Filter Wheel Illumination for Projector Color and Infrared Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Projectors using light modulators are limited in color display as they require multiple light sources emitting different wavelengths sequentially, restricting image generation to the colors of these sources.
Innovation Solution
An illumination device with a light source unit emitting two distinct spectra, a rotatable filter wheel with multiple surface segments, and a control unit to sequentially direct these spectra onto a light modulator, allowing for adjustable spectrum selection without altering the light source unit, enabling time-sequential display of color and infrared images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources emitting different wavelengths are used sequentially, then color display capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter surface is divided into multiple surface segments, each transmitting different spectral ranges. This segmentation allows a single light source to generate multiple colors by selectively filtering its output, replacing the need for multiple separate light sources and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A filter wheel with spectrally selective filter segments is introduced as an intermediary between the light source and light modulator. This intermediary component enables spectral selection without requiring multiple light sources, simplifying the overall system while maintaining color display capability
2Manufacturing precision
If the spectrum is divided into multiple parts using filter segments, then spectral selectivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single filter wheel structure performs multiple functions: it selects different spectral ranges, controls timing sequences, and interfaces with a single light source. This multi-functional design achieves spectral selectivity without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The filter wheel is designed to rotate dynamically, allowing different surface segments to be positioned in the optical path as needed. This dynamic reconfiguration enables spectral selection without requiring multiple static filter assemblies, reducing overall system complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If time-sequential illumination with different spectra is implemented, then image generation flexibility is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit coordinates the timing between light source activation, filter wheel positioning, and light modulator operation. This feedback-controlled synchronization ensures that the correct spectral segment is in place during each illumination cycle, enabling flexible image generation while maintaining manageable control complexity through systematic coordination
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
Enables flexible adjustment of spectra for enhanced color and infrared image generation, allowing for simultaneous superimposition of color and infrared images, suitable for applications like flight simulators, with increased contrast and accurate representation of low brightness values.
Implementation Method 1
the first surface segment transmits only a first part of the spectrum of the emitted light with the first spectrum in the illumination beam path and the second surface segment transmits only a second part of the spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination device includes a light source unit and a filter wheel. The filter surface of the filter wheel includes a first surface segment and a second surface segment arranged behind the first surface segment in the direction of rotation. When the filter surface is rotated, the first and second surface segments successively extend into the illumination beam path. The first surface segment transmits only a first part of the spectrum of the emitted light and the second surface segment transmits only a different second part of the emitted light. The control unit controls the light source unit and drives the filter wheel so the light with the different spectra is emitted sequentially in time for a predetermined partial illumination duration. During the partial illumination duration of the emitted light with the first spectrum, the first or second surface segment extends into the illumination beam path.