MEMS Mirror Resonance Synchronization for Laser Projector Delay Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser scanning projectors face synchronization issues with user devices, leading to projection delay and increased production costs due to the need for large frame buffers to match image stream reception rates, which are not inherently coupled with the picoprojector's MEMS mirror operations.
Innovation Solution
A video projection system with an optical module featuring a collimated light source and movable mirrors, where the video source generates a digital video stream synchronized with a clock signal and movement synchronization signals, allowing the mirror control circuitry to control mirror movements and light source generation, thereby matching the frame and resolution rates of the image stream with the scanning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large frame buffer is placed between the user device and the picoprojector to match the image stream reception rate with the display rate, then the synchronization issue is resolved, but the projection delay increases and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the MEMS mirror by driving it at or near its resonance frequency. This resonance-driven operation allows the mirror to naturally oscillate at a consistent frequency that can be synchronized with the image stream reception rate, eliminating the need for large frame buffers while maintaining synchronization and reducing projection delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The MEMS mirror serves itself by utilizing its inherent resonance frequency for scanning. The system captures the actual resonance frequency of the MEMS mirror during operation and uses this self-generated frequency information to synchronize the image stream reception, eliminating the need for external synchronization mechanisms and large buffers.
2Reliability
If a large frame buffer is placed between the user device and the picoprojector to match the image stream reception rate with the display rate, then the synchronization issue is resolved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the large frame buffer from the system architecture. By utilizing the resonance frequency of the MEMS mirror for synchronization, the system eliminates the need for expensive large-capacity memory components, thereby reducing production cost while maintaining synchronization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the driving parameters of the MEMS mirror to operate at resonance frequency, the system achieves natural oscillation that can be synchronized with the image stream, eliminating the need for expensive frame buffering infrastructure and reducing overall system cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the user device serves the image stream according to an internally generated clock with no coupling to the MEMS mirror, then the user device operates independently, but a mismatch occurs between the image stream reception rate and the required display rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system captures the actual resonance frequency of the MEMS mirror during operation and uses this feedback information to adjust and synchronize the image stream reception rate. This feedback loop ensures that the independently operating user device can dynamically adapt its output rate to match the MEMS mirror's scanning rate, achieving reliable rate matching while maintaining independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonance frequency of the MEMS mirror serves multiple functions: it is both the scanning frequency and the synchronization reference frequency. This multi-functionality allows the independently operating user device to synchronize with the MEMS mirror without requiring direct coupling, achieving both independence and rate matching.
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 reduces projection delay and production costs by minimizing the need for large frame buffers, ensuring synchronized image display with minimal buffering, and allowing for adaptable operation across various modes and projection surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
at least one movable mirror to reflect the light beam
Implementation Method 2
the driving of movement of one of MEMS mirrors is at, or close to, the resonance frequency of that MEMS mirror
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a video projection system including an optical module with at least one collimated light source to generate a light beam and at least one movable mirror to reflect the light beam. The video projection system also includes a video source producing a digital video stream in accordance with a clock signal and a movement synchronization signal, as well as a projector system. The projector system includes mirror control circuitry configured to control movement of the at least one movable mirror in accordance with the clock signal and the movement synchronization signal, a light source controller configured to control generation of collimated light by the at least one collimated light source, and processing circuitry configured to receive the digital video stream, and to generate control signals for the light source controller based upon the received digital video stream.