Retina-Safe Laser Display Using Segmented Light Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image display apparatuses that use laser light to project images directly onto the retina lack safety measures, as a damaged neutral-density filter can allow unattenuated laser light to reach the user's eye, posing a safety risk.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a light attenuation section that reflects a portion of the light emitted from the source, which is then scanned by the scanning section, ensuring that even if the light attenuation section is damaged, the intensity of the light reaching the eye is reduced, thereby enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a neutral-density filter is used to attenuate laser light intensity, then the retina is protected from excessive light, but if the filter is damaged it cannot perform light attenuation and laser light directly reaches the retina causing safety problems
Solution Approach 1:
The light attenuation function is divided into multiple independent sections: a first light attenuation section and a second light attenuation section. Each section can independently attenuate light, so if one section is damaged the other still provides protection. This segmentation eliminates the single point of failure present in the conventional single-filter design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares compensatory measures in advance by providing redundant light attenuation sections. When the first light attenuation section is damaged, the system can switch to using the second light attenuation section to maintain light attenuation and protect the retina. This prior cushioning ensures continuous safety protection without requiring real-time detection or response.
2Reliability
If multiple light attenuation sections are used to improve safety, then reliability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each light attenuation section is designed to perform the same light attenuation function, making them universal and interchangeable. The scanning section and other optical components serve multiple purposes: they process both the attenuated light for normal operation and can work with either light attenuation section. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components that would increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified copy approach by implementing a second light attenuation section that replicates the function of the first section rather than creating a completely new complex safety system. This copying strategy maintains reliability through redundancy while avoiding the complexity of developing and integrating entirely new safety mechanisms.
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
This configuration provides a high-safety image display apparatus by preventing excessive light from reaching the eye, even if the light attenuation section is compromised, while maintaining effective image display with appropriate brightness and clarity.
Implementation Method 1
a light attenuation section that reflects a portion of light emitted from a light source
Data Source
AI summary
The image display apparatus includes a light attenuation section that reflects a portion of light emitted from a light source and a scanning section that scans the light reflected by the light attenuation section. The light attenuation section transmits a portion of light emitted from the light source. The light attenuation section has reflectance and transmittance and the reflectance is smaller than the transmittance. The image display apparatus further includes a light receiving element on which the light transmitted through the light attenuation section is incident. The image display apparatus also includes a control section that controls activation of the light source in accordance with detection results of the light receiving element.