Optical Scanning Device Compact Design via Light Source Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display and projection devices, such as HUDs mounted on mobile objects, face challenges in downsizing while maintaining effective installation flexibility, which is crucial for space-efficient use in vehicles, aircraft, and ships.
Innovation Solution
An optical scanning device comprising a light source, a scanning member, and an incident optical system that deflects and guides a light beam to two-dimensionally scan an area, with the light source unit emitting trichromatic colors and the scanning member using MEMS technology to form an intermediate image, allowing for compact design by optimizing the placement of optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the device size is decreased to achieve downsizing, then the installation flexibility and space efficiency are improved, but the optical path length and image quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the light source in the second area (non-image-forming area) rather than the first area (image-forming area), utilizing spatial dimensionality to separate the light source location from the image formation path. This allows compact device design while maintaining adequate optical path length for image quality, as the light travels through a optimized path that doesn't require large physical separation between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflective member (such as a curved mirror) as an intermediary optical element that redirects light from the light source in the second area to the scanning member. This intermediary enables the light to traverse an extended optical path within a compact physical footprint, maintaining image quality while achieving device downsizing.
2Device complexity
If the light source is positioned in the first area to simplify optical path, then the device structure is simplified, but the scanning area is reduced and image distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the second area (surrounding the first area) to position the light source, expanding the usable spatial dimensions beyond the traditional image-forming area. This dimensional expansion allows the optical system to achieve both simplified structure and full scanning area coverage by strategically placing components in previously underutilized spatial zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a reflective member (optical element) to substitute for a more complex mechanical positioning system. By using optical reflection to redirect light paths, the system achieves versatile scanning area coverage without requiring complex mechanical adjustments or larger physical component placement.
3Volume of moving object
If the incident optical system is placed in the first area for compact design, then the device is downsized, but the light beam path is obstructed and image formation is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into distinct functional areas: the first area for image formation and the second area for light source placement. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimized zone without obstruction, maintaining ease of light beam transmission while achieving compact overall device volume through efficient spatial organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective member serves as an intermediary that bridges the light source in the second area with the scanning member, ensuring unobstructed light beam transmission. This intermediary optical element enables the light path to navigate around potential obstructions in compact configurations while maintaining beam quality and transmission efficiency.
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 the downsizing of projection and display devices while maintaining reliable image recognition and correction for optical distortion, effectively utilizing space in mobile objects by reducing the device's size without compromising image quality or installation flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a scanning member to deflect the light beam emitted from the light source to cause the deflected light beam to two-dimensionally scan a scanning area
Implementation Method 2
an incident optical system to guide the light beam emitted from the light source to the scanning member
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical scanning device (200) includes a light source (110, 120, and 130), a scanning member (20), and an incident optical system (100). The scanning member (20) two-dimensionally scans a scanning area (G1) with the deflected light beam in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The incident optical system (100) guides the emitted light beam to the scanning member (20), the incident optical system (100) including the light source (110, 120, and 130). The scanning area (G1) includes a first area (G10) and a second area (G11) surrounding the first area (G10). When the scanning area is viewed from a side of the scanning member, at least a part of the incident optical system (100) is disposed in an area of the second area (G11) that overlaps one of two divided areas of the scanning area (G1). The two divided areas are divided by a line segment parallel to the first direction.