Optical System for Multi-Primary Color Projection via Wavelength Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-primary color projection display devices require two projectors with different optical characteristics, leading to increased manufacturing costs, complex structures, and reduced image contrast due to overlapping black levels, limiting their ability to produce high-contrast, multi-primary color, and 3-dimensional images.
Innovation Solution
An optical system that divides and re-modulates combined light from conventional 3-primary color devices into halves using wavelength spectral filters and quarter-wave plates, allowing for 6-primary color image projection with a single projector, reducing manufacturing costs and eliminating the need for image alignment adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two projectors are used to achieve multi-primary color projection, then the color reproduction range is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light from a single projector into multiple wavelength bands using dichroic mirrors, then processes each band separately through modulation devices before recombining them. This segmentation approach enables multi-primary color projection while using only one projector, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost compared to using two complete projectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wavelength dimension by separating light into different spectral bands (red, green, blue, and additional primary colors) using dichroic mirrors. This dimensional separation allows the system to achieve 6-primary color projection capabilities through a single projector by processing different wavelength components through different modulation devices and then recombining them.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two projectors are used to achieve multi-primary color projection, then the color reproduction range is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the projection system into wavelength-specific optical paths using dichroic mirrors, allowing each segment to be optimized independently with standard modulation devices. This segmentation enables the system to achieve 6-primary color projection with a single projector, significantly reducing manufacturing cost compared to purchasing and integrating two complete projectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single projector perform multiple functions by dividing its light output into different wavelength bands that are then processed through multiple modulation devices (LCD, DLP, or LCOS) simultaneously. This multi-functionality approach allows one projector to achieve the color reproduction capabilities previously requiring two projectors, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two projectors are used to achieve multi-primary color projection, then the color reproduction range is improved, but the image contrast deteriorates due to overlapping black levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light into distinct wavelength bands using dichroic mirrors, with each band being modulated independently. This segmentation ensures that black levels from different wavelength bands do not overlap and add together, preserving high image contrast while achieving broad color reproduction range through the combined output of multiple modulation devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the projection into different wavelength dimensions using dichroic mirrors, allowing each wavelength band to be modulated independently. This dimensional separation prevents the accumulation of black levels that would occur with two complete projectors, maintaining high contrast ratios while expanding the color reproduction range through multi-primary color modulation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If two projectors are used to achieve multi-primary color projection, then the color reproduction range is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path into wavelength-specific channels using dichroic mirrors, with each channel leading to its own modulation device. This segmented structure is more complex than a single projector but significantly simpler than two complete projectors, as it shares common optical components (light source, condenser lens, cold mirror, integrator) while only duplicating the necessary modulation components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple modulation devices (LCD, DLP, or LCOS) into a single integrated optical system by combining their outputs through dichroic mirrors. This merging approach creates a unified projection system that achieves 6-primary color capabilities while maintaining a compact structure, avoiding the need for two separate complete projector systems.
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 solution achieves high-contrast, multi-primary color, and 3-dimensional image projection with a broader color reproduction range, exceeding conventional systems, while simplifying the structure and reducing production costs by using a single projector and eliminating the need for complex image alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a first wavelength spectral filter (39) and a second wavelength spectral filter (46) for dividing the combined light into the first light and the second light having different wavelength bands
Implementation Method 2
successively reflected by a first quarter-wave plate (35) and a second quarter-wave plate (40)
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical system capable of outputting hi-contrast images and multi-primary color or 3-dimensional images is provided. Light in primary colors RGB modulated in a first modulation optical system is transmitted through a relay lens 36 and further divided into a P-polarized light and an S-polarized light by a PS separation wire grid 37. The S-polarized light is transmitted through a wavelength spectral filter 39 to select red/geen/blue light components R1, G1, B1 of 615, 515, 450 nm in wavelength, which are then modulated by a Y1 device 44. The P-polarized light is transmitted through a wavelength spectral filter 46 to select red/geen/blue light components R2, G2, B2 of 650, 550, 475 nm in wavelength, which are then modulated by a Y2 device 51, The 3-primary color lights modulated by the Y1/Y2 devices 44, 51 are combined with each other at a PS composite wire grid 55 to project a synthetic light on a screen.