Single-Panel Projector Pixel Shifting for Higher Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-panel projectors using a single liquid crystal panel face a resolution challenge compared to three-panel projectors while maintaining advantages of compactness, lightweight, and low cost.
Innovation Solution
A projector design incorporating a light source, a single light modulator with pixel regions, a pixel shifting device to switch optical paths, and a projection system, where sub-pixels segmented by a black matrix output different colors, and the pixel shifting device positions image light to superimpose on non-display regions, effectively increasing resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single liquid crystal panel is used in the projector, then the projector achieves compactness, lightweight design, and low cost, but the resolution is poorer compared to three-panel projectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments each pixel into multiple sub-pixels (e.g., four sub-pixels per pixel) arranged in a specific pattern. By controlling the light transmission of individual sub-pixels independently, the system achieves higher effective resolution from a single panel, resolving the contradiction between using a simple single-panel structure and achieving high resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by sequentially displaying different image data to adjacent sub-pixels and utilizing human visual persistence. This allows the single panel to effectively display more information than its static pixel count would suggest, achieving higher resolution without adding more physical panels.
2Manufacturing precision
If the black matrix regions are reduced to increase pixel density, then resolution improves, but color mixture between adjacent sub-pixels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical characteristics to different sub-pixels within the same pixel region. By controlling the transmission intensity and timing of light for each sub-pixel individually, the system can compensate for the reduced black matrix spacing and prevent color mixture, maintaining color accuracy while increasing pixel density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic switching of light transmission for adjacent sub-pixels in a sequential manner. This temporal separation prevents color mixture by ensuring that light from different sub-pixels reaches the viewer at different times, leveraging human visual persistence to perceive distinct colors even when black matrix regions are minimal.
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 design achieves higher resolution images while retaining the compactness and portability benefits of single-panel projectors by superimposing image light on non-display sections, enhancing apparent pixel density without noticeable color mixture.
Implementation Method 1
the image light having exited out of the projection lens is reflected off a mirror to redirect the projected image light
Implementation Method 2
a single light modulator that has a pixel region containing a plurality of pixels and modulates light output from the light source to generate image light
Implementation Method 3
a projection system that projects the image light incident from the pixel shifting device onto a projection receiving surface
Data Source
AI summary
A projector includes a single light modulator that has a pixel region containing a plurality of pixels, and a pixel shifting device configured to switch the optical path of image light output from the light modulator between a reference optical path and a shifted optical path. A plurality of sub-pixels that are segmented by a black matrix and output light having different colors form each of the pixels in the pixel region of the light modulator. The pixel shifting device positions the image light traveling along the reference optical path at a reference display position on the projection receiving surface, and positions the image light traveling along the shifted optical path at a shifted display position on the projection receiving surface to superimpose the image light output from the sub-pixels at the shifted display position on a region corresponding to the black matrix at the reference display position.