Multi-Theater Light Source Optical Switching for 3D Projectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D projection systems waste significant light due to the use of dual projector systems, where each projector operates at a 50% duty cycle, resulting in inefficient use of expensive laser light sources and requiring multiple projectors for each screen.
Innovation Solution
A multi-theater light source system that uses optical switching to route light from dual laser sources to multiple projectors, allowing both lasers to operate at 100% duty cycle and share light between projectors, thereby reducing the number of required projectors and minimizing light waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dual projector system is used to provide left and right eye content, then 3D imaging quality is maintained, but light source efficiency deteriorates due to 50% duty cycle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source functions by allowing a single light source to serve both projectors through time-multiplexed switching. The light source is shared between the first and second projectors, with the switching device directing light to one projector at a time, thereby eliminating the need for duplicate light sources and improving overall system efficiency while maintaining 3D imaging quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic switching between the first and second projectors using a switching device that operates in alternating time slots. During odd time slots, the first projector receives light while the second is blocked; during even time slots, the configuration reverses. This periodic action allows both projectors to share a single light source efficiently, reducing duty cycle waste while maintaining continuous 3D image output.
2Illumination intensity
If dual projector systems are deployed, then sufficient light output is provided, but device complexity increases requiring multiple projectors per screen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple projector functions into a shared light source architecture. Instead of requiring separate light sources for each projector, a single light source is time-multiplexed between multiple projectors through a switching device. This merging reduces the total number of light sources needed while maintaining sufficient illumination intensity for both projectors to operate effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The single light source is designed to serve multiple functions by sequentially illuminating different projectors. The switching device enables the light source to be universally applied to both the first and second projectors, allowing one component to perform the work of what would traditionally require multiple dedicated components, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If lasers operate at 50% duty cycle in conventional systems, then individual projector performance is maintained, but cost efficiency deteriorates due to wasted expensive laser light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by keeping the laser light source operating at 100% duty cycle through time-multiplexed switching. Instead of allowing lasers to idle at 50% duty cycle, the switching device continuously directs laser output to active projectors, eliminating wasted laser operation time and improving cost efficiency while maintaining projector performance through continuous light delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers potential waste by implementing a switching mechanism that redirects laser light from inactive projectors to active ones. When one projector is not in use, its light path is blocked and the laser output is redirected to the other projector, thereby recovering what would otherwise be discarded light and improving overall system productivity and cost efficiency.
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 solution enables efficient use of light sources by allowing two projectors to share the same light sources, reducing the number of projectors needed and minimizing light waste, while maintaining high-quality 3D imaging.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-theater light source system that uses optical switching to route light from dual laser sources to multiple projectors
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
A multi-theater light source for two or more 3D projectors positioned in differing spaces. The apparatus includes a first light source outputting light to display left eye content, and the apparatus includes a second light source outputting light for use by the projectors to display right eye content. The apparatus includes a switching device that receives the light output from the first and second light sources and switches between first and second operating states to route the left and right eye light. In the first operating state, the switching device directs the light from the first light source toward a first projector and the light output from the second light source toward a second projector. In the second operating state, the switching device directs the light output from the first light source toward the second projector and the light output from the second light source toward the first projectors.