Integrated Microoptic Imager Processor Display Stack
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging devices require significant space for optical input or output, limiting their compactness and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A compact stack structure incorporating light directing apertures for both input and output, an optical detector, a processor, and a display, where the optical detector converts optical input to electrical signals, and the processor processes data for display, with light directing apertures fabricated from materials like molded glass and polycarbonate, allowing for a thin and flexible active optical component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If traditional imaging devices use separate components for optical input and output, then functional reliability is maintained, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical detector, processor, and display into a single integrated active optical component. The optical detector and display are positioned on opposite sides of the processor within the same component housing, eliminating the need for separate imaging devices and reducing overall device volume while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The active optical component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it captures optical input through the optical detector, processes the captured data through the processor, and displays the processed information through the display. This multi-functional integration reduces the number of separate components needed in the imaging system.
2Ease of operation
If optical components are made thin and flexible for wearable integration, then ease of operation improves, but manufacturing precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the optical detector and display on opposite sides of the processor in a stacked three-dimensional arrangement. This vertical stacking in the thickness dimension allows the component to remain thin while maintaining proper optical alignment and functional separation between detection and display elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The active optical component is designed with a thin, flexible housing that can be integrated into wearable devices like glasses. The component's reduced thickness and flexible construction allow it to conform to wearable form factors while maintaining internal component alignment through precise positioning structures.
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 reduces the thickness of the imaging system, enabling it to be integrated into wearable devices like glasses, while maintaining or improving resolution and noise reduction, and allowing for augmented vision with overlaid information.
Implementation Method 1
The optical detector is positioned to receive the optical input and convert the optical input to an electrical signal corresponding to intensity and location data
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system for displaying light from a scene includes an active optical component that includes a first plurality of light directing apertures, an optical detector, a processor, a display, and a second plurality of light directing apertures. The first plurality of light directing apertures is positioned to provide an optical input to the optical detector. The optical detector is positioned to receive the optical input and convert the optical input to an electrical signal corresponding to intensity and location data. The processor is connected to receive the data from the optical detector and process the data for the display. The second plurality of light directing apertures is positioned to provide an optical output from the display.