Optical Path Control With Torsional Rigidity Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices that shift the optical path by oscillating an optical part about two axes can degrade image quality due to differences in oscillation times between the first and second axes, resulting in non-uniform image output.
Innovation Solution
An optical path control apparatus with a first and second oscillating part supported by shafts of differing torsional rigidity, where the second shaft part has higher torsional rigidity than the first, and a drive signal with specific waveforms to synchronize the oscillation frequencies of the parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the optical part is oscillated about two crossing axes to shift the optical path, then the resolution of the projected image can be higher than the resolution of the optical modulation apparatus, but the image quality degrades because the oscillation times of the first and second shaft parts differ, resulting in non-uniform image output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the torsional rigidity of the second shaft part different from that of the first shaft part. Specifically, the second shaft part has higher torsional rigidity than the first shaft part, which compensates for the moment of inertia difference and equalizes the oscillation times. This localized property adjustment resolves the contradiction by maintaining uniform image output while preserving the super-resolution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of torsional rigidity to resolve the oscillation time difference. By adjusting the torsional rigidity of the second shaft part to be higher than that of the first shaft part, the system achieves equalized oscillation periods despite different moments of inertia. This parameter change enables both high resolution and image quality uniformity.
2Device complexity
If the torsional rigidity of both shaft parts is made equal, then the structure is simpler, but the oscillation times differ due to different moments of inertia, causing image quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making both shaft parts identical (symmetric design), the patent applies local quality by giving the second shaft part different torsional rigidity than the first shaft part. This asymmetric local adjustment compensates for the moment of inertia difference and equalizes oscillation times, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and image output uniformity.
3Area of stationary object
If the oscillation amplitude is increased to improve image coverage, then the field of view is enhanced, but the oscillation time increases, causing motion blur and image quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes periodic oscillation action with equalized periods for both shaft parts. By ensuring that the oscillation times are equal through the torsional rigidity adjustment, the system can perform rapid periodic scanning that covers a larger area without introducing motion blur. The equalized periodic action allows the optical part to complete full oscillation cycles in synchronized time, preventing image degradation during scanning.
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 ensures uniform image output during oscillation by aligning the oscillation times of the first and second shaft parts, thereby maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
Torsional rigidity of the second shaft part is higher than torsional rigidity of the first shaft part
Data Source
AI summary
An optical path control apparatus includes an oscillating part. The oscillating part has an optical part on which light is made incident, a first oscillating part for supporting the optical part, and a second oscillating part for supporting the first oscillating part in an oscillatable manner by a first shaft part and being supported on a support part in an oscillatable manner by a second shaft part. The optical path control apparatus includes a first actuator configured to oscillate the oscillating part about a first oscillation axis including the first shaft part as a support; and a second actuator configured to oscillate the oscillating part about a second oscillation axis including the second shaft part as a support. The first oscillation axis crosses the second oscillation axis. The torsional rigidity of the second shaft part is higher than the torsional rigidity of the first shaft part.