Laser Optical Projection Module for Compact AR Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current display apparatuses for augmented reality (AR) systems face challenges in reducing volume while providing a wider field of view and higher resolution, due to limitations from component volumes and light sources.
Innovation Solution
A laser optical projection module incorporating a laser beam scanning device with a micro-electro-mechanical micromirror, a first optical lens assembly, and a microlens array, which reduces light spot size and increases resolution, integrated with a wearable device for enhanced AR display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional display apparatuses are used for AR systems, then the system can provide basic display functionality, but the volume of components and light sources prevents achieving higher resolution and wider field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into distinct functional modules: laser light source, beam scanning device with micromirror, optical lens assembly, and microlens array. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for size and performance, enabling high resolution imaging while maintaining compact overall volume suitable for wearable AR devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a microlens array that utilizes the third dimension (depth/focal plane) to achieve high resolution. By arranging multiple microlenses in an array configuration at different focal positions, the system projects high-resolution images in the vertical dimension while keeping the horizontal footprint compact, thus resolving the contradiction between resolution and volume
2Power
If conventional light sources are used, then the system can operate, but power consumption and heat generation are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional broad-spectrum light sources with laser light sources that emit coherent, monochromatic light. This substitution dramatically improves energy efficiency because lasers convert electrical energy to light energy with much higher efficiency, reducing both power consumption and heat generation while maintaining high luminance output
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the light source by using lasers with specific wavelengths matched to the sensitivity of human vision and the transmission characteristics of optical components. This parameter optimization enables achieving high luminance with minimal power consumption, as laser light can be precisely controlled in intensity and direction
3Area of stationary object
If conventional optical systems are used, then the system can function, but the field of view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a beam scanning device with a micromirror that dynamically directs laser beams across different angular positions. This dynamic scanning capability enables the system to sweep across a wider field of view by rapidly changing the direction of light projection, achieving a larger effective display area without requiring a proportionally larger optical engine volume
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 achieves a compact optical engine with high luminance, low power consumption, and reduced heat generation, enabling a higher resolution and wider field of view in AR systems.
Implementation Method 1
The laser beam scanning device has a laser light source and a micro-electro-mechanical micromirror. A laser beam emitted from the laser light source is projected to the swinging micro-electro-mechanical micromirror and then reflected to corresponding pixels to scan out a graphic image.
Implementation Method 2
The first optical lens assembly is configured on a side of the laser beam scanning device and has a plurality of first lenses. Light spots of the laser beam emitted from the laser beam scanning device are reduced by the first lenses, and a pitch between the light spots is decreased.
Implementation Method 3
The microlens array is configured on a side of the first optical lens assembly and on a projecting direction of the laser beam passing through the first optical lens assembly. The microlens array has a plurality of microlenses which are arranged in an array, and a uniform imaging image formed by the uniform and parallel imaging lights is obtained after the laser beam passes through the microlenses.
Data Source
AI summary
A laser optical projection module and a wearable device are provided. The laser optical projection module includes a laser beam scanning device, a first optical lens assembly on a side of the laser beam scanning device, and a microlens array. The laser beam scanning device has a laser light source and a micro-electro-mechanical micromirror. A laser beam emitted from the laser light source is reflected and projected by the swinging micro-electro-mechanical micromirror. Light spots of the laser beam emitted from the laser beam scanning device are reduced by the first optical lens assembly, and a pitch between the light spots is decreased. The microlens array having microlenses is configured on a side of the first optical lens assembly and on a projecting direction of the laser beam. A uniform imaging image formed by uniform and parallel imaging lights is obtained after the laser beam passes through the microlenses.