Tilting Refractive Plate for Compact Pixel-Shift Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices for enhancing image resolution through pixel shifting require significant installation space and lack effective and reliable actuation mechanisms for refracting plate members.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with a transparent plate member mounted on a carrier that tilts between defined positions, actuated by a reluctance actuator system comprising coils and magnetic flux structures, allowing precise pixel shifting with minimal space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a transparent plate member is tilted to shift pixels by a fraction of a pixel, then image resolution is enhanced, but the device requires significant installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the transparent plate member directly into the module housing structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting space. The plate member is positioned within the existing housing boundaries, nesting the optical element within the device structure itself, thereby reducing overall installation space while maintaining the resolution enhancement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (depth/thickness of the housing) to accommodate the tilted plate member. By tilting the plate within the existing housing volume rather than requiring additional lateral space, the design transforms a 2D space requirement into a 3D solution, fitting the optical element within the depth of the module housing
2Reliability
If an actuator means is added to tilt the carrier, then pixel shifting reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical actuation systems with a magnetic field-based actuator. The magnetic actuator uses electromagnetic fields to tilt the carrier, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages, gears, or motors that would increase device complexity. This substitution provides reliable actuation through non-contact magnetic forces while maintaining a compact and simple overall device structure
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 effective pixel shifting with reduced installation space and enhanced reliability, enabling improved image resolution through super resolution projection.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent plate member (e.g. glass window) configured for refracting a light beam passing through the plate member
Implementation Method 2
an actuator means that is configured to tilt the carrier and therewith the plate member between the first and the second position about said first axis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical device 1 for enhancing the resolution of an image, comprising: a transparent plate member (10) configured for refracting a light beam (20) passing through the plate member (10), which light beam (20) projects an image comprised of rows and columns of pixels (40), a carrier (50) to which said transparent plate member (10) is rigidly mounted, wherein the carrier (50) is configured to be tilted between a first and a second position about a first axis (A), such that the plate member (10) is tilted between the first and the second position about the first axis (A), whereby said projected image (30) is shifted by a fraction (ΔP) of a pixel, particularly by a half of a pixel, along a first direction (x), and an actuator means (60) that is configured to tilt the carrier (50) and therewith the plate member (10) between the first and the second position about the first axis (A).