WO2010057272A1 - An optical engine for miniature projection utilising a polarising beam splitter and two reflective field sequential or colour filter lcos panels - Google Patents
An optical engine for miniature projection utilising a polarising beam splitter and two reflective field sequential or colour filter lcos panels Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2010057272A1 WO2010057272A1 PCT/AU2009/001524 AU2009001524W WO2010057272A1 WO 2010057272 A1 WO2010057272 A1 WO 2010057272A1 AU 2009001524 W AU2009001524 W AU 2009001524W WO 2010057272 A1 WO2010057272 A1 WO 2010057272A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- light
- optical engine
- panels
- images
- image projection
- Prior art date
Links
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 34
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000003384 imaging method Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001010 compromised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N13/00—Stereoscopic video systems; Multi-view video systems; Details thereof
- H04N13/30—Image reproducers
- H04N13/363—Image reproducers using image projection screens
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
- G02B27/28—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00 for polarising
- G02B27/283—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00 for polarising used for beam splitting or combining
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N13/00—Stereoscopic video systems; Multi-view video systems; Details thereof
- H04N13/30—Image reproducers
- H04N13/332—Displays for viewing with the aid of special glasses or head-mounted displays [HMD]
- H04N13/337—Displays for viewing with the aid of special glasses or head-mounted displays [HMD] using polarisation multiplexing
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N9/00—Details of colour television systems
- H04N9/12—Picture reproducers
- H04N9/31—Projection devices for colour picture display, e.g. using electronic spatial light modulators [ESLM]
- H04N9/3102—Projection devices for colour picture display, e.g. using electronic spatial light modulators [ESLM] using two-dimensional electronic spatial light modulators
- H04N9/3105—Projection devices for colour picture display, e.g. using electronic spatial light modulators [ESLM] using two-dimensional electronic spatial light modulators for displaying all colours simultaneously, e.g. by using two or more electronic spatial light modulators
- H04N9/3108—Projection devices for colour picture display, e.g. using electronic spatial light modulators [ESLM] using two-dimensional electronic spatial light modulators for displaying all colours simultaneously, e.g. by using two or more electronic spatial light modulators by using a single electronic spatial light modulator
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N9/00—Details of colour television systems
- H04N9/12—Picture reproducers
- H04N9/31—Projection devices for colour picture display, e.g. using electronic spatial light modulators [ESLM]
- H04N9/3102—Projection devices for colour picture display, e.g. using electronic spatial light modulators [ESLM] using two-dimensional electronic spatial light modulators
- H04N9/3111—Projection devices for colour picture display, e.g. using electronic spatial light modulators [ESLM] using two-dimensional electronic spatial light modulators for displaying the colours sequentially, e.g. by using sequentially activated light sources
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N9/00—Details of colour television systems
- H04N9/12—Picture reproducers
- H04N9/31—Projection devices for colour picture display, e.g. using electronic spatial light modulators [ESLM]
- H04N9/3141—Constructional details thereof
- H04N9/315—Modulator illumination systems
- H04N9/3161—Modulator illumination systems using laser light sources
Definitions
- the dual LCoS panel concept is a further method by which light is recovered.
- Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the two LCoS panel concept of the present invention.
- the device will normally form part of an optical engine comprising all the optical components necessary to construct and project an image from the projection device.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
Abstract
An optical engine for image projection having one or more light sources such as LED's or lasers producing light that is then collected and directed onto a common illumination through a polarizing beam splitter that reflects light of one polarisation and transmits light of the other polarisation onto two reflective LCoS panels, one adapted for use with the reflected light and the other with the transmitted light, both panels reflecting their respective light and producing images that are then reflected from each of the panels and superimposed passing through a projection system to project the image out of the optical engine
Description
An optical engine for miniature projection utilising a polarising beam splitter and two reflective field sequential or colour filter LCoS panels
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an optical engine for a projection system and in particular for a miniaturised device in which a projected image is provided by the use of white or coloured light sources, a light collection system, a polarizing beam splitter, two LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) panels (one for reflected light and one for transmitted light) and an image projection system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Optical engines for image projection utilising reflective LCoS panels are well known. The engines comprise illumination systems to illuminate an LCoS panel and projection systems to project the image from the panel onto a screen.
The illumination system typically has one of three basic configurations:
1 A single white LED emitting light through a concentrator or lenses to shape the light, the p polarised component of which is then transmitted onto a colour filter LCoS panel by a polarizing beam splitter or the s polarized component reflected onto a colour filter LCoS panel (depending whether the system is imaging in reflection or imaging in transmission).
2 Three colour LED's emitting light through concentrators or lenses and then utilizing dichroic optics to combine the three colours which is then reflected or transmitted onto a field sequential LCoS panel by a polarizing beam splitter.
3 A colour cluster LED emitting light through a concentrator or lenses to shape the light, which is then reflected or transmitted onto a field sequential LCoS panel by a polarizing beam splitter.
Where a field sequential LCoS panel is used the colour LED's are switched in sequence with the image generating electronics system to ensure colour synchronisation.
The light reflected from the LCoS panel is directed through a projection system comprising a projector lens with a focus mechanism, and viewed on an external screen.
Some of the difficulties of current systems utilising reflectiveiLCoS panels in projection systems are that they require polarised light to function so half of the light is lost unless some method is used to recover this light.
As mentioned above these devices utilise a polarizing beam splitter (cube or plate) to reflect or transmit light illumination according to its polarisation. Depending on the configuration the reflected or transmitted light (imaging in reflection or imaging in transmission) is incident on a reflective LCoS panel and is utilised in the imaging system. The remainder of the light (transmitted or reflected) is not utilised by the system. This results in several difficulties and limitations.
The first of these is that the efficiency of the optical engine (lumens/watt) is severely compromised because of the lost light. This has serious implications for mobile devices where efficiency is a high priority as they are generally battery driven and small size makes heat management complex.
Additionally, light not utilised for imaging needs to be carefully controlled to avoid unwanted reflection back into the optical engine illumination or projection path. Leakage of light results in reduction of contrast ratio and reduction of image quality.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an optical engine for miniaturised projection applications that overcomes at least some of the aforementioned problems or provides a useful alternative.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an optical engine that does not result in significant size increase over and above that utilising a single LCoS panel design. The dual LCoS panel concept is a further method by which light is recovered.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an optical engine with two LCoS panels for increased reliability, should one of the LCoS panels fail.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an optical engine that can project different superimposed images from each LCoS panel allowing for stereoscopic (3D) projection by using, but not limited to, the fact that projected light
from each LCoS panel is differently polarised and can be viewed using glasses with differently polarised lenses so that images on each eye are different, emanating from each LCoS panel.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an optical engine that can project different superimposed images from each LCoS panel to display superimposed information from two or more distinct and separate sources.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore in one form of the invention there is proposed an optical engine for image projection, including: a light source; a means of collecting the light from the light source and directing it onto a common optical illumination path; a polarizing beam splitter that reflects light of one polarisation and transmits light of the other polarisation; two reflective LCoS panels, one adapted for use with the reflected light and the other with the transmitted light, both said panels reflecting their respective light; a means to superimpose the images reflected from each of the LCoS panels; and a projection system to project the superimposed images.
In preference the light source is a white LED. In preference the light source is a laser.
In a further form of the invention there is proposed an optical engine for image projection, including: three light sources each having a different wavelength; a means of collecting light from the three light sources and directing it onto a common optical illumination path; a polarizing beam splitter that reflects light of one polarisation and transmits light of the other polarisation; two reflective LCoS panels, one adapted for use with the reflected light and the other with the transmitted light, both said panels reflecting their respective light; a means to superimpose the images reflected from each of the LCoS panels;
and a projection system to project the superimposed images.
In preference the light sources include red, blue and green LED's in a proximate linear arrangement and utilising a dichroic wedge. This results in the image projection device requiring only twin axis optics.
In preference the light sources are lasers, thereby increasing the efficiency of the optical engine.
Preferably different images are projected from each LCoS, wherein the images are chosen to enable stereoscopic vision using differently polarised glasses.
Preferably different images are projected from each LCoS, wherein the images are chosen to provide overlaying information.
In a still further form of the invention there is proposed a mobile device selected from the group including but not limited to a mobile phone, PDA, laptop computer, calculator, camera, GPS device, including an optical engine described above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention:
Figure 1 illustrates the two LCoS panel concept of the present invention; and
Figure 2 illustrates the two LCoS panel concept of the present invention in three dimensions.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Although the description includes an exemplary embodiment, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made to the embodiment described
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the two LCoS panel concept of the present invention. Although not shown, the device will normally form part of an optical engine comprising all the optical components necessary to construct and project an image from the projection device.
Referring to the Figures light 10 from the illumination optics 12 is separated into s and p polarized light by the polarizing beamsplitter 14. The s component 16 reflects onto LCoS panel A 18 and the p component 20 is transmitted onto LCoS panel B 22. Each panel rotates the polarized light 90 degrees in their white state, panel A from s 16 to p 24 and panel B from p 20 to s 26.
The p component 24 from LCoS panel A 18 is transmitted by the beamsplitter 14 through to the projection optics 28. The s component 26 from LCoS panel B 22 is reflected by the beamsplitter 14 on to the projection optics 28. The projection optics images both panels onto the screen (not shown). The projected image would be twice as bright compared to a single LCoS panel being used.
It is to be understood that the image that is on panel B 22 must be reversed as the projection optics "sees" this panel by reflection. The two panels must also be aligned so the two images superimpose. This can be done mechanically or electronically as is well known in the art.
It is also to be understood that the image that is on LCoS panel B 22 can differ from the image on LCoS panel A 18 allowing for stereoscopic viewing of the superimposed image using glasses with differently polarised lenses or other means, or allowing for the display of superimposed information emanating from two or more distinct and different sources.
The above description has described the optical engine only. All of the other associated components that are required to make such an optical engine work is assumed to be known to those skilled in the art. Thus the operation of the LCoS panels and other electronic equipment required is something that has not been
reproduced here since it is assumed that those parts would be well known in the industry. The invention here is rather directed to the use of two LCoS panels that lead to an improvement in efficiency and therefore brightness, improve the reliability, provide for the ability for stereoscopic viewing when used with appropriate glasses and also enable the superimposition of two images from two separate sources.
For the purposes of the specification the word "comprising" means "including but not limited to", and the word "comprises" has a corresponding meaning. Also a reference within the specification to document or to prior use is not to be taken as an admission that the disclosure therein constitutes common general knowledge in Australia.
Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus.
Claims
1. An optical engine for image projection, including: a light source; a means of collecting the light from the light source and directing it onto a common optical illumination path; a polarizing beam splitter that reflects light of one polarisation and transmits light of the other polarisation; two reflective LCoS panels, one adapted for use with the reflected light and the other with the transmitted light, both said panels reflecting their respective light; a means to superimpose the images reflected from each of the LCoS panels; and a projection system to project the superimposed images.
2. An optical engine for image projection as in claim 1 wherein the light source is a white LED.
3. An optical engine for image projection as in claim 1 where the light source is a laser.
4. An optical engine for image projection, including: three light sources each having a different wavelength; a means of collecting light from the three light sources and directing it onto a common optical illumination path; a polarizing beam splitter that reflects light of one polarisation and transmits light of the other polarisation; two reflective LCoS panels, one adapted for use with the reflected light and the other with the transmitted light, both said panels reflecting their respective light; a means to superimpose the images reflected from each of the LCoS panels; and a projection system to project the superimposed images.
5. An optical engine for image projection as in claim 3 wherein the light sources include red, blue and green LED's in a proximate linear arrangement and utilising a dichroic wedge.
6. An optical engine for image projection as in claim 4 where the light sources are lasers.
7. An optical engine for image projection as in claim 1 wherein different images are projected from each LCoS, wherein the images are chosen to enable stereoscopic vision using differently polarised glasses.
8. An optical engine for image projection as in claim 1 wherein different images are projected from each LCoS, wherein the images are chosen to provide overlaying information.
9. A mobile device selected from the group including but not limited to a mobile phone, PDA, laptop computer, calculator, camera, GPS device, including an optical engine as claimed in any one of the above claims.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2008906017 | 2008-11-21 | ||
| AU2008906017A AU2008906017A0 (en) | 2008-11-21 | An optical engine for miniature projection utilising a polarising beam splitter and two reflective field sequential or colour filter LCOS panels |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2010057272A1 true WO2010057272A1 (en) | 2010-05-27 |
Family
ID=42197766
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/AU2009/001524 WO2010057272A1 (en) | 2008-11-21 | 2009-11-23 | An optical engine for miniature projection utilising a polarising beam splitter and two reflective field sequential or colour filter lcos panels |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| WO (1) | WO2010057272A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN101986186A (en) * | 2010-08-23 | 2011-03-16 | 浙江亿思达显示科技有限公司 | Three-dimensional projection system |
| CN102081289A (en) * | 2010-12-09 | 2011-06-01 | 杭州晶景光电有限公司 | Color gamut extending compact type micro light engine based on CF-LCoS (color filter liquid crystal on silicon) |
| WO2019141967A1 (en) * | 2018-01-17 | 2019-07-25 | Wave Optics Ltd | Light projector |
| US10477194B2 (en) | 2012-04-25 | 2019-11-12 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Two imager projection device |
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| JP2000298308A (en) * | 1999-04-13 | 2000-10-24 | Canon Inc | Projection type liquid crystal display device |
| JP2001174775A (en) * | 1999-12-20 | 2001-06-29 | Sony Corp | Projector device |
| JP2004117676A (en) * | 2002-09-25 | 2004-04-15 | Victor Co Of Japan Ltd | Liquid crystal display and liquid crystal panel |
| EP1599051A2 (en) * | 2004-05-21 | 2005-11-23 | JDS Uniphase Corporation | Two-panel liquid-crystal-on-silicon color management system |
| WO2007138501A2 (en) * | 2006-05-24 | 2007-12-06 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Miniature projection engine |
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2009
- 2009-11-23 WO PCT/AU2009/001524 patent/WO2010057272A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2000298308A (en) * | 1999-04-13 | 2000-10-24 | Canon Inc | Projection type liquid crystal display device |
| JP2001174775A (en) * | 1999-12-20 | 2001-06-29 | Sony Corp | Projector device |
| JP2004117676A (en) * | 2002-09-25 | 2004-04-15 | Victor Co Of Japan Ltd | Liquid crystal display and liquid crystal panel |
| EP1599051A2 (en) * | 2004-05-21 | 2005-11-23 | JDS Uniphase Corporation | Two-panel liquid-crystal-on-silicon color management system |
| WO2007138501A2 (en) * | 2006-05-24 | 2007-12-06 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Miniature projection engine |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
| Title |
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| PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN * |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN101986186A (en) * | 2010-08-23 | 2011-03-16 | 浙江亿思达显示科技有限公司 | Three-dimensional projection system |
| CN102081289A (en) * | 2010-12-09 | 2011-06-01 | 杭州晶景光电有限公司 | Color gamut extending compact type micro light engine based on CF-LCoS (color filter liquid crystal on silicon) |
| US10477194B2 (en) | 2012-04-25 | 2019-11-12 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Two imager projection device |
| WO2019141967A1 (en) * | 2018-01-17 | 2019-07-25 | Wave Optics Ltd | Light projector |
| TWI696850B (en) * | 2018-01-17 | 2020-06-21 | 英國商波動光學有限公司 | Light projector |
| US11733520B2 (en) | 2018-01-17 | 2023-08-22 | Snap Inc. | Light projector |
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