Scalable Laser Scanning Using Elliptical Mirrors and MEMS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current scanning technologies for high-resolution video displays, such as CRTs and MEMS scanners, face limitations in scanning angle and size, leading to restricted image clarity and brightness, especially in large, high-resolution applications like HDTV, due to the trade-off between scanning angle and mirror size.
Innovation Solution
A scalable laser scanning apparatus using multiple elliptical mirrors with shared focal points and microelectromechanical system (MEMS) scanners positioned at these focal points, allowing the light beam to be scanned in opposite directions, effectively doubling the system scanning angle and enabling larger, higher-resolution displays without the traditional trade-off between scanning angle and mirror size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the scanning angle is increased to achieve larger display size, then the display area is improved, but the scanning rate decreases due to the trade-off relationship in MEMS scanners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning function into multiple independent MEMS scanners, each operating at its optimal scanning rate. By segmenting the total scanning angle into multiple smaller scanning ranges handled by individual scanners, the system achieves both large overall display area and high scanning rates, as each scanner operates independently without the trade-off constraint that limits single-scanner systems.
2Measurement precision
If the mirror size is increased to achieve higher image resolution, then the resolution is improved, but the scanning angle must be decreased to maintain the characteristic frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanning task across multiple MEMS scanners with smaller individual mirror sizes. Each scanner maintains its characteristic frequency with a smaller mirror, allowing for adequate scanning angle, while the collective array of scanners achieves the required overall image resolution through coordinated operation rather than relying on a single large mirror.
3Speed
If a rotating polygon mirror is used to achieve high scanning rate, then the scanning rate is improved, but the device size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional rotating polygon mirror mechanical scanning system with multiple stationary MEMS scanners. This substitution eliminates the need for high-speed rotating mechanics, reducing device size and complexity while maintaining high scanning rates through the electrostatic actuation of individual MEMS mirrors, thereby avoiding the bulky and expensive polygon scanner module.
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 enhances image clarity and brightness while maintaining cost-effectiveness by allowing for larger, high-resolution displays with improved manufacturability, as the scanning angle can be increased without the usual limitations, resulting in better image quality and reduced complexity in control systems.
Implementation Method 1
each of the elliptical mirrors reflects the scanned light from one of the plurality of scanners at the first focal point to another of the plurality of scanners at the second focal point
Data Source
AI summary
A scalable laser scanning angle apparatus and method of scaling a scanning angle using MEMS devices and elliptical mirrors includes disposing a first scanner at one focal point of an elliptical mirror and scanning the emitted light beam in a first direction at a first scanning angle toward a concave surface of the elliptical mirror such that the scanned light beam is directed toward the second focal point of the elliptical mirror, and scanning the light beam from the concave surface of the elliptical mirror in a second direction at a second scanning angle using a second scanner, wherein the second scanner outputs the light beam across a system scanning angle which corresponds to a combination of the first scanning angle and the second scanning angle. The scanning angle is scalable by repeatedly scanning the light beam at corresponding focal points of a predetermined number of elliptical mirrors, wherein the total scanning angle is scaled by a multiple of a number of times the light beam is scanned.