Tunable Light Emitters for Stereoscopic Projection Brightness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stereoscopic digital projection systems face challenges in achieving high brightness and optical efficiency due to inefficient use of light sources, high equipment costs, and issues with image quality, particularly in stereoscopic imaging where only half of the light generated is available for each eye.
Innovation Solution
A stereoscopic digital projection system utilizing narrow-band, solid-state, tunable light emitters that alternately provide non-overlapping spectral bands for left-eye and right-eye images, synchronized with spatial light modulators to optimize light usage and reduce component costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional stereoscopic projection systems use separate light sources for left-eye and right-eye images, then image quality can be maintained, but brightness is reduced and optical efficiency is lowered because only half of the light generated is available for each eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a single light source that dynamically changes its spectral output over time, alternating between emitting light in a first spectral band for the left-eye image and a second spectral band for the right-eye image. This temporal dynamic allows the system to use 100% of the light generated at any moment, rather than splitting light between two simultaneous paths, thereby improving brightness and optical efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modulating the spectral characteristics of the light source. The light source is tuned to emit in different spectral bands at different times - specifically, alternating between a first spectral band (e.g., shorter wavelengths) for left-eye content and a second spectral band (e.g., longer wavelengths) for right-eye content. This parameter modulation enables full utilization of light output while maintaining stereoscopic separation
2Reliability
If spectral separation filters are used to distinguish left- and right-eye images, then stereoscopic imaging is achieved, but equipment costs increase and image quality is reduced due to light loss from filtering
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses temporal dynamics to eliminate the need for complex spectral filters. By alternating the light source's spectral output in synchronization with the display of left-eye and right-eye frames, the system achieves spectral separation through time rather than through complex optical filters, reducing device complexity and eliminating filter-related light loss
Solution Approach 2:
The light source operates continuously at full brightness, alternating between spectral bands without interruption or filtering loss. This continuous operation without light-blocking filters maintains high optical efficiency while still achieving the necessary spectral separation for stereoscopic imaging through temporal multiplexing
3Loss of energy
If a single light source is used for both left-eye and right-eye images, then optical efficiency improves, but image quality deteriorates due to speckle and color consistency issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses rapid temporal modulation of the light source's spectral output, alternating between different spectral bands synchronized with frame alternation. This dynamic switching occurs faster than the human visual system can detect, preventing visible speckle patterns while maintaining high optical efficiency through continuous light generation
Solution Approach 2:
The light source performs periodic alternation between spectral bands at a frequency synchronized with the stereoscopic frame rate. This periodic modulation ensures that each eye receives the appropriate spectral content during its designated frame period while maintaining continuous operation and high efficiency
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 enhances brightness and reduces operational costs by ensuring continuous light output from tunable light emitters, improving image quality and reducing speckle through wavelength variation, while maintaining high optical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
one or more narrow-band, solid-state, tunable light emitters, each controllable to alternately provide emitted light in a first state having a corresponding first spectral band with a respective first central wavelength and emitted light in a second state having a corresponding second spectral band with a respective second central wavelength
Implementation Method 2
an image forming system including at least one spatial light modulator for forming modulated images by modulating light from the tunable lights emitter
Data Source
AI summary
A stereoscopic digital projection system that projects stereoscopic images including first-eye images and second-eye images. The system includes one or more narrow-band, solid-state, tunable light emitters, each being controllable to alternately provide emitted light in a first state in a corresponding first spectral band and emitted light in a second state in a corresponding second spectral band. An image forming system including at least one spatial light modulator is used to form modulated images by modulating light from the tunable lights emitters. A controller synchronously controls the state of the tunable light emitters and the spatial light modulator pixels, wherein the spatial light modulator pixels are controlled responsive to first-eye image data when the tunable light emitters are in the first state and are controlled responsive to second-eye image data when the tunable light emitters are in the second state.