Optical Module Light Beam Splitting for Display Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with non-emissive displays, such as LCDs, require a separate back-light unit for illumination, which can be inefficient in terms of light source utilization, as the light source used for image projection is not fully utilized when not in projection mode.
Innovation Solution
An optical module is used to direct and split the light beam from an image projection module to concurrently provide illumination to the display device and other accessories, such as a keyboard, either during or outside of projection mode, by coupling part of the light beam to a back-light unit and using beam-splitters or color filters to manage light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a separate back-light unit is used for display illumination, then the display can be properly illuminated, but the light source utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image projection module serve dual purposes: projecting images and illuminating the display. By integrating the display illumination function into the projection module, the same light source is used for both projection and display illumination, eliminating the need for a separate back-light unit and improving light source utilization efficiency.
2Illumination intensity
If a separate back-light unit is used for display illumination, then the display can be properly illuminated, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display illumination function with the image projection module by integrating a display illumination reflector into the projection module. This combination eliminates the need for a separate back-light unit, simplifying the overall device structure while ensuring proper display illumination.
3Loss of energy
If the light source is shared between projection and display, then light source utilization is optimized, but the optical system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into distinct functional components: a projection reflector for image projection and a display illumination reflector for display illumination. The display illumination reflector is positioned to receive light from the projection reflector and redirect it to the display, creating a segmented optical path that enables light sharing while maintaining clear functional separation.
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 optimizes light source utilization by allowing the same light source to be used for both image projection and display illumination, reducing unnecessary light waste and enhancing the functionality of electronic devices by providing illumination to multiple components.
Implementation Method 1
an optical module, arranged for directing the light beam so that at least part of the light beam can also be used for providing illumination at least to the display device
Implementation Method 2
The optical module is configured to split the light beam into a first part for producing the projected image and a second part for providing illumination to the display device
Implementation Method 3
the optical module comprises one or more beam-splitters, and/or color filters, for directing the color beams toward the image producing device along a common axis
Implementation Method 4
the optical module comprises one or more color filters for combining the color beams into a combined light beam
Implementation Method 5
the apparatus further comprises an optical coupler for coupling at least part of the light beam with the back-light unit when said at least part of the light beam is arranged to provide illumination to the display device
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module is used in an electronic device to share a light source. The light source can be shared concurrently with an image projection device and a different component, such as a liquid crystal display device. Alternatively, the light source is used for providing illumination to the component only when the light source is not used by the image projection device. When the light source is used for providing illumination to the liquid crystal display device, at least part of the light beam from the light source is coupled to a back-light unit of the display device, for example. In addition to providing illumination to the liquid crystal display device, part of the light beam can also be used to provide illumination to other accessories or components, such as a keyboard of the electronic device.