LED Projector Collector Optics for Full-Color Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Projectors using LEDs face inefficiencies due to Lambertian emission, leading to light loss and resolution constraints, especially when aiming for full-color images without increasing system size.
Innovation Solution
An array of LEDs with different colors is used, coupled with collector structures to collect and collimate light efficiently, and optical elements for spatial or angular displacement to maintain resolution and form full-color frames without loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If optics are used to collect light from LEDs, then light collection efficiency is improved, but system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable mirror to dynamically redirect light from LEDs at different angles onto the display. This dynamic optical element allows the system to collect light from multiple LEDs without requiring multiple fixed collector structures, thereby improving light collection efficiency while maintaining a compact system size.
Solution Approach 2:
A single collector structure is designed to serve multiple LEDs by using a movable mirror to redirect light from different angular positions. This multi-functional approach allows one collector to handle light collection from multiple LED sources sequentially, improving efficiency without proportionally increasing system size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LEDs of different colours are used to generate a single image pixel, then full colour capability is achieved, but resolution is constrained for a specific system size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces temporal dimension by using sequential light collection from multiple LEDs and combines them over time to form a full-color image. Additionally, it uses angular dimension by collecting light from different angles and redirecting it onto the display, thereby achieving full-color capability without sacrificing spatial resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable mirror dynamically redirects light from different colored LEDs at different angles onto the display in sequence. This dynamic control allows the system to achieve full-color capability while maintaining high resolution by precisely controlling which LED light is directed to which region of the display at any given moment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the array of elements is moved to enable each collector to receive light from different LEDs, then full colour image is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a movable mirror instead of moving the entire array of elements or collectors. This single dynamic component simplifies the overall device complexity while still enabling the system to achieve full-color imaging by redirecting light from different LEDs in sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the light collection process into discrete angular zones, with each collector structure responsible for collecting light from specific angular ranges. The movable mirror then redirects these segmented light paths to the display, enabling full-color capability through a simplified segmented approach rather than moving entire component arrays.
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 light collection efficiency, maintains image resolution, and allows for full-color projection without increasing system size, using microLEDs with microlens or tapered well structures to reduce light loss and improve image quality.
Implementation Method 1
each collector structure configured to receive light from a single LED at any one time and reduce the angle over which the LED emits light
Implementation Method 2
a projector unit configured to receive the light from the array of collector structures and collimate the light such that a frame is formed
Data Source
AI summary
A projector for generating a frame of an image is disclosed, comprising an array of elements arranged in a plane, each element comprising at least three LEDs which have different respective colours, and an array of collector structures, each configured to receive light from a single LED at any one time and reduce the angle over which the LED emits light. A projector unit is configured to receive the light from the array of collector structures and collimate the light such that a full colour frame is formed from combining a plurality of subframes formed through a spatial movement of the array of elements with respect to the array of collector structures such that each collector structure receives light from a different LED during each subframe, and/or a displacement of the light emitted from each LED such that the light from each LED illuminates multiple pixels of the frame.