Retinal Image Relay Optical System for Focus-Free Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional projection devices struggle to allow individuals with poor eyesight to focus and view entire images, and devices that project laser light onto the retina do not effectively represent images from a projection device.
Innovation Solution
An image relay device comprising a projection device, a first optical member that converts parallel image light to convergent light, and a second optical member that converts convergent light back to parallel light, enabling focus-free projection of laser light representing an image from a projection device onto the retina.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a projection device projects an image onto a screen or wall, then the display size is increased, but individuals with poor eyesight cannot focus and view the entire image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical relay system consisting of a first optical member (condensing lens) and a second optical member (collimating lens) as intermediaries between the projection device and the viewer's eye. This relay system transforms the projection device's output into laser light that can be focused by the viewer's own lens onto the retina, enabling clear viewing for persons with poor eyesight while maintaining large display size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the light path by using the first optical member to convert parallel light from the projection device into convergent light, and the second optical member to convert it back to parallel light. This parameter transformation enables the light to be properly focused by the viewer's eye lens onto the retina, solving the focus problem for persons with poor eyesight
2Ease of operation
If a device projects laser light directly onto the retina, then focus-free viewing is achieved, but the entire image cannot be viewed and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical relay system universal by designing it to work with standard projection devices without requiring modifications to the projection device itself. The relay system can be attached to various projection devices and provides both image relay functionality and retinal projection capabilities, reducing overall system complexity while achieving focus-free viewing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical system into distinct functional components: the projection device, the first optical member (condensing lens), and the second optical member (collimating lens). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently and enables independent optimization and replacement, managing device complexity through modular design
3Area of stationary object
If conventional projection devices are used, then the entire screen can be viewed, but individuals with poor eyesight can only see a part of the screen even when bringing their face closer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of bringing the face closer to the screen to improve visibility with an optical substitution. The optical relay system uses lenses to transform the light path and project the image directly onto the retina, eliminating the need for the viewer to physically move closer and enabling the entire screen to be viewed clearly by persons with poor eyesight
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
Enables individuals with poor eyesight to visually recognize entire images in focus without the need for corrective measures, providing high-quality image projection directly onto the retina without the use of HDMI cables or head-mounted displays.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical member that receives the image light from the projection device and converts the image light, which is parallel light, to light beams of convergent light
Implementation Method 2
a second optical member that converts the light beams output from the first optical member into parallel light
Implementation Method 3
a scan unit configured to scan the laser light based on image data
Data Source
AI summary
An image relay device that projects laser light representing an image emitted from a projection device onto the retina is provided. The image relay device includes a projection device, a first optical member, and a second optical member. The projection device includes a light source configured to emit laser light and a scan unit configured to scan the laser light based on image data. The first optical member receives an image light from the projection device and converts the image light which is a parallel light, to light beams of convergent light. The second optical member converts the light beams output from the first optical member into parallel light.