Projector Actuator Assembly for Compact UHD Image Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projectors supporting UHD resolution face high unit costs due to the use of expensive digital micromirror devices, and existing actuator assemblies for refracting light increase projector size, compromising miniaturization and image stability.
Innovation Solution
A projector design incorporating an actuator assembly with two glasses tilted in perpendicular directions, controlled by tilt drivers, to refract light and achieve UHD resolution without increasing overall size, using a DMD with lower resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a digital micromirror device (DMD) supporting UHD resolution is used, then the projector can project high resolution content, but the unit cost of the product is excessively increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the UHD image into multiple standard-resolution sub-images (e.g., four FHD sub-images for UHD projection). Each sub-image is processed separately by a standard DMD, and the sub-images are then combined optically to form the final high-resolution image. This segmentation allows the use of lower-cost standard-resolution DMDs instead of expensive UHD DMDs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple standard-resolution images projected by a single DMD into a single high-resolution image using optical combining techniques. Multiple light paths carrying different sub-images are combined through beam splitters and mirrors to form the complete UHD image on the screen, achieving high resolution without requiring a UHD-capable DMD.
2Volume of moving object
If an actuator assembly tilts one glass in first and second directions, then the projector can be miniaturized, but the tilted angle control accuracy is reduced and image stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tilt control function into two independent actuators: one actuator controls tilting in the first direction (horizontal), and the other actuator controls tilting in the second direction (vertical). This segmentation allows each actuator to specialize in a single direction, improving control accuracy and image stability while maintaining a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-axis tilt mechanism to a two-axis tilt mechanism by adding independent control in perpendicular directions. This dimensional expansion enables precise angular control in both horizontal and vertical planes, improving image stability without significantly increasing the overall projector volume.
3Device complexity
If a single glass is tilted in first and second directions, then the projector structure is simplified, but the tilted angle cannot be accurately controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tilt control into two independent single-degree-of-freedom actuators instead of one complex multi-degree-of-freedom actuator. Each actuator is responsible for tilting in one specific direction, which simplifies the control algorithm and improves angle accuracy while keeping the overall structure manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of two independent actuators to achieve precise angular positioning. By controlling each actuator independently based on real-time feedback, the system can accurately adjust the tilt angles in both directions, achieving high precision without requiring an overly complex mechanical structure.
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 design allows stable projection of high-resolution content while maintaining a compact size, ensuring accurate tilt angles and preventing image quality degradation.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator assembly configured to refract the light projected from the digital micromirror device
Data Source
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AI summary
A projector includes a light source configured to provide light, a digital micromirror device configured to form a video by selectively reflecting the light, a projection lens configured to enlarge and project the light reflected by the digital micromirror device onto a screen, and the actuator assembly disposed between the digital micromirror device and the projection lens and configured to allow the light incident on the projection lens from the digital micromirror device to travel straight or be refracted. The actuator assembly includes a first actuator including a first glass, and a second actuator including a second glass.