Scanned Image Projection System Intermediate Image Plane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scanned laser projection systems face challenges in size reduction, leading to image distortion and optical artifacts, making it difficult to create compact projection systems for applications like eyeglasses or goggles.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an intermediate image plane within the projection system, utilizing optical elements to converge light beams and create a spatial light modulator, allowing for smaller component sizes while maintaining image quality by controlling the pupil size and field of view, and optimizing the C6 safety coefficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If optical components are made smaller to reduce system size, then compactness is improved, but image distortion and optical artifacts worsen
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate image plane is introduced between the spatial light modulator and the output optics. This intermediate plane serves as a mediator that allows proper image formation and reduces distortion even when components are miniaturized. The intermediate plane enables the system to maintain image quality while using smaller optical components by providing an additional degree of freedom in the optical path design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If component sizes are reduced for compact applications, then adaptability to compact devices is improved, but image distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate image plane that adds a dimensional element to the optical path. By creating this intermediate plane at a specific location in the optical path, the system gains additional control over image formation geometry. This allows the system to be adapted to compact form factors while maintaining proper image quality through the intermediate plane's position and size control.
3Volume of moving object
If the system is miniaturized for eyeglass or goggle applications, then portability is improved, but optical artifacts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate image plane acts as an intermediary that separates the spatial light modulator from the final image output. This separation allows the system to use smaller components while the intermediate plane ensures proper beam convergence and reduces optical artifacts. The intermediate plane effectively mediates between the compact component requirements and the need to minimize optical distortions and artifacts.
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 the creation of compact projection systems with reduced image distortion, allowing for smaller component sizes and cost savings, while maintaining high image quality and safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical element is arranged so as to cause a plurality of light beams created by a plurality of light sources to converge as they travel from the light sources to the spatial light modulator
Implementation Method 2
a second optical element is disposed between the spatial light modulator and an output of the image projection system. The second optical element then collects diverging light from the intermediate image plane and reimages the light to one of a finite or infinite conjugate
Data Source
AI summary
In imaging system (100), a spatial light modulator (101) is configured to produce images (102) by scanning a plurality light beams (104,105,106). A first optical element (107) is configured to cause the plurality of light beams to converge along an optical path (114) defined between the first optical element and the spatial light modulator. A second optical element (115) is disposed between the spatial light modulator and an output of the imaging system. The first optical element and the spatial light modulator are arranged such that an image plane (117) is created between the spatial light modulator and the second optical element. The second optical element is configured to collect the diverging light (118) from the image plane and collimate it. The second optical element then delivers the collimated light to a pupil (120) on the other side of the second optical element relative to the spatial light modulator.