Red Laser Diode Optical Link for Pico-Projector Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pico-projectors face challenges in power reduction, heat generation, cost minimization, and enhanced capabilities, particularly in ultra-compact, battery-powered devices like mobile phones, where existing technologies struggle to provide efficient and cost-effective solutions for reduced power consumption and heat production while maintaining functionality.
Innovation Solution
A pico-projector system that utilizes a red laser diode as an optical link for data transfer, allowing the projector to operate in both image projection and high-speed data transmission modes, thereby eliminating the need for a separate transmitter and reducing power consumption and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate transmitter is added to enable data transfer functionality, then the device capabilities are enhanced, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The red laser diode is designed to perform dual functions: serving as both a light source for image projection and as a transmitter for high-speed data communication. By modulating the laser diode's operation, the system enables wireless data transfer without requiring a separate transmitter component, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining enhanced capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the imaging function and data transmission function into a single component (the red laser diode). The laser diode's light output is used both to illuminate the imaging modulator for projection and to carry modulated data signals for communication, effectively merging two separate systems into one
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate transmitter is added for data transfer, then data transfer functionality is provided, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The red laser diode performs dual duties as both an imaging light source and a data transmission carrier. By operating the same component in both modes, the system eliminates the need for a separate power-consuming transmitter, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining data transfer functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power requirements of imaging and data transmission into a single power supply chain for the red laser diode. The modulation of the laser diode's drive current enables data transmission during normal operation without requiring additional power budget for a separate transmitter
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional components are added for data transfer, then functionality is enhanced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The red laser diode is designed to provide both imaging and data transmission functions, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble a separate transmitter component. This reduces bill of materials cost and simplifies the manufacturing process while still providing enhanced data transfer capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of imaging and data transmission in the red laser diode subsystem, reducing the total component count and assembly complexity. This merging approach lowers manufacturing costs by eliminating redundant components and simplifying the production process
4Device complexity
If the red laser diode is reused for data transfer, then component count is reduced, but the projector's primary imaging function must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between imaging mode and data transmission mode by modulating the red laser diode's operation. During normal projection, the laser diode operates in continuous mode for imaging; during data transfer, it is modulated at high frequency. This dynamic operation ensures the imaging function remains reliable while enabling data transmission when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic modulation of the red laser diode to encode data signals. The laser diode alternates between imaging operation and modulated data transmission in a controlled manner, ensuring that the primary imaging function is maintained while periodically providing data transfer capability
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 ultra-compact, low-power, cost-effective pico-projectors with enhanced capabilities by reusing the existing red laser diode for data transfer, reducing heat production and operational costs, and providing additional functionality without increasing the device's complexity or cost.
Implementation Method 1
turning on the red laser diode to establish an optical link
Implementation Method 2
transferring the data to the other device through the optical link
Implementation Method 3
The other device receives the data using a photosensor
Data Source
AI summary
A projection system for projecting an output image. The projection system comprises 1) a plurality of laser diodes, each laser diode generating a light beam; 2) combiner optics for combining light beams from the laser diodes to generate an output light beam; and a MEMS mirror module for receiving the output light beam and generating a scanning light beam operable to form the output image on a projection surface. A controller operates the projection system in a first mode in which the projection system projects an output image and operates the projection system in a second mode in which the projection system transmits data to an external device using a light beam from one of the plurality of laser diodes.