Light Recycling System for Projection Brightness
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Solution Overview
Problem
In projection systems using spatial light modulators, non-projection light is not efficiently utilized, leading to loss and absorption within the projector housing, rather than being recycled for further use.
Innovation Solution
A projection system comprising a light source, spatial light modulator, light recycling system, and lens assembly, where the light recycling system collects and redirects non-projection light back to the spatial light modulator for modulation, enhancing the brightness of the projection image by reusing off-state light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If non-projection light is absorbed by the housing or reflected back and forth inside the housing, then the structure is simple, but light energy is lost and not efficiently utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers non-projection light (off-state light) that would otherwise be discarded and absorbed by the housing. A light recycling system captures this light and redirects it back to the spatial light modulator, allowing it to be reused for projection purposes, thereby reducing energy loss without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light recycling system as an intermediary component between the spatial light modulator and the housing. This system includes light redirecting elements that intercept non-projection light and guide it back into the projection optical path, effectively mediating the recovery and reuse of otherwise lost light energy
2Productivity
If non-projection light is reflected back and forth inside the housing, then no additional components are needed, but the light is eventually absorbed and not efficiently utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The light recycling system acts as an intermediary that intercepts non-projection light before it is absorbed by the housing and redirects it back to the spatial light modulator. This mediator component enables efficient light reuse by providing a controlled optical path that prevents energy loss while maintaining system manageability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous light recycling where non-projection light is constantly captured and redirected back to the spatial light modulator throughout the modulation period. This continuous recovery process ensures that light energy is repeatedly utilized for projection rather than being lost in discrete absorption events
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 system effectively recycles non-projection light, increasing the brightness of the projection image and reducing the occurrence of overly bright images, particularly in scenarios with insufficient red light brightness.
Implementation Method 1
The spatial light modulator is configured to modulate, according to an image signal, light incident on the spatial light modulator to form projection light and non-projection light
Implementation Method 2
the light recycling system is configured to receive at least a portion of the non-projection light and guide the at least a portion of the non-projection light toward the spatial light modulator
Data Source
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AI summary
A projection system (100), comprising: a light source (10), a spatial light modulator (40), a light recycling system (30, 60, 70), and a lens assembly (50). The light source (10) is used to emit source light toward the spatial light modulator (40). The spatial light modulator (40) is used to modulate, according to an image signal, light incident on the spatial light modulator (40), so as to form projection light and non-projection light. The light recycling system (30, 60, 70) is used to receive at least a portion of the non-projection light, and guide the at least a portion of the non-projection light toward the spatial light modulator (40). The lens assembly (50) is used to receive and emit the projection light to form a projection image. The projection system (100) of the present invention enables efficient use of non-projection light.