Light Projection System With Scanning Lens Flexures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image projection systems lack high-brightness and high-efficiency capabilities, particularly in adaptive illumination systems.
Innovation Solution
A light projection system utilizing a base, lens, and flexures to scan light sources or the lens in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, allowing for efficient projection of images by modulating light beams to illuminate pixels sequentially, with the option of using fewer light sources than pixels and adaptable scanning patterns for dynamic applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional image projection systems are used, then image projection is achieved, but brightness and efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic scanning action where a single light source sequentially illuminates different pixels in a time-multiplexed manner. The light source modulates its emission periodically while the scanner moves the beam across the display surface, creating the perception of simultaneous illumination across all pixels. This periodic action enables high brightness at each pixel location while maintaining overall system efficiency by using one light source for multiple pixels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic scanning mechanisms (acoustic, electromagnetic, or mechanical) to move the light beam across the display surface at high speeds. This dynamic motion allows a single stationary light source to effectively illuminate all pixels sequentially, achieving both high brightness through concentrated light delivery and high efficiency by eliminating the need for multiple static light sources.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used to illuminate all pixels simultaneously, then brightness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple light sources simultaneously, the patent uses a single light source that operates periodically to illuminate pixels in sequence. The periodic modulation and rapid scanning create the visual effect of simultaneous illumination while actually using one light source, dramatically reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates multiple virtual light sources through the scanning motion of a single physical light source. By rapidly moving the beam across different positions and modulating its intensity, the system effectively copies the function of multiple light sources using only one physical component, reducing complexity while maintaining the appearance of multi-source illumination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed illumination patterns are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scanning control that can adapt to different applications through programmable patterns. The scanning system can modify its motion characteristics (speed, amplitude, frequency) and light source modulation to create different illumination patterns as needed, providing high adaptability while keeping the physical hardware relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning control system is designed to be universal and multi-functional, capable of performing various scanning patterns (linear, circular, random, etc.) and adapting to different display surfaces and applications. This single adaptable system replaces the need for multiple fixed illumination systems, achieving high versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 high-brightness image projection with efficient use of light sources, achieving high pixel resolution and adaptability in applications such as miniature projection devices and adaptive vehicle headlamps.
Implementation Method 1
The lens is configured to project the light beam toward the scene so that the light beam illuminates a plurality of pixels sequentially as the lens is scanned
Data Source
AI summary
A light projection system includes a base, a lens, and a set of flexures flexibly attaching the lens to the base. The light projection system further includes a board fixedly attached to the base, and a light source mounted on the board and spaced apart from the lens along an optical axis of the lens. The light source is configured to emit a light beam to be projected by the lens toward a scene. The light projection system further includes a driving mechanism configured to scan the lens via the set of flexures in a plane substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens, thereby scanning the light beam emitted by the light source over the scene.