Polarized Laser Projection With Birefringent Resolution Doubling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projection systems face challenges in achieving high resolution without increasing mechanical complexity and cost, particularly in applications like AR and VR where compact and rapidly controllable systems are desired.
Innovation Solution
A projection system utilizing two laser devices emitting electromagnetic radiation with different polarization states, combined through a coupling device and modulated by an imaging device with controllable micromirrors, employs a birefringent plate for spatial separation and a control device for temporal offset, allowing for increased resolution without mechanical parts movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the number of micromirrors is increased to improve resolution, then the resolution of the projection system is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic temporal offset control where two laser devices are operated alternately with different polarization states within an image frame. This periodic switching allows the same physical micromirror array to effectively resolve multiple spatial frequencies over time, doubling the resolution without adding more micromirrors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temporal parameter by introducing a temporal offset between the operation of two laser devices with different polarization states. This parameter change allows the system to extract additional spatial information from the same micromirror array, effectively doubling resolution while maintaining the same hardware configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical parts are moved to change image parameters, then the image can be adjusted, but the system becomes less suitable for rapid image changes and AR/VR applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical image adjustment mechanisms with optical and temporal control methods. By using two laser devices with different polarization states and controlling them with temporal offsets, the system achieves image parameter changes without moving any mechanical parts, enabling rapid image changes suitable for AR/VR applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic temporal offset control to switch between different laser devices and polarization states, enabling rapid image parameter changes without mechanical movement. This periodic switching occurs within an image frame, allowing fast adaptation for AR/VR applications.
3Manufacturing precision
If the number of laser devices is increased to improve image quality, then the image quality is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the polarization state parameter by using two laser devices with different polarization states rather than increasing the number of laser devices for different purposes. This parameter differentiation allows the same laser devices to serve multiple functions in resolving different spatial frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
By periodically switching between two laser devices with different polarization states using temporal offsets, the system achieves improved image quality and doubled resolution without needing a large number of laser devices, thus controlling system complexity.
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 system achieves doubled resolution without additional mechanical parts, enabling rapid image changes and reduced speckle formation, suitable for AR and VR applications with enhanced image clarity.
Implementation Method 1
a birefringent plate which is configured to spatially separate the first modulated radiation and the second modulated radiation
Implementation Method 2
The coupling device is configured to superimpose the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first laser device with electromagnetic radiation emitted by the second laser device
Data Source
AI summary
A projection system includes a first laser device configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having a first polarization state, a second laser device configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having a second polarization state, and a coupling device configured to superimpose the radiation emitted by the first laser device with the radiation emitted by the second laser device. The system includes an imaging device including an array of individually controllable digital micromirrors. The imaging device is configured to modulate the radiation emitted by the first laser device and the radiation emitted by the second laser device, wherein first modulated radiation and second modulated radiation are generated. The system includes a birefringent plate configured to spatially separate the first modulated radiation and the second modulated radiation, and a control device that actuates the first laser device and the second laser device and is configured to operate the second laser device.