Optical Integrator Array Lens Split Number for Projection Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional projection LC displays using polarization conversion integrators face challenges in minimizing the costs of the polarization conversion device while achieving uniform illuminance and optical utilization efficiency, often resulting in either increased costs or physical apparatus size due to the trade-offs between the number of array lens splits and the number of polarization conversion units.
Innovation Solution
The optical integrator is configured with a greater split number of array lenses in the same direction, reducing the distance between the first and second array lenses, and increasing the number of columns in the polarization conversion device, which allows for uniform illuminance and improved optical utilization efficiency while minimizing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the number of polarization conversion units is reduced to minimize costs, then the cost of the polarization conversion device is reduced, but the illuminance uniformity and optical utilization efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The array lens is divided into multiple lens cells arranged in a matrix pattern. By increasing the split number of lens cells, the patent achieves better illuminance uniformity and optical utilization efficiency without requiring a proportional increase in the number of polarization conversion units, thus resolving the contradiction between cost and performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of lens cell size and arrangement pattern in the array lens. By optimizing the split number and configuration of lens cells, the system achieves improved light distribution and polarization conversion efficiency, allowing cost reduction through fewer polarization conversion units while maintaining or improving illuminance uniformity
2Illumination intensity
If the split number of array lens is increased to improve illuminance uniformity, then the illuminance uniformity and optical utilization efficiency are improved, but the number of polarization conversion units must be increased, thereby increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The array lens is segmented into multiple lens cells with different split numbers in different regions. This segmentation allows different parts of the lens to handle different light paths efficiently, achieving good illuminance uniformity while requiring fewer total polarization conversion units, thus avoiding cost increase
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the array lens are designed with different lens cell configurations and split numbers tailored to local illumination requirements. This local optimization achieves overall illuminance uniformity without uniformly increasing the number of polarization conversion units across the entire device, thereby controlling costs
3Productivity
If the number of columns in polarization conversion device is increased to improve optical utilization efficiency, then the optical utilization efficiency is improved, but the physical size of the projection display increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional single-plane polarization conversion structure to a multi-dimensional arrangement where array lens cells are organized in a matrix with different split numbers. This dimensional reorganization allows more efficient use of space, achieving high optical utilization efficiency without proportionally increasing the physical footprint of the projection display
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 configuration enhances illuminance uniformity and optical utilization efficiency while reducing the physical size of the projection display and minimizing the costs of the polarization conversion device, achieving a compact and cost-effective solution.
Implementation Method 1
the first array lens splits the incident light into a plurality of rays of light through a plurality of lens cells arranged in the form of a matrix
Implementation Method 2
polarization beam separation is performed by using polarization beam splitter films, which are alternately formed on interfaces of a plurality of parallelogram-columnar light transmissive members disposed in the form of an array
Implementation Method 3
light is emanated by being converted to a predetermined polarized wave by half-wavelength retardation plates provided on the one emanation side of polarized light
Data Source
AI summary
A projection display makes it possible to minimize the costs of a polarization conversion element, and concurrently makes it possible to improve illuminance nonuniformity and optical utilization efficiency and to accomplish physical apparatus compactness. An optical integrator used in the projection display is configured such that, in comparison to the number of arrangements of polarization conversion units in a predetermined direction, a split number of an array lens in the same direction is greater.