3D Light Guide Shaping for Uniform Projection on Inclined Planes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing static projectors face challenges in achieving a homogeneous distribution of illuminance in a projection plane inclined relative to the main direction of emission, leading to geometric distortions and inefficiencies in light utilization.
Innovation Solution
The method involves designing a light guide with a three-dimensional shape that produces a non-homogeneous distribution of illuminance across its exit surface, which is then projected onto an inclined plane to compensate for the inherent inhomogeneities caused by the inclination, thereby achieving a homogeneous or desired non-homogeneous distribution of illuminance in the projected image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a homogeneous distribution of illuminance is projected onto an inclined plane, then the projected image appears distorted, but achieving homogeneous illuminance distribution requires additional components that absorb light and increase installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-compensating for the expected geometric distortion through a specifically designed light guide geometry. The light guide is manufactured with non-uniform cross-sectional dimensions and refractive index distribution that anticipates the distortion effects, so that when light propagates through it, the compensation occurs automatically before projection, eliminating the need for post-correction components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the light guide, specifically its cross-sectional dimensions and refractive index distribution, to achieve illuminance compensation. By varying these parameters along the light propagation direction, the light guide modifies the light distribution to counteract the distortion caused by inclined projection, resolving the contradiction between geometric accuracy and light efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional components like fading masks are added to compensate for illuminance inhomogeneity, then projection quality improves, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the compensating function into the light guide itself, combining the light transmission function with the illuminance distribution compensation function. This integration eliminates separate compensating components, reducing device complexity while maintaining projection quality through the light guide's optimized geometry and refractive index profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits light from the source while also compensating for geometric distortion and controlling illuminance distribution. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated compensating components, reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional light guides with uniform cross-section are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but illuminance distribution becomes inhomogeneous when projected onto inclined planes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the light guide's cross-sectional dimensions and refractive index non-uniform in specific regions. Different sections of the light guide have locally optimized properties to compensate for the distortion effects at different positions in the projected image, achieving overall illuminance homogeneity while maintaining manufacturability through controlled variations.
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 enhances the quality of the projected image by compensating for geometric distortions and ensures efficient use of light, eliminating the need for additional components like fading masks, which would otherwise absorb light and increase installation space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The light mixing due to multiple internal total reflections of the accumulated light beams at the side surfaces of the light guide leads to a homogenization of the resulting light beam bundle.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing an optical device (1) comprising at least one light source (16), at least one light guide (10) having an entry surface (11) facing the light source (16), and having an exit surface (12) formed at an end of the light guide (10) lying opposite the entry surface (11), in order to allow light entering into the light guide (10) to exit same, and a projection optics (20) which is designed to project the light exiting the exit surface (12) onto a projection plane (26) provided at a distance from and at an angle of inclination (γ) relative to a main direction of emission (Z) of the optical device (1). The method comprises the following steps: specifying a target distribution of the illuminance in the image (15) projected into the projection plane (26) by the projection optics (20); determining a non-homogenous distribution of the illuminance (Ev) of the light across the exit surface (12) from the distribution to be specified of the illuminance in the image (15) projected into the projection plane (26); determining a three-dimensional shape of the at least one light guide (10) with which the non-homogenous distribution of the illuminance (Ev) of the light across the exit surface (12) is generated when light is emitted by the at least one light source (16); and producing the light guide (10) with the three-dimensional shape and assembling the components of the optical device (1).