Rotating Refractive Actuator for Projector Pixel Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional DLP projection systems face limitations in pixel resolution due to the number of mirrors on the DMD, and existing tilting actuators are large, complex, and costly, requiring specialized drive circuitry and larger lenses to maintain image quality.

Innovation Solution

A rotating actuator with a glass disk having alternating tilted regions is introduced between the DMD and prism, allowing for enhanced pixel resolution by displacing light to create additional pixels without the need for complex drive waveforms or large lenses, and can be synchronized with image and color generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional tilting actuators are used to enhance pixel resolution, then pixel resolution is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to specialized drive circuitry and larger lenses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepixel resolutionVSAvoidcomplexity of drive circuitry and actuator system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical tilting actuators with a rotating refractive actuator that uses optical refraction principles. The actuator consists of a rotating element with varying refractive indices that displaces light to create additional pixels, eliminating the need for complex drive circuitry and large lenses while achieving enhanced pixel resolution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the refractive index parameter of the rotating actuator material to control light displacement. By varying the refractive index across different regions of the rotating element, the system creates multiple pixel positions without requiring mechanical tilting, thus simplifying the overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If conventional tilting actuators are used to enhance pixel resolution, then pixel resolution is improved, but the distance between optical components must increase to maintain image quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepixel resolutionVSAvoiddistance between optical components

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating refractive actuator uses optical refraction rather than mechanical tilting to displace light. This allows for compact optical design with reduced distances between components while maintaining enhanced pixel resolution, as the refraction-based light displacement is more efficient than mechanical tilting approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If conventional tilting actuators are used, then pixel resolution is enhanced, but overshoot and ripple issues occur in the control system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepixel resolutionVSAvoidcontrol system stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical tilting system with a rotating refractive system that has inherently smoother control characteristics. The rotation-based mechanism eliminates the overshoot and ripple problems associated with rapid mechanical tilting, providing more reliable and stable control while maintaining enhanced pixel resolution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating actuator uses periodic rotation to cycle through different refractive regions, creating a smooth, continuous modulation of light displacement. This periodic action eliminates the abrupt transitions and control instabilities that cause overshoot and ripple in mechanical tilting systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 enhances pixel resolution, reduces the distance between optical components, lowers costs, and eliminates overshoot and ripple issues, enabling higher frame rates and improved image quality with simplified control systems.

Implementation Method 1

The first region is tilted at a first non-normal angle with respect to an axis of rotation of the rotatable actuator. The second region is tilted at a second non-normal angle with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotatable actuator. Light reflected by the spatial light modulator and passing through the first region is displaced one pixel relative to light reflected by the spatial light modulator and passing through the second region.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS9860495B2Projector with rotating refractive actuator

Publication Date: 2018.01.02 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

An image projector includes a digital micro device (DMD) spatial light modulator and a rotatable actuator. The rotatable actuator is disposed in a path of light reflected from the spatial light modulator. The rotatable actuator includes a first region and a second region. The first region is tilted at a first non-normal angle with respect to an axis of rotation of the rotatable actuator. The second region is tilted at a second non-normal angle with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotatable actuator. Light reflected by the spatial light modulator and passing through the first region is displaced one pixel relative to light reflected by the spatial light modulator and passing through the second region.