Multi-segment projector with overlapping light paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional movie projector systems have lossy concentrated light sources and conventional optics that can scatter light, leading to inefficiencies and potential failures due to contaminants like dust or oil on single lenses/optical paths.
Innovation Solution
A modular projection system comprising multiple emitters, optical elements, and modulators that illuminate a screen with overlapping light paths, allowing for improved light distribution and reduced sensitivity to contaminants, with each point on the screen covered by multiple overlapping areas to enhance image quality and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single concentrated light source and single optical path are used, then the system structure is simple, but the system is highly sensitive to contaminants and has poor reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the projection system into multiple independent segments, each with its own light source and optical path. This segmentation ensures that if one segment fails or is contaminated, other segments can continue to project images, thereby improving system reliability without requiring a completely redundant system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each segment in the patent is designed with specific local characteristics optimized for its particular function. The segments can be independently controlled and adjusted, allowing local optimization of optical paths and light sources to achieve both reliability and efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If a single optical path is used, then the optical system is simple, but light scattering and loss occur due to contaminants on the lens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple independent optical paths, each with its own lens and light source. This segmentation distributes the light transmission load across multiple paths, reducing the impact of contaminants on any single lens and minimizing overall light loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate optical elements and alignment mechanisms that facilitate the integration of multiple optical paths while maintaining proper light transmission. These intermediaries help manage the complexity of multiple optical components.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple overlapping light paths are used, then image quality and reliability are improved, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the projection system into multiple independent units, each contributing to the overall image. This allows for precise control of each segment's contribution to image quality while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple optical paths and light sources to create a unified projection system that produces high-quality images. The overlapping light paths are carefully integrated to ensure proper image formation while managing the complexity through coordinated control.
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 modular system provides improved optical efficiency, reduced light scattering, and increased reliability by distributing light across multiple paths, ensuring that every point on the screen is illuminated by multiple overlapping areas, thus enhancing image quality and reducing the impact of contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
A modular projection system comprising multiple emitters, optical elements, and modulators that illuminate a screen with overlapping light paths
Data Source
AI summary
Several embodiments of projection systems are disclosed that comprise a plurality of controllable emitters, each said emitter providing light for a light path; a plurality of first optical elements, each said first optical element receiving light from one of said emitters; a controllable modulator receiving light from said plurality of first optical elements; a plurality of conduits, each said conduit disposed over a portion of said controllable modulator; a plurality of second optical elements, each of said second optical elements receiving light from at least one of said plurality of conduits, and a controller for sending control signals to said controllable emitters and said controllable modulator. The illumination from the emitters may form a plurality of overlapping areas of illumination upon a projection screen where the image is intended to be formed.