Laser Projection Spot Enlargement via Infrared Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing miniaturized projection devices for mobile communication devices face challenges in providing additional functions like interactive projection without reducing the brightness of the visible image, due to safety specifications limiting the total radiant power of laser resonators.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using an additional laser resonator to generate an invisible light ring that enlarges the visible light spot on the projection surface, allowing for increased radiant power while maintaining image brightness by using infrared light and optimizing the overlap area between the light ring and visible light spot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an additional laser resonator is added to provide interactive projection functions, then the functionality of the device is improved, but the total radiant power is restricted by safety specifications which reduces the brightness of the visible image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses invisible infrared light (different wavelength/color) to create a light ring that enlarges the visible light spot. The second laser resonator emits infrared light at wavelengths between 780 nm to 3000 nm, which is invisible to humans, allowing it to increase the effective light spot size without competing for visible brightness. This enables the visible image to maintain its brightness while the total radiant power is increased through the invisible infrared component.
2Illumination intensity
If the radiant power of the laser resonator is increased to maintain image brightness, then the brightness is improved, but safety specifications are exceeded when additional laser resonators are present
Solution Approach 1:
The invisible infrared light acts as an intermediary that mediates between the safety specifications and the brightness requirement. By using infrared light to create the enlarging light ring, the system can increase the total radiant power and effective light spot size without the visible light component needing to increase, thus maintaining brightness while complying with safety limits for visible laser exposure.
3Power
If the light spot size is increased to allow higher radiant power, then the radiant power capacity is improved, but the image quality may be affected if visible light is used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light into two distinct components: visible light for image generation and invisible infrared light for light spot enlargement. The visible light from the first laser resonator maintains image quality, while the invisible infrared light from the second laser resonator enlarges the effective light spot. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without interfering with the other, maintaining image quality while increasing radiant power capacity.
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 enables the integration of additional functions without compromising image quality or brightness, as the invisible light ring enhances the visible light spot size, adhering to safety regulations by allowing higher overall radiant power for the laser resonators.
Implementation Method 1
visible light is emitted from a first laser resonator
Implementation Method 2
the visible light is deflected in the direction of the projection surface with the aid of a deflection element, in particular a micromirror
Implementation Method 3
invisible light is emitted from a second laser resonator and a light ring is generated from the invisible light on the deflection element
Implementation Method 4
the invisible light emitted from the second laser resonator is imaged on the deflection element with the aid of an optical element in order to generate the light ring
Implementation Method 5
A collimating lens which has a Fresnel ring, for example, may be used as an optical element
Implementation Method 6
a diffractive optical element (DOE) or a holographic optical element (HOE) may be used to generate the light ring on the deflection element
Implementation Method 7
the light spot on the deflection element is enlarged by a light ring which is provided by the additional laser resonator
Implementation Method 8
the invisible light is reflected at the projection surface and detected
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for generating a visible image on a projection surface, in the course of which visible light is emitted from a first laser resonator, the visible light is deflected in the direction of the projection surface with the aid of a deflection element, in particular a micromirror, in order to generate the image, and a light spot of visible light is generated on the deflection element, and invisible light is emitted from a second laser resonator, and a light ring is generated on the deflection element from the invisible light, which enlarges the light spot.