Retinal Image Projection Using Multicolor VCSELs for High Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image projection devices, such as AR glasses, face challenges in achieving high resolution and low power consumption due to the need for optical output power when downsizing light sources and scanners.
Innovation Solution
The device employs a light source comprising multiple laser elements emitting different colors, each with a VCSEL structure and optimized wavelength, coupled with a scanner and projection optical system controlled by a visual line direction detector and controller, to project images directly to the retina while minimizing optical output power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the light source is downsized to meet miniaturization requirements, then the device size is reduced, but the optical output power becomes insufficient for high resolution projection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple VCSELs (vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers) with different wavelengths (red, green, blue) into a single integrated light source assembly. This merging approach allows the compact structure to deliver sufficient total optical output power across multiple wavelengths, resolving the contradiction between miniaturization and maintaining adequate optical power for high-resolution projection.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source assembly is designed to provide multiple wavelengths (red, green, blue) simultaneously, making it a multi-functional light source that can drive multiple scanners for different color channels. This universality allows a single compact light source to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate light sources, achieving miniaturization while maintaining sufficient optical power.
2Volume of moving object
If the light source is downsized to meet miniaturization requirements, then the device size is reduced, but power consumption increases to maintain high resolution projection
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple VCSELs into a single integrated assembly with shared control electronics and optical paths, the patent reduces redundant components and power management circuitry. This consolidation lowers overall power consumption compared to using separate light source assemblies for each wavelength, while still providing sufficient optical output for high-resolution projection in a miniaturized form factor.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple laser elements are used to achieve high resolution, then the image quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple VCSELs, their respective optical paths, and control mechanisms into a single integrated light source assembly. This integration reduces the overall structural complexity compared to having separate assemblies for each wavelength, while still achieving high-resolution projection by combining the output of multiple laser elements with different wavelengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source assembly is designed as a universal module that handles multiple wavelengths (red, green, blue) through a unified structure. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall device architecture by replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate light source systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high image resolution capabilities.
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 configuration enables high-resolution image projection with low power consumption, allowing for miniaturization and stable operation without increasing the threshold current, and supports high gradation and frequency characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a light source that irradiates a laser beam... the light source comprises: at least one first laser element that irradiates a laser of a first color, at least one second laser element that irradiates a laser of a second color different from the first color, and at least one third laser element that irradiates a laser of a third color different from the first and the second color
Data Source
AI summary
An image projection device includes a light source, a scanner, a projection optical system, a visual line direction detector, and an optical system controller. The light source irradiates a laser beam. The scanner scans the laser beam irradiated from the light source. The projection optical system irradiates the laser beam scanned by the scanner and projects an image to a user's retina. The visual line direction detector that detects a user's visual line direction for which the image is projected. The optical system controller that controls the projection optical system based on the visual line direction detected by the visual line direction detector. The light source includes at least one first laser element that irradiates a laser of a first color, at least one second laser element that irradiates a laser of a second color, and at least one third laser element that irradiates a laser of a third color.