption occur by matching the light output from the light source to the brightest pixel(s) in the pixel screen for a particular frame. By setting the light output level to an intensity or duration matched to only the maximum level corresponding to a image frame, power consumption is reduced as compared to an embodiment which sets the light source output to its maximum level or maximum duration. The pixel screen, which may be an LCD screen, sets pixel areas corresponding to the brightest pixels as transparent and other, less bring pixels on the pixel screen are set to appropriate levels of reduced transparency.