Illumination Device Multiplexing HDR and SDR Light Paths

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing illumination devices and projectors face a decrease in light utilization efficiency when multiplexing HDR and SDR lights to enhance dynamic range.

Innovation Solution

The illumination device or projector multiplexes the first light modulated by a spatial light modulator and the second light entering a fly-eye lens of an integrator optical system in the optical path between the fly-eye lens and the illumination target.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If HDR light and SDR light are multiplexed to enhance dynamic range, then the dynamic range is improved, but light utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic rangeVSAvoidlight utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the optical path into distinct regions: the first optical path carries HDR light from the first light source through the first spatial light modulator, while the second optical path carries SDR light from the second light source through the fly-eye lens. By spatially separating these paths and selectively combining them only in the final superposition region, the system achieves HDR enhancement without causing widespread light loss throughout the optical system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating a specialized superposition region where HDR and SDR lights are combined, while keeping the rest of the optical paths optimized for their respective functions. The first fly-eye lens is positioned to receive both HDR and SDR lights, but the multiplexing occurs locally at a specific region, allowing each optical path to maintain high efficiency in its primary function while achieving HDR enhancement only where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Illumination intensity

If multiplexing HDR and SDR lights is implemented, then high dynamic range is achieved, but optical efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic rangeVSAvoidoptical efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is segmented into independent HDR and SDR channels that are processed separately through their respective optical paths. The HDR channel uses the first light source and first spatial light modulator, while the SDR channel uses the second light source and fly-eye lens. This segmentation allows each channel to operate at full optical efficiency without the losses typically associated with multiplexing, as the paths are merged only at the final superposition stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first fly-eye lens acts as an intermediary element that receives both HDR and SDR lights and facilitates their superposition. By positioning the first fly-eye lens to receive lights from both paths and creating a dedicated superposition region, the system enables efficient merging of the two light streams without requiring complex multiplexing components that would reduce overall optical efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 allows for achieving a high dynamic range while suppressing a decrease in light utilization efficiency, thereby improving optical and power efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a first spatial light modulator that modulates first light L H1 emitted from a first light source unit 11

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight modulation:

Implementation Method 2

a multiplexing mirror 52 that reflects or transmits the first light L H2 and the second light Ls

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a multiplexing mirror 52 that reflects or transmits the first light L H2 and the second light Ls

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission:

Implementation Method 4

a first fly-eye lens 21A in an integrator optical system 20

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight integration:

Data Source

PatentEP3828628B1Illumination device and projector
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3828628B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3828628B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3828628B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An illumination device of the present disclosure includes: a first light source unit (11) that emits first light of a first wavelength band; a first spatial light modulator (13) where the first light from the first light source unit (11) enters; a second light source unit (14) that emits second light of a second wavelength band; an integrator optical system (20) including a first fly-eye lens (21A) where the second light from the second light source unit (14) enters and generating illumination light for an illumination target (16) on a basis of the first light having been modulated by the first spatial light modulator (13) and the second light from the second light source unit (14); and a multiplexing optical system (50) that multiplexes the second light having entered the first fly-eye lens (21A) and the first light having been modulated by the first spatial light modulator (13), in an optical path between the first fly-eye lens (21A) and the illumination target (16).