Projection Device Spatial Light Modulator Virtual Lens Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projection devices face challenges in miniaturization due to the need for numerous components, particularly lenses, which hinder their integration into wearable interface devices while maintaining effective light projection and imaging capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A projection device utilizing a spatial light modulator with a display unit, a light source, and a projection optical system that removes high-order components from reflected light, combined with a virtual lens image to project focused light, reducing the number of components and enabling miniaturization by omitting unnecessary lenses like the Fourier transform lens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple lenses and optical components are used to achieve effective light projection and imaging, then image quality and projection capability are improved, but device size and component count increase, preventing miniaturization for wearable applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the Fourier transform lens function and the imaging lens function into a single imaging lens. The imaging lens is positioned to simultaneously perform Fourier transformation of the modulated light and focus the light to form an image, eliminating the need for a separate Fourier transform lens. This merging of functions directly reduces component count and device volume while maintaining projection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging lens is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the Fourier transform lens (performing spatial frequency transformation) and the imaging lens (focusing light to form an image). This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require two separate lenses, enabling miniaturization for wearable devices
2Volume of moving object
If the number of optical components is reduced to enable miniaturization, then device size and weight are decreased, but optical path control and light projection efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the spatial dimension by positioning the imaging lens at a specific distance from the spatial light modulator that corresponds to its focal length. This dimensional positioning allows the single lens to simultaneously achieve Fourier transformation and image formation, maintaining optical path control efficiency without requiring additional components
3Reliability
If a Fourier transform lens is included in the optical system, then light focusing and image formation are improved, but the device becomes too complex and large for wearable applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the Fourier transform lens and imaging lens into a single imaging lens component. The imaging lens is positioned to simultaneously perform the Fourier transformation function and the image formation function, reducing the component count from two lenses to one while maintaining image formation quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the Fourier transform function from a separate optical component and integrates it into the imaging lens functionality. By positioning the imaging lens at an appropriate distance from the spatial light modulator, the lens inherently performs Fourier transformation while forming the image, eliminating the need for a dedicated Fourier transform lens
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 allows for a compact, low-power projection device that reduces the number of components, enhances layout flexibility, and achieves further miniaturization, making it suitable for wearable interface devices without compromising image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a spatial light modulator of a phase modulation type... displaying, on a display area of a modulation element, a phase distribution for forming an image
Implementation Method 2
projecting reflected light of laser light incident on the display area... configured to project projection light in which a high-order component included in the reflected light is removed
Data Source
AI summary
A projection device comprises: a spatial light modulator having a display unit whereon a pattern corresponding to a display image is presented; a light source arranged to irradiate the display unit with emission light; a projection optical system arranged on the optical path of the reflected light of the emission light incident on the display unit and projecting projection light with the high order component included in the reflected light removed therefrom; and a projection control unit that causes the display unit to present a composite image that combines an image formed by a virtual lens that focuses the emission light incident on the display unit at a first focus position with the pattern corresponding to the display image, and controls the light source so that the display unit is irradiated with the emission light.