Single Sensor Light Source Deterioration Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Projection display apparatuses with multiple solid state light sources face challenges in detecting and controlling light variations due to deterioration, leading to increased costs and complexity with the use of multiple sensors.
Innovation Solution
A single sensor is used to detect light from an array of solid state light sources, with a control unit that calculates deterioration rates and adjusts light output to maintain consistent illumination, incorporating a reference light storage and correction mechanisms to determine and correct for light source degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are provided to correspond respectively to multiple light sources, then the deterioration of each light source can be detected, but the number of sensors increases and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single sensor by having it detect light from multiple light sources sequentially or simultaneously through optical paths. The control unit then processes the combined detection results to determine deterioration of individual light sources, thereby reducing the total number of sensors required while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A single sensor is designed to perform multiple detection functions for different light sources. The sensor can detect light from various light sources by switching optical paths or using beam splitters, making one sensor universal for monitoring all light sources in the system rather than requiring dedicated sensors for each.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are provided to correspond respectively to multiple light sources, then the deterioration of each light source can be detected, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit consolidates the processing of detection results from multiple light sources into a single control device. It manages the optical paths, processes signals from the single sensor, and determines deterioration for all light sources centrally, thereby reducing control complexity compared to managing multiple independent sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical path switching elements or beam splitters as intermediaries that direct light from different light sources to a single sensor. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the control architecture by providing a unified detection path rather than requiring direct connections from each light source to its own sensor.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are provided to correspond respectively to multiple light sources, then the deterioration of each light source can be detected, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection function for multiple light sources into a single sensor system, directly reducing the bill of materials and manufacturing cost. By eliminating redundant sensors while maintaining detection accuracy through intelligent optical path management and control processing, the overall device cost is reduced.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single sensor is used to detect light from multiple light sources, then the cost and complexity are reduced, but it is difficult to detect only light from each individual light source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process by controlling light sources to emit light sequentially or by using optical path switching to direct light from specific light sources to the sensor at different time intervals. This temporal or spatial segmentation allows a single sensor to measure each light source's light output independently, enabling individual deterioration assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic activation or switching of light sources in conjunction with the sensor detection. Each light source is activated in turn during specific time intervals, allowing the single sensor to periodically measure each light source's output. This periodic action enables the sensor to distinguish and measure light from individual sources despite using only one detector.
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 allows for effective suppression of light variation among solid state light sources, reducing costs and complexity by using a single sensor and improving light source management, particularly effective for lasers affected by ambient temperature changes.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor (light amount sensor 70) provided on a light path of light emitted from the array light source and configured to detect an amount of light emitted from the array light source
Data Source
AI summary
A projection display apparatus includes: a light amount sensor which detects an amount of light emitted from an array light source; a deterioration rate calculator which acquires an amount of light of a measurement target light source from the amount of light detected by the light amount sensor; a reference light amount storage which stores a reference amount of light of an amount of light emitted from plurality of solid state light sources, for each of the solid state light sources; and a light source controller which controls the amount of light emitted from the plurality of solid state light sources for each of the solid state light sources, and the deterioration rate calculator determines whether the measurement target light source has deteriorated, in accordance with a result of a comparison between the amount of light detected by the light amount sensor, and the reference amount of light.