Diffraction Optical Element for Compact Image Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Projector-type electronic devices have a large size due to the size of optical components like prisms and lenses, which occupy significant space, limiting their compactness.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a display panel with multiple color areas and a second optical part featuring a diffraction optical element with varying pitch areas, allowing for the combination of images into a single image while reducing the size of the optical components through the use of lenses and diffraction gratings, and includes light shielding and scattering elements for image projection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional optical components (prism and lens) are used for image projection, then image synthesis and projection function is achieved, but device size increases due to large optical parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical optical components (prism and lens) with a diffraction optical element that uses diffraction phenomenon to achieve image synthesis and projection. The diffraction grating structure enables light separation and synthesis without requiring large physical components, thus reducing device size while maintaining projection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pitch parameter of the diffraction grating in different regions to optimize light diffraction for different color channels. By varying the pitch according to the wavelength of light for each color area, the system achieves effective image synthesis with compact optical elements
2Volume of moving object
If a diffraction optical element with varying pitch is used, then optical component size is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by having different pitch values in different regions of the diffraction optical element corresponding to different color display areas. Each region's pitch is optimized for its specific color wavelength, enabling compact design while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through region-specific parameter optimization
3Reliability
If multiple display areas with different colors are used, then color image synthesis is achieved, but display panel complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the display panel into multiple discrete color display areas (red, green, blue) that are spatially separated. Each area emits a specific color, and the diffraction optical element synthesizes these separated color images into a full-color image, achieving color synthesis through spatial segmentation rather than complex mixing mechanisms
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 configuration enables a compact electronic device with improved visibility and image synthesis, providing a high screen-to-price ratio while minimizing the size of optical parts, allowing for efficient image projection and potential three-dimensional imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a second optical part disposed on the first optical part and including a diffraction optical element having a diffraction grating
Implementation Method 2
a first lens disposed between the display panel and the second optical part; and a second lens disposed between the first lens and the second optical part
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a display panel, a first optical part, and a second optical part including a diffraction optical element having a diffraction grating. The display panel include a first display area for displaying a first image having a first color, a second display area disposed adjacent to the first display area to display a second image having a second color different from the first color, and a third display area disposed adjacent to the second display area to display a third image having a third color different from the first color and the second color.