MEMS Phase Light Modulator for Mechanical-Free Laser Scrolling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projection-based displays face challenges with mechanical scrolling mechanisms for light beams, leading to large size, high noise, and limited color gamut, which affect image quality and brightness.
Innovation Solution
A phase light modulator (PLM) using MEMS micromirrors adjusts heights to form diffraction surfaces, allowing for mechanical-free scrolling of light beams and overlapping color modes, enhancing color gamut and brightness through HDR modulation techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical scrolling mechanisms are used to move light beams across the display, then the display can present full images, but the device size increases and noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scrolling mechanisms with a phase light modulator that uses electromagnetic fields to control light beam positions. The PLM adjusts the phase of light waves to scroll color modes across the display without any moving mechanical parts, thereby eliminating mechanical noise and reducing device complexity while maintaining full image presentation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical position to phase angle. By modulating the phase of light waves through the PLM, the system achieves scrolling motion of color modes across the display. This parameter transformation eliminates the need for mechanical scrolling mechanisms, reducing device size and noise while preserving the ability to present complete images
2Ease of operation
If mechanical scrolling mechanisms are used to move light beams, then the display can scroll color modes, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical scrolling components with an optical phase modulation system. The phase light modulator uses electromagnetic field control to redirect light beams, eliminating the need for large mechanical scanning mechanisms. This results in a compact device that achieves the same color mode scrolling functionality without increasing volume
3Ease of operation
If mechanical scrolling mechanisms are used, then the display can present images, but noise increases affecting image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical noise by replacing mechanical scrolling mechanisms with a phase light modulator that controls light beam positions through phase modulation. This non-mechanical approach maintains image projection capability while completely removing the harmful mechanical noise that degrades image quality
4Ease of operation
If traditional projection methods are used, then the display can project images, but color gamut is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple color modes (red, green, blue) into a single display system using the phase light modulator. By simultaneously controlling and overlapping these color modes through phase modulation, the system achieves a wide color gamut that exceeds the limitations of traditional single-color or limited-color projection methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses phase modulation to precisely control the temporal and spatial distribution of different color modes. By adjusting phase parameters, the system can overlap and combine multiple color modes to produce a broader color gamut while maintaining image projection functionality
5Ease of operation
If traditional projection methods are used, then the display can project images, but brightness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs continuous phase modulation to maintain constant illumination of the display surface. The phase light modulator continuously adjusts the phase of light waves, ensuring uninterrupted and uniform illumination that enhances brightness compared to traditional intermittent or mechanical projection methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses phase modulation parameters to control the intensity and distribution of light. By optimizing phase angles and modulation depth, the system achieves higher brightness levels while maintaining continuous image projection, overcoming the brightness limitations of traditional projection methods
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 PLM reduces device size and noise while increasing color gamut and brightness, enabling higher resolution and contrast in projected images by overlapping color modes and utilizing multiple laser light sources.
Implementation Method 1
A phase light modulator (PLM) using MEMS micromirrors adjusts heights to form diffraction surfaces, allowing for mechanical-free scrolling of light beams
Implementation Method 2
The PLM is configured to receive first light having a first color and receive second light having a second color, the second color different than the first color. The PLM is also configured to direct the first light towards the first region of the SLM and direct the second light towards the second region of the SLM
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a spatial light modulator (SLM) having a first region and a second region and a phase light modulator (PLM) optically coupled to the SLM. The PLM is configured to receive first light having a first color and receive second light having a second color, the second color different than the first color. The PLM is also configured to direct the first light towards the first region of the SLM and direct the second light towards the second region of the SLM.