Wavelength Separation Device for Stereoscopic Projectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image display systems using wavelength separation for stereoscopic viewing face challenges in downsizing and maintaining image quality due to the use of rotating wheels, which cause light reflection and potential heating issues in projectors.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength separation device comprising a waveplate, polarization control element, and polarization plate that separates image light into different polarization directions without using a rotating wheel, preventing light reflection and improving image quality by using a waveplate to convert polarization directions and a polarization plate with an absorption axis to absorb unwanted light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotating wheel with color filters is used for wavelength separation, then the system can separate right-eye and left-eye images, but the system size increases and light reflection occurs causing heating issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating wheel system with a static optical system consisting of a waveplate and polarization plate. The waveplate converts polarization directions of different wavelength components, and the polarization plate separates them based on polarization orientation, eliminating the need for mechanical rotation while achieving the same wavelength separation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from spatial separation using a rotating wheel to polarization-based separation. By using a waveplate to convert polarization parameters of different wavelength components and then using a polarization plate to separate them based on polarization orientation, the system achieves wavelength separation without mechanical movement.
2Reliability
If a rotating wheel with color filters is used for wavelength separation, then the system can separate right-eye and left-eye images, but light reflection towards the projector occurs causing heating and image quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating wheel system with a static optical system consisting of a waveplate and polarization plate. The waveplate converts polarization directions of different wavelength components, and the polarization plate separates them based on polarization orientation, eliminating the need for mechanical rotation while achieving the same wavelength separation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful reflection of light back towards the projector into a beneficial separation mechanism. By using polarization conversion and polarization-based filtering, the system directs different wavelength components to different paths, preventing harmful feedback to the projector while maintaining effective wavelength separation.
3Device complexity
If a rotating wheel is used for wavelength separation, then the system structure is simple, but the device complexity increases due to moving parts and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating wheel system with a static optical system consisting of a waveplate and polarization plate. The waveplate converts polarization directions of different wavelength components, and the polarization plate separates them based on polarization orientation, eliminating the need for mechanical rotation while achieving the same wavelength separation function.
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
Enables downsizing of the system and enhances image quality by eliminating light reflection towards the projector, allowing for effective separation of right-eye and left-eye images using polarized light, improving the stereoscopic viewing experience.
Implementation Method 1
a waveplate to which image light of a right-eye image and image light of a left-eye image are input from an external device in a time-divisional manner, and adapted to convert a polarization direction of light in a predetermined wavelength band so that the image light of the right-eye image input and the image light of the left-eye image input can be separated into first outgoing light having a first wavelength band, and having a polarization direction of first polarized light and second outgoing light having a second wavelength band, and having a polarization direction of second polarized light different from the polarization direction of the first polarized light
Implementation Method 2
a polarization plate having an absorption axis in one of the polarization directions of the first polarized light and the second polarized light, and transmitting and then emitting light having the other of the polarization directions
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength separation device includes a waveplate adapted to convert the polarization direction of light in a predetermined wavelength band so that right-eye and left-eye image light in a time-divisional manner can be separated into first outgoing light as first polarized light in a first wavelength band and second outgoing light as second polarized light in a second wavelength band, a polarization control element adapted to keep the polarization direction of the first and the second outgoing light input from the waveplate in the case of either one of the right-eye and the left-eye image light, and respectively change the polarization direction of the first and the second outgoing light input from the waveplate in the case of the other thereof, and a polarization plate adapted to absorb one of the first polarized light and the second polarized light, and transmit the other thereof.