Single Projection Unit for Multi-Plane Visible and Infrared Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projection systems require multiple projectors to project onto multiple planes or targets, which increases cost and complexity, particularly in applications like facial recognition and head-up displays where separate optical devices for visible and non-visible light are needed.
Innovation Solution
An optical device that combines light from multiple sources using a combiner and modulates it with a spatial light modulator, then directs the combined light using a divider to project onto two different planes or targets with a single projection system, allowing for simultaneous projection of visible and non-visible light streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple projectors are used to project onto multiple planes, then the projection capability is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources (visible and non-visible) into a single optical device using beam combiners, allowing one projector to perform functions that previously required multiple separate projectors. This merging approach maintains multi-plane projection capability while reducing overall device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical device is designed to provide multiple functions through a single system: it can project visible light patterns, non-visible light patterns (such as infrared), and combine these capabilities in one device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate projectors for different light types, reducing both cost and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple projectors are used to project onto multiple planes, then the projection capability is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light sources and projection paths into a single optical device. By using beam combiners to integrate visible and non-visible light paths, the system achieves multi-plane projection capability with a single projector unit, significantly reducing the cost compared to using multiple separate projectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical device is designed to perform multiple projection functions simultaneously - projecting visible patterns for display purposes and non-visible patterns for sensing purposes. This universal design eliminates the need to purchase and install multiple specialized projectors, reducing overall system cost.
3Illumination intensity
If separate optical devices are used for visible and non-visible light, then the light stream quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate visible and non-visible light paths into a single optical device using dichroic beam combiners. Each light source maintains its optimized characteristics while being integrated into one device, achieving both high light stream quality and reduced device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dichroic beam combiners as intermediary optical elements that selectively combine different wavelength ranges. These intermediaries allow visible and non-visible light streams to coexist in the same optical path without interfering with each other's quality, while enabling integration into a single device.
4Device complexity
If a single projector is used for both visible and non-visible light streams, then the device complexity is reduced, but the calibration difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dichroic beam combiners as intermediary elements that provide well-defined optical paths for different wavelength ranges. These intermediaries create distinct, traceable light paths that simplify the calibration process by providing clear reference points for aligning visible and non-visible projection patterns, even within a single integrated device.
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 solution enables cost-effective and compact projection systems that can project onto multiple planes with simplified calibration, enhancing applications such as facial recognition and head-up displays by using a single projector for both visible and non-visible light streams.
Implementation Method 1
a combiner having a first input optically coupled to the first light source output, a second input optically coupled to the second light source output, and a combiner output, wherein the combiner is configured to combine the first light and the second light to provide a combined light on the combiner output
Implementation Method 2
a spatial light modulator having a spatial light modulator input optically coupled to the combiner output and having a modulated output, wherein the spatial light modulator is configured to modulate the combined light to provide modulated combined light on the modulated output
Implementation Method 3
a divider having a divider input optically coupled to the modulated output, wherein the divider is configured to direct a first portion of the modulated combined light having the first characteristic in a first direction and to direct a second portion of the modulated combined light having the second characteristic in a second direction
Data Source
AI summary
Described examples include an optical device having a first light source configured to provide a first light having a first characteristic. The optical device also has a second light source configured to provide a second light having a second characteristic. The optical device also has a combiner configured to combine the first light and the second light to provide a combined light. The optical device also has a spatial light modulator configured to modulate the combined light to provide modulated combined light. The optical device also has a divider configured to receive the modulated combined light and to direct a first portion of the modulated combined light having the first characteristic to a first target and to direct a second portion of the modulated combined light having the second characteristic to a second target.