Orthogonal Light Source Rows for Compact Projector Illumination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional projectors with a single liquid crystal panel face challenges in reducing size due to the increased size of the light source apparatus, which is exacerbated when using multiple liquid crystal panels, leading to difficulties in achieving a compact projector design.
Innovation Solution
A light source apparatus comprising a first light source with multiple emitters arranged in a single row along a direction, a second light source with emitters arranged orthogonally, and a polarization combiner that combines and polarizes the luminous fluxes, allowing for a compact and efficient light source configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single liquid crystal panel with multiple subpixels is used to achieve single-plate projector configuration, then the projector structure is simplified, but the light source apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is divided into multiple independent light emitters (first light emitters and second light emitters) arranged in specific directions. Each emitter can be independently controlled and optimized, allowing the light source apparatus to maintain compact size while providing sufficient illumination for all subpixels of the single liquid crystal panel.
Solution Approach 2:
Light emitters are arranged in different spatial dimensions (first direction and second direction intersecting at the polarization combiner). This multi-dimensional arrangement allows efficient light distribution across the liquid crystal panel without increasing the overall footprint of the light source apparatus.
2Reliability
If multiple liquid crystal panels are used to improve image quality, then the projection capability is enhanced, but the light source apparatus size increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The light source apparatus with multiple light emitters arranged in different directions serves multiple functions simultaneously - illuminating different regions of the liquid crystal panel with appropriate intensity and polarization. This universal light source design eliminates the need for separate light sources for each panel, maintaining compact size while supporting high-quality projection.
3Device complexity
If light emitters are arranged in a single row along one direction, then the light source configuration is simple, but the intensity distribution becomes asymmetric
Solution Approach 1:
The invention intentionally introduces asymmetry by arranging light emitters in different directions (first direction and second direction) relative to the polarization combiner. This asymmetric arrangement in multiple dimensions creates a symmetric intensity distribution in the combined luminous flux, resolving the contradiction between simple configuration and stable intensity distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Luminous flux from light emitters arranged in different directions are combined through the polarization combiner. The merging of these multi-directional light paths results in a symmetric intensity distribution in the output, while each individual emitter arrangement remains relatively simple.
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 enables a highly symmetric intensity distribution and reduced color unevenness in the illumination, facilitating the creation of a compact and efficient projector with minimal size and color imbalance.
Implementation Method 1
The first luminous flux is a luminous flux having a first polarization direction with respect to the polarization combiner. The second luminous flux is a luminous flux having a second polarization direction, different from the first polarization direction, with respect to the polarization combiner. The polarization combiner transmits the first luminous flux having the first polarization direction and reflects the second luminous flux having the second polarization direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A light source apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a first light source including a plurality of first light emitters arranged in a single row along a first direction, a second light source including a plurality of second light emitters arranged in a single row along a second direction, and a polarization combiner. The polarization combiner transmits the first luminous flux from the first light source and reflects the second luminous flux from the second light source. In an imaginary plane perpendicular to the center axis of the combined luminous flux, the direction in which the plurality of first beams are arranged in the single row and the direction in which the plurality of second beams are arranged in the single row intersect with each other, and the first luminous flux and the second luminous flux partially overlap with each other.