Fiber Scanning Projector with Piezoelectric Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional projectors, especially three-panel type and single-panel type, suffer from bulky structures and reduced light efficiency due to numerous optical components, and subminiature projectors face challenges in minimizing size while maintaining high light efficiency and color quality.
Innovation Solution
A fiber scanning projector utilizing a plurality of monochromatic light sources, a 2-axis-driving fiber bundle actuated by piezoelectric strips, and a synchronization controller, along with an asymmetric structure and varifocal lens, to achieve precise scanning and efficient light projection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a three-panel type projector structure is used to achieve high color quality, then color quality is improved, but the device size becomes bulky due to numerous optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the white light into multiple wavelength bands using a dichroic mirror, with each band transmitted or reflected to separate optical paths. This segmentation of the light spectrum allows color separation without requiring three complete panel systems, reducing overall device size while maintaining color quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a temporal dimension by sequentially projecting different wavelength bands onto the same spatial location on the screen. The human eye integrates these sequential projections, creating a full-color image from separate monochromatic components, thereby eliminating the need for multiple simultaneous optical paths.
2Volume of moving object
If a single-panel type projector with a color wheel is used to reduce device size, then device size is reduced, but light efficiency decreases and color break-up occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the color wheel component from the optical path, replacing it with a dichroic mirror-based wavelength separation system. This extraction eliminates the light loss associated with mechanical color wheel rotation while maintaining compact device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical color wheel system with a stationary dichroic mirror system that uses optical properties rather than mechanical rotation to separate wavelengths. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and light loss from the rotating wheel while improving light efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If multiple monochromatic light sources are used to improve light efficiency, then light efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the single light source perform multiple functions by using the dichroic mirror to direct different wavelength bands through different paths. The same light source sequentially provides red, green, and blue light components, eliminating the need for multiple separate light sources while maintaining high light efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses periodic modulation of the light source intensity at different wavelength bands, synchronized with the scanning mirror motion. This periodic action allows a single light source to sequentially produce all necessary color components, simplifying the device while maintaining high light efficiency.
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
The solution enables a compact, high-efficiency projector that minimizes size while maintaining excellent color quality and light efficiency, suitable for subminiature applications and even 3D image projection by differentiating resonant frequencies and using asymmetric structures for precise scanning.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator may include: a plurality of piezoelectric strips adhered to a surface of the fiber bundle
Implementation Method 2
a scanner configured to scan a screen with a light emitted from the light source and configured to be controlled according to the modulation signal, the scanner comprising a fiber bundle
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber scanning projector includes a light source comprising a plurality of monochromatic light sources, a modulator providing a modulation signal according to image information to the light source, a scanner scanning a screen with a light emitted from the light source and controlled according to the modulation signal, the scanner including a fiber bundle and an actuator which 2-axis-drives the fiber bundle, and a synchronization controller synchronizing driving of the actuator and driving of the modulator.