Light Guiding Unit for Fluorescent Material Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional projection systems using high-intensity discharge lamps require alternative light sources due to environmental concerns and efficiency issues, such as the need for multiple laser diodes to achieve sufficient light, which increases cost and size.
Innovation Solution
An illumination apparatus and projection system that utilize a single light source with a fluorescent material and a light guiding unit to switch between emitting and not emitting light to the fluorescent material, allowing for the generation of multiple colors within a single frame period, reducing the number of light sources needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple laser diodes are used to achieve sufficient light output, then the light intensity is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple color outputs (R, G, B) into a single integrated light source by using one blue laser diode to excite multiple fluorescent materials with different emission characteristics, eliminating the need for separate laser diodes for each color channel
Solution Approach 2:
A single blue laser diode serves multiple functions by exciting different fluorescent materials to produce different colors (red, green, blue), allowing one light source to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized light sources
2Illumination intensity
If continuous light is emitted to the fluorescent material, then the light output is maintained, but the fluorescent material deteriorates due to burnt state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic pulsing of the blue laser diode at frequencies between 100 Hz to 10 kHz, creating intermittent illumination cycles that allow the fluorescent material to cool and recover between pulses, preventing thermal degradation while maintaining perceived light output through persistence of vision
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-synchronizes the laser diode pulsing with the display frame period and sub-field division, activating the light source only during specific time windows when the optical modulation device requires illumination, avoiding unnecessary exposure that would contribute to material degradation
3Reliability
If the blue laser diode is pulsed to prevent burnt state, then the fluorescent material lifespan is extended, but the light output may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic pulsing of the blue laser diode at frequencies between 100 Hz to 10 kHz, creating intermittent illumination cycles that allow the fluorescent material to cool and recover between pulses, preventing thermal degradation while maintaining perceived light output through persistence of vision
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the pulse width, duty cycle, and peak intensity of the blue laser diode based on the required luminance level and the thermal state of the fluorescent material, optimizing the balance between light output and material preservation
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 solution enables efficient generation of RGB colors using fewer light sources, reducing the size and cost of the projection system while preventing the 'burnt' state of the fluorescent material, thereby extending its lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescent material that emits light of a color different from a color of light emitted by the light source
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination apparatus emits light onto an optical modulation device for forming an image according to a modulation signal and illuminating an object. The illumination apparatus includes a light source; a fluorescent material that emits light of a color different from a color of light emitted by the light source; and a light guiding unit that switches between a state in which the light emitted from the light source is guided to the fluorescent material and a state in which the light emitted from the light source is not guided to the fluorescent material.