Light Projection Device Mixing Tube and Diffuser for Color Shadow Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light projection systems using multiple light sources often produce fuzzy and multicolored patterns due to color shadows and offset projections, and are unable to transition smoothly between colors without mechanical filtering wheels.
Innovation Solution
A light projection device with a mixing tube and a diffuser, such as a prism, that combines and homogenizes light streams from multiple sources, allowing a template to shape the mixed light into a patterned stream with a single, homogeneous color, using a template to block light and create desired patterns on a projection surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used to provide different colors, then color versatility is improved, but projection precision deteriorates due to color shadows and offset projections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light streams from different light sources within a single mixing tube, allowing them to physically mix and combine before reaching the projection surface. This eliminates the offset projection problem by consolidating multiple light paths into one unified stream, while maintaining color versatility through the use of multiple light sources emitting different colors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a diffuser as an intermediary element within the mixing tube that scatters and redistributes light from multiple sources. This diffuser acts as a mediator that blends the different colored light streams together, eliminating color shadows by ensuring uniform light distribution across the projection area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If filters are used to change light color, then color transition capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to mechanical filtering wheels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical filtering wheel system with a stationary mixing tube and diffuser configuration. Instead of mechanically moving filters to change colors, the system uses multiple light sources that can be independently controlled, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components while maintaining color transition capability through electronic control of the light sources.
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 produces sharp, uniformly colored patterns by diffusing and mixing light streams within the mixing tube, enabling smooth color transitions and eliminating color shadows, resulting in clear and consistent projections.
Implementation Method 1
a prism disposed between the plurality of light sources and the open exit end of the mixing tube, the prism including an entrance surface, facing the plurality of light sources, configured to diffuse at least one light stream from the plurality of light sources into a homogenized light stream
Data Source
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AI summary
A light projection device includes a mixing tube having an open exit end, and a plurality of light sources, each of the plurality of light sources positioned to emit a light stream toward the open exit end of the mixing tube. A diffuser is disposed between the plurality of light sources and the open exit end of the mixing tube, the diffuser configured to diffuse at least one light stream from the plurality of light sources into a diffused light stream. A template is positioned proximate the open exit end of the mixing tube and configured to shape the diffused light stream from the diffuser into a patterned light stream.