Optical Projection Device Using Spatial Filters for Color Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Noncoherent light sources, such as LEDs, emit uncorrelated light waves that mix into a whitish color when used together, limiting their ability to display individual colors in projection applications.
Innovation Solution
A projection device incorporating multiple noncoherent light sources of different colors, a parabolic mirror reflector, a sinusoidal lenticular diffuser, and spatial filters, which collimate, diffuse, and further process the light to create a cloud-like effect, allowing for the display of multiple colors, and optionally includes a coherent light source for a star-field effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple noncoherent light sources of different colors are used together, then color variety is improved, but color mixing results in whitish color rather than individual colors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light paths from different colored LEDs using individual mirrors positioned at specific angles. Each mirror directs light from a specific LED through its own spatial filter, preventing color mixing while maintaining the ability to display multiple colors simultaneously on the projection surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial filters as intermediary elements positioned in the light path of each LED. These filters selectively transmit specific wavelengths and block others, acting as mediators that prevent unwanted color mixing while allowing the desired individual colors to pass through to the projection surface.
2Manufacturing precision
If spatial filters are added to improve color separation, then color precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the spatial filters, which simultaneously perform wavelength selection, spatial filtering, and beam shaping. This consolidation reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby managing device complexity while achieving superior color separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spatial filters in the patent serve multiple purposes: they separate colors by wavelength, define the spatial distribution of each color, and control the overall light intensity. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the system.
3Area of stationary object
If LEDs are positioned close together to reduce device size, then compactness is improved, but light mixing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the conflict between compactness and color separation by transitioning from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial configuration. Mirrors are positioned at different angles and heights, creating vertical and angular separation between light paths while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing each LED with its own dedicated mirror and spatial filter configuration. This localized optical path management ensures that even when LEDs are positioned close together, each color maintains its distinct trajectory and filtering, preventing mixing while preserving compactness.
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
Enables the projection of patterned, multi-colored light effects, enhancing color separation and homogenization, and allowing for dynamic movement of the cloud-like and star-field effects, improving visual appeal in applications like architectural and ambient lighting.
Implementation Method 1
the parabolic mirror reflector is arranged to collimate light received from the plurality of LEDs
Implementation Method 2
a parabolic mirror reflector
Implementation Method 3
the sinusoidal lenticular diffuser is positioned at or near an output of the parabolic mirror reflector and is arranged to diffuse the collimated light received from the parabolic mirror reflector
Implementation Method 4
a sinusoidal lenticular diffuser
Implementation Method 5
the plurality of spatial filters are arranged to diffuse the diffused and collimated light received from the sinusoidal lenticular diffuser
Implementation Method 6
the plurality of spatial filters are arranged to diffuse the diffused and collimated light
Implementation Method 7
an imaging lens coupled to the housing and arranged to magnify the diffused light received from the plurality of spatial filters
Implementation Method 8
an imaging lens
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to projection devices that can project patterned light of different colors. In one implementation, the projection device can include a housing, within which reside multiple components. These components can include light emitting diodes (LEDs), a parabolic mirror reflector, a sinusoidal lenticular diffuser, and multiple spatial filters. The multiple LEDs can be provided in at least two distinct colors. The parabolic mirror reflector can be arranged to collimate light received from the multiple LEDs. The sinusoidal lenticular diffuser can be positioned at an output of the parabolic mirror reflector and arranged to diffuse the collimated light. The spatial filters can be arranged to diffuse the diffused and collimated light received from the sinusoidal lenticular diffuser. An imaging lens can be coupled to the housing and arranged to magnify the diffused light received from the spatial filters and display a cloud-like effect on a first surface.