Projector Light Separation Optical System for Square Pixel Arrangement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single-panel projectors degrade image resolution due to one-dimensional separation of red, green, and blue light, resulting in a 3:1 aspect ratio of sub-pixels, which limits image quality.
Innovation Solution
A projector design that uses a first and second light separation optical system to separate light into multiple colors and direct them in intersecting planes, allowing for two-dimensional arrangement of sub-pixels, with a microlens system to collect and focus light onto corresponding sub-pixels, maintaining a roughly square shape to prevent resolution degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If one-dimensional separation of light is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image resolution is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional light separation to two-dimensional light separation by arranging dichroic mirrors at different orientations. The first dichroic mirror separates light in one direction, while the second dichroic mirror separates light in a perpendicular direction, achieving two-dimensional separation that enables square pixel arrangement and maintains high image resolution without excessive device complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If one-dimensional arrangement of sub-pixels is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the image resolution is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements two-dimensional arrangement of sub-pixels by using two dichroic mirrors oriented perpendicular to each other. This allows red, green, and blue sub-pixels to be arranged in a square configuration rather than a linear 3:1 ratio, improving image resolution while maintaining manufacturability through systematic optical design
3Manufacturing precision
If two-dimensional light separation is implemented, then the image resolution is improved, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light separation function into two distinct dichroic mirrors, each handling a specific separation direction. The first dichroic mirror separates light into two paths, and the second dichroic mirror further separates one of these paths into two more directions, achieving two-dimensional separation through functional segmentation that manages device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves two-dimensional light separation by introducing a second separation dimension perpendicular to the first. The first dichroic mirror handles separation in one plane, while the second dichroic mirror handles separation in a perpendicular plane, enabling square pixel arrangement and high image resolution with controlled complexity
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 configuration enhances image resolution by allowing sub-pixels to be arranged two-dimensionally, improving light efficiency and downsizing the light modulation element while maintaining high color reproducibility and visibility.
Implementation Method 1
the first light separation optical system includes a first reflecting element adapted to reflect the first light and transmit the second light, and a second reflecting element adapted to reflect the second light
Implementation Method 2
the second light separation optical system includes a third reflecting element adapted to reflect the third light and the fifth light and transmit the fourth light and the sixth light, and a fourth reflecting element adapted to reflect the fourth light and the sixth light
Implementation Method 3
a microlens disposed on the entrance side of the light modulation element... the red light, the green light, and the blue light thus separated into are respectively collected by the microlens disposed on the entrance side of the light modulation element
Data Source
AI summary
A projector includes a light source, a first light separation optical system adapted to separate light emitted from the light source into first light and second light, a second light separation optical system adapted to separate the first light into third light and fourth light, separate the second light into fifth light and sixth light, and emit the third light, the fourth light, the fifth light, and the six light in directions intersecting with a plane including a light axis of the light emitted from the light source and a light axis of the first light, and a light modulation element which the third light, the fourth light, the fifth light, and the sixth light enter.