Miniature projector

• US 6,600,460 B1
• Filed: 09/01/2000
• Issued: 07/29/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Rdm Foundation
• Original Assignee: Rdm Foundation
• Inventors: Mays, Robert Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bella, Matthew C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Blackman, Anthony J
• Application Number:
  US09/653,395
• Time in Patent Office: 1,061 Days
• Field of Search: 345/7-9, 359/629-639, 359/641, 348/51-60, 340/980
• US Class Current: 345/7
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0178 Eyeglass type eyeglass details G02C
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/017 Head mounted
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0172 characterised by optical features
• CPC Class Codes: H01S 5/0087 for illuminating phosphorescent or fluorescent materials, e.g. using optical arrangements specifically adapted for guiding or shaping laser beams illuminating these materials
• CPC Class Codes: H01S 5/4087 emitting more than one wavelength
• CPC Class Codes: H01S 5/423 having a vertical cavity

Abstract

A miniature projector to allow the projection of images directly on a target surface, such as a viewer'"'"'s retina, which is a compact and versatile device that further minimizes the potential for total immersion. The miniature projector can be selected for use in the monitor mode or full video and full color or monochrome operation. The miniature projector utilizes miniaturized 2D laser arrays integrated with nonlinear optical processes combining semiconductor technology with optics technology.

Claims

1. An apparatus for projecting an image onto a target surface, said apparatus comprising:

a processor;

a source of multiple beams in electrical communication with said processor, with each of said multiple beams corresponding to a sub-portion of said image and having wavelengths of optical energy associated therewith, with the wavelengths of optical energy associated with each of said multiple beams being substantially identical; and

an optics element in optical communication with said multiple beams to form a visually perceivable display of said image on said target surface, said optics element including an immersion lens providing magnification and collimation and a holographic lens providing a Fresnel effect and having a contoured grating, with said holographic lens being mounted to said immersion lens.

2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the optics element includes an additional holographic lens including a grating to provide collimation, with said additional holographic lens being mounted to said second lens.

3. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said target surface is a retina.

4. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said source of multiple beams comprises laser diodes.

5. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said source of multiple beams includes a plurality of lasers to generate visible wavelengths of light.

6. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said source of multiple beams includes a semiconductor laser diode.

7. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said source of multiple beams includes a plurality of semiconductor laser diodes.

8. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said source of multiple beams includes a vertical cavity surface emitting laser.

9. An apparatus for projecting an image onto a target surface, said apparatus comprising:

a processor;

a two-dimensional (m×

n) array of emitters electrically to said processor; and

a two-dimensional (m×

n) array of optical elements, each of which is in optical communication with one of said emitters f said array of emitters that differs from the remaining emitters in optical communication with the remaining optical elements, with each of the optical elements of said array of optical elements including an immersion lens providing magnification and collimation, a second lens having contoured gratings, a hologram to provide a Fresnel effect and mounted to said immmersion lens, and a third lens having an additional hologram to provide an additional Fresnel effect, providing collimation, with said third lens being mounted to said second lens, each of the emitters of said array generating a beam, defining a plurality of beams, a visually perceivable display of said image on said target surface, wherein each of said plurality of beams have wavelengths of optical energy associated therewith, with the wavelengths of optical energy associated with each of said multiple beams being substantially identical.

10. The apparatus as recited in claim 9 wherein said target surface is a retina.

11. An apparatus for projecting an image onto a target surface, said apparatus comprising:

a processor;

a source of multiple beams in electrical communication with said processor, with each of said multiple beams corresponding to a sub-portion of said image; and

an optics element in optical communication with said multiple beams to form a visually perceivable display of said image on said target surface, with said optics element including an immersion lens to provide magnification and collimation and a second lens having a contoured grating, a hologram providing a Fresnel effect and mounted to said first lens.

12. The apparatus as recited in claim 11 wherein the optics element includes a third lens having an additional hologram to provide an additional effect providing collimation and mounted to said second lens.

13. The apparatus as recited in claim 12 wherein said target surface is a retina.