Virtual Input Element Projection Lens Diverging Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual keyboard projection technologies face challenges in achieving a large enough diverging angle for virtual input element images due to technical limitations in semiconductor manufacturing, leading to increased complexity and cost, as well as reduced diffraction efficiency with narrower line widths in diffractive optical elements.
Innovation Solution
A virtual input element image projection apparatus that combines a light source, diffractive optical element, and a projection lens to increase the diverging angle of virtual input element images, allowing for a shorter projection distance without compromising diffraction efficiency, using a simpler fabrication process and cost-effective materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the line width of the diffractive optical element is reduced to increase the diverging angle, then the diverging angle of the virtual keyboard image increases, but the diffraction efficiency decreases and the fabrication process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A projection lens is introduced as an intermediary optical element between the diffractive optical element and the virtual keyboard image. The projection lens serves as a mediator that enhances the diverging angle of the light beam after it passes through the diffractive optical element, thereby achieving a larger projection area without requiring the diffractive optical element itself to have narrower line widths that would reduce diffraction efficiency.
2Area of stationary object
If the line width of the diffractive optical element is reduced to increase the diverging angle, then the projection area increases, but the fabrication process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projection lens acts as a mediator that achieves the desired projection area enhancement without requiring complex changes to the diffractive optical element's structure. By using the projection lens to amplify the diverging angle, the patent avoids the need to manufacture diffractive optical elements with extremely narrow line widths, thereby simplifying the fabrication process while still achieving a large projection area.
3Length of stationary object
If the line width of the diffractive optical element is reduced to increase the diverging angle, then the projection distance can be shortened, but the diffraction efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The projection lens serves as a mediator that enables shorter projection distances by enhancing the diverging angle of the light beam without requiring the diffractive optical element to have narrower line widths. This approach maintains high diffraction efficiency while still achieving the desired short projection distance through the combined effect of the diffractive optical element and the projection lens.
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 solution enables a larger projection and detection area for virtual input elements at a reduced distance, improving usability and reducing production costs by simplifying the fabrication process and maintaining high diffraction efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The diffractive optical element receives the light beam and generates a virtual input element image light beam with a diverging angle
Implementation Method 2
The projection lens is used to increase the diverging angle of the virtual input element image light beam
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual input element image projection apparatus couples a suitable lens and an optical element to increase the diverging angle of a virtual input element image or generate a plurality of portions of the virtual input element image that are coupled to form the complete virtual input element image without reducing diffraction efficiency. The projection distance for generating the virtual input element image may also be shortened.