Projector Resolution Enhancement via Multi-Axis Frame Oscillation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current projection devices face challenges in achieving high image resolution without significantly increasing costs, as existing resolution enhancement methods only provide limited enhancements, typically up to twice the original resolution.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an image resolution enhancement device with first and second vibration elements that drive frames to rotate along specific axes, allowing the transparent plate to refract the image light to multiple positions within a frame cycle, thereby enhancing the resolution of the projection light by synthesizing images across these positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a light valve with high resolution is adopted to enhance image resolution, then the image resolution is improved, but the cost of the projection device increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a resolution enhancement element that can dynamically change its inclination angle relative to the optical axis. The element is driven by a driving mechanism (such as a voice coil motor or piezoelectric actuator) to oscillate between different angular positions, thereby dynamically modulating the optical path and achieving super-resolution effects without requiring a high-resolution light valve, thus avoiding the cost increase associated with high-resolution light valves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If a resolution enhancement element with optical jitter technique is added to enhance image resolution, then the image resolution is improved, but the enhancement effect is limited to only two times

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidenhancement effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the traditional optical jitter technique from one-dimensional oscillation to two-dimensional or multi-dimensional motion. The resolution enhancement element is configured to oscillate not only along the optical axis but also in angular directions (inclination angles), creating a more complex motion pattern that samples multiple spatial positions. This multi-dimensional sampling approach enables higher resolution enhancement factors (e.g., 4x or more) compared to the conventional 2x limitation, as it effectively synthesizes information from multiple angular and positional samples.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If the transparent plate is tilted to shift the projected image by a fraction of a pixel, then the image resolution is enhanced, but the device complexity increases due to additional actuators and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the resolution enhancement element to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the optical element that refracts light and the mechanical component that is tilted or oscillated. The driving mechanism is integrated into the existing optical engine structure, sharing components with other subsystems where possible. Additionally, the same oscillating mechanism enables both resolution enhancement and other functions such as optical scanning or beam steering, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the added functionality for super-resolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach effectively enhances the resolution of the projection light by four times within a single frame cycle, providing greater image clarity while maintaining balanced and smooth operation of the device components.

Implementation Method 1

a transparent plate member configured for refracting a light beam passing through the plate member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

the first vibration element makes the first frame to rotate through the first axis according to a first driving electric signal, and the second vibration element makes the second frame to rotate relative to the first frame through the second axis according to a second driving electric signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3492959B1Projector, optical engine module, image resolution enhancement device and driving method thereof
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 CORETRONIC CORPORATION
  • EP3492959B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3492959B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3492959B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A projector, an optical engine module, an image resolution enhancement device and a driving method are provided. The projector includes an illumination device, an optical engine module and a projection lens. The optical engine module is configured with the image resolution enhancement device configured to enhance a resolution of a projection light, and the image resolution enhancement device is adapted to enhance the image resolution by two times or four times.