Matrix Light Source Arrangement for Projector Efficiency

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light source devices for projectors with fluorescence generation using solid-state light sources face challenges in increasing efficiency and luminance while minimizing device size and cost, due to complex mirror systems and alignment issues.

Innovation Solution

A light source device with a plurality of light sources emitting radial beams, arranged in columns with specific pitch ratios and divergence angles, and a collimating lens array to optimize light distribution and density, allowing for higher intensity light without increasing component count or device size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a mirror group is used to narrow the distance between lights from solid-state light sources, then the light efficiency can be improved, but the device size increases and manufacturing cost increases due to alignment difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight efficiencyVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the mirror group from the optical system entirely. Instead of using mirrors to narrow the distance between light sources, the invention directly arranges multiple solid-state light sources in a matrix pattern, extracting the unnecessary mirror component while maintaining light efficiency through proper source spacing and arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the light source system into multiple independent solid-state light sources arranged in a matrix, where each source operates independently. This segmentation eliminates the need for mirror-based distance narrowing while allowing flexible arrangement to achieve desired light distribution and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by moving object

If a mirror group is used to narrow the distance between lights from solid-state light sources, then the light efficiency can be improved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to alignment difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the mirror group from the optical system entirely. Instead of using mirrors to narrow the distance between light sources, the invention directly arranges multiple solid-state light sources in a matrix pattern, extracting the unnecessary mirror component while maintaining light efficiency through proper source spacing and arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the light source system into multiple independent solid-state light sources arranged in a matrix, where each source operates independently. This segmentation eliminates the need for mirror-based distance narrowing while allowing flexible arrangement to achieve desired light distribution and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Illumination intensity

If the number of light sources is increased to improve luminance, then the light efficiency can be improved, but the device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveluminanceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple solid-state light sources into a unified matrix arrangement that functions as an integrated light source system. By merging the sources in a regular pattern with optimized spacing, the system achieves high luminance through collective output while maintaining simple individual source designs and straightforward overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from linear or single-dimensional light source arrangements to a two-dimensional matrix configuration. This dimensional change allows multiple light sources to be packed more efficiently in space, increasing total luminance output while maintaining compact device dimensions and simplified structural relationships between components.

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 enables high-luminance image formation in projectors with increased light efficiency and reduced size and cost, by optimizing light source arrangement and collimation, allowing for more efficient use of light sources.

Implementation Method 1

each of the light sources emits a radial light beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial light emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a divergence of the radial light beam in a first direction is greater than a divergence of the radial light beam in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnisotropic divergence:

Implementation Method 3

a collimating lens array including a plurality of lens elements disposed so as to correspond to the plurality of light sources is further included

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCollimation: Lens

Implementation Method 4

In a light source device for generating fluorescence by irradiating a fluorescent layer with excitation light from a solid-state light source group

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS9377675B2Light source device and projector

Publication Date: 2016.06.28 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A light source section is provided with a plurality of light sources. A pitch of the light sources in a first direction and a pitch in a second direction are regulated in accordance with a specific cross-sectional shape of a light beam.