Illuminator Light Ray Flux Adjusting System for Projector Color Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illuminators using laser devices and phosphors in projectors face issues with color unevenness due to differences in light flux thickness between blue, red, and green light sources, leading to inconsistent image projection.
Innovation Solution
An illuminator with a light ray flux adjusting system that modifies the thickness of the first light source unit's output to match the thickness of the second light source unit's output, using reflectors and diffusers to ensure equal diffusion angles for all color lights, thereby reducing color unevenness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If laser light sources with different colors (blue, red, green) are used to illuminate the display panel, then the projector can produce full-color images, but the light flux thicknesses differ causing color unevenness in the projected image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing color-specific optical path adjustment mechanisms. Each color light flux (blue, red, green) passes through dedicated optical elements (lenses, reflectors, or diffusers) that locally adjust the thickness or divergence angle to match a reference standard, ensuring uniform color distribution across the projection while maintaining full-color capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes optical parameters (divergence angle, beam thickness) for each color light flux individually. By adjusting these parameters through optical elements positioned in each color's optical path, the system equalizes the thickness of different color lights before they reach the display panel, eliminating color unevenness while preserving color versatility
2Manufacturing precision
If separate diffusers are provided for each color light flux to equalize thickness, then color unevenness is reduced, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing optical elements that serve multiple functions. A single optical element (such as a meniscus lens or reflector) simultaneously performs beam expansion, thickness adjustment, and divergence control for its associated color light flux, eliminating the need for separate diffusers for each color and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple optical functions into unified components. Instead of using separate diffusers for blue, red, and green light fluxes, the system combines thickness adjustment and divergence control into integrated optical elements within each color's optical path, reducing the total number of components while achieving color uniformity
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 effectively reduces color unevenness in projected images by ensuring all color lights have similar diffusion angles, allowing for a more uniform and consistent image display without the need for separate diffusers for each color, thus enhancing image quality and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflector that transmits a first component of the first light and reflects a second component of the first light
Implementation Method 2
a second reflector that reflects the first component having passed through the first reflector
Implementation Method 3
a diffuser provided in the optical path of the first light between the light ray flux adjusting system and the first light ray combining system
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminator includes a first light source unit that includes a first light source region, a second light source unit, and a light ray flux adjusting system. The first light source region outputs parallelized first color light. The first light source unit outputs first light containing the first color light. The second light source unit outputs parallelized second light thicker than the first light. The second light is formed of second color light having a color different from the color of the first color light. The light ray flux adjusting system is in the optical path of the first light. The difference in thickness between the first light and the second light on the downstream of the light ray flux adjusting system is smaller than the difference in thickness between the first light and the second light on the upstream of the light ray flux adjusting system.