Laser Projector Light Collection System Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser projectors face limitations in image resolution due to the size of the laser light spot diameter on the projection surface, which cannot be reduced without compromising the output power and reliability of the light source.
Innovation Solution
A laser projector design that includes a light source, a scanner, a light collection system with a collection angle greater than the divergence angle of the light source, and a projection lens, along with a collimator lens and a light diffusing device, allows for a smaller intermediate image size and reduced chromatic aberration, enhancing image resolution and reducing speckle noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the spot diameter of laser light is reduced to increase resolution, then image resolution is improved, but output power and reliability of the light source deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into distinct functional segments: a light source unit, a scanning unit, and a light collecting unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the light source can be designed for high power and reliability while the light collecting unit with its specific numerical aperture is optimized for creating a small intermediate image, thus resolving the contradiction between resolution and light source reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by designing the light collecting unit with a specific numerical aperture (NA) that is carefully matched to the divergence angle of the laser beam. This localized optimization of the light collection angle at the intermediate image plane enables precise control over the spot size without requiring changes to the light source itself, thereby maintaining light source reliability while achieving high resolution
2Manufacturing precision
If the spot diameter of laser light is reduced to increase resolution, then image resolution is improved, but output power of the light source deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the light generation function from the light focusing function, the system allows the light source to operate at high power without being constrained by resolution requirements. The light collecting unit then processes this high-power beam to create the small intermediate image, thus decoupling the power and resolution requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting the numerical aperture of the light collecting unit and matching it to the divergence angle of the laser. This parameter optimization enables the system to achieve a small intermediate image size (high resolution) while maintaining the high power output of the light source, as the NA controls the angular acceptance and focusing properties without affecting the source power
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 configuration increases image resolution while maintaining light source output and reliability, and reduces speckle noise by allowing a smaller light source image size and varying optical paths for different wavelengths, resulting in a high-definition color image display.
Implementation Method 1
a collimator lens that parallelizes the light emitted from the light source and causes the parallelized light to be incident on the scanner
Implementation Method 2
a light collection system that collects light from the scanner with a predetermined collection angle to form an intermediate image
Implementation Method 3
a projection lens that projects the intermediate image on a projection surface
Data Source
AI summary
A laser projector includes a light source, a scanner that two-dimensionally scans a target object with light emitted from the light source, a light collection system that collects light from the scanner with a predetermined collection angle to form an intermediate image, and a projection lens that projects the intermediate image on a projection surface, and the collection angle is greater than a divergence angle of the light emitted from the light source.