Laser Scanning Projector for Portable Camera Infinite Focus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable devices that capture and project digital images are limited by high power consumption, the need for manual focusing, and insufficient brightness, especially in daylight conditions, making them inconvenient and less useful for immediate image projection on any surface without focusing adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A portable digital photographing apparatus equipped with a laser scanning projector that optically raster scans digital images one pixel at a time, providing infinite focus independent of distance and incorporating an integrated photonics module for efficient power use and high brightness, allowing projection on any surface without focusing adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If liquid crystal technology is used for projection, then the device can be integrated into a camera, but power consumption becomes unacceptably high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces liquid crystal technology with laser scanning technology. Instead of using liquid crystal modulators that require high power, the invention uses lasers to scan and project images point-by-point, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining the integrated camera-projector functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental operating parameters of the projection system by using laser beams with high intensity and coherence. This allows for efficient light delivery and reduced power requirements compared to conventional liquid crystal projectors, enabling the projector to operate on camera battery power
2Adaptability or versatility
If liquid crystal projectors are used, then the device can project images, but the projected image is not bright enough for full daylight use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces liquid crystal projection with laser scanning projection. Lasers provide high-intensity coherent light that can be focused into tight beams, delivering sufficient brightness even in full daylight conditions, unlike conventional liquid crystal projectors which struggle with ambient light
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses laser light sources with high intensity and coherence properties. The laser beams are scanned across the projection surface using acoustic optical deflectors, delivering concentrated light energy that maintains brightness and contrast ratio even in bright environmental lighting conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If liquid crystal projectors are used, then the device can project images, but manual focusing is required for each distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical lens system of liquid crystal projectors with a laser scanning system. The laser beams are collimated and scanned by acoustic optical deflectors, creating an always-in-focus image regardless of projection distance, eliminating the need for manual focusing adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses dynamically controllable laser scanning with acoustic optical deflectors that can rapidly adjust the scan pattern and focus point electronically. This dynamic control allows the system to maintain sharp focus at any distance without mechanical lens adjustments, adapting instantly to different projection surfaces
4Adaptability or versatility
If stand-alone projectors are used, then the device can project images, but the device is large and requires external power source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera and projector into a single integrated device. The laser scanning projector is incorporated directly into the camera body, sharing common components such as the image sensor and processing unit, thereby reducing overall size and eliminating the need for external power sources
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a multi-functional device that can both capture images and project them. The same image sensor used for capturing photos serves as the source for projection, and the laser scanning system can project any captured image or stored images, providing universal functionality in a compact form factor
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
Enables the capture and projection of digital images in a compact, power-efficient manner with constant focus and high brightness, overcoming the limitations of prior art devices by providing a portable solution for image projection in various environments, including full daylight.
Implementation Method 1
laser scanning projector that optically raster scans digital images one pixel at a time
Implementation Method 2
optically raster scans digital images one pixel at a time
Implementation Method 3
incorporating an integrated photonics module for efficient power use and high brightness
Data Source
AI summary
In a portable housing, a digital photographing apparatus (100) may include an image capturing unit (100) operable for capturing at least one digital image (172) and a memory (158, 161) for storing the at least one digital image. Digital photographing apparatus may also include a laser scanning projector (150) operable to optically raster scan the at least one digital image on a remote surface (170) one pixel at a time. The laser scanning projector is operable without focusing adjustment to scan the at least one digital image in focus on the remote surface independent of a distance (174) between the digital photographing apparatus and the remote surface. A controller (154) is operable to read the at least one digital image from the memory and operate the laser scanning projector to project the at least one digital image on the remote surface.