Single Projector 3D Imaging Using Dual Color Light Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional image projectors that use passive glasses typically require multiple projectors or costly active lenses, which are not scalable for smaller devices and have limitations in energy efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A single projector system utilizing two light sources emitting different colors, where the combination of light creates white light, with a polarizing beam splitter and polarization flipping elements to generate sequential left and right eye projections for passive glasses, allowing for full color 3D imaging without the need for multiple projectors or active lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple projectors are used to project 3D images with passive glasses, then the quality of 3D imaging is improved, but the size and cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light source function into multiple independent light sources emitting different colors (e.g., red, green, blue LEDs). Each light source is modulated separately to create sequential images for left and right eyes, allowing a single projector to achieve 3D imaging quality previously requiring multiple projectors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic modulation of multiple light sources to sequentially project images for left and right eyes. The light sources are turned on and off in a periodic sequence synchronized with the passive glasses' polarization switching, enabling 3D imaging from a single projector without requiring continuous operation of multiple projectors
2Device complexity
If active lenses are used in glasses to enable 3D imaging with a single projector, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cost and reliability decrease due to battery requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the passive glasses self-service by using passive polarization filtering without requiring active components, batteries, or wireless communication. The glasses simply filter the sequentially projected polarized light from the single projector, eliminating the reliability issues associated with battery-powered active glasses while maintaining simplified device structure
3Device complexity
If color filters are used in passive glasses to enable 3D imaging, then the system simplicity is improved, but the color image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple light sources that emit different colors (e.g., red, green, blue LEDs) instead of using color filters in the glasses. Each light source's intensity is independently modulated to create full-color sequential images, allowing passive polarized glasses to receive full-color light without filtering, thereby maintaining both system simplicity and color image quality
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 solution reduces the size and cost of the projector while maintaining the ability to create full color 3D images, suitable for small devices like smartphones and tablets, and ensures reliable 3D imaging without the need for battery-powered active glasses.
Implementation Method 1
at least one PBS is disposed adjacent the first and second light source
Implementation Method 2
At least one PBS is positioned adjacent to the first light source and the second light source
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for projecting a three-dimensional image. The system includes a first light source, emitting a light of a first color and a second light source emitting light of a second color. At least one polarizing beam splitter (PBS) is disposed adjacent the first light and the second light source, and at least one imaging device is disposed adjacent the at least one PBS.