Projector Light Combining Element With Integrated Diffuser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional projectors using laser sources face speckle interference due to high-coherence laser beams, which degrade image quality, and existing solutions with additional diffusers increase the complexity and cost of optical-mechanical systems.
Innovation Solution
A projector design incorporating a first and second high-coherence light source, a light combining element with a diffuser, and actuators that vary the entry points of the light beams into the diffuser, reducing coherence without increasing the number of optical elements or system volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If additional diffusers are disposed on light paths to reduce coherence in laser beams, then speckle interference is reduced, but the number of optical elements increases, volume of the optical-mechanical systems enlarges, and design difficulties and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the diffuser function with the light combining element by coating or adhering the diffuser directly onto the light combining element's surface. This integration eliminates the need for separate diffuser components while maintaining the coherence reduction function, thereby reducing the number of optical elements and simplifying the optical-mechanical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The light combining element is given multiple functions: it combines multiple laser beams into a single beam and simultaneously serves as a diffuser to reduce coherence. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the system while achieving both beam combining and speckle reduction objectives.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If additional diffusers are disposed on light paths to reduce coherence in laser beams, then speckle interference is reduced, but volume of the optical-mechanical systems enlarges
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the diffuser with the light combining element into a single integrated component, the overall volume of the optical-mechanical system is reduced. The diffuser no longer occupies separate space in the optical path but is instead integrated onto the existing light combining element surface.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If additional diffusers are disposed on light paths to reduce coherence in laser beams, then speckle interference is reduced, but design difficulties and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the diffuser onto the light combining element simplifies the overall system design by reducing the number of discrete components that need to be designed, aligned, and manufactured separately. This unified approach reduces design complexity and potential alignment issues between multiple separate optical elements.
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
This design effectively reduces speckle interference, improves image quality, and simplifies the optical-mechanical system by integrating the diffuser with the light combining element, thereby decreasing design difficulties and costs.
Implementation Method 1
the diffuser is disposed on the first surface of the light combining element, wherein the first and second light beams enter the diffuser
Implementation Method 2
the actuator actuates the light combining element to vary locations where the first and second light beams enter the diffuser
Data Source
AI summary
A projector comprising a first light source, a second light source, a light combining element, a diffuser and an actuator is provided. The first light source provides a first light beam with high coherence. The second light source provides a second light beam with high coherence. The light combining element comprises a first surface, wherein the first and second light beams enter the light combining element, and are combined into a mixed light beam therein. The diffuser is disposed on the first surface of the light combining element, wherein the first and second light beams enter the diffuser. The actuator is connected to the light combining element, wherein the actuator actuates the light combining element to vary locations where the first and second light beams enter the diffuser.