Stereoscopic 3D Projection System Short Throw Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stereoscopic 3D projection systems face limitations in achieving a short throw-ratio and high optical quality, especially when used with laser projectors, due to large optical path-length differences and the occurrence of optical diffraction and aberrations in existing beam-splitting elements.
Innovation Solution
A time-multiplexed stereoscopic 3D projection system utilizing a double image-beam architecture with a uniaxial condensing lens to reduce vertical beam divergence and a single-plane beam-splitting element to minimize optical path-lengths, combined with uniaxial expanding lenses to maintain horizontal divergence, thereby enabling a shorter throw-ratio and improved image homogeneity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional beam-splitting elements are used in stereoscopic 3D projection systems, then the system can achieve 3D image projection, but the optical path-length differences increase and optical diffraction and aberrations occur, degrading image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the beam-splitting function into two separate components: a first beam-splitting element that splits the incident light into first and second light beams, and a second beam-splitting element that further splits these beams. This segmentation allows for shorter optical path-lengths in each stage, reducing cumulative diffraction and aberration effects while maintaining the stereoscopic 3D projection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a polarization modulator as an intermediary component between the light source and the beam-splitting elements. This modulator controls the polarization state of light, enabling precise manipulation of light paths and reducing unwanted optical interference that would otherwise degrade image quality
2Length of moving object
If the optical path-lengths are reduced to achieve short throw-ratio, then the throw-ratio improves, but maintaining image homogeneity and reducing artifacts becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the beam-splitting process into multiple stages with separate beam-splitting elements, the invention achieves shorter overall optical path-lengths (improving throw-ratio) while each stage can be independently optimized to maintain image homogeneity and minimize artifacts
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the polarization parameters of light using a polarization modulator, allowing for precise control of light paths in the segmented beam-splitting system. This enables maintenance of image homogeneity even with reduced optical path-lengths by adjusting polarization states to compensate for any remaining optical path differences
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 system achieves a shorter throw-ratio and enhanced optical clarity and homogeneity by reducing optical path-lengths and diffraction, allowing for high-brightness stereoscopic 3D images with improved on-screen image alignment and reduced artifacts when used with laser projectors.
Implementation Method 1
The polarization modulator imparts an optical polarization state to images generated by said projector and said polarization modulator is operated in synchronization with said projector in order to arrange for all left-eye images to possess a first state of circular polarization and all right-eye images to possess a second state of circular polarization
Implementation Method 2
said pi-cell liquid crystal elements can, for example, be rapidly switched between a first optical state possessing an optical retardation value that is substantially equal to zero when driven with high voltage (eg. 25 volt) in order to switch said liquid crystal materials to the homeotropic texture, and a second optical state possessing an optical retardation value that is substantially equal to 140nm (nanometers) when driven with a low voltage (eg. 3 volt) in order to switch said liquid crystal materials to the splay texture
Implementation Method 3
A time-multiplexed stereoscopic 3D projection system utilizing a double image-beam architecture with a uniaxial condensing lens to reduce vertical beam divergence
Implementation Method 4
a single-plane beam-splitting element to minimize optical path-lengths
Implementation Method 5
combined with uniaxial expanding lenses to maintain horizontal divergence
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a time-multiplexed stereoscopic 3d projection system wherein the image-beam from a digital cinema projector is separated by a polarization beam-splitting element into one primary image-beam possessing a first state of polarization and at least one secondary image-beam possessing a second state of polarization. Polarization modulators are provided in order to modulate the polarization state for each of said primary and secondary image-beams thereof and arranged so that all left-eye images possess a first modulated state of polarization and all right-eye images possess a second modulated state of polarization. Additionally, there is provided one uniaxial condensing lens and at least one uniaxial expanding lens in order to minimize the optical path-lengths for each of said primary and secondary image-beams thereof, hence enabling said stereoscopic 3d projection system according to the present invention to operate together with projectors having a shorter throw-ratio as compared to other prior-art technologies.