Wire Grid Polarizer Pi-Cell Modulator for Stereoscopic Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stereoscopic motion picture projection systems using sheet polarizers are bulky, heavy, and require cooling fans due to heat absorption, leading to reduced transmission and contrast, and are not easily mountable on projector lenses due to size and weight constraints.
Innovation Solution
A polarization modulator using a wire grid polarizer (WGP) in combination with pi-cells and a cleanup polarizer, allowing for improved heat dissipation and reduced size, eliminating the need for a cooling fan, and enabling direct mounting on the projector lens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a sheet polarizer is used in the ZScreen modulator, then polarization function is achieved, but heat absorption increases causing the need for cooling fans and reduced transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating principle of the polarizer from absorption-based (sheet polarizer) to reflection-based (wire grid polarizer). This parameter change in the polarization mechanism eliminates heat absorption while maintaining polarization function, directly resolving the contradiction between energy loss and transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the sheet polarizer (absorption mechanism) with a wire grid polarizer (reflection mechanism). This substitution changes the physical mechanism from absorbing light energy to reflecting it, eliminating the need for cooling fans and improving transmission while maintaining the polarization function
2Reliability
If a sheet polarizer is used in the ZScreen modulator, then polarization function is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and heavy requiring mounting on projector body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical structure of the polarizer from a thick sheet material to a thin wire grid structure. This parameter change in the polarizer's physical form dramatically reduces the device's weight and size while maintaining the polarization function, enabling direct mounting on the projector lens
Solution Approach 2:
The wire grid polarizer uses a thin film or substrate structure with wire elements, replacing the bulky sheet polarizer. This thin-film approach significantly reduces the device's weight and volume while preserving the polarization function, allowing compact integration on the projector lens
3Reliability
If a sheet polarizer is used in the ZScreen modulator, then polarization function is achieved, but transmission is reduced to approximately 40%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the absorption-based sheet polarizer with a reflection-based wire grid polarizer. This substitution changes the light interaction mechanism from absorption (losing 60% of light) to reflection (preserving more light), thereby improving transmission while maintaining the polarization function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful absorption of light energy into beneficial reflected light. By using the wire grid polarizer's reflection mechanism, the light that would have been absorbed and lost is instead reflected and can be utilized, improving transmission efficiency while achieving the desired polarization effect
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 WGP-based modulator increases transmission and ANSI contrast, reduces size and weight, and maintains polarization efficiency over time, simplifying installation and operation while providing a more robust and efficient stereoscopic image projection system.
Implementation Method 1
A wire grid polarizer (WGP) is used in the present design instead of the sheet polarizer
Implementation Method 2
The WGP does not require cooling and has a high dynamic range from the combination of wire grid and sheet polarizers
Implementation Method 3
The present design employs a WGP to reduce the size of the device and eliminate a cooling fan. This size and corresponding weight reduction allows for the unit to be attached to the lens rather than to the body of the projector
Data Source
AI summary
A projection design configured for use with a projector having a projector lens is provided. The device includes at least one pi-cell or pi-cell electro-optical modulator in combination with a wire grid polarizer mounted proximate the pi-cell(s). The design may include a cleanup polarizer between the pi-cell(s) and the wire grid polarizer and optionally a protective window between the wire grid projector and projection lens. The device may be oriented at an angle substantially differing from the axis of the projector lens. The resultant device includes spacing for airflow and can offer improved performance, particularly in heating, over designs previously available.