Projector Module Beam Folding for Compact Mobile Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current projector modules for mobile devices are too large, compromising compactness, stability, and efficiency, which limits their functionality in applications like 3D environment recognition due to the minimum distance requirement between the laser source and collimating optics.
Innovation Solution
A projector module design that incorporates a deflector to fold the beam path, allowing for a reduction in overall length and width without sacrificing resolution or contrast, using a combination of a laser source, collection optics, and a diffractive optical element within a compact housing, with the deflector arranged to deflect radiation from the laser source before the collection optics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the minimum distance requirement between laser source and collection optics is maintained, then optical functionality is ensured, but module size cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beam path folding by introducing a deflector that changes the propagation direction of light from the laser source. This transforms a linear optical path into a folded geometry, allowing the collection optics to be positioned closer to the laser source while maintaining proper optical alignment. The beam path is folded back on itself, reducing the overall module length without compromising optical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector acts as an intermediary optical element between the laser source and collection optics. It mediates the beam path by deflecting light at a specific angle, enabling the collection optics to be positioned at a reduced distance from the laser source while still receiving properly aligned light. This intermediary component solves the distance constraint problem.
2Volume of moving object
If module size is reduced, then compactness is improved, but stability and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical components into a compact integrated structure. The laser source, deflector, and collection optics are combined within a single housing that guides the beam path. This merging reduces the overall module size while maintaining structural stability through the integrated design that holds all components in precise relative positions.
Solution Approach 2:
By folding the beam path in a different spatial dimension, the patent achieves compactness without sacrificing stability. The folded geometry allows for a more compact arrangement of components while the housing structure maintains stable positioning of all elements, preventing misalignment.
3Volume of moving object
If module size is reduced, then compactness is improved, but resolution and contrast deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector serves as an intermediary that preserves beam quality while enabling compactness. It is designed to deflect the beam without introducing significant aberrations or loss of contrast, thereby maintaining resolution even in the reduced module configuration. The deflector's optical design ensures that the beam reaching the collection optics maintains its integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical spacing requirements with optical path folding. Instead of relying on large physical distances to achieve proper optical alignment, the system uses a folded beam path with a deflector to achieve the same optical effect in a compact configuration, thereby maintaining resolution without the mechanical space requirements of conventional designs.
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 enables a significantly more compact, stable, and reliable projector module that maintains high module efficiency and optical functionality, allowing for integration into mobile devices without protruding beyond their frames.
Implementation Method 1
a laser source (10) designed to emit coherent electromagnetic radiation with a divergent beam profile
Implementation Method 2
a collection optics (20) designed to collimate or focus convergently into a specific image plane the divergent radiation emitted by the laser source
Implementation Method 3
a diffractive optical element, DOE (30), designed to generate a projection pattern from the radiation collimated or converged by the collection optics
Implementation Method 4
a deflector (40), designed to deflect the divergent radiation emitted by the laser source (10) from a first direction into a second direction deviating from the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a projector module. In particular, the invention relates to a projector module for the use in mobile devices, wherein a most compact, stable and reliable module structure with high module efficiency can be achieved. A projector module according to the invention comprises a beam path with a laser source, designed to emit coherent electromagnetic radiation with a divergent beam profile; a collection optics, designed to collimate or focus the divergent radiation emitted by the laser source convergently into an image plane; and a diffractive optical element, DOE, designed to generate a projection pattern from the radiation collimated or focused by the collection optics; wherein a deflector, designed to deflect the divergent radiation emitted by the laser source from a first direction into a second direction deviating from the first direction, is arranged in front of the collection optics or is designed as a collection optics.