Hologram Illumination Array for Compact Uniform Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hologram illumination systems are bulky, inefficient, and prone to stray light interference, lacking uniform illumination and compact integration with the hologram, which is impractical for applications requiring space-efficient and high-quality imaging.
Innovation Solution
A compact illumination system using an array of light sources and optics, forming a collimated, diverging, or converging beam to illuminate holograms, with light sources positioned behind the hologram and integrated into a self-contained unit, utilizing reflective elements to minimize size and enhance uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a spot-lamp is used to illuminate the hologram, then the illumination system can be placed at a relatively large distance from the hologram, but the system becomes bulky and unweildy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the illumination system into an array of multiple small light sources (e.g., LEDs) arranged in a grid pattern, replacing a single large spot-lamp. This segmentation allows the system to be compact while providing uniform illumination across the hologram surface, resolving the contradiction between distance and system size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point light source in three-dimensional space to a two-dimensional array of light sources positioned close to the hologram surface. This dimensional change enables compact integration while maintaining effective illumination distance, making the system both small and functional.
2Illumination intensity
If a spot-lamp is used to illuminate the hologram, then the system can be positioned above the hologram, but the illumination is not uniform and is stronger in the centre
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination into multiple discrete light sources arranged in an array that matches the hologram's pixel structure. Each light source illuminates a specific region, ensuring uniform distribution of light intensity across the entire hologram surface, eliminating the central hot-spot problem of single-point illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns different spatial positions to different light sources in the array, with each source optimized for its local region on the hologram. This local optimization ensures that every part of the hologram receives appropriate illumination intensity, achieving global uniformity through local quality control.
3Volume of moving object
If light sources are positioned close to the hologram for compact integration, then the system becomes space-efficient, but the system becomes sensitive to stray light from ambient sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination system into an array of small, spatially distributed light sources positioned close to the hologram surface. This segmentation, combined with the precise spatial mapping to hologram pixels, creates a system that is both compact and relatively immune to stray light because each light source operates independently in its designated zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical positioning and large-distance illumination with an integrated optoelectronic system where LED arrays are directly coupled to the hologram substrate. This substitution enables compact integration while the optical design inherently filters out stray light through precise angular control and spatial coherence.
4Illumination intensity
If an array of light sources is used to provide uniform illumination, then illumination quality improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light sources into a single integrated array structure that is positioned in close proximity to the hologram. This merging reduces the overall system complexity by eliminating the need for complex positioning mechanisms, large-distance mounting structures, and separate control systems, while maintaining the uniform illumination benefits of multiple sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the light source array to serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing uniform illumination, enabling compact integration, facilitating precise spatial mapping to hologram pixels, and reducing sensitivity to stray light. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple requirements into a single integrated structure.
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 achieves high-quality, uniform illumination with reduced size and sensitivity to stray light, enabling applications such as wall-mounted display holograms and automotive lighting.
Implementation Method 1
Each light source may have a corresponding optic which is configured to nominally collimate the light from the light source
Implementation Method 2
to illuminate a hologram
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
There is herein defined optics (e.g. an array of optics) forming an optical beam to either produce a collimated or diverging/converging beam emerging from a virtual source point to illuminate a hologram. There is also described an optical beam illuminating a reflection hologram from the front and a further configuration where an optical beam combined with a holographic optical element (HOE) mirror enables rear illumination of a reflection hologram.