Mirror-Laser Synchronization Circuit for Low-Power MEMS Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser projection systems face challenges in synchronizing MEMS mirrors and lasers efficiently, particularly in high-resolution applications, due to the need for separate clock signals that consume significant power, making them unsuitable for portable electronics.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes a mirror controller generating synchronization signals for an oscillating mirror apparatus and synchronization circuitry that modifies a laser clock signal to align with mirror synchronization signals, eliminating the need for separate clock signal transmission and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate clock signal is transmitted from the mirror controller to the laser modulation logic, then synchronization between MEMS mirrors and lasers is achieved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clock signal generation and synchronization functions into a single integrated circuit, eliminating the need for separate clock signal transmission between the mirror controller and laser modulation logic. This integration maintains synchronization accuracy while significantly reducing power consumption by removing the power-hungry clock signal transmission path.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit performs multiple functions including clock signal generation, synchronization signal generation for both the oscillating mirror and laser, and alignment operations. By making the circuit universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated clock signal paths, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining all necessary synchronization capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If high frequency clock signal is used for high resolution imaging, then imaging resolution is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the high-frequency clock signal generation with the synchronization control functions in a single integrated circuit. This allows the system to achieve high imaging resolution through high-frequency operation while reducing overall power consumption by eliminating redundant signal transmission paths and optimizing the clock distribution architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate integrated circuits are used for mirror controller and laser modulation logic, then functional independence is achieved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mirror controller and laser modulation logic into a single integrated circuit, reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate circuits and their interconnecting signal paths. The integrated design maintains all necessary functional capabilities while simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit is designed to perform multiple functions including mirror control, laser modulation, synchronization signal generation, and clock signal management. This multi-functional approach maintains the functional independence and adaptability of separate circuits while achieving the benefits of integration, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a laser scanning projector includes a mirror controller generating horizontal and vertical mirror synchronization signals for an oscillating mirror apparatus based upon a mirror clock signal, and laser modulation circuitry. The laser modulation circuitry generates horizontal and vertical laser synchronization signals as a function of a received laser clock signal, and generates control signals for a laser that emits a laser beam that impinges on the oscillating mirror apparatus. Synchronization circuitry generates the laser clock signal and sends the laser clock signal to the laser modulation circuitry, receives the horizontal and vertical mirror synchronization signals from the mirror controller, receives the horizontal and vertical laser synchronization signals from the laser modulation circuitry, and modifies the laser clock signal so as to achieve alignment between the horizontal and vertical mirror synchronization signals and the horizontal and vertical laser synchronization signals.