SLM Projection Pixel Shifting Without Mechanical Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spatial light modulator (SLM) projection systems face challenges in achieving high pixel resolution due to non-compact optics and costly actuators, making them unsuitable for compact applications like pico-projectors.
Innovation Solution
A method involving multiple light sources that alternately produce light at different angles to modulate pixels offset by less than a pixel, achieving extended pixel resolution (XPR) without mechanical shifting devices, using optical components to direct light to different pixel positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a glass plate with actuator is used to shift pixels for extended pixel resolution, then the displayed image resolution is increased, but the device becomes non-compact and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical actuator-glass plate system with an optical approach using multiple light sources positioned at different angles. Instead of mechanically shifting a glass plate to achieve pixel offset, the invention uses angularly-separated light sources to directly illuminate the SLM at different angles, achieving the same pixel-shifting effect optically. This eliminates the need for mechanical actuators and moving parts, making the system more compact and suitable for pico-projectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention divides the illumination into multiple separate light sources, each positioned at a different angle relative to the SLM. Each light source illuminates the SLM at a specific angle to produce pixels at different positions. By segmenting the illumination function across multiple angularly-separated sources, the system achieves extended pixel resolution without requiring a single complex mechanical shifting mechanism.
2Manufacturing precision
If a glass plate with actuator is used to shift pixels for extended pixel resolution, then the displayed image resolution is increased, but the actuator must be high-speed and precise which increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for high-speed, high-precision mechanical actuators by replacing them with a static optical arrangement. Multiple light sources are positioned at fixed angles relative to the SLM, and each source continuously illuminates the modulator at its respective angle. This static optical configuration achieves pixel resolution enhancement without requiring any moving parts or high-speed actuation, significantly reducing cost and simplifying manufacturing.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple light sources at different angles are used, then extended pixel resolution is achieved without mechanical shifting, but the optical system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the illumination function into multiple independent light sources positioned at different angles. Each light source independently illuminates the SLM at its specific angle, and the combined effect produces the extended pixel resolution. This segmentation approach distributes the functional requirements across simpler, independent components rather than requiring a single complex optical system, making the overall design more manageable and suitable for compact implementations.
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
Enhances perceived resolution beyond the native resolution of the SLM without mechanical shifting, reducing power dissipation and enabling compact, cost-effective projection systems.
Implementation Method 1
modulating the first and second light, by the light modulator, to produce first and second modulations of light, in which corresponding pixels in corresponding image frames are offset by less than a pixel
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods, systems and devices provide a display with a higher resolution than the native resolution of a light modulator used. Optical components direct first light on first light paths from a light source to a light modulator and direct second light on second light paths from the light source to the light modulator. Each of multiple controllable elements of the light modulator modulates the first light to produce first modulated light to exit the light modulator at a first angle, and modulates the second light to produce second modulated light to exit the light modulator at a second, different, angle. Another set of optical components focus the first and second modulated light on a target to display first and second sequences of image frames, respectively, in which corresponding pixels in corresponding image frames are shifted by less than a pixel pitch relative to each other.