Beam-Steering Projector Optics With Phase-Amplitude Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projection systems face challenges in achieving high dynamic range and high resolution images due to limitations in optical efficiency and distortion, particularly in the alignment and modulation of light paths through modulators like DLPs and PLMs.
Innovation Solution
A beam-steering projection system is designed with a phase light modulator and a spatial light modulator, where the image reconstruction plane is parallel to the phase light modulator, allowing for spatially-varying phase and amplitude modulation to steer light effectively, improving optical efficiency and reducing distortions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional projection systems use standard modulator configurations, then the system structure is simple, but the optical efficiency is limited and distortions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into two distinct modulators: a phase light modulator (PLM) for phase modulation and a spatial light modulator (SLM) for amplitude modulation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function optimally, improving overall optical efficiency while managing complexity through functional division
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional aspect to the optical system by utilizing phase modulation as an additional control dimension beyond traditional amplitude modulation. This adds a phase dimension to light control, enabling more precise optical manipulation and improving efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If standard illumination angles are used, then the optical path is simple, but image quality and resolution are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using spatially-varying phase modulation across different regions of the light beam. Each region of the modulator can be independently controlled to optimize local image quality and resolution, with the phase modulation angle varying locally to compensate for distortions and enhance precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the illumination angle parameter to optimize image quality. By adjusting the phase modulation angles in the PLM, the effective illumination angle is optimized for each spatial region, improving resolution while the computational algorithms manage the complexity of alignment
3Adaptability or versatility
If single modulator systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to achieve high dynamic range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two different modulator types (phase modulator and spatial light modulator) into a unified optical system. This combination allows the system to achieve high dynamic range by independently controlling both phase and amplitude of light, with the merged system providing capabilities greater than the sum of individual components
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-modulator system achieves multi-functionality by enabling both phase control and amplitude control within a single optical path. This universal approach allows the system to handle various imaging requirements including high dynamic range, resolution enhancement, and distortion correction, making it adaptable to multiple applications
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 achieves high dynamic range and high resolution images by optimizing the light steering process, enhancing clarity and contrast through controlled illumination angles and modulations.
Implementation Method 1
The phase light modulator is configured to receive the light from the light source and to apply a spatially-varying phase modulation on the light, thereby to steer the light at an illumination angle and generate a first steered light
Implementation Method 2
The spatial light modulator is configured to receive the first steered light, to apply a spatially-varying amplitude modulation on the light, to steer the light towards a projection optics system and to generate a second steered light
Implementation Method 3
a light source configured to emit a light in response to an image signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A beam-steering projection system includes a light source configured to emit a light in response to image signal, a phase light modulator, and a spatial light modulator. The phase light modulator is configured to receive the light from the light source and to apply a spatially-varying phase modulation on the light, thereby to steer the light at an illumination angle and generate a first steered light. The spatial light modulator is configured to receive the first steered light, to apply a spatially-varying amplitude modulation on the light, to steer the light towards a projection optics system and to generate a second steered light. A plane of a secondary image constructed after the phase light modulator and before the spatial light modulator is parallel with the phase light modulator.