Projector Digital Analog Delay Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser projectors experience image distortion due to delays between optical output signals and laser image spots on the projection plane, which are exacerbated by the need for high clock frequencies to synchronize light beams, leading to increased calculation and memory demands in control electronics.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating both digital and analog delay elements in the signal path of a projector to allow for precise time delay of light beams and projection unit deflection, enabling synchronization of mirror movement and intensity variation without the need for excessively high clock frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high clock frequencies are used to synchronize laser control signals, then time agreement between optical output signal and mirror movement is improved, but calculation and memory demands of control electronics are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The delay element is segmented into multiple stages (first delay element and second delay element) that can be independently controlled. This allows the delay to be applied in steps rather than requiring a single high-precision high-frequency clock, thereby reducing the overall computational and memory burden while achieving the same synchronization precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The delay elements are made dynamically controllable through separate control signals that adjust the delay amount based on operational requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to use lower clock frequencies for routine operations while maintaining the ability to achieve precise time agreement when needed, reducing average complexity demands.
2Measurement precision
If delay of digital voltage signal for laser control is applied, then time agreement between optical output signal and mirror movement is improved, but image unsharpness occurs due to error in time agreement
Solution Approach 1:
The delay is divided into multiple controllable stages that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows for fine-grained control of the delay amount, enabling precise compensation of signal transmission delays without introducing excessive delay that would cause image unsharpness. The multi-stage approach provides better resolution in delay adjustment compared to a single coarse delay element.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the delay elements are controlled based on measured or calculated timing requirements. This allows the system to dynamically adjust the delay amount to match actual signal transmission characteristics, achieving accurate time agreement while avoiding over-delay that would degrade image sharpness.
3Reliability
If distinctly higher clock time is used than the duration of the shortest exposed pixel, then error in time agreement is avoided, but calculation and memory demands are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single high-frequency clock that demands significant computational resources, the delay function is segmented into multiple lower-frequency controllable stages. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the same time agreement accuracy using lower clock frequencies, thereby reducing calculation and memory demands while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for high-speed digital clocking (electronic/mechanical timing system) with a combination of digital and analog delay elements that can provide precise timing control at lower frequencies. This substitution reduces the demands on the digital control electronics while achieving the same timing accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
The projector with at least two light sources for emission of light beams and a projection unit for controllable deflection of the light beams onto a projection surface has a control device to control light output of the light sources and a deflection of the projection unit, and also at least one digital delay element and at least one analog delay element for combined time delay of at least one of the light beams and/or deflection of the projection unit.