Configurable Laser Beam Sweeping for Multi-Function Optical Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser projection systems require multiple setups for different applications, leading to complexity and inefficiency due to the need for various optical characteristics, which can be costly and unreliable, especially in terms of spatial alignment and speckle reduction in projected patterns.
Innovation Solution
An opto-electronic system utilizing a laser and a beam deflector to sweep a laser beam across an optical element with multiple beam-shaping portions, allowing for selective impingement on specific portions to produce output light with desired optical properties, including polarization, focal distance, and pattern, using a single laser and beam path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple laser projection systems are provided for different applications, then different optical characteristics can be achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single laser projection system that can perform multiple functions by dynamically reconfiguring the optical element. The optical element is divided into multiple beam-shaping portions, each capable of producing different optical characteristics (dot array, illumination lines, different focal distances, patterns). By selectively illuminating different portions of the optical element through beam sweeping, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring multiple separate projection systems, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic beam sweeping controlled by a beam deflector to selectively illuminate different beam-shaping portions of the optical element. The laser beam properties (position, intensity, timing) are dynamically adjusted during sweeping to produce different optical outputs. This dynamic reconfiguration allows a single static optical element to provide multiple optical characteristics, eliminating the need for multiple fixed projection systems and reducing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple laser projection systems are provided for different applications, then different optical characteristics can be achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple beam-shaping functions into a single optical element by dividing it into multiple beam-shaping portions. Each portion can produce different optical characteristics, but all are integrated into one physical component rather than requiring separate optical elements for each function. This consolidation reduces the quantity of optical elements needed while maintaining the ability to provide diverse optical characteristics across different applications
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple laser projection systems are provided for different applications, then different optical characteristics can be achieved, but reliability decreases due to spatial alignment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single optical element with multiple beam-shaping portions instead of multiple separate projection systems. Since all beam-shaping portions are part of the same optical element, spatial alignment issues between separate elements are eliminated. The beam deflector and laser work together with the unified optical element to produce different optical characteristics, ensuring consistent spatial alignment across all functions and improving reliability
4Device complexity
If a single laser beam is swept across an optical element with multiple beam-shaping portions, then system compactness and reliability improve, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic beam sweeping with a beam deflector to selectively illuminate different beam-shaping portions. The control system dynamically adjusts the laser beam properties (position, intensity, timing) during the sweeping motion to achieve the desired optical output. This dynamic control approach, while requiring automated coordination, enables a compact single-element design that would be impossible with static configurations, trading control complexity for significant gains in system compactness and reliability
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
This approach reduces the need for multiple optical elements, enhances system compactness and reliability, improves speckle reduction, and allows for highly configurable and accurate optical output, improving interoperability with imaging and image analysis processes.
Implementation Method 1
a beam deflector arranged to sweep the laser beam across an optical element
Data Source
AI summary
An opto-electronic system includes a laser operable to produce a laser beam; an optical element including two or more beam-shaping portions, each of the two or more beam-shaping portions having a different optical property; a beam deflector arranged to sweep the laser beam across the optical element to produce output light; and electronics communicatively coupled with the laser, the beam deflector, or both the laser and the beam deflector. The electronics are configured to cause selective impingement of the laser beam onto a proper subset of the two or more beam-shaping portions of the optical element to modify one or more optical parameters of the output light.