Polygonal Prism Cavity Projection Apparatus for Wide Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current near-eye light field display technologies, such as DLP and MEMS systems, face limitations in projection field of view due to small digital micromirror device sizes, leading to high costs and difficult assembly requirements, which restrict the viewing angle and increase implementation costs.
Innovation Solution
A projection apparatus with a polygonal prism projection cavity, a scanning motor, and a reflection layer that performs rotary scanning, enhancing the projection angle of view through a convex reflective surface and diffusion layer, allowing for larger scanning ranges and improved image clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the size of digital micromirror device (DMD) is increased to enlarge projection FOV, then projection FOV is improved, but manufacturing difficulty and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a flat mirror surface to a three-dimensional polygonal prism cavity structure. The light source moves within the cavity and reflects off the inner walls, utilizing spatial dimensionality to achieve a wider projection FOV without requiring a larger flat DMD surface. This dimensional transformation allows the system to overcome the manufacturing limitations of large-size DMDs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the projection cavity into multiple polygonal surfaces (inner walls) that can independently reflect light. Instead of relying on a single large mirror, the system segments the reflection function across multiple smaller surfaces, making the system more manufacturable while achieving a larger effective projection area through the cumulative effect of multiple reflections.
2Area of stationary object
If the maximum rotation angle of the mirror is increased to enlarge projection FOV, then projection angle of view is improved, but the mechanical complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional single-axis rotation mechanism with a multi-dimensional polygonal cavity structure. Instead of rotating a mirror to change the projection angle, the system uses the fixed geometric configuration of the polygonal prism cavity to provide multiple reflection paths, achieving a wider projection FOV without increasing mechanical rotation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical rotation system with an optical path design based on the polygonal cavity geometry. The light source's movement and reflection off the stationary polygonal surfaces replace the need for large-angle mirror rotation, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving projection capabilities.
3Area of stationary object
If fiber scanning with micro motor is used to achieve large projection angle of view, then projection FOV is improved, but assembly requirements and implementation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the scanning function from the mechanical micro motor system and integrates it into the optical cavity design. By using the light source's movement within the polygonal cavity and the cavity's geometric properties, the system achieves scanning functionality without requiring a separate micro motor and optical fiber assembly, thereby reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the scanning mechanism with the projection cavity structure itself. The polygonal prism cavity serves both as the projection chamber and as the scanning element, eliminating the need for separate scanning components like micro motors and optical fibers, thus reducing assembly requirements and implementation costs.
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 achieves a larger projection angle of view, enhancing the display effect and meeting user viewing requirements while reducing costs by utilizing a more efficient and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
a convex reflective surface
Implementation Method 2
diffusion layer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a projection apparatus, including: a projection cavity, a light source, a scanning motor, and a processor. The light source and the scanning motor are located inside the projection cavity, and the processor is connected to both the light source and the scanning motor. A reflection layer is disposed on a scanning mirror of the scanning motor, where the reflection layer is configured to reflect light emitted by the light source. The embodiments of the present invention have advantages of an enlarged reflection range of light and an expanded projection angle of view.