Projector Deflector Switching Irradiation Regions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional projectors using two reflective displays for increased light use efficiency require high costs and precise positional alignment, and are limited to fixed irradiation regions, making them unsuitable for applications like projection mapping on three-dimensional objects.

Innovation Solution

A projector design incorporating a polarization beam splitter, two reflective displays, and a deflector, such as a Pancharatnam-Berry deflector or liquid crystal diffractive element, that can switch the irradiation region by altering the traveling direction of polarized light based on polarization, allowing for flexible and efficient light distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If two reflective displays are used to increase light use efficiency, then light use efficiency is improved, but device cost and alignment precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight use efficiencyVSAvoiddevice cost and alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of two reflective displays into a single reflective display unit. By using a polarization beam splitter to separate P-polarized and S-polarized light paths, the system achieves the light efficiency benefits of dual displays while using only one physical display panel, thereby reducing cost and alignment complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the light path into two separate polarization components (P-polarized and S-polarized) using a polarization beam splitter. Each polarization component is directed to different regions of the same reflective display, allowing the display to process both light paths independently while maintaining a single unified device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If conventional projector design is used, then structure is simple, but irradiation region cannot be switched

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidirradiation region switching capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a deflector that can dynamically change the traveling direction of incident polarized light. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to switch between different irradiation regions (first irradiation region and second irradiation region) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure based on the polarization beam splitting mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If polarization beam splitter and two reflective displays are used, then light use efficiency increases, but irradiation region is fixed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight use efficiencyVSAvoidirradiation region flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the polarization beam splitter configuration with a dynamic deflector. The deflector can change the traveling direction of polarized light to direct it to different regions, enabling the system to switch between fixed and variable irradiation modes while preserving the high light use efficiency achieved through polarization-based light path separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 high light use efficiency and the ability to switch irradiation regions, expanding projector applications to include three-dimensional surfaces without the need for precise alignment and high costs, while maintaining efficient light distribution.

Implementation Method 1

a polarization beam splitter configured to split light from the light source into P-polarized light and S-polarized light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization beam splitting: Polarisation

Implementation Method 2

The P-polarized light entering the reflective display 42 is converted to S-polarized light by the birefringence of the liquid crystal layer in the reflective display 42

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBirefringence: Birefringence

Implementation Method 3

a deflector disposed on or near a light-emitting side of the projector lens and configured to change a traveling direction of incident polarized light depending on polarization of the light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPancharatnam-Berry phase effect:

Implementation Method 4

liquid crystal diffractive element, that can switch the irradiation region by altering the traveling direction of polarized light based on polarization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid crystal diffractive element: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentUS20240272528A1projector

Publication Date: 2024.08.15 SHARP DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CORP

AI summary

Provided is a projector that has a high light use efficiency and can switch irradiation regions. The projector includes: a light source; a polarization beam splitter configured to split light from the light source into P-polarized light and S-polarized light; a first reflective display configured to modulate the split P-polarized light; a second reflective display configured to modulate the split S-polarized light; a projector lens on which reflected lights from the reflective displays are incident; and a deflector disposed on or near a light-emitting side of the projector lens and configured to change a traveling direction of incident polarized light depending on the polarized light.