Projector Illumination Using Multi-Source Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional projectors using a single liquid crystal panel for continuous scanning illumination result in a large device configuration due to the need for a rotating prism for band-shaped light beam scanning.
Innovation Solution
A projector design incorporating multiple light sources with different wavelengths, each with a light-emitting region of multiple elements, an optical system to align light beams, an optical modulation device, and a control unit to adjust light emission intensity and position, eliminating the need for a rotating prism by moving illumination regions in a single direction on the optical modulation device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a rotating prism is used to scan band-shaped light beams continuously, then illumination is achieved, but the device configuration becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the rotating prism from the optical system. Instead of using a rotating prism to scan light beams, the invention uses multiple light sources with different wavelengths that can be directly positioned to illuminate the optical modulation device, removing the need for mechanical scanning components and significantly reducing device size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating prism system with a static optical system using multiple light sources. The mechanical scanning function is substituted by having multiple light-emitting elements at different positions that can be controlled independently to provide continuous illumination without moving parts
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources with different wavelengths are used, then color image display is enabled, but light emission uniformity may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by having different light-emitting elements emit light of different wavelengths (colors) with specific intensity distributions tailored to their local requirements. Each light source is configured to emit in a specific wavelength range and direction, and the control unit adjusts individual element intensities to achieve uniform overall illumination while maintaining color accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the emission intensity of each light-emitting element based on its wavelength characteristics and position. The control unit modifies emission parameters (intensity, timing) of individual elements to compensate for variations and achieve uniform illumination across the optical modulation device while displaying color images
3Speed
If light-emitting positions are changed to move illumination regions, then scanning function is achieved, but alignment precision between multiple light beams is critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning multiple light sources at specific locations and orientations during assembly. The optical axes of different light sources are pre-aligned to converge on or pass through the optical modulation device, and the relative positions are fixed during manufacturing. This preliminary alignment eliminates the need for dynamic alignment adjustments during operation and simplifies the scanning 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
Enables the display of color images using a single optical modulation device without a rotating prism, reducing device size while maintaining uniform illumination and improving image quality by suppressing speckle and ensuring non-overlapping illumination regions.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source including a first light-emitting region including a plurality of first light-emitting elements, the first light source being configured to emit a first light beam from the first light-emitting region, a second light source including a second light-emitting region including a plurality of second light-emitting elements emitting light having a wavelength different from a wavelength of the first light-emitting element
Data Source
AI summary
A projector includes a first light source that emits a first light beam from a first light-emitting region including first light-emitting elements, and a second light source that emits a second light beam from a second light-emitting region including second light-emitting elements emitting light. Projector includes optical system that aligns traveling directions of first and second light beams, optical modulation device that adjusts first and second light beams based on image information, projection optical device, and control unit. The control unit changes a light-emitting position of the first light beam in the first light-emitting region to move an illumination region on an image forming region of the optical modulation device, and changes a light-emitting position of the second light beam in the second light-emitting region to move a second illumination region on the image forming region of the optical modulation device in the same direction as the first illumination region.