Laser projection systems in measurement and industrial applications

Ultra compact laser projection systems based lasers as light source and micro scanning mirrors for light deflection are considered as future products with enormous market potential for the infotainment sector, because it will be possible to integrate them into mobile devices rather soon. Image generation is achieved via the Flying Spot principle: the laser beam reflected by the two-dimensional micro scanning mirror describes a dense Lissajous pattern on the projection screen that hits every virtual pixel at least once during the time available for one image frame. By modulation of the intensity of the laser beam and the driving of the scanning mirror in a strictly synchronous manner, projection of arbitrary images can be achieved. However, also measurement and industrial applications may profit from the advantages of such systems. This is proven by the demonstrator of Fraunhofer IPMS shown at Photonics West 2008. The system detects the continuously changing distance to one object and projects the measured value on the surface of the object. Because of the quasi unlimited depth of field, the projected image is always in focus. Concrete applications include support of maintenance and assembly tasks, Augmented Reality and all other industrial systems, where the job will become easier for the worker if additional information is displayed.