Integrated Photonics Module for Swept-Beam Display Projection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video displays, particularly in portable applications, are limited by the physical size of their packaging, restricting the viewable screen size and requiring innovative solutions to project images larger than the module's physical extent.
Innovation Solution
An integrated photonics module that includes light sources, beam shaping optics, a MEMS scanner, and mechanical components to create a compact swept-beam display, allowing for image projection beyond the module's physical dimensions through the combination of light sources, beam shaping, and scanning technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional video display is used in portable applications, then the device can be packaged in a compact form, but the viewable screen size is limited by the physical extent of the packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar display architecture to a volumetric swept-beam architecture. By using a MEMS scanner to deflect light beams in two dimensions (fast scan and slow scan axes), the system projects images in three-dimensional space rather than confining them to a flat screen surface. This allows the viewable image area to exceed the physical footprint of the module housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical display structures (such as LCD panels or projection lenses) with a MEMS-based swept-beam system. The MEMS scanner uses electrostatic or electromagnetic fields to control mirror deflection, substituting field-based actuation for mechanical moving parts. This enables compact integration while maintaining the capability to scan light beams across a large angular range, projecting images larger than the module itself.
2Volume of moving object
If light sources and optical components are integrated into a compact module, then portability is improved, but optical alignment and maintenance become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple optical components (light sources, beam shaping optics, MEMS scanner, and projection optics) into a single compact module housing. The optical components are mechanically coupled to the housing with precision features that maintain alignment relationships. This integrated design allows the entire optical train to be treated as a unified system, where alignment is established during assembly and maintained through the structural rigidity of the housing, simplifying both assembly and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the integrated module into distinct functional subsystems (light source assembly, beam shaping section, MEMS scanner section, and projection section) that can be independently assembled and tested. Each subsystem has defined mechanical interfaces with the housing and other subsystems, allowing for modular replacement and alignment adjustment without requiring disassembly of the entire module. This segmented approach facilitates easier repair and maintenance while maintaining compact integration.
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 the projection of images larger than the module's physical extent, providing a compact and efficient solution for portable and fixed-location applications by integrating photonics components to create a scanned beam display.
Implementation Method 1
The scanner may include a scan mirror, and according to some embodiments, the scan mirror may be a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) scan mirror
Implementation Method 2
A magnetic field may be superimposed on the electrostatic field to provide a combined electro-magnetic field for actuation of the scan mirror
Implementation Method 3
The light sources may include laser diodes
Implementation Method 4
The light sources may include laser diodes
Implementation Method 5
The combiner and beam shaping optics may be configured to merge beams of modulated light from the light sources into a modulated composite beam
Implementation Method 6
The combiner and beam shaping optics may be configured to merge beams of modulated light from the light sources into a modulated composite beam
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated photonics module may include a selective fold mirror configured to pass at least a portion of emitted light toward the MEMS scanner and reflect scanned light through to a field of view. The selective fold mirror may use beam polarization to select beam passing and reflection. The integrated photonics module may include a beam rotator such as a quarter-wave plate to convert the polarization of the emitted light to a different polarization adapted for passage through the fold mirror. The integrated photonics module may include one or more light detectors.