Multicolor Laser Source Light Mixing Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laser projection apparatuses face issues with uneven color distribution and laser speckle due to the side-by-side arrangement of red, green, and blue laser diodes, which affects image projection quality.

Innovation Solution

A multicolor light mixing module incorporating a laser source set with sequentially arranged first and second lighting units, a collimator lens, a reflective unit, a reflective diffusing member, and a lens array to homogenize and mix the colors, addressing the uneven color distribution and speckle problems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If red, green, and blue laser diodes are arranged side-by-side in multiple rows, then the overall volume of the laser source module is reduced, but uneven color distribution occurs on the projected image

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume of laser source moduleVSAvoidcolor distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the laser source arrangement into functionally separated groups: blue laser diodes in a first array, green laser diodes in a second array, and red laser diodes in a third array. Each color group is independently positioned and optically processed through separate optical paths before being combined by the DMD device, ensuring uniform color distribution while maintaining compact module volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional side-by-side arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial configuration where laser diodes are arranged in multiple arrays at different positions and angles. The optical system uses mirrors and lenses to fold the optical paths, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space to achieve uniform color distribution without increasing the module's footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If laser diodes are arranged in sequential rows, then the device complexity is reduced, but laser speckle problem occurs due to high coherence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidlaser speckle
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic elements including a rotating diffusing member and a movable mirror that can change the optical path in real-time. The diffusing member rotates to continuously vary the scattering patterns, while the movable mirror adjusts the beam path dynamically, both working together to temporalize the laser coherence and eliminate speckle patterns without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a diffusing member as an intermediary element between the laser diodes and the projection system. This diffusing member scatters the coherent laser light, converting it into partially coherent light that produces uniform illumination without speckle artifacts, while maintaining the relatively simple sequential row arrangement of the laser diodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If simple side-by-side arrangement is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but image projection quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidimage projection quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the optical system into distinct functional modules: blue laser array with its optical path, green laser array with its optical path, and red laser array with its optical path. Each module can be independently assembled and adjusted, then integrated into the complete system. This modular segmentation maintains ease of manufacture while achieving high image projection quality through precise optical control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs universal optical components such as mirrors, lenses, and a DMD device that can handle multiple wavelengths simultaneously. These multi-functional components process blue, green, and red laser light through the same optical train, simplifying the overall design while ensuring high image projection quality across all color channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively eliminates the laser speckle and ensures proper color distribution, significantly improving the image projection quality and color uniformity by diffusing and homogenizing the light beams.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one collimator lens is disposed on a light-entrance axis and has a first lens portion and a second lens portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight refraction and focusing: Lens

Implementation Method 2

The reflective unit is obliquely disposed on the light-entrance axis and opposite to the plurality of first lighting units and the plurality of second lighting units for reflecting the first color light and the second color light to the first lens portion along the light-entrance axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

The reflective diffusing member is disposed at a side of the at least one collimator lens to homogenize the first color light and the second color light transmitted from the first lens portion and reflect the first color light and the second color light to the second lens portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight diffusion and homogenization: Diffusion

Implementation Method 4

The lens array is disposed corresponding to at least one of the first lens portion and the second lens portion for mixing the first color light and the second color light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight mixing through refraction: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS12060982B2Multicolor laser source with light mixing module
Publication Date: 2024.08.13 QISDA CORP
  • US12060982B2 patent drawing
  • US12060982B2 patent drawing
  • US12060982B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A multicolor laser source includes a collimator lens having first and second lens portions, a first laser unit for emitting light of a first color, a second laser unit for emitting light of a second color, a reflective unit disposed obliquely to a light-entrance axis of the first lens portion, a reflective diffusing member, and a lens array disposed on a light-exit axis of the second lens portion. The reflective unit is disposed opposite to the first and second laser units for reflecting the first and second color lights to the first lens portion along the light-entrance axis. The reflective diffusing member is disposed at a side of the collimator lens to homogenize the first and second laser lights and reflect the first and second color lights to the second lens portion along the first light-exit axis, to be outputted through the lens array.