Etendue Splitter Projection for Brightness Without Halos
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projection systems face challenges in efficiently utilizing high and low etendue components of a light source, leading to low image quality and inefficiency due to high laser etendue, which results in halos around bright objects and reduced brightness.
Innovation Solution
A projection system utilizing an etendue splitter component to separate light into high and low etendue components, which are then processed by separate projection optics and modulators to enhance image quality and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If high laser etendue light is used in projection systems, then the light source can provide sufficient brightness, but image quality deteriorates due to halos around bright objects and reduced overall brightness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light source into two distinct components: a high etendue light source (for overall brightness) and a low etendue laser source (for image quality). This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromise, resolving the contradiction between brightness and image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the output of two different light sources through optical combining mechanisms. The high etendue light provides general illumination while the low etendue laser light provides precise image projection, and their combination achieves both brightness and image quality simultaneously.
2Device complexity
If a single projection system is used to handle both high and low etendue components, then the system structure remains simple, but optical efficiency is reduced due to inability to optimize for both components
Solution Approach 1:
The projection system is segmented into separate optical paths: one optimized for high etendue light and another for low etendue laser light. Each path uses specialized optics and modulators tailored to its specific light type, maximizing optical efficiency for both components while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a universal architecture that can handle both high and low etendue components through shared control mechanisms and integrated optical combining, allowing a single system to perform multiple functions efficiently without requiring completely separate systems.
3Area of stationary object
If high etendue light is used for projection, then the light source can cover larger area, but measurement precision of image quality deteriorates due to halos and reduced brightness
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting function is segmented between two sources: the high etendue source provides wide area coverage while the low etendue laser source provides precision image projection. This segmentation allows each to excel at its designated function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optical system are assigned different quality characteristics: the high etendue path handles area coverage with relaxed precision requirements, while the low etendue laser path handles critical image projection with high precision requirements. Each region is optimized for its specific quality needs.
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
The system improves image quality by optimizing the use of high and low etendue components, reducing artifacts and increasing overall optical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The etendue splitter component is configured to: receive the light from the light source, extract, from the light, the first etendue component and the second etendue component
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A projection system for etendue utilization includes a first light source configured to emit a light, the light including a first etendue component and a second etendue component, wherein the first etendue component has a lower etendue than the second etendue component, a first projection optics configured to project a first image on a screen, a second projection optics configured to project a second image on the screen, and an etendue splitter component. The etendue splitter component is configured to receive the light from the light source, extract, from the light, the first etendue component and the second etendue component, provide the first etendue component to the first projection optics, and provide the second etendue component to the second projection optics.