Diffractive Optical Element Projector Pattern Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional projectors require replacement of optical components to change projected patterns, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A projector design that uses a diffractive optical element and a liquid crystal display element, where the diffractive optical element projects light in a dot pattern onto the liquid crystal display element, allowing for arbitrary pattern projection by controlling the alignment direction of liquid crystal molecules without replacing optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional projectors use fixed optical components to project patterns, then the projected pattern is stable and clear, but the pattern cannot be changed without replacing optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed optical components with a liquid crystal display element that can dynamically change its molecular alignment. The liquid crystal molecules can be controlled to rotate and reorient themselves, allowing the projection pattern to change dynamically without physically replacing any optical components. This transforms a static optical system into a dynamic one where patterns can be changed through electrical control rather than mechanical replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the alignment direction of liquid crystal molecules as a controllable parameter. By changing the electrical parameters applied to the liquid crystal display element, the molecular alignment direction changes, which in turn changes the projection pattern. This allows multiple patterns to be achieved by adjusting electrical parameters rather than replacing physical components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical components are replaced to change projected patterns, then different patterns can be achieved, but it is inefficient and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the mechanical process of replacing optical components with an electrical control process. Instead of physically handling and installing different optical components to change patterns, the system uses electrical signals to control the liquid crystal molecules' alignment, thereby changing patterns electronically. This substitution of mechanical operations with electrical control significantly improves efficiency and reduces costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the self-service principle by enabling the liquid crystal display element to change its own state and projection pattern through electrical control without requiring external intervention to replace components. The system serves itself by using electrical signals to reconfigure its own molecular alignment and projection characteristics, eliminating the need for manual component replacement and associated inefficiencies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the projection distance is changed, then the projected image size adjusts, but the focus and pixel number may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the liquid crystal display element to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the projection medium and the pattern-defining component. The liquid crystal molecules can be controlled to maintain consistent pixel structure and focus across different projection distances, allowing the same component to adapt to various projection scenarios without requiring separate optimization for each distance. This multi-functional design enables the system to maintain precision across a range of projection distances.
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 efficient and cost-effective projection of arbitrary patterns by eliminating the need for optical component replacement, while maintaining focus and constant pixel number regardless of projection distance.
Implementation Method 1
a diffractive optical element configured to diffract a laser beam emitted from the light source in a two-dimensional direction
Implementation Method 2
the display generates image light using at least a portion of the light projected in a dot pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A projector includes a light source, a diffractive optical element on which light from the light source is incident, and a display on which the light diffracted by the diffractive optical element is incident, and the diffractive optical element projects the light emitted therefrom onto the display in a dot pattern, and the display generates image light using at least a portion of the light projected in a dot pattern.