Optical Switch Combining Dual Projectors for Keystone-Free 2D Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D projection systems suffer from keystone artifacts when switching to 2D mode due to manufacturing variations and minimum distances between dual projectors, leading to image misalignment and overlay defects.
Innovation Solution
An optical switch that combines or splits light from dual laser projectors, allowing seamless transition between 2D and 3D modes by directing light to a single projector for 2D and separate projectors for 3D, using combiners or splitters to align wavelengths and eliminate unwanted spectral bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dual projectors are used in stacked or side-by-side arrangement for 2D projection, then 2D projection capability is provided, but image misalignment and keystone artifacts occur due to manufacturing variations and minimum distance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical paths of two separate projectors by using beam combiners to overlay images from both projectors onto a single screen. This combining approach allows the system to achieve precise image alignment by integrating the optical paths, thereby eliminating the keystone artifacts that plague stacked or side-by-side dual projector arrangements while maintaining 2D projection capability.
2Reliability
If minimum distance is maintained between dual projectors, then proper optical separation is achieved, but image overlay defects occur due to manufacturing variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces beam combiners as intermediary optical elements that mediate between the two projectors and the screen. These combiners serve as a intermediary layer that precisely controls the overlay of images from both projectors, compensating for manufacturing variations and maintaining reliable optical separation while achieving precise image alignment that would otherwise be impossible with direct stacking or side-by-side placement.
3Manufacturing precision
If pixel warping routines are used to correct image alignment, then image overlay accuracy is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the software-based pixel warping mechanism with a hardware-based optical solution using beam combiners. Instead of using complex software routines to digitally correct image alignment issues, the system uses precisely engineered optical elements (beam combiners) to physically align and overlay images at the optical level, thereby achieving high image overlay accuracy while eliminating the need for costly and complex pixel warping software.
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 optical switch eliminates keystone artifacts in 2D mode, ensuring precise image alignment and reduced manufacturing complexity, while maintaining high brightness and contrast without the need for costly pixel warping routines.
Implementation Method 1
An optical switch that combines or splits light from dual laser projectors, allowing seamless transition between 2D and 3D modes by directing light to a single projector for 2D and separate projectors for 3D
Implementation Method 2
using combiners or splitters to align wavelengths and eliminate unwanted spectral bands
Data Source
AI summary
A projection system and method therefor comprises a first light source configured to emit a first-eye light, wherein the first-eye light includes a first set of wavelengths; a second light source configured to emit a second-eye light, wherein the second-eye light includes a second set of wavelengths; a first projector including first projection optics configured to receive a first input light; and an optical switch configured to be switched between an a first mode and a second mode, wherein the optical switch is configured to, in the first mode, combine the first-eye light and the second-eye light into a combined light and direct the combined light to the first projection optics as the first input light.