TIR Light Modulator Architecture for Projector Color Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid state illumination (SSI) projectors using blue laser diodes and phosphor wheels face inefficiencies in color generation, leading to aesthetically unpleasing purplish blue color contributions and increased power consumption due to the need for multiple lasers, which reduces light generating efficiency and increases system cost.
Innovation Solution
The use of three digital micromirror device (DMD) chips with total internal reflection (TIR) or reverse TIR elements to separately modulate red, green, and blue light components, generated using blue laser light and phosphor emissions, allows for improved color separation and recombination, reducing the need for additional lasers and enhancing brightness while maintaining efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If blue laser diodes and phosphor wheels are used for color generation, then brightness can be achieved, but color accuracy deteriorates due to purplish blue color contributions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the color generation process by using separate digital micromirror device (DMD) chips for each primary color (red, green, blue). This allows independent optimization of each color channel, eliminating the purplish tint issue while maintaining brightness through dedicated laser sources for each color rather than relying on phosphor conversion of a single blue laser.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple laser sources are used for direct color generation, then color accuracy improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of direct laser illumination with phosphor-based color generation by using a hybrid approach: blue laser directly illuminates the blue DMD chip, while the same blue laser also excites phosphor materials to generate green and red light for their respective DMD chips. This consolidation of the light source reduces the number of laser diodes needed while maintaining color accuracy through separate color channel modulation.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple laser sources are used for direct color generation, then color accuracy improves, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blue laser source serves multiple functions simultaneously: it directly provides blue light for the blue DMD chip, excites phosphor to generate green light for the green DMD chip, and excites phosphor to generate red light for the red DMD chip. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate red, green, and blue laser diodes, significantly reducing system cost while maintaining color accuracy through independent color channel control.
4Device complexity
If phosphor wheels are used for color generation, then system complexity is reduced, but light generating efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating phosphor wheel system with a stationary phosphor arrangement illuminated by a blue laser. The color separation is achieved through optical paths and DMD chip modulation rather than mechanical rotation, eliminating the efficiency losses associated with mechanical movement and phosphor wheel rotation while maintaining system simplicity through the use of phosphor materials for color conversion.
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 enhances color accuracy and brightness by allowing independent modulation of RGB components, reducing power consumption, and improving the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the projector system.
Implementation Method 1
utilizes blue lasers as a direct source of blue color light and utilizes the blue lasers as an indirect source of other color light by energizing other color light producing phosphors with the blue color light from the blue lasers
Implementation Method 2
a first TIR or RTIR element is arranged to introduce at least red light to a first spatial light modulator... a second TIR or RTIR element is arranged to introduce at least green light to a second spatial light modulator
Data Source
AI summary
In described examples, a first TIR or RTIR element is arranged to introduce at least red light to a first spatial light modulator for modulation thereof, and a second TIR or RTIR element is arranged to introduce at least green light to a second spatial light modulator for modulation thereof. At least one of the first and second TIR or RTIR elements is arranged to introduce blue light to at least one of the first and second spatial light modulators, respectively, for modulation thereof: time-sequentially apart from the first spatial light modulator's modulation of the introduced red light, to an extent the blue light is so introduced to the first spatial light modulator; and time-sequentially apart from the second spatial light modulator's modulation of the introduced green light, to an extent the blue light is so introduced to the second spatial light modulator.