Optical Illumination Module With Polarized Light Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive display technologies face challenges with excessive ambient lighting or lack thereof affecting image quality, and the need for compact light sources due to space constraints, as well as the inability to achieve wide-angle light distribution suitable for motor vehicle displays.
Innovation Solution
An optical illumination module with a reflective sheet positioned between the light generator and polarizer film, recycling light beams through reflection and polarization to achieve homogeneous illumination, using a lens array and polarization-rotating elements to control beam direction and intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional backlight unit with reflector and diffusers is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the angular distribution is wide which is not suitable for motor vehicle applications with space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective sheet is divided into multiple reflective elements arranged in specific patterns, each controlling light in different directions. This segmentation allows precise control of beam angle while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the reflective sheet have different reflective properties and geometries tailored to specific directional requirements. This local customization enables narrow beam control in critical areas while maintaining overall manufacturing efficiency
2Volume of moving object
If a lens array with stacked-up arrangement is used, then the size and thickness are reduced, but the solution is not suitable for optical illumination modules for display systems
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective sheet design serves multiple functions simultaneously: it controls beam angle, distributes light uniformly, and adapts to different display configurations. This multi-functionality makes it suitable for various optical illumination modules without requiring size increases
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of reducing size through stacking in one dimension, the invention achieves compactness by optimizing the two-dimensional arrangement of reflective elements on a single plane, making it adaptable to display systems
3Illumination intensity
If an illumination system with array of reflecting bins is used, then compact high intensity illumination is achieved, but wide angle distribution of light cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective elements are designed with asymmetric geometries that preferentially reflect light in specific directions while maintaining high intensity. This asymmetric design enables narrow beam control without sacrificing illumination strength
Solution Approach 2:
Curved reflective surfaces are employed to focus and direct light beams narrowly while maintaining high intensity. The curvature allows precise control of beam angle through geometric optics principles
4Illumination intensity
If a backlight unit with brightness enhancement film and diffusion sheet is used, then light rays are reflected perpendicularly through the display layer, but wide angle distribution of light cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using diffusion sheets to scatter light in wide angles, the invention inverts the approach by using precisely engineered reflective elements to control and narrow the beam angle while maintaining brightness through efficient light redirection
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 module provides homogeneous and bright illumination, improving image clarity and contrast for HUD systems by recycling light beams, suitable for compact displays in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
A polarizer film is provided forward of the light generator and operable to at least partially polarize light beams generated by the light generator
Implementation Method 2
A reflective sheet is provided between the light generator and the polarizer film and is operable to re-direct the polarized light beams back the polarizer film together with light beams generated from the light generator
Implementation Method 3
using a lens array and polarization-rotating elements to control beam direction and intensity
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
This disclosure relates to an optical illumination module for a motor vehicle display system. The optical illumination module comprises: a light generator for generating light beams, a polarizer film to at least partially polarize the light beams generated by the light generator and a reflective sheet (104, 200a) positioned therebetween. The reflective sheet comprises a plurality of punch-holes, each of the punch-hole is configured to align to each of the light cell of the light generator. The reflective sheet is operable to receive the at least partially polarized light beams reflected from the polarizer film and re-direct the polarized light beams towards the polarizer film.