Micro Projection System Using Integrated Prism for Brightness
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional micro projection systems face challenges in miniaturization and insufficient brightness due to size constraints and inefficient light utilization, leading to inconvenient image review and poor image quality, especially in low power devices.
Innovation Solution
A micro projection system utilizing a primary prism with a light source module and collimation lens, combined with a wedge prism group and polarization beam splitting wedge prism, followed by a lens array and polarization conversion film to consolidate and project light efficiently, ensuring consistent polarization and high brightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional light consolidation devices (square prism with LED and lens assembly) are used to concentrate illuminating area, then light collection is facilitated, but the system occupies large amount of space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (light guidance, reflection, and consolidation) into a single integrated prism structure. The first prism guides light from the light source to the first surface, where it reflects and consolidates with light from the second surface, eliminating the need for separate light consolidation devices and reducing overall device volume while maintaining light collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The first prism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a light guide to transport light from the source, as a reflective surface to redirect light, and as a consolidation element where light from different paths combines. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and minimizes device size.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional light consolidation devices (dichroic mirror with LED and lens) are used for light combination, then light projection is achieved, but the device becomes complicated and hard to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light guidance, reflection, and consolidation functions into a single integrated prism structure rather than using separate components like dichroic mirrors, LED assemblies, and lens combinations. This integration dramatically simplifies the device structure and makes it easier to manufacture while maintaining light projection capability.
3Volume of moving object
If conventional light consolidation (special lens assembly with multiple LEDs) is used to reduce space, then device size is reduced, but illuminating area is not concentrated sufficiently resulting in poor brightness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light path into two separate entry paths (first surface and second surface) that independently guide light to the same consolidation point on the first surface. This segmentation allows efficient light collection from multiple directions while concentrating all light paths into a unified output, achieving both compact size and high brightness.
4Ease of operation
If polarization conversion device is included in micro projector, then polarization control is achieved, but device size increases beyond micro projection limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the polarization beam splitter functionality directly into the existing prism structure. The first prism is configured with specific refractive indices and geometric angles to inherently separate and control polarized light paths, combining the functions of light guidance and polarization control in a single component, thus avoiding the need for additional polarization conversion devices.
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 achieves high brightness with minimal size, effectively utilizing all polarized light power and providing excellent image quality, even in low power devices, while maintaining a compact form factor.
Implementation Method 1
a light source module and a collimation lens are arranged at the bottom face of the primary prism to project red, green, and blue lights onto one of the slope faces of the primary prism to be consolidated by a wedge prism group
Implementation Method 2
reflected toward a polarization beam splitting wedge prism arranged at another slope face
Implementation Method 3
the light is split into two polarized lights that are then emitted out of the primary prism
Implementation Method 4
processed and combined as light of consistent polarization by a lens array and a polarization conversion film
Implementation Method 5
facilitate condensation and projection of the light by a polarization beam splitter and a projection lens
Data Source
AI summary
A micro projection system includes a primary prism as a light guide device. The primary prism has a bottom face and two slope faces. A light source module and a collimation lens are arranged at the bottom face of the primary prism to project red, green, and blue lights onto one of the slope faces of the primary prism to be consolidated by a wedge prism group and reflected toward a polarization beam splitting wedge prism arranged at another slope face, where the light is split into two polarized lights that are then emitted out of the primary prism to be processed and combined as light of consistent polarization by a lens array and a polarization conversion film so as to facilitate condensation and projection of the light by a polarization beam splitter and a projection lens.