Projection apparatus and method

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application provides a projection device and method, the projection device comprises: a pixel array arranged on a substrate, the pixel array has a light emitting characteristic; a cantilever beam arranged on the substrate, used for fixing a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) mirror piece, the cantilever beam is arranged outside the pixel array, the MEMS mirror piece is used for scanning the pixel array, the cantilever beam and the MEMS mirror piece constitute a MEMS mirror; a driver in communication with the pixel array and the MEMS mirror piece, used for driving the pixel array with the light emitting characteristic to develop color; the driver is also used for controlling the MEMS mirror piece to rotate on the cantilever beam to scan the pixel array to obtain a projection image. The present application can make a small volume projection device provide a projection image with higher resolution, and realize the purpose of optimizing volume and improving resolution.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of projection display technology, and in particular to projection devices and methods. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of projection technology and its application in more and more fields, users' requirements for projection technology are also constantly increasing. In order to adapt to more usage scenarios, such as in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR), projection devices need to improve performance in terms of optimizing size and increasing resolution.

[0003] In one existing technology, in order to improve the resolution of the projected image, the projection device generally adopts a large optical engine, which results in a large size of the projection device. In another existing technology, in order to achieve the effect of reducing the size of the projection device, the resolution is sacrificed to a certain extent, resulting in the problem of low resolution of the projected image. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a projection device and method that enables a small-sized projection device to provide a higher resolution projected image, thereby optimizing size and improving resolution.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a projection device, including:

[0006] A pixel array with light-emitting properties is disposed on a substrate; a cantilever beam disposed on the substrate is used to fix a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) galvanometer mirror, the cantilever beam being disposed outside the pixel array; the MEMS galvanometer mirror is used to scan the pixel array; the cantilever beam and the MEMS galvanometer mirror constitute a MEMS galvanometer mirror; a driver connected to the pixel array and the MEMS galvanometer mirror is used to drive the pixel array with light-emitting properties to display color; the driver is also used to control the MEMS galvanometer mirror to rotate on the cantilever beam to scan the displayed pixel array to obtain a projected image.

[0007] In some examples, the pixel array consists of multiple pixel blocks. For example, the pixel array can be a rectangular pixel array containing M*N pixel blocks, with M pixel blocks per row and N pixel blocks per column. Each pixel block includes three sub-pixels: red, green, and blue. These sub-pixels have light-emitting properties, where M≥1, N≥1, and M*N>1. In some scenarios that require circular or trapezoidal pixel arrays, the pixel array can also be set to other shapes, not limited to rectangles.

[0008] In some examples, optical elements such as lenses can be placed in the optical path of the projection device to improve the imaging effect of the projected image. For example, optical elements such as lenses can be placed between the pixel array and the projected image to improve the imaging effect of the projected image.

[0009] A pixel array is mounted on the substrate of the projection device. This pixel array can display different colors under different driving signals. For example, the pixel array contains M*N pixel blocks, where M≥1, N≥1, and M*N>1. Each pixel block is composed of the three primary colors (red, green, and blue) and displays different colors under different driving signals from the driver, such as different electrical signals driving different light emission colors. A MEMS galvanometer mirror rotating on the cantilever beam also scans the pixel array along a certain trajectory at different angles under the control of the driver, obtaining scanned patches. The MEMS galvanometer mirror scans the pixel array multiple times to obtain patches at different positions in the projected image. These patches can be combined to form a complete projected image.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the driver is specifically used to control the scanning of the MEMS galvanometer and drive the pixel array to display colors simultaneously.

[0011] The projection device can process data based on the image to be projected to determine the appropriate driving signals for the pixel array to display colors and for the MEMS mirror to rotate along a trajectory. Simultaneously, it can drive the pixel array to display colors and control the MEMS mirror rotation according to the calculated results, thus obtaining multiple patches that can be stitched together to form a complete projected image. This method of stitching together multiple high-resolution patches to obtain a projected image eliminates the need for bulky optomechanical components and continuously increases the driving or control speed of the driver to improve resolution. It only requires driving the pixel array with light-emitting characteristics and controlling the multi-angle scanning MEMS mirror according to the data processing requirements to achieve the effect of projecting high-resolution images from a small-volume projection device.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the MEMS galvanometer is a one-dimensional galvanometer, and the driver is specifically used to control the MEMS galvanometer to rotate within a first angle along the cantilever beam, scan the color-developing pixel array, and obtain a first patch scanned by the MEMS galvanometer at a set of sampling time points, wherein the first patch at the set of sampling points constitutes the projected image.

[0013] For example, a MEMS galvanometer is a one-dimensional galvanometer. A one-dimensional galvanometer can perform rapid lateral scanning within a first angle, such as ±50 degrees. The actuator controls the MEMS galvanometer to rotate within ±50 degrees along the cantilever beam. At a set of sampling time points, multiple patches are obtained, denoted as the first patch. The projection device can determine a set of sampling time points based on the ability of multiple first patches to stitch together a single projected image. That is, the multiple first patches obtained at this sampling time point can at least stitch together a single projected image. Alternatively, it can determine a set of sampling time points based on the first patches that stitch together multiple projected images. The first angle can be determined according to actual needs; for example, the first angle can also be set to ±90 degrees.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the MEMS mirror is a two-dimensional mirror. The driver is specifically used to control the one-dimensional MEMS mirror to rotate within a second angle along the cantilever beam, scanning the pixel array to obtain a second image patch scanned by the MEMS mirror at a set of sampling time points; and to control the other-dimensional MEMS mirror to rotate perpendicular to the cantilever beam within a third angle, scanning the pixel array to obtain a third image patch scanned by the MEMS mirror at another set of sampling time points; wherein the second image patch and the third image patch constitute the projected image.

[0015] For example, a MEMS galvanometer is a two-dimensional galvanometer. A two-dimensional galvanometer can scan in two directions, and depending on the scanning mode, it can generally be divided into a fast axis and a slow axis. A one-dimensional galvanometer can rapidly scan laterally along the cantilever beam within a second angle, such as ±50 degrees, obtaining multiple second patches in a set of sampling time points. A two-dimensional MEMS galvanometer can slowly scan vertically perpendicular to the cantilever beam within ±10 degrees, obtaining multiple third patches in another set of sampling time points. Similarly, the two sets of sampling time points are selected based on the ability of the obtained multiple second and third patches to be stitched together to form a single frame of projected image. That is, the multiple second and third patches obtained from the two sets of sampling time points can at least be stitched together to form a single frame of projected image, or the sampling time points can be determined according to the second and third patches that can be stitched together to form multiple frames of projected image. The second angle can also be determined according to actual needs and is not limited to ±10 degrees.

[0016] In some examples, the driver can control the rotation of the MEMS mirror by driving it through logic control, or it can control the rotation of the MEMS mirror by other driving methods to scan the color-developing pixel array and obtain a scanned image.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the pixel array consists of multiple pixel blocks, which include red, green, and blue sub-pixels with light-emitting properties arranged side by side on a horizontal plane; or red, green, and blue sub-pixels with light-emitting properties arranged superimposed in a vertical direction.

[0018] A pixel block can include three sub-pixels—red, green, and blue—arranged side-by-side on a horizontal plane. Alternatively, a pixel block can include three sub-pixels—red, green, and blue—arranged superimposed in a vertical direction. That is, the three sub-pixels arranged side-by-side on a horizontal plane can be horizontally arranged, similar to the horizontal sub-pixels on an LCD screen. The three sub-pixels superimposed in a vertical direction are arranged vertically along the depth direction, overlapping each other when viewed from above. The order of the red, green, and blue sub-pixels can be adjusted as needed and is not limited to the traditional order. Furthermore, the three sub-pixels maintain a suitable distance from each other, such as following the typical pixel arrangement distance of an LCD screen.

[0019] In one possible implementation, an optical structure is disposed on the surface of the pixel array, the optical structure being used to calibrate the emitted light of the pixel array into a narrow, highly collimated emitted light.

[0020] Optical structures can be employed such as distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) or microlenses. These optical structures can minimize the emission angle of the pixel array, resulting in a beam of light with narrow beams and high collimation.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the pixel array is a micro light-emitting diode (Micro LED) array or a micro organic light-emitting diode (Micro OLED) array.

[0022] Micro LED technology is a miniaturization and matrixing technology for LEDs, referring to a high-density, tiny LED array integrated on a chip, where each sub-pixel can be driven independently. Micro OLED technology is a miniaturization and matrixing technology for organic light-emitting diodes, which can also drive each sub-pixel individually. Therefore, it can be applied to the projection device provided in this application. Driven independently by a driver, each sub-pixel displays color according to the driving signal required by the digital processing result, thereby being scanned to obtain different patches of the image to be projected, and thus forming a complete projected image.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the scanning trajectory of the MEMS galvanometer is such that the starting end of the scanning trajectory does not exceed the outermost edge of the pixel array it scans.

[0024] The scanning trajectory of a MEMS galvanometer can take various forms, such as vertical or horizontal, as long as it can scan multiple patches along the trajectory to form a complete projected image. However, if the scanning trajectory extends far beyond the sub-pixels, it will waste drive power and prolong imaging time. Therefore, the scanning trajectory can be set to ensure the shortest possible path for imaging, i.e., the starting point of the scan does not exceed the outermost sub-pixel of the pixel array. To further reduce the possibility of the scanning trajectory extending far beyond the sub-pixels, the ending point of the scanning trajectory also does not exceed the outermost edge of the pixel array it scans.

[0025] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a projection method, including:

[0026] A pixel array with light-emitting properties is driven to display color; a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) galvanometer mirror is controlled to rotate on the cantilever beam to scan the pixel array to obtain a projected image, wherein the cantilever beam is disposed outside the pixel array and is used to fix the MEMS galvanometer mirror, the MEMS galvanometer mirror is used to scan the pixel array, and the cantilever beam and the MEMS galvanometer mirror constitute a MEMS galvanometer mirror.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the MEMS mirror is a one-dimensional mirror, and the control of the MEMS mirror to rotate on the cantilever beam to scan the colored pixel array to obtain a projected image includes: controlling the one-dimensional MEMS mirror to rotate within a first angle along the cantilever beam, scanning the colored pixel array, and obtaining a first patch scanned by the MEMS mirror at a set of sampling time points, wherein the first patch at the set of sampling points constitutes the projected image.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the MEMS mirror is a two-dimensional mirror. The control of the microelectromechanical system (MEMS) mirror mirror to rotate on the cantilever beam to scan the colored pixel array to obtain a projected image includes: controlling the one-dimensional MEMS mirror mirror to rotate within a second angle along the cantilever beam, scanning the colored pixel array to obtain a second image patch scanned by the MEMS mirror mirror at a set of sampling time points; controlling the other-dimensional MEMS mirror mirror to rotate perpendicular to the cantilever beam within a third angle, scanning the colored pixel array to obtain a third image patch scanned by the MEMS mirror mirror at another set of sampling time points; wherein, the second image patch and the third image patch constitute the projected image.

[0029] In one possible implementation, driving the pixel array with luminescent properties to display color; controlling the microelectromechanical system (MEMS) mirror to rotate on the cantilever beam to scan the displayed pixel array to obtain a projected image includes: simultaneously driving the pixel array with luminescent properties to display color and controlling the MEMS mirror to rotate on the cantilever beam to scan the displayed pixel array to obtain a projected image.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the scanning trajectory of the MEMS galvanometer is such that the starting end of the scanning trajectory does not exceed the outermost edge of the pixel array it scans.

[0031] This method obtains projected images by scanning a pixel array with light-emitting properties using a MEMS galvanometer at different angles. The projected images obtained by this method have high resolution and good image quality. Moreover, both the MEMS galvanometer and the pixel array are small in size and can be placed in the projection device, which can support projection of a very small projection device. This achieves the goal of optimizing the size of the projection device and improving the resolution of the projection device. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 Top view of the projection device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0034] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the projection device scanning the graphic;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the movement trajectory of a MEMS galvanometer mirror.

[0036] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the scanning display of the projection device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the arrangement and distribution of pixel blocks;

[0038] Figure 6 A flowchart of the projection method provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0040] In this article, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0041] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; unless otherwise specified or explained, the term "multiple" refers to two or more; the terms "connected," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, an integral connection, or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0042] In the description of this specification, it should be understood that the directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" used in the embodiments of this application are used to describe the angles shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, in the context, it should also be understood that when it is mentioned that an element is connected "upper" or "lower" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower," or indirectly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower" through an intermediate element.

[0043] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0044] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application.

[0045] The projection devices provided in this application can include engineering projectors, cinema projectors, laser TVs, home theaters, educational projectors, and portable micro projectors, etc., and can be deployed for use in different scenarios, such as indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water (such as on ships); or in the air (such as on airplanes and satellites). As traditional projection technology continues to mature, projection devices are also installed in different devices, suitable for various application scenarios. For example, they can be widely used in the fields of AI and VR, and can also be used as projection devices in remote medical care, smart grids, transportation safety, smart cities, and smart homes. Moreover, the projection display device can be placed on a horizontal surface, suspended from the ceiling by a column, or installed on other devices that require projection. This application does not limit this.

[0046] This application provides a projection device. Figure 1 A top view of the projection device provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the projection device 100 includes: a substrate 101, a pixel array 102, a MEMS galvanometer 103 and a driver 104, wherein the MEMS galvanometer 103 includes a cantilever beam 1031 and a MEMS galvanometer mirror 1032.

[0047] In some examples, optical elements such as lenses can be placed in the optical path of the projection device 100 for projection imaging, such as placing optical elements such as lenses between the pixel array 102 and the projected image to improve the imaging effect of the projected image.

[0048] The projection device 100 includes a pixel array 102 disposed on a substrate 101, and the pixel array 102 has light-emitting properties.

[0049] In some examples, the pixel array 102 can be a rectangular array composed of multiple pixel blocks, such as consisting of M pixel blocks 1021 per row and N pixel blocks per column, where M≥1, N≥1, and M*N>1. Pixel blocks include sub-pixels with luminescent properties. This application uses a rectangular pixel array as an example, but the pixel array can be set to different shapes depending on the application scenario, and is not limited to a rectangular example.

[0050] Each pixel block includes sub-pixels, typically sub-pixels of three primary colors, namely red, green, and blue. However, in scenarios requiring higher resolution, sub-pixels of more primary colors can be used.

[0051] The cantilever beam 1031, which is disposed on the substrate 101, is used to fix the MEMS galvanometer mirror 1032. The cantilever beam 1031 is disposed on the outside of the pixel array 102, and the MEMS galvanometer mirror 1032 is used to scan the pixel array 102.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, the cantilever beam 1031 and the MEMS galvanometer mirror 1032 constitute the MEMS galvanometer mirror 103.

[0053] The driver 104, which is connected to the pixel array 102 and the MEMS mirror 1032, is used to drive the pixel array 102 with light-emitting characteristics to display color.

[0054] The driver 104 is also used to control the MEMS galvanometer 1032 to rotate on the cantilever beam 1031 to scan the color-developing pixel array 102 to obtain a projected image.

[0055] Figure 1 The position of the driver 104 in this example is just a schematic. The driver can be adjusted according to actual needs and is not limited to this example. As long as it is connected to the pixel array 102 and the MEMS mirror 103, it can send driving signals to the pixel array 102 and the MEMS mirror 103, thereby driving the pixel array 102 to display colors and controlling the MEMS mirror 103 to scan and obtain the projected image.

[0056] In some examples, the driver 104 can be a driver that integrates multiple driving functions, such as driving electrical signals to drive the pixel array to emit light for display, and driving functions to scan and image by controlling the rotation of the MEMS galvanometer lens through logic. The driver 104 provided in this application can be a combination of multiple drivers or an integration of multiple functions, as long as it can drive the pixel array to display color and control the rotation of the MEMS galvanometer lens to scan and image, without being limited by a specific driving method.

[0057] In some existing projection display technologies, due to the characteristics of technologies such as liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) or reflective liquid crystal light valve (LCOS) and digital light processing (DLP), projection imaging requires relatively complex optical components and systems such as backlights, light source shaping systems, and prisms. In this case, the projection device is relatively large and cannot be adapted to small-volume operating scenarios. This application uses sub-pixels with light-emitting characteristics arranged as pixel blocks, and pixel array 102 composed of pixel blocks is set on substrate 101. Without a complex system, it can use the three primary colors of red, green, and blue (RGB) as the imaging light source. The MEMS galvanometer 1032, which rotates around the cantilever beam 1031, scans back and forth along a fixed trajectory the pixel array 102 driven by the same driving signal to obtain multiple blocks. These multiple blocks can be combined to form a complete projected image, thereby achieving the scanning imaging effect of a small-volume projection device.

[0058] While some current projection display technologies utilize laser projection display technology and reflective light imaging from MEMS mirrors, these methods suffer from drawbacks. Small projection devices have low resolution, and increasing resolution requires larger components and a larger optical engine, necessitating high-speed driving to ensure imaging. This makes them unsuitable for small-sized projection devices. To address these issues, this application provides a high-resolution projection device 100 suitable for small-sized projection. The projection device 100 has a pixel array on its substrate 101. Driven by a driver 104, the pixel array can display different colors. A MEMS mirror 1032, rotating on a cantilever beam 1031, scans the pixel array along a trajectory at different angles under the drive of the driver 104, obtaining scanned patches that form a complete projected image. This projection device 100 only needs to process the data to determine the driving signals for the pixel array 102 to display colors and the MEMS galvanometer 103 to rotate and scan along the trajectory, based on the image to be projected. In the same time sequence, it can drive the pixel array 102 to display colors and control the rotation of the MEMS galvanometer 1032 as needed to obtain the various blocks of the projected image. By piecing these blocks together, the projection device 100 can obtain a high-resolution projected image without the need for a large optical engine and components or a high-speed driver.

[0059] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the projection device scanning the graphic, such as Figure 2As shown, the projection device 100 provided in this application controls the MEMS galvanometer mirror 1032, which rotates around the cantilever beam 1031, to rotate at a certain angle, i.e., move along a certain trajectory, to scan the pixel array 102. The pixel array 102 is disposed at the front end of the MEMS galvanometer mirror 1032, between the MEMS galvanometer mirror 1032 and the projection imaging position, and can be attached to the MEMS galvanometer mirror 1032, such as... Figure 2 As shown, it can also be fixed between the MEMS galvanometer mirror 1032 and the projection imaging position, as long as the pixel array 102 can image at the projection imaging position at different angles as the MEMS galvanometer mirror 1032 rotates, it is not necessary to fix it between the MEMS galvanometer mirror 1032 and the projection imaging position. Figure 2 The specific location shown is a limitation.

[0060] The trajectory of the MEMS galvanometer 1032 can be determined based on the image to be imaged or the pixel array 102. For example, the trajectory can be determined based on the ability to obtain a complete image to be imaged or to completely cover the pixel array 102.

[0061] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the movement trajectory of a MEMS galvanometer mirror, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown, if the MEMS galvanometer mirror 1032 is made according to... Figure 2 Angle rotation scan, i.e. from Figure 2 The scanning trajectory of the MEMS galvanometer mirror 1032, moving from the solid line (marked by a solid line) to another scanning position (marked by a dashed line), and then back again from the dashed line to the solid line, forms the scanning path as shown in the image. Figure 3 As shown in the moving trajectory, the MEMS galvanometer 1032 repeatedly scans the pixel array 102 along the moving trajectory, projecting different patches at different projection positions. These patches can be pieced together to form a complete projected image.

[0062] For example, during the use of the projection device 100, a projected image needs to be displayed. At this time, the MEMS galvanometer mirror 1032 will follow a fixed scanning trajectory, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the pixel array 102 covered by the scan trajectory is scanned repeatedly. Figure 3 For illustrative purposes only, the movement trajectory of the MEMS galvanometer 1032 is not limited to this scanning path.

[0063] It should be noted that the MEMS galvanometer 103 can be divided into one-dimensional galvanometers and two-dimensional galvanometers.

[0064] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the scanning display of the projection device provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 4As shown, the projection device 100 obtains different patches at a set of sampling time points. Each patch corresponds to a part of the complete projected image. When these patches are combined, a complete projected image can be presented.

[0065] In some examples, the MEMS galvanometer 103 is a one-dimensional galvanometer, and the driver 104 is specifically used to control the MEMS galvanometer 1032 to rotate within a first angle along the cantilever beam 1031, and scan the color-displaying pixel array 102 to obtain a first patch scanned by the MEMS galvanometer 1032 at a set of sampling time points, wherein the first patch at a set of sampling points constitutes a projected image.

[0066] For example, the MEMS galvanometer 103 is a one-dimensional galvanometer, which can perform rapid lateral scanning. The first angle can be 50 degrees. The driver 104 controls the MEMS galvanometer mirror 1032 to rotate within ±50 degrees along the cantilever beam 1031. Figure 4 As shown, it can be from t1 to tn, and then to t m Then to t s Multiple first tiles are obtained at each of these sampling time points. The complete frame, composed of all the first tiles corresponding to this set of sampling time points, is a projection image that needs to be projected. The first angle here can also be set to 90 degrees, 30 degrees, etc., and is not limited to the example above.

[0067] Alternatively, the MEMS galvanometer 103 can be a two-dimensional galvanometer. A two-dimensional galvanometer can scan in two directions. Depending on the two-axis scanning mode, it can generally be divided into a fast axis and a slow axis. For example, the axis that controls the rotation of the one-dimensional MEMS galvanometer mirror 1032 along the cantilever beam 1031 can be determined as the fast axis, and the axis that controls the rotation of the other-dimensional MEMS galvanometer mirror 1032 perpendicular to the cantilever beam 1031 can be determined as the slow axis.

[0068] The driver 104 is specifically used to control the one-dimensional MEMS galvanometer mirror 1032 to rotate within a second angle along the cantilever beam 1031, scanning the color-developing pixel array to obtain a second image patch scanned by the MEMS galvanometer mirror 1032 at a set of sampling time points; and to control the other-dimensional MEMS galvanometer mirror 1032 to rotate perpendicular to the cantilever beam 1031 within a third angle, scanning the color-developing pixel array 102 to obtain a third image patch scanned by the MEMS galvanometer mirror 1032 at another set of sampling time points. The second and third images together form a projected image.

[0069] In some examples, the actuator 104 controls a one-dimensional MEMS galvanometer mirror 1032 to rotate within ±50 degrees along the cantilever beam 1031, scanning the color-developing pixel array to obtain... Figure 4 As shown, from t1 to t n The second image patch scanned by the MEMS galvanometer 1032 at this set of sampling time points, such as Figure 4The first row of images; controlling the MEMS galvanometer mirror 1032 of another dimension to rotate perpendicular to the cantilever beam 1031 within ±10 degrees, scanning the color-developing pixel array to obtain as shown... Figure 4 As shown, t m to t s The third image block scanned by the MEMS galvanometer 1032 at this set of sampling time points; after scanning in both directions, all the second and third images corresponding to these two sets of sampling time points are obtained, which can be combined to form a complete projection image that needs to be projected. Since the time to form a complete projection image is less than the time for the human eye to distinguish image frame switching, users can use this projection device to project and view pictures or videos normally, and the user experience will not be affected by multiple images being pieced together to form a projection image.

[0070] The second and third angles in this example can also be determined according to the actual needs of the scan, and are not limited to the examples above.

[0071] The projected image obtained using the above method can provide various resolutions as needed. When a high resolution is required, the projected image can achieve a high resolution. Both one-dimensional and two-dimensional MEMS galvanometer mirrors have their own suitable application scenarios. For example, in some AI or VR scenarios, the projection device needs a smaller size for adaptation. In this case, the projection device can be configured with only one-dimensional MEMS galvanometer mirrors. If the projection device needs to provide a 480*640 projected image and the pixel array is a 1*480 array, then the vertical resolution can be provided by the vertical pixel array color rendering during each scan. The horizontal resolution requires the one-dimensional MEMS galvanometer mirror to scan 640 real pixels to support the projection image to achieve this resolution. Although this scanning method requires scanning and sampling more blocks in the horizontal direction, its projection device configuration is simpler, and the resolution can meet the requirements. It can be applied to scenarios with lower configuration requirements. The resolution requirements of the projected image and the sub-pixel arrangement of the pixel array can be adjusted according to actual needs and are not limited to this example.

[0072] Two-dimensional MEMS galvanometers can scan the same image to obtain a projected image of the same resolution. They can scan in two directions simultaneously. Although the configuration is slightly more complex than that of one-dimensional MEMS galvanometers, the speed of obtaining the projected image is faster, making them suitable for scenarios with higher requirements for imaging speed.

[0073] In some examples, the driver 104 is specifically used to control the scanning of the MEMS mirror 103 and drive the pixel array 102 to display colors in the same timing.

[0074] The image information to be projected is processed and converted into two driving signals. The driver 104 outputs these two driving signals respectively. For example, a logic control signal is used to control the MEMS mirror 1032 of the MEMS mirror 103, and an electrical signal is used to drive the pixel array 102 to display colors. These two driving signals need to control the MEMS mirror 103 and drive the pixel array 102 in the same timing. Ensuring real-time performance can ensure that the color display of the pixel array 102 is consistent with the scanning drive of the MEMS mirror 103, making the display of the projected image more accurate and the display effect better.

[0075] Furthermore, the pixel array 102 is composed of multiple pixel blocks 1021. Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the arrangement and distribution of pixel blocks, such as... Figure 5 As shown, pixel block 1021 includes red, green, and blue sub-pixels with light-emitting properties arranged side by side on the horizontal plane; or red, green, and blue sub-pixels with light-emitting properties arranged superimposed in the vertical direction.

[0076] In pixel block 1021, the three sub-pixels—red, green, and blue—are denoted as red sub-pixel 1, green sub-pixel 2, and blue sub-pixel 3, respectively. These three sub-pixels can be arranged in different ways. For example, Figure 5 As shown in the left image, a pixel block can include three sub-pixels—red, green, and blue—arranged side-by-side on a horizontal plane; or, as... Figure 5 As shown in the right figure, a pixel block consists of three sub-pixels: red, green, and blue, which are stacked vertically.

[0077] For example, three subpixels arranged side-by-side on a horizontal plane can be positioned horizontally, just like the subpixels on an LCD screen. Three subpixels stacked vertically are arranged perpendicularly along the depth direction, and when viewed from above, they overlap. The order of red, green, and blue pixels can be adjusted as needed and is not limited to the order shown in the diagram.

[0078] The red, green, and blue sub-pixels maintain an appropriate distance from each other, similar to the typical pixel arrangement distance in an LCD screen.

[0079] In some examples, pixel array 102 is a Micro LED array or a Micro OLED array.

[0080] Micro LED technology is a miniaturization and matrixing technology for LEDs, referring to a high-density, tiny LED array integrated on a chip, where each sub-pixel can be driven independently. Micro OLED technology is a miniaturization and matrixing technology for organic light-emitting diodes, which can also drive each sub-pixel individually. Therefore, it can be applied to the projection device provided in the embodiments of this application. Driven independently by a driver, each sub-pixel is driven to display color according to the signal obtained after data processing, thereby being scanned to obtain different patches of the image to be projected, and thus forming a complete projected image.

[0081] In some examples, the projection device also includes an optical structure disposed on the surface of the pixel array 102. This optical structure is used to calibrate the emitted light from the pixel array into a narrow, highly collimated beam. The optical structure can be, for example, a DBR structure or a Microlens structure. These optical structures can minimize the emission angle of the Micro LED or Micro OLED pixel array, thus giving the emitted light beam the characteristics of a narrow beam and high collimation.

[0082] In some examples, the scanning trajectory of the MEMS galvanometer mirror is such that the starting end of the scanning trajectory does not exceed the outermost edge of the pixel array it scans. As exemplified above, the scanning trajectory of the MEMS galvanometer mirror can take various forms, such as up-down or left-right, as long as multiple patches can be scanned along its trajectory to form a complete projected image. However, if the scanning trajectory extends far beyond the sub-pixels, it will waste drive power and prolong imaging time. Therefore, the scanning trajectory can be set to ensure the shortest possible scanning path for imaging, i.e., the starting end of the scan does not exceed the outermost sub-pixel of the pixel array. To further reduce the possibility of the scanning trajectory extending far beyond the sub-pixels, the ending end of the scanning trajectory also does not exceed the outermost sub-pixel of the pixel array it scans.

[0083] In one possible approach, the pixel array in the projection device provided in this application embodiment can be fabricated on a MEMS mirror, such as fabricating a Micro LED or Micro OLED array on a MEMS mirror as described above. The MEMS mirror can be a one-dimensional mirror, i.e., a mirror with a cantilever beam structure in one direction, or a two-dimensional mirror, i.e., a mirror with cantilever beam structures in two mutually perpendicular directions.

[0084] Micro LED or Micro OLED arrays have M*N pixel blocks, where M≥1, N≥1, and M*N>1. In a Micro LED or Micro OLED array, each pixel block is arranged with reference to the pixel arrangement distance in a liquid crystal display. Furthermore, the RGB color subpixels of each pixel block can have different arrangements, such as RGB subpixels being separated on a plane, or RGB subpixels being located on the same plane and stacked vertically. The embodiments of this application do not limit the arrangement of the subpixels.

[0085] In actual display, the MEMS galvanometer mirror will scan repeatedly along a fixed scanning trajectory. The Micro LED or Micro OLED integrated on the MEMS will display the corresponding colors in real time. During the scanning process of the MEMS galvanometer mirror, multiple blocks are obtained one by one by appropriately driving the pixel array of Micro LED or Micro OLED. These blocks are combined to form a two-dimensional display screen, i.e., a projected image, within a certain period of time.

[0086] In addition, to ensure the feasibility of the entire scheme, an optical structure can be fabricated on the surface of the Micro LED or Micro OLED pixel array to minimize the emission angle of the Micro LED or Micro OLED, so that the emitted beam has the characteristics of a narrow beam and high collimation.

[0087] When the MEMS galvanometer scans along a fixed two-dimensional scanning trajectory, the final effect is as follows: Figure 4 As shown. At time t1, the MEMS mirror is at a certain angle, and the Micro LED or Micro OLED pixel array is displayed in the upper left corner of the final display image. As the MEMS mirror rotates horizontally, the Micro LED or Micro OLED pixel array displays the image at different positions of the projected image, i.e., displays a block, such as at time t1. n At any time, a new tile will be displayed in a different location based on the previous tile.

[0088] Furthermore, when the MEMS galvanometer rotates a certain angle in the vertical direction, the Micro LED or Micro OLED pixel array will display the image at different vertical positions of the projected image to be displayed, such as t m Time and t s Time. Ultimately, from time t1 to t... s In a short period of time, these images can be combined to form a complete two-dimensional display, corresponding to the display of one frame of the projected image. By repeating this process, multiple frames of projected images can be combined to create projected videos, etc.

[0089] It should be noted that MEMS-integrated Micro LED or Micro OLED projection devices can ultimately form a two-dimensional display screen, i.e., a projected image. The displayed two-dimensional image can be analyzed, and the image processing method can be optimized to obtain a more suitable driving signal to improve the display effect. This step can be performed during the debugging of the projection device, or it can be optimized and debugged during use by the built-in processor. No limitation is made here.

[0090] The projection device provided in this application obtains a projected image by driving a pixel array with light-emitting characteristics and a MEMS galvanometer that scans the array. It achieves high-resolution projected images without requiring a large optical engine to provide the light source or a high-speed MEMS driver. It can project images of 1080P or higher while keeping the projection device smaller than 2 cubic centimeters, solving the problem in the prior art where high resolution requires large-volume projection equipment, and small-volume projection equipment produces images with low resolution.

[0091] This application provides a projection method. Figure 6 The flowchart of the projection method provided in the embodiments of this application includes:

[0092] S101, drives the pixel array with light-emitting properties to display color.

[0093] In some examples, the pixel array can be a rectangular pixel array composed of multiple pixel blocks, such as M pixel blocks per row and N pixel blocks per column. Each pixel block includes three sub-pixels: red, green, and blue. The sub-pixels have light-emitting properties, where M≥1, N≥1, and M*N>1.

[0094] S102. Control the MEMS galvanometer mirror to rotate on the cantilever beam to scan the color-developing pixel array to obtain the projected image.

[0095] The cantilever beam is positioned outside the pixel array to fix the MEMS galvanometer mirror, which is used to scan the pixel array. The cantilever beam and the MEMS galvanometer mirror together constitute the MEMS galvanometer.

[0096] S101 and S102 are performed in the same time sequence, without any order of priority.

[0097] In some examples, the MEMS mirror is a one-dimensional mirror. Controlling the MEMS mirror to rotate on the cantilever beam to scan the colored pixel array to obtain a projected image includes: controlling the one-dimensional MEMS mirror to rotate within a first angle along the cantilever beam, scanning the colored pixel array, and obtaining a first patch scanned by the MEMS mirror at a set of sampling time points, wherein the first patch at a set of sampling points constitutes the projected image.

[0098] In some examples, the MEMS mirror is a two-dimensional mirror. Controlling the MEMS mirror to rotate on the cantilever beam to scan the color-developing pixel array to obtain a projected image includes: controlling the one-dimensional MEMS mirror to rotate within a second angle along the cantilever beam, scanning the color-developing pixel array to obtain a second patch scanned by the MEMS mirror at a set of sampling time points; controlling the other-dimensional MEMS mirror to rotate perpendicular to the cantilever beam within a third angle, scanning the color-developing pixel array to obtain a third patch scanned by the MEMS mirror at another set of sampling time points; wherein, the second patch and the third patch constitute the projected image.

[0099] Furthermore, driving the pixel array with light-emitting properties to display color and controlling the MEMS galvanometer mirror to rotate on the cantilever beam to scan the pixel array and obtain the projected image can be done simultaneously. The image information to be projected undergoes data processing, outputting two driving signals: one to drive the MEMS galvanometer mirror to rotate and scan the pixel array to obtain the projected image, and the other to drive the pixel array to display color, such as driving a Micro LED or Micro OLED array. These two drives need to be synchronized to ensure the display effect of the projected image.

[0100] In some examples, the scanning trajectory of the MEMS galvanometer mirror is such that the starting end of the scanning trajectory does not exceed the outermost edge of the pixel array it scans. The scanning trajectory of the MEMS galvanometer mirror is also such that the ending end of the scanning trajectory does not exceed the outermost edge of the pixel array it scans.

[0101] This method can be applied to the projection device described above for projecting images, but is not limited to the projection device described above.

[0102] The projection device and method provided in this application obtain a projected image by driving a pixel array with light-emitting characteristics and a MEMS galvanometer that scans the array. This achieves a high-resolution projected image without requiring a large optical engine to provide the light source or a high-speed MEMS driver. It enables a small-sized projection device to provide a higher-resolution projected image, achieving the goals of optimizing size and improving resolution.

[0103] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the functions described in the embodiments of this application in one or more of the above examples can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, these functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, wherein communication media include any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0104] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A projection device, characterized in that, include: A pixel array disposed on a substrate, the pixel array having light-emitting properties; A cantilever beam disposed on the substrate is used to fix a MEMS galvanometer mirror. The cantilever beam is disposed outside the pixel array. The MEMS galvanometer mirror is used to scan the pixel array. The cantilever beam and the MEMS galvanometer mirror constitute a MEMS galvanometer. A driver connected to the pixel array and the MEMS galvanometer is used to drive the pixel array with light-emitting properties to display color; The driver is also used to control the MEMS mirror to rotate on the cantilever beam to scan the color-developing pixel array to obtain a projected image.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The MEMS galvanometer is a one-dimensional galvanometer. The driver is specifically used to control the MEMS galvanometer mirror to rotate within a first angle along the cantilever beam, scan the color-developing pixel array, and obtain a first patch scanned by the MEMS galvanometer mirror at a set of sampling time points, wherein the first patch at the set of sampling time points constitutes the projected image.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The MEMS galvanometer is a two-dimensional galvanometer. The driver is specifically used to control the one-dimensional MEMS galvanometer mirror to rotate within a second angle along the cantilever beam, and scan the color-displaying pixel array to obtain a second image patch scanned by the MEMS galvanometer mirror at a set of sampling time points; Controlling the MEMS galvanometer mirror in another dimension to rotate perpendicular to the cantilever beam within a third angle, scanning the pixel array to obtain a third image patch scanned by the MEMS galvanometer mirror at another set of sampling time points; The second and third blocks together form the projected image.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The pixel array is composed of multiple pixel blocks, and the pixel blocks include red, green and blue sub-pixels with light-emitting properties arranged side by side on a horizontal plane; Alternatively, red, green, and blue sub-pixels with luminescent properties can be stacked vertically.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The driver is specifically used to control the scanning of the MEMS galvanometer and drive the pixel array to display colors in the same timing sequence.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Also includes: An optical structure disposed on the surface of the pixel array is used to calibrate the emitted light of the pixel array into a narrow, highly collimated emitted light.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The pixel array is a Micro LED array or an Organic Light Emitting Diode (Organic Light Emitting Diode) array.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The scanning trajectory of the MEMS galvanometer mirror is such that the starting end of the scanning trajectory does not exceed the outermost edge of the pixel array it scans.

9. A projection method, characterized in that, include: Drive the pixel array with light-emitting properties to display colors; The microelectromechanical system (MEMS) galvanometer mirror is controlled to rotate on a cantilever beam to scan the pixel array and obtain a projected image. The cantilever beam is located outside the pixel array and is used to fix the MEMS galvanometer mirror. The MEMS galvanometer mirror is used to scan the pixel array. The cantilever beam and the MEMS galvanometer mirror constitute a MEMS galvanometer.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The MEMS galvanometer is a one-dimensional galvanometer. The control of the microelectromechanical system (MEMS) galvanometer mirror to rotate on the cantilever beam to scan the color-developing pixel array to obtain a projected image includes: The one-dimensional MEMS galvanometer mirror is controlled to rotate within a first angle along the cantilever beam to scan the color-developing pixel array, thereby obtaining a first patch scanned by the MEMS galvanometer mirror at a set of sampling time points, wherein the first patch at the set of sampling time points constitutes the projected image.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The MEMS galvanometer is a two-dimensional galvanometer. The control of the microelectromechanical system (MEMS) galvanometer mirror to rotate on the cantilever beam to scan the color-developing pixel array to obtain a projected image includes: The one-dimensional MEMS galvanometer mirror is controlled to rotate within a second angle along the cantilever beam, and the pixel array is scanned to obtain a second image patch scanned by the MEMS galvanometer mirror at a set of sampling time points; Controlling the MEMS galvanometer mirror in another dimension to rotate perpendicular to the cantilever beam within a third angle, scanning the pixel array to obtain a third image patch scanned by the MEMS galvanometer mirror at another set of sampling time points; The second and third blocks together form the projected image.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The process of driving a pixel array with luminescent properties to display color, and controlling a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) galvanometer mirror to rotate on a cantilever beam to scan the displayed pixel array to obtain a projected image, includes: Simultaneously, the pixel array with luminescent properties is driven to develop color, and the MEMS galvanometer is controlled to rotate on the cantilever beam to scan the developed pixel array to obtain a projected image.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The scanning trajectory of the MEMS galvanometer is such that the starting end of the scanning trajectory does not exceed the outermost edge of the pixel array it scans.

Images