LCOS Phase Modulator Standby Control via Light Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) elements in optical switching devices experience high power consumption due to continuous driving during no-signal states, which is inefficient and wasteful.
Innovation Solution
A phase modulation device and control method that includes a light receiver to detect irradiated light and generate drive control signals to switch the LCOS element between normal operation and standby states based on signal levels and elapsed time, reducing power consumption by optimizing driving states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the LCOS element continuously drives during no-signal states, then the optical switching function is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic driving state switching for the LCOS element, transitioning between normal operation mode and standby mode based on signal detection. The driving state is adjusted according to whether optical signal is present, allowing the system to adapt its power consumption characteristics to actual operational needs while maintaining switching capability when required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a light receiver to detect the presence or absence of optical signals and provides feedback to the control circuit. Based on this feedback information, the control circuit determines whether to maintain normal driving or switch to standby mode, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes power consumption based on real-time signal conditions
2Use of energy by moving object
If the LCOS element switches to standby state during no-signal periods, then power consumption is reduced, but response time to resume operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains a standby state configuration where the LCOS element retains its basic operational readiness without full active driving. The system performs preliminary preparation by keeping the element in a low-power state that can quickly transition to full operation, rather than completely shutting down, thus reducing both power consumption and response time penalty
3Use of energy by moving object
If a light receiver is added to detect no-signal states, then power consumption is reduced through standby switching, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light receiver component serves multiple functions: it detects the presence or absence of optical signals for control decisions, and it can potentially serve as part of the optical switching path itself. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated detection components, thereby minimizing the increase in overall device complexity while enabling power-saving standby operation
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
The solution effectively reduces power consumption by accurately detecting no-signal states and switching the LCOS element to a standby state, minimizing energy usage during periods of inactivity.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiver that is arranged in the vicinity of the pixel region on the first substrate, and configured to photoelectrically convert light with which the pixel region is irradiated to generate a light reception signal
Implementation Method 2
a wavefront of the light with which the pixel region is irradiated is changed by applying different driving voltages to the plurality of pixel electrodes based on a gradation control signal including gradation data corresponding to each pixel
Data Source
AI summary
A phase modulation device includes an image data generator, a controller, a light reception signal detector, and a liquid crystal element. The image data generator generates image data. The controller generates a gradation control signal based on the image data. The liquid crystal element includes a first substrate and a light receiver. The first substrate has a pixel region in which a plurality of pixel electrodes constituting pixels are arranged. The light receiver photoelectrically converts light with which the pixel region is irradiated to generate a light reception signal. The light reception signal detector generates a drive control signal based on the light reception signal. The liquid crystal element changes an inclination angle of a wavefront of the light with which the pixel region is irradiated by applying different driving voltages to the plurality of pixel electrodes based on the gradation control signal.