Illumination Optical Device Using Multi-Lens Arrays for Uniform Projector Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a demand for increasing the use efficiency of light beams in projectors to achieve high luminance projection images, as existing projectors face challenges in effectively utilizing the light emitted from light sources.
Innovation Solution
An illumination optical device is developed, comprising a light source device and a homogenization device that divides and diffuses light beams using multi-lenses and lens arrays, with optical elements like diffusers and wavelength converters, to ensure uniform illumination and efficient light distribution across the modulation area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional light sources are used in projectors, then the structure is simple, but the light use efficiency is low and luminance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light beam into multiple segments using a multi-lens array, creating multiple virtual light sources. This segmentation increases the effective use of light by distributing it across multiple paths that ultimately converge on the modulation area, thereby improving light use efficiency without requiring a fundamentally new light source
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested optical structure where a diffuser element is positioned within the light path of the multi-lens array, and a wavelength conversion element is integrated into the same optical path. This nesting allows multiple optical functions (beam division, diffusion, wavelength conversion) to be combined in a compact configuration, improving light efficiency while controlling system complexity
2Illumination intensity
If light beams are concentrated to increase luminance, then brightness improves, but speckle noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a diffuser element as an intermediary component between the multi-lens array and the modulation area. This diffuser mediates the light beams by scattering them slightly, which eliminates the coherent interference patterns that cause speckle noise while maintaining the overall intensity and luminance of the projected image
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the light into multiple beams through the multi-lens array and then diffusing them, the patent creates multiple slightly different light paths that superimpose on the modulation area. This segmentation approach increases luminance through multiple contributions while the randomization from diffusion prevents coherent speckle formation
3Adaptability or versatility
If dichroic mirrors are used to separate colors, then color display is achieved, but light loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional dichroic mirror-based color separation system with a wavelength conversion approach. By using a phosphor material that converts a portion of the blue light to yellow light, the system achieves color separation without the significant light losses associated with reflective dichroic mirrors, thereby improving overall light efficiency while maintaining color display capability
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 solution enhances the use efficiency of light beams, reducing light loss and increasing luminance, while preventing speckle noise and maintaining uniform color and luminance in projected images.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element which the plurality of first partial light beams enters in a superimposed manner, and which is configured to emit a diffused light beam
Implementation Method 2
a wavelength conversion element which includes a phosphor material, and is configured to emit the diffused light beam longer in wavelength than an incident light beam
Implementation Method 3
a pair of multi-lenses configured to divide a light beam emitted from the light source into a plurality of first partial light beams
Implementation Method 4
a superimposing lens configured to superimpose the plurality of second partial light beams in the illumination target area
Data Source
AI summary
The illumination optical device includes a light source device and a homogenization device. The light source device includes a light source, a pair of multi-lenses having an incident side multi-lens and an exit side multi-lens, and configured to divide a light beam emitted from the light source into a plurality of first partial light beams, and an optical element on which the plurality of first partial light beams is superimposed, and which emits a diffused light beam. The homogenization device includes a pair of lens arrays having an incident side lens array and an exit side lens array, and dividing the diffused light beam into a plurality of second partial light beams, and a superimposing lens for superimposing the plurality of second partial light beams in the illumination target area.