Light Source Device Using Polarization Segmentation for Projectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current projector systems have low light usage efficiency and limited color reproduction due to the division of white light into primary colors by a color wheel, resulting in wasted light and restricted gradation levels because of response speed limitations of spatial modulation elements.
Innovation Solution
A light source device that divides red, green, and blue light into p-wave and s-wave linear polarization lights using separate optical paths, allowing for simultaneous projection of multiple colors in each time division and increasing the number of gradation levels through the use of polarization beam splitters and retardation plates to enhance light synthesis and modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If white light is divided into primary colors by a color wheel, then color display is achieved, but light usage efficiency deteriorates due to sequential time division
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the color display function into two independent spatial modulation elements (first SME for p-wave polarization light, second SME for s-wave polarization light) that operate simultaneously. Each SME processes one polarization component, allowing parallel color display without sequential time division, thereby improving light usage efficiency while maintaining full color capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from temporal dimension (sequential color display via color wheel rotation) to spatial dimension (simultaneous color display via polarization separation). By using polarization beam splitters to separate p-wave and s-wave components and directing them to different spatial modulation elements, the system achieves parallel processing in space rather than sequential processing in time.
2Manufacturing precision
If spatial modulation elements operate sequentially with primary color lights, then color image formation is achieved, but gradation levels are limited due to response speed constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light stream into two separate polarization components (p-wave and s-wave) that are processed independently by two spatial modulation elements. This segmentation allows each element to operate at its full response speed capability without being constrained by sequential switching requirements, thereby enabling higher gradation levels through increased control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous simultaneous operation of two spatial modulation elements processing different polarization components. Unlike sequential operation where one element must wait for the other, both elements operate continuously and simultaneously, maximizing the useful action time and enabling finer gradation control within each time division period.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a single spatial modulation element is used with sequential color lighting, then device complexity is reduced, but light usage efficiency deteriorates due to time division requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the polarization dimension to create parallel processing paths. By separating light into p-wave and s-wave polarization components and directing them to different spatial modulation elements simultaneously, the system achieves efficient light usage without requiring complex mechanical color wheel mechanisms, balancing the trade-off between device complexity and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Each spatial modulation element processes both color information and polarization information simultaneously. The first SME handles p-wave polarized light containing color data, while the second SME handles s-wave polarized light containing color data. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve efficient parallel processing without requiring additional dedicated components for each function.
4Illumination intensity
If color wheel divides white light into primary colors sequentially, then color display is achieved, but illuminance is limited due to wasted light in non-active color periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the white light into two polarization components (p-wave and s-wave) that can be processed simultaneously by two spatial modulation elements. This segmentation eliminates the need for sequential color wheel filtering, allowing both polarization components to be utilized at full illuminance levels without being discarded during non-active periods, thereby reducing energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from temporal multiplexing (sequential color display) to spatial multiplexing (parallel color display via polarization separation). By using the polarization dimension to create independent processing channels, the system achieves simultaneous display of multiple color components at full illuminance, eliminating the light waste inherent in sequential time-division approaches.
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 approach significantly improves light usage efficiency and color reproduction by allowing two or more primary colors to be projected simultaneously in each time division, increasing the number of gradation levels and achieving higher illuminance with lower power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a first color light source unit configured to form and emit a first color division light X1 and a second color division light X2 by dividing a color light X, the first color diving light X1 being a p-wave linear polarization light, the second color diving light X2 being an s-wave linear polarization light
Implementation Method 2
The color wheel 83 comprises a filter element 83b that transmits blue light, a filter element 83r that transmits red light, a filter element 83g that transmits green light
Data Source
AI summary
In a light source device, that obtains high light usage efficiency by projecting simultaneously two or more of three primary color lights X, Y and Z. Moreover, each color light X, Y and Z is divided into two in terms of time so that p-wave and s-wave linear polarization lights are formed, such that the synthesized light of the p-wave linear polarization lights enters a first spatial modulation element and the synthesized light of the s-wave linear polarization lights enters a second spatial modulation element to permit gradation control of each color light.