Light Source Module with Segmented Optical Path for White Balance

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Solution Overview

Problem

In laser projectors, auto white balance accuracy is compromised due to the decay rates of blue laser diodes and yellow phosphor, as well as non-uniform light sources, leading to erroneous light sensing values and excessive white balance deviations.

Innovation Solution

A light source module comprising a solid-state light emitter, a reflective mirror, a light integration box, and a light sensor, where the reflective mirror directs a first part of the light for illumination and allows a second part to pass through to the light integration box, positioned to avoid reflected light interference, improving light sensing accuracy and white balance correction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the light sensor is positioned to receive light for white balance calibration, then the light sensing value can be obtained for auto white balance correction, but the reflected light from the optical engine and lighting system interferes with the accuracy of the light sensing value

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight sensing value accuracyVSAvoidreflected light interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the light path into two distinct paths: one for illumination (reflected by the first reflective mirror to the optical engine) and one for sensing (transmitted through the second reflective mirror to the light integration box). This spatial segmentation allows the light sensor to measure light without interference from reflected light in the illumination path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the sensing function from the illumination path by directing a portion of the light through a separate path (via the second reflective mirror) to the light integration box, isolating the measurement process from the harmful reflected light in the main illumination path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Extent of automation

If conventional internal calibration using light sensing value of laser maximum power is used, then auto white balance correction can be implemented, but the position of the light sensor and reflected light from the optical engine affect the accuracy of the light sensing value

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauto white balance correctionVSAvoidlight sensing value accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a light integration box as an intermediary component that receives light through the second reflective mirror and provides a controlled environment for accurate measurement. This intermediary isolates the light sensor from direct exposure to reflected light from the optical engine, enabling accurate automated white balance correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the light sensor is positioned in the conventional location, then the structure is simple, but the lighting system and light valve affect the accuracy of the light sensing value

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight source module structureVSAvoidlight sensing value accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the spatial dimension of the light sensor positioning by introducing a separate optical path through the second reflective mirror that leads to the light integration box. This dimensional change in the optical path arrangement allows accurate measurement while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enhances the accuracy of light sensing values and white balance correction by isolating the light integration box from reflected light, resulting in improved auto white balance performance.

Implementation Method 1

The reflective mirror is configured to turn a first part of the light and allow a second part of the light to pass

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The second part of the light passes through the entrance to enter into the light integration box and is uniformly mixed in the light integration box

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight diffusion and integration:

Data Source

PatentUS11543742B2Light source module and projection device

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 DELTA ELECTRONICS INC(CN)

AI summary

A light source module includes a solid-state light emitter, a reflective mirror, a light integration box, and a light sensor. The solid-state light emitter is configured to emit light. The reflective mirror is configured to turn a first part of the light and allow a second part of the light to pass. The light integration box is disposed in a path of the second part of the light and has an entrance. The second part of the light passes through the entrance to enter into the light integration box and is uniformly mixed in the light integration box. The light sensor is disposed on the light integration box to receive the second part of the light.