Retinal Projection Laser Array Layout for Low-Power Color Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video projection devices face challenges in reducing power consumption and size while maintaining image quality, particularly in head-mounted displays, due to separate light modulation units that increase power consumption and device size.
Innovation Solution
A video projection device utilizing a monolithic semiconductor laser array with multiple light emitting units, an optical waveguide, and a diffractive element, where the light emitting units are optically coupled to different input ports in the waveguide, allowing for multiplexing of laser light beams with controlled intervals and wavelengths to enhance image quality and reduce overlap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light modulation unit is provided separately from the light source, then color deviation can be reduced, but power consumption increases and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source and light modulation unit into a single integrated structure. The semiconductor laser array directly modulates light output to generate different colors, eliminating the need for a separate light modulation unit while maintaining color accuracy and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The semiconductor laser array performs multiple functions: it serves as both the light source and the light modulation unit. By controlling the emission wavelengths of different laser elements, it generates multiple colors without requiring separate modulation components.
2Measurement precision
If a light modulation unit is provided separately from the light source, then color deviation can be reduced, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source and light modulation unit into a single integrated structure. The semiconductor laser array directly modulates light output to generate different colors, eliminating the need for a separate light modulation unit while maintaining color accuracy and reducing power consumption.
3Volume of moving object
If multiple laser light beams are emitted from closely spaced light emitting units, then device size is reduced, but light coupling efficiency decreases due to overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by controlling the emission characteristics of individual laser elements within the array. Each light emitting unit emits light with specific wavelength and directionality, allowing closely spaced units to couple efficiently to the optical waveguide without excessive overlap by optimizing local emission properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters including the emission wavelengths of different laser elements and the spacing between light emitting units. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system achieves efficient light coupling while maintaining compact dimensions and avoiding excessive beam overlap.
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 achieves reduced power consumption and device size while maintaining high-resolution and wide-angle viewing, with improved light coupling efficiency and robustness against environmental changes.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide that guides the laser light beam in a predetermined direction
Implementation Method 2
a diffractive element that diffracts the laser light beam in a specific direction in front of an eye and projects the laser light beam on a retina
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present technology is to provide a video projection device capable of obtaining a satisfactory video (image) while achieving reduction in power consumption and reduction in size of the device. Provided is a video projection device including at least: a monolithic semiconductor laser array including multiple light emitting units, each of which emits a laser light beam; an optical waveguide that guides the laser light beam in a predetermined direction; a mirror that scans the laser light beam in two axes; and a diffractive element that diffracts the laser light beam in a specific direction in front of an eye and projects the laser light beam on a retina. The multiple light emitting units are respectively optically coupled to different input ports among multiple input ports included in the optical waveguide.