Multicolor Scan Line Generation Using Lenticular Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DMD-based multicolor projection video displays suffer from inefficiency in light utilization due to the limited dwell time of the DMD to render each color, resulting in reduced overall intensity and wasted light, and lack a cost-effective optical system for generating multicolor scan lines.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing light sources emitting different colors at distinct locations, with first and second lenses having lenticular arrays to generate multicolor scan lines, including optical fibers tilted to converge on a focal plane of the second lens, and a polygonal prism for scrolling, which reduces chromatic dispersion and allows for the use of lower-cost materials, enhancing light distribution and reducing system complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple separate colored light sources are used in DMD-based PVDs, then color intensity and efficiency are improved, but the dwell time for rendering each color is reduced, causing light loss and reduced overall system intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sequential periodic action by time-multiplexing multiple colored light sources, activating each color source in alternating frames. This allows the DMD to render different colors sequentially at high brightness levels while maintaining overall system efficiency, as each light source operates at full intensity during its active period rather than requiring simultaneous operation of all sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different colored light sources based on the required color for each frame, adapting the active light source to the current rendering needs. This dynamic switching optimizes the utilization of each light source's intensity while minimizing wasted light, as each source operates at peak efficiency during its designated time window.
2Device complexity
If a single DMD is used with a color wheel, then system complexity is reduced, but the rendering rate is insufficient to fully utilize the light source efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the color rendering function by separating it from the spatial modulation function. Instead of using a color wheel that rotates in front of the DMD, the invention uses multiple fixed colored light sources that are activated sequentially, allowing the DMD to focus solely on spatial modulation at full frame rates while color is controlled through temporal multiplexing of the light sources.
3Manufacturing precision
If expensive optical materials are used to reduce chromatic dispersion, then optical performance is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temporal parameter of light delivery by using sequential activation of different colored light sources rather than simultaneous delivery. This temporal separation allows the use of simpler optical materials that would otherwise exhibit chromatic dispersion, because each wavelength is delivered at a different time rather than simultaneously requiring precise spatial overlap through expensive achromatic optics.
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 improves light utilization efficiency, reduces material costs, and maintains optical performance by generating uniform, scrolling multicolor scan lines, increasing the overall intensity of the display while minimizing chromatic shifts and the need for expensive lenses.
Implementation Method 1
first and second lenses having lenticular arrays associated therewith and configured to receive the light of the different colors and generate multicolor scan lines therefrom
Implementation Method 2
optical fibers that have ends located at the different emission locations separated by different distances from the first lens and are tilted with respect to one another such that principal rays emitted therefrom converge on a focal plane of the second lens
Implementation Method 3
a polygonal prism configured to receive the multicolor scan lines and cause the multicolor scan lines to scroll thereby yielding scrolling multicolor scan lines
Implementation Method 4
a DMD configured to receive and reflect portions of the multicolor scan lines toward or away from the projection lens
Data Source
AI summary
A system for, and method of, generating multicolor scan lines and a multicolor projection video display (PVD) incorporating the system or the method. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) light sources that emit light of different colors at different emission locations and (2) first and second lenses having lenticular arrays associated therewith and configured to receive the light of the different colors and generate multicolor scan lines therefrom, the emission locations separated by different distances from the first lens.