Wide FOV Projection Using SLM and Fast Steering Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current projection mapping solutions struggle to achieve high-resolution, large field of view (FOV) images efficiently due to the limitations of single spatial light modulators (SLMs) and the high cost of high-performance projection equipment, particularly infrared SLMs, which are expensive and unable to produce the required projection field size at desired resolutions.
Innovation Solution
The use of a single spatial light modulator (SLM) in conjunction with a fast steering mirror (FSM) and a high-speed computer-controlled projection sequence controller to time-division multiplex outputs and move the SLM's output around the FOV, effectively increasing the projection field size while maintaining angular resolution, thereby reducing overall implementation costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple projectors are used to extend the display space, then the field of view is increased, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the extended scene generation task into multiple sequential projection operations. A single projector projects different portions of the image at different time intervals, with each projection targeting a specific region. The system segments the overall projection task temporally and spatially, allowing one projector to cover the area that would otherwise require multiple projectors working simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic projection cycles where a single projector alternates between projecting different portions of the extended scene. The projector operates in periodic intervals, projecting one region, then another, then another, creating a time-multiplexed projection sequence that covers the entire extended display space over multiple cycles.
2Area of stationary object
If the projector is placed farther from the target to increase the projected image size, then the field of view is enlarged, but the image brightness decreases due to the Inverse-Square Law
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of the image content before projection, including pre-calculating the projection parameters, pre-positioning the projector at optimal locations, and pre-segmenting the image into regions that will be projected sequentially. This preliminary preparation allows the system to maintain image quality while extending the display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes projection parameters including projection distance, projection angle, and exposure time for each region. By adjusting these parameters based on the specific requirements of each projected region, the system compensates for the Inverse-Square Law effects and maintains acceptable brightness levels across the entire extended display space.
3Manufacturing precision
If high-performance infrared SLMs are used to achieve high-resolution projection, then the image quality is improved, but the equipment cost becomes prohibitively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single projector to create multiple copies of different portions of the extended scene at different times. Instead of requiring one high-performance projector for each region simultaneously, the system creates temporal copies of image portions, projecting them sequentially. This approach achieves the same visual result as multiple high-performance projectors would provide, but at a fraction of the cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a single, relatively low-cost projector that is used temporarily for each projection task. The projector projects one region, then another, then another, effectively using the same hardware resource repeatedly for different purposes. This replaces the need for multiple expensive, high-performance projectors with a single, more economical device that performs the same function through time-multiplexed operation.
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 approach allows for a significant increase in high-resolution projection field size, achieving a factor of 4× increase in field size for the same unit price as conventional designs, thus saving costs and enhancing image quality over a wider FOV without the need for multiple high-cost SLMs.
Implementation Method 1
a fast steering mirror (FSM) and a high-speed computer-controlled projection sequence controller to time-division multiplex outputs and move the SLM's output around the FOV
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for wide field of view (FOV) image projection using a spatial light modulator (SLM) and a fast steering mirror (FSM) cooperatively managed by a projection sequence controller. The computer-implemented process determines projection regions within the FOV, creates sub-images of an input target image for each of the regions, and operates the SLM and FSM to time-division multiplex sequential projections of each of the sub-images and to direct each projection to a respective region in the FOV within an observer frame rate. The projection sequence controller determines the number projection regions within the FOV based on a projection frame time of the SLM (including a frame read-in time and a modulation time), a mirror steering time of the FSM, and the observer frame rate.