Dynamic Voltage Control for Laser Pico Projector Power Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pico projection apparatuses face challenges in reducing power consumption due to their compact size and limited power sources, with excessive voltage application leading to wasteful energy use and increased heat generation, especially when varying light sources are required for different image intensities.

Innovation Solution

An image output apparatus with a control unit that adjusts power supply voltage to match peak light emission amounts for specific image data periods, using a light emission amount measuring unit and adjustment storage to optimize power usage, potentially incorporating a laser diode as the light emitting unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a large power source is used to supply necessary power for operation, then the power consumption capacity is improved, but the apparatus size becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption capacityVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system dynamically adjusts the voltage supplied to the light source based on the actual light emission requirements of the displayed image. By varying the voltage from minimum to maximum levels according to image complexity and peak light emission needs, the system optimizes power consumption without requiring an oversized power source, thus reducing apparatus size while maintaining adequate power capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Temperature

If a heat dissipating apparatus such as a fan is added to reduce heat generation, then the temperature control is improved, but the apparatus size and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat generationVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of heat generation into a beneficial control parameter by using voltage adjustment to directly reduce light source power consumption. By supplying only the necessary voltage for peak light emission rather than continuous maximum voltage, the system inherently reduces heat generation without requiring additional active cooling apparatus, thus avoiding increases in apparatus size and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically controls the light source voltage based on real-time image analysis and peak light emission detection. By adjusting voltage levels according to actual display requirements, the system optimizes thermal management through active control rather than passive cooling, eliminating the need for heat dissipating apparatus and reducing overall apparatus size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Illumination intensity

If the voltage applied to the light source is set according to the maximum light emission amount for the entire image, then the illumination intensity is improved, but the power consumption increases due to excessive voltage application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight emission amountVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different voltage levels to different portions of the image display period. By identifying peak light emission requirements for specific image data and applying appropriate voltage only during those periods, rather than maintaining maximum voltage throughout, the system achieves necessary illumination intensity while significantly reducing overall power consumption through localized voltage optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial voltage application by supplying maximum voltage only when and where peak light emission is actually required, rather than applying excessive voltage continuously. By using voltage adjustment means to provide partial voltage during non-peak periods, the system achieves adequate illumination for each image portion while minimizing total power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 reduces power consumption by applying the necessary voltage only during peak light emission periods, minimizing energy wastage and heat generation, thus enhancing the efficiency and compactness of pico projection systems.

Implementation Method 1

a light emitting unit configured to emit a laser beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission from laser diode: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a voltage applied to the light source according to the image is set according to the maximum light emission amount which is necessary to the entire image

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage-dependent light emission intensity: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS9959836B2Image output apparatus, operation method for an image output apparatus, electronic circuit, electronic apparatus, and program

Publication Date: 2018.05.01 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

An image output apparatus includes a light emitting unit, a power supplying unit, and a control unit. The light emitting unit is configured to emit a laser beam. The power supplying unit is configured to supply power to the light emitting unit at a predetermined voltage. The control unit is configured to control the power supplying unit to supply the power to the light emitting unit in a predetermined period at the voltage associated with a peak light emission amount of the light emitting unit in image data for the predetermined period.