RGB Laser Color Point Adjustment via Feedback Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

RGB laser modules used in embedded projection applications face significant color reproduction issues due to temperature-dependent wavelength changes in semiconductor-based laser sources, leading to inaccurate color representation.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for adjusting the color point of a lighting unit using semiconductor-based lasers, where at least one component of the RGB signal is filtered and sensed, allowing for continuous or iterative control of the color point, with a regulation system adapting the laser performance to maintain a stable color point despite temperature changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If semiconductor-based lasers are used for light generation in RGB laser modules, then the optical output performance and emitted wavelength are dependent on temperature, but this leads to significant changes in mixed color and prevents color-true reproduction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuse of semiconductor-based lasersVSAvoidcolor reproduction stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors detect the actual color output and the regulation unit adjusts the drive currents of the laser sources accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism compensates for temperature-induced wavelength shifts and maintains stable color reproduction despite environmental variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters (drive currents) of the semiconductor lasers dynamically based on detected color deviations. By adjusting current parameters in real-time, the system compensates for temperature effects and maintains consistent color output across varying operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple laser sources are used to generate RGB signal, then color mixing is achieved, but temperature dependencies cause wavelength drift and performance drift

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor mixing capabilityVSAvoidwavelength stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback control system continuously monitors the combined RGB output and adjusts individual laser source currents to compensate for wavelength drifts. This ensures that the composite color remains stable even as individual laser wavelengths shift with temperature changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system takes preliminary action by detecting color deviations before they become significant and adjusting laser currents proactively. The regulation unit preemptively compensates for expected wavelength drifts based on sensor feedback, preventing color instability rather than reacting to it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Measurement precision

If a sensor and filter are used to detect light beam components, then color point adjustment is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the color detection function by using separate sensors and filters for different wavelength components (red, green, blue). This segmentation allows precise measurement of each color channel independently, enabling accurate color point detection and adjustment through targeted control of individual laser sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 approach enables efficient and scalable adjustment of the color point, effectively compensating for wavelength and performance drifts, ensuring a stable and color-true reproduction of image information across varying temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

at least one component of the RGB signal, e.g. a light beam originating from a semiconductor-based laser, is supplied to a sensor via a filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 2

at least one of the semiconductor-based lasers is actuated by means of the signal detected by the sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9106878B2Method and device for adjusting the color point of a lighting unit
Publication Date: 2015.08.11 OSRAM GMBH
  • US9106878B2 patent drawing
  • US9106878B2 patent drawing
  • US9106878B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for adjusting the color point of a lighting unit including semiconductor-based lasers for generating an RGB signal. The method may include supplying at least one component of the RGB signal to a sensor via a filter; and actuating at least one of the semiconductor-based lasers by means of a signal detected by the sensor.