Microlens Array Light Source for Compact Projectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projector systems require larger lens arrays, leading to increased size and complexity, and struggle to efficiently superimpose light from multiple sources onto a display device, resulting in suboptimal light utilization and increased stray light.
Innovation Solution
A light source apparatus comprising a light source, multiple lenses, a microlens array formed to match the collected light diameter, and a control unit that collects and superimposes light onto a display device, utilizing a projection optical system and control unit to manage light sources and display devices for efficient image formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a larger lens array is used to collect and superimpose light from multiple sources, then light collection capability is improved, but device size and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light collection and superimposition function into multiple discrete lens units arranged in a matrix pattern. Each lens unit independently collects light from a light source and superimposes it onto a specific region of the display device, enabling modular design that reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining effective light collection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-plane lens arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial configuration where multiple lens units are positioned at different depths and angles. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows light from multiple sources to be collected and superimposed without requiring a proportionally larger planar footprint, thus reducing device size while maintaining light collection efficiency
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used to illuminate the display device, then image quality is improved, but stray light increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each lens unit is designed with specific optical characteristics tailored to its position and function. The lens units have varying focal lengths, aperture sizes, and orientations optimized for their specific light collection tasks. This localized optimization ensures that light from multiple sources is precisely directed onto the display device while minimizing stray light generation in any given region
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces microlens arrays as intermediary optical elements between the light sources and the display device. These microlens arrays act as mediators that precisely control and direct light paths, ensuring that light from multiple sources is properly superimposed on the display device while filtering out or redirecting stray light that would otherwise degrade image quality
3Use of energy by moving object
If a microlens array is formed to match the collected light diameter, then light utilization efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microlens array is segmented into multiple discrete microlens units, each with standardized dimensions and optical properties. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing where identical or near-identical microlens units can be produced using standardized fabrication processes, reducing the overall manufacturing precision burden while maintaining high light utilization efficiency through proper array configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter optimization and tolerance analysis to determine the critical dimensional parameters of the microlens array that most significantly affect light utilization efficiency. By identifying and controlling only these critical parameters within appropriate tolerances, rather than requiring uniform high precision across all dimensions, the manufacturing complexity is reduced while maintaining optimal optical performance
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 a compact projector design with improved light utilization efficiency and reduced stray light, allowing for the creation of high-quality color images by efficiently managing light from multiple sources and projecting them onto a display device.
Implementation Method 1
multiple lenses configured to collect light emitted from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a microlens array formed into a size corresponding to a collected light diameter of the light collected by the multiple lenses and caused to be incident from the multiple lenses
Data Source
AI summary
A light source apparatus includes a light source, a light collection optical system configured to collect a pencil of light emitted from the light source using multiple lenses, a microlens array formed into a size corresponding to a collected light diameter of a pencil of light collected by the light collection optical system and caused to be incident thereon from the light collection optical system, and a display device on to which light transmitted through the microlens array to be superimposed together is incident.