CN1998243A - Color laser projection display - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and apparatus are provided to provide a laser projection display (LPD).

Description

Color laser projection display

Technical field

Relate generally to electronic console of the present invention relates more particularly to laser projection display.

Background technology

Electronic console has experienced many shortcomings in history, comprise expensive, durability is not enough, size, weight, limited flexibility etc.The present invention is intended to overcome or reduce at least the influence of one or more problems of stating above.

Summary of the invention

In one aspect of the invention, provide a kind of in the vehicles device of display message.This device comprises laser-projector and settles the visible surface of the variable image that receives laser-projector.

Description of drawings

Can understand the present invention below in conjunction with the description that accompanying drawing carries out by reference, the similar element of similar reference numerals in the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Fig. 1 is the schematic block diagram of the top figure of one embodiment of this invention;

Fig. 2 is the schematic views of the visible surface shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 A and 3B describe scanning device top view at different time in its operating process;

Fig. 4 is depicted in the laser projection display that different distance has different resolution;

Fig. 5 describes to utilize a kind of embodiment of the laser projection display of a plurality of green (light) lasers;

Fig. 6 describes to utilize the laser projection display of a plurality of screens;

Fig. 7 describes the screen of the laser projection display that can watch from the opposite;

Fig. 8 describes the cylinder Rotation screen of laser projection display;

Fig. 9 describes to have the laser projection display of laser designator;

Figure 10 describes to have the optional embodiment that laser is beaten the laser projection display of indicating device;

Figure 11 describes to have the laser projection display of interlock sensor;

Figure 12 describes to have the laser projection display of refrative mirror configuration; And

Figure 13 A-13E describes the various designs of the three-dimensional laser projection display.

Though the present invention allows various modifications and alternative forms, shown as an example in the accompanying drawings and also described its specific embodiments here in detail.But be understood that the description of specific embodiments is not planned invention is limited to disclosed particular form here, the present invention on the contrary covers all modifications, equivalence and the possibility that belongs in determined invention essence of accessory claim book and the category.

Embodiment

Example embodiment of the present invention is described below.For clear, actual all features of implementing are not described in this specification.Certainly will be appreciated that in the exploitation of any this actual embodiment, must make many decisions relevant, for example comply with the relevant and commercial related constraint of systems different in each is implemented to reach developer's specific purpose with enforcement.In addition, will be appreciated that this development effort may be complicated and consuming time, yet be to benefit from the routine matter that those skilled in the art of present disclosure bear.

Below common pending application quote as a reference in this integral body: people's such as Mik Stern the method and apparatus of in electronic display unit, aiming at a plurality of lasers; People's such as Mik Stern the method and apparatus that controllably reduces the power that laser projection display emits; The method and apparatus of people's such as NarayanNambudiri use laser projection display display message in automobile is used; People's such as Narayan Nambudiri the method and apparatus that interface between LCD controller and the laser projection display is provided; People's such as Chinh Tan use color laser projection display is caught the method and apparatus of image; Save the method and apparatus of power in people's such as Fred Wood the laser projection display; People's such as Ron Goldman laser projection display; People's such as Carl Wittenberg the method and apparatus that controllably compensates the distortion in the laser projection display; And the method and apparatus of the laser in people's such as Dmitriy Yavid the controllably modulated laser projection display.

Turn to accompanying drawing now,, shown the schematic block diagram of laser projection display (LPD) 100 according to one embodiment of this invention especially with reference to figure 1.In the embodiment of institute's example, LPD 100 comprises three lasers 102,104,106, and each can send and comprise unique color such as red, green or blue light beam 108,110,112.Those skilled in the art will be appreciated that the color of number that can change laser and the light that sends therefrom, and do not deviate from essence of the present invention and category.

Laser 102,104,106 is arranged in the common plane 114, and light beam 108,110,112 relative to each other points to angularly, drop on the basic common location 116 of first scanning device as first scanning mirror 118, they are reflected as light beam 120,122,124 therefrom.In the embodiment of institute's example, (for example, about 20～30KHz) about axle 120 vibrations with relative two-forty for first scanning mirror 118.The rotation of first scanning mirror 118 or vibration cause that light beam 108,110,112 moves.Just, when the position, angle of first scanning mirror 118 changed, light beam 120,122,124 angles of reflection from first scanning mirror 118 also changed.Therefore, when mirror vibrated, scanning reflection light beam 120,122,124 was to cause moving of one-component that light beam 120,122,124 shows along two dimension.

Produce the second component that two dimension shows by second scanning device such as mirror 126.In the embodiment of institute's example, second mirror 126 is connected to motor 128 at pivoting point 130 places, make to produce about with the rotation or the oscillating movement of the axle of the basic quadrature of rotating shaft of first mirror 118.Light beam 120,122,124 becomes light beam 132,134,136 from 126 reflections of second mirror, and points to visible surface 138.Visible surface 138 can present any of various ways, and does not deviate from essence of the present invention and category.For example, visible surface 138 can be the fixedly screen that illuminates with laser 102,104,106 fronts or the back side, also can be contained in the total shell of LPD 100 (not showing), perhaps visible surface 138 can be taked the form of any general easily flat surfaces alternatively, for example wall or the screen that separates with LPD 100.

Compare with the speed of first mirror 118, second mirror 126 is with relative low rate vibration or rotation (for example about 60Hz).Therefore, will be appreciated that as shown in Figure 2, light beam 132,134,136 is the path 140 on the display surface 138 usually.Those skilled in the art will be appreciated that path 140 is in shape with conceptively be similar to normally used raster scan in cathode ray tube television receiver and the computer display.

Though describe the present invention here in the context of the embodiment of using first and second scanning mirrors 118,126 separately, those skilled in the art will be appreciated that and can produce similar path 140 by using single mirror.This single mirror can move about two rotating shafts, so that the speed oscillating movement along two normal axis to be provided.

Can from Fig. 1, see, because location, the angle of laser 102,104,106, locate to transmit light beam 108,110,112 even on machinery and optics, arranged laser 102,104,106 with the same point (on the rotating shaft 120) in same plane 114 and on mirror 118, each has different angles of reflection, and this causes light beam 120,122,124 to be dispersed.Controllably excitation laser 102,104,106 of controller 142 is provided, to impel light beam 120,122,124 conllinear effectively, make them to reflect and to be delivered to and visible surface 138 same point (even in different time) on the irrelevant relatively visible surface 138 of the distance of second mirror 126 from second mirror 126.

Turn to Fig. 3 A and 3B now, the operation that controller 142 impels light beam 120,122,124 conllinear is discussed.In order to simplify discussion, two lasers of example 102,104 only among Fig. 3 may extend into three or more laser but those skilled in the art will be appreciated that notion discussed herein, and do not deviate from essence of the present invention and category.As shown in Fig. 3 A, if while excitation laser 102,104, folded light beam 120,122 is dispersed.But as shown in Fig. 3 B,, can make light beam 120,122 so along single co-route (being light beam 120,122 conllinear) if at slightly different time excitation laser 102,104.For example, if at very first time t1 place excitation laser 102, mirror 118 will be in the primary importance of being represented by solid line so, and light beam 108 will become light beam 120 from mirror 118 reflections.Subsequently, if at the second time t2 place excitation laser 104, mirror 118 will be in the second place that is illustrated by the broken lines so, and light beam 110 will become light beam 122 from mirror 118 reflections.By control time t2 accurately, mirror 118 will be in along reflecting the position of light beam 122 exactly with light beam 120 essentially identical paths.

Thereby, by the operation of controller 142, light beam 120,122 basic conllinear, just skew a little on the time.Just, light beam 120,122 all projects the basic identical point on the display surface 138 now, just in the slightly different time.But because the back of human eye stagnates, temporal variation is not perceptible.Just, in the situation of three lasers described in Fig. 1, the basic identical point of each of laser 102,104,106 will controllably be sent unique color and intensity in short relatively time window laser to the visible surface 132.Human eye can not be discovered three kinds of seperate colors, but will discover the mixed of three kinds of light beams, make that this some place on visible surface presents mediation, required color.Those skilled in the art will be appreciated that this process can be along the path 140 repeatedly many times so that on visible surface 132 reconstructed image.

Return Fig. 1, arranged light electric explorer 144 is to receive from visible surface 138 laser light reflected.Photodetector 144 can be taked any of various ways, comprises single photo-sensitive cell or is arranged to a plurality of photo-sensitive cells of grid.In certain embodiments, comprising machinery/optical system 146 may be useful on the photodetector 144 so that reflector laser is focused on.

Photodetector 144 is connected to controller 142 via circuit 148.The signal of the reflector laser amplitude that pilot light electric explorer 144 is detected can be sent to controller 142 on circuit 148.In some instances, for example when photodetector 144 comprised the grid of optical sensor or photo-sensitive cell or array, also the transmission information relevant with the position of reflector laser may be useful.As discussed in detail in conjunction with Fig. 4, controller 142 can use about the information of reflector laser amplitude and come usually to determine whether the condition on the transmission path of laser changes, is for example stopped by people or object.Controller 142 can use about the information of this incident determines whether visible surface is touched.Just, but screen can be made " touch-sensitive ", thereby can provide feedback form from the operator.

Controller 142 can be on visible surface the Show Button or other accessible icon, and if controller 142 part that detects the visible surface of the Show Button be touched, controller 142 can be taked the response action so.For example, controller 142 can display label be the icon of " headlight ", and if controller 142 detect the user and touch " headlight " icon, controller can be opened headlight.Similarly, can realize many other functions by the suitable configuration that on visible surface, shows or the icon of mark.

Variable-resolution shows

Can use the laser of two or more different colours to set up colored the demonstration, wherein for " X " resolution with quick mirror 118 for " Y " resolution (Y is parallel to earth gravity) usefulness mirror 126 scan lasers at a slow speed.Many displays have rectangular shape, the resolution that has higher requirements on " X " dimension.In the embodiment of institute's example, " X " resolution is determined by the speed of laser pulse.Based on video input signals, the control laser is to obtain desired color.

Because implement scanning fast on " X " dimension, resolution is limited by pulse frequency.Just, higher pulse frequencies changes into high-resolution.Under different operating conditions, it may be useful changing pulse frequency.For example, having high-resolution when display is far away may be useful (for example, bigger display is referring to Fig. 4).Change " Y " frequency and can change " Y " resolution.Usually, can increase resolution by reducing " Y " frequency.For example, by frequency is reduced to 50Hz from 70Hz, mirror scans more horizontal line fast in walking the two dimensional image process.

Color constitutes

Most of color monitors use red, green and blue, but in some applications, other color combination can be used for realizing more limited but still useful color gamut.Especially, bi-chrome display can comprise red laser, and indigo plant/green (light) laser (for example 488nM).In this case, blue and green vision signal all can activate indigo plant/green (light) laser.Can dispose the excellent color combination that obtains lower cost by twin-laser, this may be useful for low-end applications as recreation, cellular phone and PDA.Because of the issuable higher speckle noise of laser (two rather than three) of less number some situation as video-game in actual capabilities be favourable, wherein speckle noise may be thought " extremely " by the people of certain user such as teens.

Another kind of possibility is when using green screen (or green phosphorescent screen) or add the green light LED irradiation (for red or blue also identical), uses ruddiness and blue laser.

Another kind of possibility is to use ruddiness and green (light) laser when ignoring blue signal.Have than normal ruddiness (650-630nM) long wavelength's red laser more by use, more the combination of long wavelength's ruddiness and green glow is provided at acceptable color widely during some is used at least.

Spot is eliminated, power increases

In order to reduce speckle noise, when needs, the more multi-laser that use can be made up by cross-polarization may be useful.For example, if green (light) laser does not have enough power, a plurality of lasers that utilize same color may be useful.For example, in one embodiment, can use four lasers (red laser, blue laser, and two green (light) lasers), as shown in Figure 5 with cross-polarization.This layout can be used to the low power of compensate for slower, reduces spot simultaneously.

Fig. 5 also example optional embodiment of the present invention, wherein use wavelength correlation filter (for example, the blue and ruddiness of transmission but the filter of reflect green light), the laser group of different colours is synthesized a basic co-linear beams.

In optional embodiment, it may be useful using a plurality of lasers have similar polarization but to have a slightly different wavelength (for example 490nM and 510nM).The different wave length green (light) laser can separate with the wavelength correlation filter, but both still can think green glow.

Use the another kind of possibility of the 4th laser to be by using two green (light) lasers (each laser is responsible for different pixels) that increase resolution to increase resolution.

Another possibility of the 4th laser is to use infrared (IR) laser that can not change demonstration but allow to pick up with infrared sensor distinctive signal.

Projection, a plurality of demonstration

Use laser projection display, it may be useful utilizing a plurality of displays that usually can align but separate (along the path of laser) desired distance.On this layout principle is feasible, because laser beam keeps focusing on sizable distance.A plurality of translucent screens, each partly reflects identical demonstration.For example, each screen can be configured to the part of reflector laser, simultaneously the part (for example, 70% transmission of first screen, 50% transmission of second screen, and 0% transmission of the 3rd screen) of transmission laser.This layout will provide three similar demonstrations with increased in size and similar brightness, as shown in Figure 6.

In another embodiment, watching same screen from the two sides may be useful.As shown in Figure 7, identical but reverse image appears on the two sides of paper or other material screen.This layout may be useful for double video-game or digital camera, and it is people and the object display image for taking a picture simultaneously.

Cylindrical 360 degree show

With reference to figure 8, can use the rotary laser display, or a plurality of display sets up cylindrical demonstration, wherein spectators can be in cylindrical inside or outside.Motion and/or position transducer can be used to change demonstration based on viewer's location.Transducer can be outside (for example pir motion sensor), or uses the part of the LPD of the other IR laser with IR transducer.

When the mirror in cylinder inside slowly rotated, the rectangular image that projects to cylinder inside can be around the cylinder rotation.Alternatively, can use high speed mirror (greater than 40Hz), and can on whole periphery, show consecutive image.

This layout is particularly useful in advertisement shows, wherein changes image when detecting the user when mobile around showing.For example, when the user was mobile around demonstration, salesman's image can move.

Having a plurality of motion sensors and video image, to be modified as along with a plurality of beholders move also be possible.

Laser designator as mouse

Surf the web for long-range TV or computer, laser designator can be used for icon and activate.Laser designator advantageously can have two kinds of operator schemes.In first kind of operator scheme, laser designator can be used continuous wave (CW) pattern with indicating device aiming expectation icon.Thereafter, by the activation of for example button, laser designator can enter pulse mode to activate icon.When receiving pulse mode, independently optical pickocff (camera or other transducer) can be monitored screen and be discerned the position of laser alignment.Because the LPD controller " is known " position of each icon that shows, it can be associated with positional information from standalone sensor, is activated to have determined whether which icon.

In Fig. 9, shown illustrative examples.It has shown that standard projection display 900 (LCD projecting apparatus or DLP projecting apparatus) projected image is to screen.Independent CCD camera 902 is observed images, and position that can sensing laser designator light beam 904.CCD camera 902 is connected to controller 906 as personal computer, and with and the similar mode control program of computer mouse.The CCD camera can filter, the feasible only specific laser designator wavelength of sensing.

The laser designator mouse that laser projection shows

Projection Display " X " mirror must be little, because it vibrates with high relatively frequency (20KHz).On the other hand, " Y " mirror vibrates with relative low rate, can be bigger substantially therefore.Can see that from Figure 10 the large-size of " Y " mirror allows to add the collection mirror and photodiode " is partly looked back " configuration with foundation.Use this configuration, icon can be placed on the side of screen, and the Projection Display detector will identify when outside laser projection is to icon.If " X " and " Y " mirror exchanges, icon can be placed on the bottom of screen.Those icons can be used for the control of video-game or the menu of television set.The frequency of indicating device laser can with the filter match on the photodiode, make and only to detect indication laser (not being to show laser).Distinguish indication laser and show that the optional method of laser is with known mode modulation indication laser.This processing will be ignored any signal outside this known mode.

As the method for selecting (being equivalent to click) laser, can send out pulse laser by predetermined frequency, thereby change control circuit.

Laser designator can have a plurality of buttons.First button can be used for excitation laser.Second button can be used for clicking.Alternatively, can use single button with two location sensings.

Use the TV/ indicator screen of color laser projection display

With reference to Figure 11, the LPD that has than light laser power (1-5W) can be used for the very large image of projection (for example HDTV) on wall or surface.Therefore, LPD can be used to replace conventional large-screen TV (plasma, LCD, CRT etc.).But having such problem is that the output of LPD is adjusted mechanics limit to low relatively level.Overcome the interlock system that a kind of method of adjusting restriction is to provide this sample loading mode, promptly, in several pixels, stop projection in case definite laser does not hit screen.Half of Figure 10 looks back configuration and can be used to come the sensing projected image whether to hit screen by the relative intensity of sensing received signal.If signal is being set outside the adjusting of border, laser cuts out.

For less laser power (total optical power of 0.01-0.05 watt), LPD is enough for individual/portable DVD player, video game console, cellular telephone display and portable computer.Bigger demonstration can realize (0.05-0.1W) with the mid power laser such as desktop computer.

Figure 12 shows the LPD that is included in large-screen TV inside.In this case, the output of the power of LPD is not limited by adjusting mechanism, is possible because the user sees direct laser beam.In this embodiment, also proofread and correct big optical deformation electronically by the folded projection image, it is extremely thin that the unit keeps.

Use the three-dimensional display of polarization and colored LPD

Typically, laser has definite good linear polarization.In certain embodiments, two lasers with cross-polarization can be used to the projection different images, can see them respectively by the left eye and the right eye that use Polarization filter (three-dimensional polarization glasses) observer, as shown in Figure 13 A.For example, as shown in Figure 13 C, in order to allow full RBG color three-dimensional display, six lasers need, wherein two red laser cross-polarizations, two blue laser cross-polarizations, and two green (light) laser cross-polarizations.Each projection of this group color of similar polarization divides other image to screen.Alternatively, blue-green Laser substitutes in the situation of two independent blue lights and green (light) laser, and so full three-dimensional colour shows only needs four lasers.For low-cost 3-D effect, only need an extra laser to obtain the only 3-D effect of a color.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 13 D, by using the crystal of rotatable polarization, can be only with only three lasers acquisition cross-polarizations.This crystal is placed on the optical path of laser, and can periodically be activated to change polarization.Can be between the frame of two projected images rotatory polarization.This polarization changes not necessarily wants fast, because eyes have integration capabilities.Polarization can change with each frame or each " X " scan line, and perhaps polarization can change with each scanning of " X " mirror alternatively, produces two interlaced videos that each has the opposition polarization effectively.

As shown in Figure 13 E, change polarization and also can be used for producing the two sides screen, wherein every shows different images.In this case, use the screen of polarization, make a polarization image be presented at one side, and another polarization image passes screen and be presented on the another side of same screen.Screen can be made with the glass with right directed fine rule, so that allow second polarization image to pass through.

With reference to figure 13B, do not need the polarising glass of Figure 13 A can obtain three-dimensional screen yet.In this embodiment, two different polarization image projections are to screen.In this case, use polarization to select screen.For different polarization, screen has different angle diffraction, thereby two images are pointed to two different angles, makes each eye see slightly different image, and this will strengthen 3-D effect.

A kind of product can be designed to have removable screen, and wherein the user selects screen type to obtain desired effects.Screen type can be manually or is surveyed automatically to change the content of projected image.

Unless statement in addition clearly, perhaps be obvious under discussion, term is as " processing " or " calculating " or " estimation " or " determining " or " demonstration " etc. refer to computer system or similar electronic computing device makes the Data Control that is expressed as the physical electronic amount in the computer system RS and is transformed into action and the process that is expressed as other data of physical quantity in computer system memory or register or other this information stores, transmission or display device similarly.

Those skilled in the art will be appreciated that various system layer, routine or the module of example can be to carry out control unit in the various embodiments here.Control unit can comprise microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, processor card (comprising one or more microprocessors or controller), perhaps other control or computing equipment.The memory device of mentioning in this discussion can comprise one or more machine-readable storage media that are used to store data and instruction.Storage medium can comprise multi-form memory, comprises semiconductor memory apparatus such as dynamic or static RAM (DRAM or SRAM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory EPROM (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) and flash memory; Disk such as fixed disk, floppy disc, moveable magnetic disc; Other magnetic media comprises tape; And light media such as CD (CD) or digital video disk (DVD).The instruction that constitutes various software layers, routine and module in various systems can be stored in the respective storage devices.Instruction impels corresponding system to carry out the action of having programmed when the Be Controlled unit is carried out.

Above disclosed specific embodiments be exemplary because can be with benefiting from the difference that those skilled in the art of lecturing content here expect easily but the present invention is revised or put into practice to mode of equal value.In addition, except describing in claims below, do not plan the details of shown here structure or design is applied restriction.Therefore, the layout of implementing or use application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), software-driven treatment circuit, firmware, programmable logic device, hardware, discrete parts or upper component that the required treatment circuit of descriptive system can understand with the those skilled in the art that benefit from present disclosure is implemented.Therefore, top apparently disclosed specific embodiments can change or revise, and all this changes are considered to be in category of the present invention and the essence.Therefore, the protection of looking for is here stated in claims below.

Claims (1)

1. device that is used for display message comprises:

Be suitable for producing first laser of the light of first color;

Be suitable for producing second laser of the light of second color;

Along the device of previously selected two dimensional path controlably scanning from the laser of first and second lasers; And

When laser is controllably encouraged the device of first and second lasers by along the scanning of previously selected two dimensional path the time.

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