Coaxial RGB Laser Array for Wide Beam Projection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laser-based display systems face limitations in producing wide beams that can project long distances with minimal dispersion, especially in environments with fog, smoke, or dust, and are often restricted by size and color output capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising an array of coaxially mounted red, green, and blue lasers, each capable of varying intensity, forming a combined beam with minimal dispersion, allowing for long-distance projection and the creation of over 16 million colors by adjusting the intensity of individual colors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If a single laser device is used to produce a wide beam, then the beam width is increased, but the dispersion increases and projection distance is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam widthVSAvoidprojection distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides a single wide laser beam into multiple narrower individual laser beams that are closely spaced and parallel. Each narrow beam maintains low dispersion and can project long distances, while the collection of beams collectively forms a wide beam pattern, thus resolving the contradiction between beam width and projection distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple individual laser beams into a single integrated beam pattern. By merging the output of multiple lasers that are closely spaced and parallel, the system achieves both the wide beam width of a single large laser and the low dispersion characteristics of narrow beams, enabling long-distance projection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Area of moving object

If multiple lasers are used to create a wide beam, then the beam width and projection distance are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam widthVSAvoidnumber of laser components
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the laser system into multiple identical or similar laser units that can be independently manufactured and tested. This modular approach simplifies the overall manufacturing process compared to creating a single complex large-scale laser, as each unit can be produced using standard laser manufacturing techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs multiple lasers of the same type that can serve both individual functions and collective functions. Each laser can operate independently for maintenance or replacement, while collectively they produce the wide beam pattern, providing operational flexibility and simplifying the system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If traditional laser scanning and chopping methods are used, then image projection is achieved, but the system cannot produce wide beams with minimal dispersion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage projection capabilityVSAvoidbeam dispersion control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single laser with scanning mirrors to create images, the patent inverts the approach by using multiple fixed lasers arranged in a pattern. The image or display is created by selectively activating or modulating individual lasers in the array, eliminating the need for complex scanning mechanisms and maintaining consistent beam direction with minimal dispersion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 the production of a wide, low-dispersion laser beam capable of projecting long distances, overcoming environmental interference and color limitations, while also allowing for directional control and interactive display features.

Implementation Method 1

a laser produces organized, or coherent, photons, which then exit the laser in a column, or laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoherent light: Coherent Light

Implementation Method 2

This effect is due to Rayleigh scattering, which is the scattering of light, or other electromagnetic radiation, off small molecules in the air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRayleigh scattering: Rayleigh Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS10724725B2Laser based visual effect device and system
Publication Date: 2020.07.28 ANDERSON TIMOTHY LEE
  • US10724725B2 patent drawing
  • US10724725B2 patent drawing
  • US10724725B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is a laser-based device for use primarily for laser light effects. The laser device comprises multiple red, green, and blue lasers. Each laser has a lens to collimate and focus each individual beam. The lasers are aligned such that each laser shares a common output axis. The intensity of each laser is adjustable thereby allowing the overall output color of the device to change. The overall output has over 16 million colors. Each laser-based device has a gimbal-like system to allow the devices change their orientation. A remote control system allows for the control and synchronization of multiple devices. Multiple devices may connect to the remote control system using cables, wireless transceivers, or both. Multiple devices may be located in close proximity to create a more powerful overall output beam. The remote control system allows for viewer interaction through an application installed onto a personal communication device.