Laser Projector Eye Safety Control via Dynamic Emission Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Projectors using laser light sources pose a risk of laser light entering the eyes of individuals, and existing solutions do not adequately address this issue, particularly in scenarios where the projector's position or user interaction affects light direction and intensity.
Innovation Solution
An image display apparatus equipped with a first and second light-emitting unit emitting laser light of different wavelengths, a reflecting unit, an input unit for adjusting projection direction and size, and a control unit that manages light emission based on user inputs and detected conditions to prevent laser light from entering eyes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the projector emits laser light for image projection, then the image display function is achieved, but the risk of laser light entering the eyes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of laser light emission by detecting user presence and adjusting emission levels accordingly. The system transitions between different emission states (normal projection, reduced emission, or cessation) based on real-time detection of user proximity and interaction, making the laser output adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that detect user presence, proximity, and interaction with the projected image. This feedback loop enables the control unit to continuously monitor conditions and adjust laser emission levels, creating a closed-loop safety system that responds to environmental and user factors.
2Ease of operation
If the projector adjusts projection direction or size in response to user input, then the ease of operation is improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it manages image projection, processes user inputs for direction and size adjustments, detects user presence through integrated sensors, and controls laser emission levels for safety. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single control unit, the system achieves multi-functionality without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the control functions for projection adjustment and safety management into an integrated control system. The control unit processes both user input signals for projection parameters and sensor signals for safety monitoring, merging these control streams into a unified decision-making and execution framework that simplifies the overall architecture.
3Productivity
If the projector maintains continuous laser light emission, then the productivity is maintained, but the harmful effects increase when users are in proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic scanning or intermittent emission patterns when users are detected in proximity zones. Rather than maintaining continuous emission, the projector uses periodic detection cycles to monitor user presence and adjusts emission accordingly, creating a rhythm of emission and suspension that balances productivity with safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary anti-action by detecting user presence before harmful exposure can occur. When sensors detect users entering the proximity zone, the control unit preemptively reduces or suspends laser emission before any dangerous exposure level is reached, preventing harm rather than merely responding to it after the fact.
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
Effectively suppresses laser light output when necessary, ensuring user safety by adjusting light emission levels and direction in response to user interactions and environmental changes, thereby preventing eye exposure.
Implementation Method 1
a photodetector configured to detect light; a storage unit configured to store a first amount of the light detected by the photodetector when the light-emitting unit does not radiate the laser light at a predetermined certain amount of the light
Implementation Method 2
a light-emitting unit configured to radiate laser light
Implementation Method 3
a reflecting unit disposed to reflect the first laser light and the second laser light
Data Source
AI summary
A projector that can prevent laser light from entering eyes is provided. A process that controls the projector includes the steps of detecting turning-on of power to the projector; detecting an input for adjusting the reflection direction of a two-axis galvanometer mirror; sending an instruction to reduce output from respective lasers, to an FPGA; setting signal values of the lasers respectively controlled by laser control circuits, to small values; determining whether a certain period of time has elapsed since an operation input is no longer performed on an operation panel; standing by the process for a certain period of time when the certain period of time has not elapsed since an operation input is no longer performed; and returning the signal values to a normal level when the certain period of time has elapsed since an operation input is no longer performed.