Tiltable Transparent Plate Optics for Image Resolution and Speckle Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices struggle to effectively enhance image resolution and reduce speckle noise, particularly in laser-based systems, as they often require complex mechanisms that are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An optical device utilizing a tiltable transparent plate or diffuser supported by elastic members and actuated by Lorentz forces, integrated with coils and magnets, allows for precise movement to enhance image resolution and reduce speckle noise through controlled tilting and diffusing mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tiltable transparent plate is used to enhance image resolution, then image resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically tiltable transparent plate that can change its orientation angle to shift pixel positions. The plate is mounted on a rotation mechanism that allows it to tilt between different angular positions, enabling dynamic control of the light beam path and pixel displacement. This dynamic configuration replaces static complex mechanical shifting mechanisms with a simpler rotational degree of freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pixel-shifting mechanisms with an optical approach using a tiltable transparent plate. Instead of physically moving pixel elements or using complex mirror assemblies, the invention uses refraction through a tilted plate to achieve pixel displacement. This substitution of mechanical systems with optical phenomena simplifies the overall device structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a diffuser is used to reduce speckle noise, then speckle noise is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tiltable transparent plate serves multiple functions: it enhances image resolution through pixel shifting and simultaneously reduces speckle noise when used as a diffuser. By rotating the plate to different angular positions, the system can switch between resolution enhancement mode and speckle reduction mode. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate diffuser components and their associated actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dynamically adjustable transparent plate that can function as either a resolution-enhancing element or a speckle-reducing diffuser. The same optical element, when tilted to different angles or positioned differently, provides both functions sequentially, replacing what would traditionally require two separate static components with complex switching mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If complex spring structures are used to support the tiltable plate, then mechanical stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin elastic members (such as flexible membranes or thin elastic beams) to support the tiltable transparent plate instead of complex spring structures. These thin elastic elements provide the necessary mechanical support and enable controlled tilting while being simple and inexpensive to manufacture. The elastic members can be directly integrated into the device housing or mounting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex spring structures from the design, retaining only the essential support function through simpler elastic members. By removing the unnecessary complexity of multi-component spring assemblies and replacing them with single-piece elastic elements, the patent reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining adequate mechanical stability for the application.
4Measurement precision
If magnet-coil based actuators are used to tilt the plate, then actuation precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic oscillation of the tiltable transparent plate at specific frequencies to achieve both pixel shifting and speckle reduction. The magnet-coil actuator drives the plate in periodic back-and-forth motion, creating temporal sequences of frames that are integrated by the human visual system. This periodic action allows the use of simpler, lower-power actuators compared to continuous precision positioning systems, as the effect accumulates over multiple oscillation cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes mechanical vibration and oscillation of the transparent plate to achieve the desired optical effects. The magnet-coil actuator generates controlled vibrations that tilt the plate back and forth, creating the necessary pixel displacement and diffuser motion. This vibrational approach allows for lower power consumption compared to continuous actuation, as the system exploits inertial effects and resonant oscillation rather than maintaining constant force application.
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
The device achieves improved image resolution and significant reduction of speckle noise with reduced power consumption and cost-effective design, allowing for efficient and simple control of optical elements in two degrees of freedom.
Implementation Method 1
supported by elastic members
Implementation Method 2
actuated by Lorentz forces
Implementation Method 3
configured for refracting a light beam passing through the plate
Implementation Method 4
acts as a diffusor, i.e., scatters light
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical device (1) for enhancing the resolution of an image or for reducing speckle noise.