Light Outputting Apparatus Using Segmented Flux Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing light outputting apparatuses for image display systems require multiple parts to form a light curtain, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A light outputting apparatus that uses a single light source, collimator, light separator, and light flux width expanders to divide and expand light fluxes in different directions, reducing the number of components and costs by creating a light curtain with a single optical element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If two light outputting sections are used to cover the entire projection surface, then the light curtain coverage is improved, but the number of parts and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single light flux into multiple partial light fluxes using a light separator, and then expands each partial light flux in different directions using separate light flux width expanders. This segmentation approach allows one light source to achieve the coverage that previously required two separate light outputting sections, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full projection surface coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces directional separation in the light flux path by using a light separator to divide light into different spatial directions, and then applies light flux width expanders to expand each partial light flux along specific directions. This dimensional separation allows a single light source to cover areas that would otherwise require multiple light sources positioned at different locations.
2Illumination intensity
If two light outputting sections are used to reduce optical intensity differences, then the uniformity of light distribution is improved, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments a single light flux into multiple partial light fluxes that are then directed and expanded along different paths. By controlling the expansion of each partial light flux independently through separate light flux width expanders, the system can balance and uniformize the optical intensity distribution across the projection surface, achieving the same effect as multiple light sources but with fewer components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different light flux width expansion treatments to different partial light fluxes based on their specific directional requirements. Each light flux width expander is configured to expand its corresponding partial light flux in a direction optimized for achieving uniform intensity distribution in that specific region, thereby creating locally optimized light distribution that results in overall 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
This configuration reduces the number of parts, lowers costs, and simplifies assembly while maintaining efficient light distribution across the projection surface, effectively covering the entire area with a light curtain.
Implementation Method 1
a collimator that parallelizes the first light flux
Implementation Method 2
a light separator that separates the first light flux into a first partial light flux and a second partial light flux
Data Source
AI summary
A light outputting apparatus includes a light source that outputs a first light flux, a collimator that parallelizes the first light flux, a light separator that separates the first light flux into a first partial light flux and a second partial light flux, a first light flux width expander, and a second light flux width expander. The light separator causes the first partial light flux to exit in a first direction and the second partial light flux to exit in a second direction. When a first plane is assumed to be a plane containing the first direction and the second direction, the first light flux width expander expands a width of the first partial light flux in a direction along the first plane, and the second light flux width expander expands a width of the second partial light flux in a direction along the first plane.