Micro-lens Module with Nanostructured Layer for Chromatic Aberration Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current micro-lens array technologies face challenges in projecting colored images efficiently due to the need for multiple light sources and lenses, which increases cost and energy consumption, and are prone to optical defects like chromatic aberrations, limiting their application in dynamic and high-temperature environments, especially in the automotive industry.
Innovation Solution
A compact micro-lens based module with a single light source and nanostructured or interference-based light alteration layers that use diffractive domains and plasmonic areas to project dynamic, multi-colored images with improved optical quality, reducing the need for multiple lenses and pigments, and compensating for optical defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources and lens arrays are used to project colored images, then color projection capability is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single light source and single micro-lens array are designed to perform multiple functions: projecting different colors (red, green, blue, yellow, cyan, magenta) and different images by varying illumination angles and positions. The micro-lens array acts as a universal projection element that can generate various colored images without requiring separate lens arrays for each color.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (illumination angle, light source position, wavelength filtering) to achieve different projection outcomes from the same hardware. By adjusting the angle of incident light and using color filters, the single micro-lens array can project different colored images, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated light sources and lenses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources and lens arrays are used to project colored images, then color projection capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
One light source is designed to universally produce all required colored images through angular control and color filtering, replacing what would traditionally require multiple high-power light sources. This significantly reduces total energy consumption while maintaining full color projection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic or sequential activation of different wavelength components from the single light source, combined with angular switching, to produce different colored images over time. This allows a single energy-efficient light source to replace multiple continuous light sources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pigments are used to provide colors in micro-lens arrays, then color projection is achieved, but stability over time and under high temperature deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces pigment-based color generation (chemical system) with optical interference and diffraction mechanisms (physical system). The micro-lens array uses structural coloration through precise lens geometry and interference filters rather than organic pigments, which are known to degrade under heat and time. This substitution dramatically improves reliability in high-temperature environments like automotive applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite optical structures combining micro-lens arrays with interference-based color filters and diffractive elements. These composite optical components provide stable, temperature-resistant color generation without relying on degradable organic pigments.
4Productivity
If conventional micro-lens arrays are used for projection, then image projection is achieved, but optical defects such as chromatic aberrations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The micro-lens array is designed with locally optimized lens parameters (curvature, thickness, material) for different regions to compensate for chromatic aberrations. Each lens element or region is tailored to minimize color fringing and improve focal precision across the spectrum, thereby enhancing overall optical quality while maintaining projection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs composite optical designs combining micro-lenses with achromatic lens elements, diffractive optical elements, and interference filters. These composite structures work together to correct chromatic aberrations and improve image sharpness across different wavelengths, resolving the optical defects of conventional single-material lens arrays.
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 efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality projection of dynamic images with reduced energy consumption and optical defects, suitable for automotive applications by using a single light source and advanced light alteration layers to modulate color and shape.
Implementation Method 1
The nanostructured layer comprises several diffractive domains D1, D2... each diffractive domain comprising local corrugations 51a, 51b
Implementation Method 2
nanoparticules 50a embedded in a dielectric material... plasmonic areas
Implementation Method 3
first lens array 20 comprising several entrance lenses 21 and a second lens array 40 comprising several exit lenses 41
Implementation Method 4
The incident light L crossing a given diffractive domains D1, D2... to provide a projected light Lp
Data Source
AI summary
A micro-lens based module including at least one nanostructured layer, the nanostructured layer including one or several diffractive domains corresponding to an optical object. The claimed micro-lens based module allows dynamic and/or coloured projections of optical objects with an improved optical quality. The present invention also relates to a projection device and a method of projection of improved coloured and/or dynamic images.