Multi-NA Illumination for Projection Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional projection systems have limited dynamic range and intra-frame contrast, which restricts the perceived quality of projected images, as they fail to match the human eye's dynamic range and are hindered by light leakage and scattering, leading to 'crushed' black levels and reduced detail in both bright and dark areas.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a projection system utilizing multiple illumination sources with different numerical aperture values, coupled with a homogenizer and active irises, which modulate light based on image data or metadata to enhance dynamic range and contrast, including polarization conversion systems to efficiently manage light polarization and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a single illumination source with high numerical aperture is used, then brightness is improved, but intra-frame contrast deteriorates due to light leakage and scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination source is segmented into multiple sources with different numerical aperture values. A first illumination source with a first numerical aperture value provides brightness, while a second illumination source with a second numerical aperture value lower than the first provides improved contrast by reducing light leakage and scattering. The homogenizer component receives light from both segmented sources and combines them into a unified illumination field.
2Manufacturing precision
If the human eye's dynamic range is matched, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple illumination sources and modulation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple illumination sources are modulated at rates equivalent to the image frame period based on electronic preview of image frames or metadata, allowing a single projection system to handle both high dynamic range and standard dynamic range content. The homogenizer component serves multiple functions by receiving and combining light from illumination sources with different numerical aperture values, reducing the need for separate optical paths.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple illumination sources with different numerical aperture values are used, then dynamic range is improved, but light path management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The homogenizer component acts as an intermediary between the multiple illumination sources with different numerical aperture values and the projection lens. It receives light from both the first illumination source (higher NA) and the second illumination source (lower NA), homogenizes the combined light, and directs it into the projection lens, simplifying light path management by providing a single integration point for multiple sources.
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 the instantaneous dynamic range and intra-frame contrast of projected images, allowing for higher luminance and darker black levels, thereby enhancing the overall image quality and fidelity to the original content.
Implementation Method 1
a homogenizer component in the illumination path that is configured to receive light from both the first illumination source and the second illumination source
Implementation Method 2
a light splitting element configured to receive randomly polarized image light from the first lens system, to direct light with a first polarization state along a first light path, and to direct light with a second polarization state along a second light path
Implementation Method 3
a polarization rotator element located on the second light path and configured to receive reflected light from the reflecting element
Data Source
AI summary
A projection system includes first and second illumination sources and a homogenizer component. The first illumination source has a first numerical aperture value. The second illumination source has a second numerical aperture value lower than the first numerical aperture value. The homogenizer component on the illumination path is configured to receive light from both the first and second illumination sources. A projection lens in the imagining path is configured to receive an image data stream that includes a sequence of image frames having an image frame period. The first and second illumination sources are configured for modulation at a rate equivalent to the image frame period. One or more active irises may perform the modulation.