Phase-Only Projection Control for HDR Imaging Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projection systems face inefficiencies due to light attenuation or the need for additional modulators, which affect optical and power efficiency, increase complexity, and cost, especially in high dynamic range (HDR) imaging.
Innovation Solution
A phase-only projection system that utilizes a spatially varying phase modulation system that includes a phase light modulator, which includes a spatially varying phase modulation system that emits a beam of light, a first lens that expands the light, a second lens that collimates the light, a phase light modulator that applies a spatially-varying phase modulation, and a controller that controls the system to project a series of subframes within a time period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light attenuation is used to create image levels, then image quality can be achieved, but optical efficiency deteriorates and light is discarded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the modulation parameter from amplitude (intensity) to phase only. The phase modulator adjusts the phase of light waves to encode image information, while maintaining constant light intensity throughout the optical path. This eliminates light attenuation and improves optical efficiency while preserving image quality through phase-based encoding.
2Loss of energy
If light steering is used instead of attenuation, then optical efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to secondary modulators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for secondary modulators by using a single phase-only modulator. The phase modulator directly encodes both amplitude and phase information of the image, removing the requirement for additional amplitude modulators or complex modulator combinations, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining optical efficiency.
3Device complexity
If phase-only modulation is used, then device complexity is reduced and optical efficiency is improved, but image quality may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional amplitude modulation to phase modulation, utilizing the phase dimension of light waves. By encoding image information in the phase domain rather than amplitude, the system achieves simpler device architecture with a single modulator while reconstructing high-quality images through phase-based optical field control.
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 system achieves high dynamic range and high resolution images with improved efficiency, reduced complexity, and lower costs by steering light without additional modulators, allowing for brighter objects and increased contrast.
Implementation Method 1
a phase light modulator configured to receive the light from the light source and to apply a spatially-varying phase modulation on the light
Data Source
AI summary
A projection system and method includes a light source configured to emit a light in response to an image data; a phase light modulator configured to receive the light from the light source and to apply a spatially-varying phase modulation on the light; and a controller configured to determine, for a frame of the image data, a plurality of phase configurations, respective ones of the plurality of phase configurations corresponding to solutions of a phase algorithm and representing the same image with a different modulation pattern, and provide a phase control signal to the phase light modulator, the phase control signal configured to cause the phase light modulator to modulate the plurality of phase configurations in a time-divisional manner within a time period of the frame, thereby to project a series of subframes within the time period.