A projection display device

Abstract

This invention relates to a projection display device comprising: a plurality of illumination units, each forming a rectangular illumination area; a deflection device configured to perform deflection scanning on the rectangular illumination areas formed by the plurality of illumination units; and a projection optical system that synthesizes and magnifies the rectangular illumination areas deflected and scanned by the deflection device and projects them onto a reflective light modulation device. The deflection device is rotatable about a rotation axis and has a plurality of reflective surfaces arranged along the circumference of a plurality of concentric circles centered on the rotation axis. Each of the plurality of reflective surfaces is configured such that its tilt angle relative to the rotation axis varies along the circumference of the circle on which the reflective surface is arranged. The tilt angle of each of the plurality of reflective surfaces is configured such that when the reflective surface is continuously rotated at a certain speed, the rectangular illumination area reflected by the reflective surface is recursively deflected and scanned in a certain direction at a certain speed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a projection display device equipped with a light source. Background Technology

[0002] A projection display device that uses lasers has been known for some time.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a projection display device comprising: a laser light source; an acousto-optic modulator for optically modulating the laser according to an image signal; a polygonal reflector for horizontally scanning the modulated laser; and a galvanometer reflector for vertically scanning.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-180759

[0005] In the projection display device described in Patent Document 1, there is an optical scanning unit that uses a polygonal reflector for horizontal scanning and a galvanometer reflector for vertical scanning at the same time. Since it scans optically in both horizontal and vertical directions, it requires a large optical path space, which leads to the problem of device enlargement.

[0006] Therefore, in the field of projection image display devices that modulate and project lasers based on image signals, there is a desire to realize a small, easy-to-drive and control device with high light utilization efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is a projection display device, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of illumination units, each forming a rectangular illumination area; a deflection device configured to deflect and scan the rectangular illumination areas formed by the plurality of illumination units; a projection optical system for combining and magnifying the rectangular illumination areas deflected and scanned by the deflection device and projecting them onto a reflective light modulation device; and a projection lens for projecting image light output from the reflective light modulation device. Each of the plurality of illumination units comprises a plurality of semiconductor lasers and a collimating lens for collimating the laser beams output from the plurality of semiconductor lasers. The deflection device is rotatable about a rotation axis and comprises a plurality of reflective surfaces arranged along the circumference of a plurality of concentric circles centered on the rotation axis. Each of the plurality of reflective surfaces is configured such that its tilt angle relative to the rotation axis varies along the circumference of the circle on which it is arranged. The tilt angle of each of the plurality of reflective surfaces is configured such that, when the reflective surface is continuously rotated at a certain speed, the rectangular illumination area reflected by the reflective surface is recursively deflected and scanned in a certain direction at a certain speed.

[0008] According to the present invention, in the field of projection image display devices that modulate and project lasers based on image signals, a small, easy-to-drive and control device with high light utilization efficiency can be realized. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the outline structure of the optical system of the projection display device according to Embodiment 1.

[0010] Figure 2 (a) is a typical diagram illustrating a pair of semiconductor lasers and collimating lenses contained in a laser module LM; Figure 2 (b) is a typical diagram showing a paired laser module LM with 4×2 semiconductor lasers 11 arranged with collimating lenses 102.

[0011] Figure 3 (a) is a diagram illustrating the near-field pattern of the output light of semiconductor laser 11; Figure 3 (b) is a diagram illustrating the far-field pattern of the output light of semiconductor laser 11.

[0012] Figure 4 (a) is a diagram showing the beam spread in the parallel direction; Figure 4 (b) is a diagram showing the beam spread for orthogonal directions.

[0013] Figure 5 (a) is a diagram of the integrator lighting system INT viewed from one direction; Figure 5 (b) is from and Figure 5 (a) A diagram of the integrator lighting system INT viewed from the orthogonal direction of phase; Figure 5 (c) is a diagram showing the microlens array pair; Figure 5 (d) is a diagram showing the rectangular lighting area IM1.

[0014] Figure 6 (a) is a perspective view showing the appearance of an example of deflector 210; Figure 6 (b) is a side view of the deflector 210.

[0015] Figure 7 (a) is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the position and tilt angle of the reflecting surface of the deflector 210; Figure 7 (b) is a diagram used to illustrate the position and tilt angle of the reflecting surface of the deflector 210.

[0016] Figure 8 (a) is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the deflector 210 and the rectangular illumination area IM1; Figure 8 (b) is an enlarged view of the area near the beam illumination position 214 on the reflecting surface; Figure 8 (c) is a diagram showing the blue rectangular illumination area IM1 being deflected and scanned in the DB direction.

[0017] Figure 9 (a) is a top view showing the appearance of an example of deflector 210a; Figure 9 (b) is a side view of an example of deflector 210a; Figure 9 (c) is a bottom view showing the appearance of an example of deflector 210a.

[0018] Figure 10 (a) is a side view of a modified example of deflector 210a; Figure 10 (b) is a side view of another variation of the deflector 210a; Figure 10 (c) is a side view of another variation of the deflector 210a.

[0019] Figure 11 (a) is a typical diagram used to illustrate the function of the front transpilation lens 201 and the rear transpilation lens 202; Figure 11 (b) is a graph showing the relationship between the image of the reflective light modulator 340 and the rectangular laser beam scanning range SA; Figure 11 (c) is a diagram showing the illumination of the screen of the reflective light modulator 340 by rectangular B beams, G beams and R beams, with the horizontal axis as the time axis.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the outline structure of the optical system of the projection display device according to Embodiment 2.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the outline structure of the optical system of the projection display device according to Embodiment 3.

[0022] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the outline structure of the optical system of the projection display device according to Embodiment 4.

[0023] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the outline structure of the optical system of the projection display device according to Embodiment 5.

[0024] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating an integrator illumination system INT according to an embodiment of an optical integrator with a light bar-shaped optical integrator.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0026] 11…Semiconductor lasers

[0027] 12…Light-emitting part

[0028] 100B…B light source

[0029] 100G…G light source

[0030] 100R…R light source

[0031] 102…collimating lens

[0032] 103, 104… microlens array

[0033] 106… Condensing lens

[0034] 190…projection screen

[0035] 201…Front-side transflecting lens

[0036] 202… Rear-side projection lens

[0037] 210a, 210b, 210c... deflectors

[0038] 211…matrix

[0039] 211a, 211b, 211c... substrates

[0040] 212… motor

[0041] 213, 213a, 213b, 213c…reflecting surfaces

[0042] 214…beam illumination position

[0043] 220…Photosynthesis Department

[0044] 221, 222… Dichroic mirrors

[0045] 310a…diffuser plate

[0046] 320…Second Transmission Optical System

[0047] 321…Front-side transflecting lens

[0048] 322…Rear-side projection lens

[0049] 330…Optical Path Conversion Mirror

[0050] 340…Reflective optical modulation device

[0051] 350…TIR prism

[0052] 360… Projection Lens

[0053] 401… Condensing Lens

[0054] 402…Diffusion device

[0055] 403…Light Rod

[0056] 406…Relay Lens

[0057] 406a…Front convex lens

[0058] 406b…Rear convex lens

[0059] 500… Condensing Lens

[0060] 501…collimating lens

[0061] 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004… Projection display devices Detailed Implementation

[0062] The projection display device according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] Furthermore, the embodiments shown below are illustrative examples. For instance, those skilled in the art can make appropriate modifications to the technical solutions for the details without departing from the spirit of the invention. Additionally, in the accompanying drawings referenced in the following embodiments and descriptions, unless otherwise specified, units denoted by the same reference numerals have the same function. Furthermore, the optical components in the figures are typically shown, therefore their actual shapes and structures are not necessarily faithfully represented. For example, even if depicted as a single lens in the drawings, it may be composed of multiple lenses unless otherwise specified.

[0064] In the following explanation, for example, when denoted as the positive X direction, it points in the same direction as the X-axis arrow in the illustrated coordinate system; when denoted as the negative X direction, it points in the opposite direction, 180 degrees from the X-axis arrow in the illustrated coordinate system. Furthermore, when simply denoted as the X direction, it refers to a direction parallel to the X-axis, regardless of whether it is the same as the X-axis arrow in the illustrated coordinate system. The same applies to directions other than X.

[0065] Furthermore, in the following description, red is sometimes referred to as "R", green as "G", and blue as "B". Therefore, for example, R light and red light, G light source and green light source, and B laser and blue laser are synonymous.

[0066] [Implementation Method 1]

[0067] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the outline structure of the optical system of the projection display device according to Embodiment 1. For ease of explanation, the mechanical structure, body, electrical wiring, etc., used to mount the optical components are omitted in this diagram.

[0068] [Overall Structure]

[0069] The projection display device 1000 includes a B light source 100B, a G light source 100G, an R light source 100R, a deflector 210a, a light combining unit 220, a light path conversion mirror 330, a TIR prism 350, a reflective light modulator 340, and a projection lens 360. Furthermore, a front transpilation lens 201 is disposed between the deflector 210a and the light combining unit 220, and a rear transpilation lens 202 is disposed between the light combining unit 220 and the light path conversion mirror 330. The front transpilation lens 201 and the rear transpilation lens 202 are collectively referred to as a first transpilation lens 200 (first transpilation optical system). The light combining unit 220 includes a dichroic mirror 221 and a dichroic mirror 222. Optionally, the projection display device 1000 may include a projection screen 190.

[0070] Specifically, the B light source 100B is equipped with a semiconductor laser that emits B light, the G light source 100G is equipped with a semiconductor laser that emits G light, and the R light source 100R is equipped with a semiconductor laser that emits R light. The light sources will be described in detail later.

[0071] Deflector 210a is a deflector that deflects the B light emitted from B light source 100B in the DB direction, deflects the G light emitted from G light source 100G in the DG direction, and deflects the R light emitted from R light source 100R in the DR direction. Deflector 210a will be described in detail later.

[0072] The light combining unit 220 includes a dichroic mirror 221 and a dichroic mirror 222. The dichroic mirror 221 has the optical characteristic of transmitting G light and reflecting B light. The dichroic mirror 222 has the optical characteristic of transmitting both G and B light and reflecting R light. Each optical element is configured such that the optical axis center of the front transflector lens 201 for B light overlaps with the optical axis center of the front transflector lens 201 for G light on the dichroic mirror 221. Furthermore, each optical element is configured such that the optical axis centers of the front transflector lens 201 for B light, the front transflector lens 201 for G light, and the front transflector lens 201R for R light overlap on the dichroic mirror 222.

[0073] Through the light combining unit 220, the travel directions of the B-beam (dashed line), G-beam (solid line), and R-beam (single-dot dashed line) are all unified to the positive Z-direction, but these lights are combined in a way that they do not overlap at any time. This is because various color light sources are arranged along with the reflective surface constituting the deflector 210a, so that each of the B-beam, G-beam, and R-beam does not overlap on the screen of the reflective light modulator 340. The deflection scanning method will be described in detail later.

[0074] The B, G, and R rays emitted from the photosynthesis unit 220 are redirected to the positive X direction by the optical path conversion mirror 330 and then incident on the TIR prism 350.

[0075] The TIR prism 350 is, for example, an internal total internal reflection prism composed of two prisms, which causes the illumination light (B light, G light, R light) to undergo total internal reflection at the air gap surface and be incident on the reflective light modulator 340 at a predetermined angle. As mentioned above, the B light, G light, and R light illuminate a portion of the image of the reflective light modulator 340 in a non-overlapping manner.

[0076] The reflective light modulator 340, for example, uses a digital micromirror device (DMD) with micromirrors arranged in an array. Each micromirror corresponding to a display pixel is driven according to the brightness level of the image signal, causing its reflection direction to change through pulse width modulation. However, other types of reflective light modulators, such as reflective liquid crystal devices, can also be used.

[0077] Pixels in the image area illuminated by B light are driven according to the brightness level of the B component of the image signal, reflecting the B image light towards the TIR prism 350 at a predetermined angle. Similarly, pixels in the image area illuminated by G light are driven according to the brightness level of the G component of the image signal, reflecting the G image light towards the TIR prism 350 at a predetermined angle. Additionally, pixels in the image area illuminated by R light are driven according to the brightness level of the R component of the image signal, reflecting the R image light towards the TIR prism 350 at a predetermined angle. In this way, the modulation operation of the reflective light modulator is synchronized with the deflection scanning of various colors of light by the deflector 210a.

[0078] Image light (B image light, G image light, R image light) is transmitted from TIR prism 350 and guided to projection lens 360, where it is projected as a color image. Projection lens 360 consists of one or more lenses and may also have automatic focus adjustment and zoom functions.

[0079] The projection screen 190 is used when constructing a rear-projection display device. Furthermore, although it is often installed in front-projection scenarios, it is not necessarily required when the user projects onto any wall or other surface.

[0080] [light source]

[0081] The following describes the B light source 100B, G light source 100G, and R light source 100R, which are part of the illumination unit. Specifically, the B light source 100B includes a laser module LM-B, the G light source 100G includes a laser module LM-G, and the R light source 100R includes a laser module LM-R. The laser module LM-B includes a semiconductor laser emitting B light and a collimating lens; the laser module LM-G includes a semiconductor laser emitting G light and a collimating lens; and the laser module LM-R includes a semiconductor laser emitting R light and a collimating lens. Except for the emission wavelength of the semiconductor laser, the basic structure of the light sources of various colors is the same; therefore, in the following description, they will sometimes not be distinguished by color of light, but will only be described as light source 100.

[0082] (Laser module)

[0083] The light source 100 is equipped with a laser module LM, in which semiconductor lasers and collimating lenses are arranged in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array.

[0084] Figure 2 (a) is a typical diagram illustrating a pair of semiconductor lasers and collimating lenses included in a laser module LM. 11 is the semiconductor laser, and 12 is the light-emitting portion of the semiconductor laser 11. Additionally, in Figure 2 In (a), according to Figure 1 A 100R R light source is configured to display the direction of the XYZ coordinate system. Figure 2 In (a), it is shown that the long side direction H of the light-emitting part 12 is parallel to the Y direction, and the direction of light emitted from the light-emitting part 12 is parallel to the Z direction.

[0085] The long side direction H of the light-emitting portion 12 is typically the direction in which the active layer extends between the P-type cladding and the N-type cladding on the side of the semiconductor chip constituting the semiconductor laser 11. For example... Figure 2 As shown in (a), in the following description, the direction parallel to the long side direction H of the light-emitting part 12 of the semiconductor laser 11 is sometimes referred to as the "parallel direction" or the slow axis, and the direction orthogonal to the long side direction of the light-emitting part 12 is referred to as the "orthogonal direction" or the fast axis. Linearly polarized light is emitted from the semiconductor laser 11, and the vibration direction of its electric field is the parallel direction (Y direction).

[0086] It is known that the angular characteristics of the output light of semiconductor laser 11 vary depending on the emission direction. Figure 3 The near-field pattern of the output light is illustrated in (a). Figure 3 Example (b) illustrates the far-field pattern of the output light.

[0087] like Figure 3As shown in (a), in the near-field pattern, this can be seen as a beam profile reflecting the shape (long side, short side) of the emitting part. On the other hand, as the beam travels, as... Figure 3 As illustrated in the far-field pattern of (b), the beam gradually expands. That is, viewed from the parallel direction, the beam emitted from semiconductor laser 11 shows a smaller expansion, traveling with a uniform intensity distribution over a narrow angular range. On the other hand, viewed from the orthogonal direction, the beam emitted from semiconductor laser 11 exhibits a Gaussian intensity distribution, expanding over a wider angular range than the parallel direction as it travels. This is because the active layer of the semiconductor laser is thinner in the orthogonal direction, thus experiencing a greater influence from diffraction during emission. The parallel direction, where the expansion is smaller in the far-field pattern, can also be called the slow axis, and the orthogonal direction, where the expansion is larger, can be called the fast axis.

[0088] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown in (a), a collimating lens 102 (first collimating lens) is used to shape the laser beam output from the semiconductor laser 11. That is, the light emitted from the light-emitting part 12 with a length of Hy1 in the long side direction is collimated by the collimating lens 102, becoming a beam with an elliptical cross-section that travels in the Z direction. Furthermore, the major axis of the ellipse is parallel to the X direction, and the minor axis is parallel to the Y direction.

[0089] Even when passing through collimating lens 102, the light beam will not be perfectly parallel to the optical axis (Z direction). The beam spreads differently in the parallel direction (long side of the light-emitting part) and the orthogonal direction (short side of the light-emitting part). (Reference) Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 (b) explains the different ways in which the light beam expands after passing through the collimating lens 102. Figure 4 (a) shows the extension for the parallel direction. Figure 4 (b) shows the extension for the orthogonal direction.

[0090] like Figure 4 As shown in (a), although the top of the beam intensity is flat when viewed from the parallel direction, the beam diameter expands as it moves towards the Z direction, therefore the divergence angle cannot be considered good. In contrast, as... Figure 4 As shown in (b), if viewed from the orthogonal direction, it can be seen that even if the distance from the collimating lens 102 changes, the changes in beam intensity distribution and beam diameter are very small. That is, the laser beam transmitted from the collimating lens 102 has higher parallelism in the orthogonal direction (fast axis of the semiconductor laser) than in the parallel direction (slow axis of the semiconductor laser), and has a good divergence angle.

[0091] As described later, in this invention, the light modulation device is illuminated by deflecting and scanning the light beam along the orthogonal direction (the direction of the shorter side of the rectangle) by utilizing the property that the divergence angle of the light beam output from the light source 100 is excellent in the orthogonal direction (the direction of the shorter side of the rectangle) (high parallelism of the light beam). This is because deflecting and scanning the light beam along the direction of excellent divergence angle helps to prevent overlap of the illumination areas of various colors B, G, and R on the screen of the light modulation device.

[0092] The light source 100 has a laser module LM, which includes multiple semiconductor lasers paired with a collimating lens 102 (first collimating lens). Figure 2 (b) is a typical diagram showing a paired laser module LM with 4×2 semiconductor lasers 11 arranged with collimating lenses 102. Furthermore, in Figure 2 In (b), according to Figure 1 A 100R R light source is used to display the direction of the XYZ coordinate system.

[0093] In the laser module LM, multiple semiconductor lasers are configured to be arranged at equal intervals along the Y direction. Furthermore, each semiconductor laser is arranged along the Y direction with the long side of the light-emitting section 12 in the same direction. Although an example using 4×2 semiconductor lasers is shown, the number of devices is not limited to this example. The laser module LM can also be configured to arrange multiple semiconductor lasers in a single column or in three or more columns along the Y direction. Even in a light source 100 with one or more columns of semiconductor lasers along the Y direction, the output beam exhibits a better divergence angle in the short side direction of the light-emitting section than in the long side direction.

[0094] (Integrator illumination system / Optical overlap unit)

[0095] The light source 100 in this embodiment includes an integrator illumination system INT, which is used to superimpose multiple laser beams emitted from the laser module LM to form a rectangular illumination area. (See reference...) Figure 5 (a)~ Figure 5 (d) describes the integrator lighting system INT.

[0096] The laser beams emitted from each of the semiconductor lasers 11 included in the laser module LM are made approximately parallel by the collimating lens 102, with the divergence angle as already explained. To form Figure 5 The rectangular illumination area IM1 shown in (d) of this embodiment has an integrator illumination system INT that superimposes the laser beams emitted from each semiconductor laser.

[0097] like Figure 5 of (a), Figure 5As shown in (b), the integrator illumination system INT includes a microlens array 103, a microlens array 104, and a condenser lens 106. The microlens array 103 and the microlens array 104 are configured in pairs.

[0098] like Figure 5 As shown in (c), when viewed along the direction of the laser beam (Z direction in this figure), microlenses of size V0 in the X direction and size H0 in the Y direction are arranged in a two-dimensional manner along the XY plane in each microlens array. The incident surface of each microlens in microlens array 103 and the exit surface of each microlens in microlens array 104 are spherical. Furthermore, the exit surface of each microlens in microlens array 103 and the incident surface of each microlens in microlens array 104 are flat surfaces. The focal lengths of each microlens in microlens array 103 and microlens in microlens array 104 are set so that they can image onto each other at spherical positions.

[0099] The laser beam passing through the microlens array 103 and microlens array 104 is focused by the condensing lens 106, such as Figure 5 As shown in (d), a rectangular lighting area IM1 with a length of V1 in the X direction and a length of H1 in the Y direction is formed.

[0100] Compared to light sources such as bulbs, the semiconductor laser 11 has a better divergence angle. Therefore, for example, if the spacing between the microlenses is set to a range of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, a rectangular illumination area IM1 with V1 or H1 of about 1 mm to 2 mm can be obtained. The long side of the rectangular illumination area IM1 corresponds to the parallel direction (the slow axis direction of the semiconductor laser), and the short side corresponds to the orthogonal direction (the fast axis direction of the semiconductor laser). The beam output from the light source 100 has a better divergence angle in the short side direction of the rectangle than in the long side direction. In this embodiment, a microlens array pair is used, in which microlenses having spherical and flat surfaces are arranged in an array. However, depending on the situation, a compound eye lens pair, in which lenses with curved incident and exit sides are arranged in an array, may also be used. Alternatively, if the divergence angle of the light source is good (NA is small), a single-plate microlens array may be used instead of a pair.

[0101] (Deflector)

[0102] like Figure 1 As shown, deflectors 210a are disposed between light source B 100B, light source G 100G, light source R 100R and their respective rectangular illumination areas IM1. The deflector 210a is a deflection device capable of performing deflection scanning on multiple rectangular illumination areas (three in this embodiment) with a single device. The deflector 210a includes a circular plate-shaped base 211 and a motor 212 that rotates the base 211 around the rotation axis AX.

[0103] Figure 9 (a) is a top view of the deflector 210a as seen from the side of the photosynthesis unit 220. Figure 9 (b) is a side view of the deflector 210a viewed from a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis AX. Figure 9 (c) is a bottom view of the deflector 210a viewed from the opposite side of the photosynthesis unit 220. Figure 9 (a) and Figure 9 In (c), the direction of rotation is shown as RO.

[0104] like Figure 9 As shown in (a), reflective surfaces 213a and 213b, serving as strip-shaped optical surfaces, are provided on the upper surface of the circular plate-shaped substrate 211. Reflective surfaces 213a and 213b are arranged along concentric circles with different radii centered on the rotation axis AX. Figure 9 As shown in (c), a reflective surface 213c, which serves as a strip-shaped optical surface, is provided on the lower surface of the circular plate-shaped substrate 211 along a circle centered on the rotation axis AX.

[0105] like Figure 9 As shown in (b), the circular substrate 211 is formed by stacking and integrating substrates 211a, 211b, and 211c, each having a reflective surface. However, the substrate 211 does not necessarily have to be formed by stacking and integrating three substrates; for example, it could also be formed by... Figure 10 (a)~ Figure 10 (c) shows a structure as shown in the side view. Figure 10 (a) is an example in which a substrate 211a, on one side of which a reflective surface 213a and a reflective surface 213b are provided, and a substrate 211c, on which a reflective surface 213c is provided, are laminated and integrally formed to constitute a substrate 211. Furthermore, Figure 10 (b) is an example in which a substrate 211c having reflective surfaces 213a and 213c is laminated and integrally formed with a substrate 211b having reflective surface 213b, thereby constituting a substrate 211. Furthermore, Figure 10 (c) is an example in which reflective surfaces 213a, 213b and 213c are provided on a substrate 211 that is originally a single substrate.

[0106] Figure 1 The G light output from the G light source 100G is deflected and scanned by the reflecting surface 213a, the B light output from the B light source 100B is deflected and scanned by the reflecting surface 213b, and the R light output from the R light source 100R is deflected and scanned by the reflecting surface 213c. The reflecting surfaces 213a, 213b, and 213c are each configured such that the angle of the reflecting surface relative to the rotation axis AX varies depending on the location, as described later.

[0107] Since the principle of deflection scanning for each reflective surface is basically the same, for ease of explanation, the case where a single reflective surface 213 is provided on the substrate 211 will be described here with reference to the accompanying drawings. Each of the integrated reflective surfaces 213a, 213b, and 213c is deflected and scanned in essentially the same principle as the single reflective surface 213 described below.

[0108] Figure 6 (a) is a perspective view showing the appearance of the deflector 210 provided with a single reflective surface 213. Figure 6 (b) is a side view of the deflector 210. The deflector 210 includes a rotatable circular plate-shaped base 211 and a motor 212 that rotates the base 211 around a rotation axis AX. A reflective surface 213, serving as a strip-shaped optical surface, is provided along the circumference of the main surface of the circular plate-shaped base 211. Here, to specify the location on the reflective surface, such as... Figure 6 As shown in (a), the angular coordinates are set by rotating counterclockwise around the rotation axis AX (0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° are shown in the figure). Additionally, the axis BX shown in the figure is parallel to the rotation axis AX and passes through the reflecting surface 213. The beam illumination position 214 shows the position of the beam output from the light source 100 when it is reflected before reaching the rectangular illumination area IM1.

[0109] The strip-shaped reflective surface 213 is twisted at an angle relative to axis BX (i.e., rotation axis AX) that varies with location. (See reference) Figure 7 (a) and Figure 7 (b) explains the angle of the reflecting surface. Figure 7 (a) and Figure 7 In (b), the position of the reflecting surface is shown as that of the surface formed by... Figure 6 The position is defined by the angular coordinates described in (a). In addition, the tilt angle of the reflecting surface is shown as the tilt angle of the reflecting surface when the main surface of the circular plate-shaped substrate 211 (i.e., the surface orthogonal to axis BX) is used as a reference.

[0110] like Figure 7 As shown in (b), the reflecting surface 213 is configured such that the tilt angle of the reflecting surface varies linearly with respect to the position of the reflecting surface. Figure 6 of (a), Figure 7 As shown in (b), when the reflective surface is at 0° (360°), the tilt angle of the reflective surface is discontinuous. Therefore, for ease of explanation, in Figure 7 (a) shows the tilt angles when the reflective surface is positioned at 1° and 359°. Additionally, in Figure 6 In (a), the position where the tilt angle of the reflecting surface is discontinuous is denoted as NC.

[0111] When the motor rotates the substrate 211 along the RO direction, the reflective surface 213 also rotates around the rotation axis AX, therefore... Figure 6 At position 214 where the laser beam is irradiated, as shown in (a), the angular coordinates of the part irradiated by the laser beam change continuously in the manner of 0°→90°→180°→360°(=0°)→90°…….

[0112] Even if the rotation of the reflecting surface changes the part of the reflecting surface that is irradiated by the laser beam, such as Figure 7 As shown in (a), the incident beam always strikes the reflecting surface 213 at an angle α relative to the axis BX. On the other hand, depending on the position of the reflecting surface, the tilt angle of the reflecting surface varies from -θ to +θ. Therefore, as... Figure 7 As shown in (a), when the axis BX is taken as a reference, the reflection direction of the laser beam reflected by the reflecting surface 213 varies within an angle range of 4θ from (α-2×θ) to (α+2×θ). That is, the tilt angle is configured such that when the optical surface (reflecting surface) is continuously rotated at a certain speed, the laser beam is recursively deflected in a certain direction at a certain deflection speed.

[0113] In other words, such as Figure 6 As shown in (b), deflector 210 enables the emitted beam to be deflected and scanned within an angular range from RD1 (relative to axis BX(α-2×θ)) to RD2 (relative to axis BX(α+2×θ)). Along... Figure 6 When the RO direction of (a) causes the reflecting surface 213 to rotate continuously, the emitted beam from Figure 6 (b) The beam continuously deflects (scans) from RD1 toward RD2, instantly returns to RD1 upon reaching RD2, and then deflects (scans) toward RD2 again. Additionally, if the reflecting surface 213 is rotated in the opposite direction to the RO direction, the emitted beam will... Figure 6 (b) RD2 continuously deflects towards RD1 (scanning), and upon reaching RD1, it instantly returns to RD2 and deflects towards RD1 again (scanning).

[0114] Thus, by using the deflector 210, a simple driving method that allows the rotating body to rotate continuously at a certain speed can be used to recursively deflect and scan the laser beam at an equal speed in a predetermined direction. As will be described later, by controlling the motor 212 to rotate synchronously with the driving timing of the reflective light modulator 340 (or the image signal input to the reflective light modulator 340), the illumination light can be scanned in the V direction within the image of the reflective light modulator 340.

[0115] exist Figure 8 (a) shows the positional relationship between the deflector 210 and the rectangular illumination area IM1. Furthermore, in Figure 8(b) shows an enlarged view of the beam illumination position 214 of the reflective surface. The beam illumination position 214 of the reflective surface is positioned closer to the light source side at a distance L compared to the rectangular illumination area IM1. Figure 8 As shown in (c), the blue rectangular illumination area IM1 is deflected and scanned in the DB direction as the deflector 210 rotates. Additionally, in Figure 8 (a)~ Figure 8 In (c), a coordinate system was added for convenience to facilitate understanding of the relationships, and is set as [coordinate system]. Figure 1 The coordinate systems are inconsistent.

[0116] The manufacturing method of the deflector 210 will be described incidentally. The circular plate-shaped substrate 211, with a strip-shaped reflective surface 213 arranged along its circumference, can be manufactured at low cost, for example, by processing a metal base material using a stamping process. Figure 7 As illustrated in (a), there are protruding and recessed portions from the main surface of the substrate 211 near the reflective surface 213. To ensure good rotational balance, it is preferable that the cross-section at any position is of equal cross-sectional area when viewed from the section passing through the rotation axis AX. Furthermore, to reduce wind noise, the maximum height of the protrusion from the main surface of the substrate 211 and the maximum depth of the recess are preferably 3 / 4 or less of the average plate thickness. Specifically, the average plate thickness of the substrate 211 is preferably 0.7 mm or more and 2 mm or less, and θ is preferably 3° or more and 6° or less.

[0117] The above description addresses the case where a single reflective surface 213 is provided on the substrate 211. However, in this embodiment, as... Figure 9 (a)~ Figure 9 As shown in (c), three reflective surfaces, 213a, 213b, and 213c, are provided on the substrate 211. On each reflective surface, similar to the aforementioned reflective surface 213, an inclined surface is formed that enables the laser beam to be deflected and scanned uniformly and recursively in a predetermined direction. However, in order to prevent the G-beam deflected and scanned through reflective surface 213a, the B-beam deflected and scanned through reflective surface 213b, and the R-beam deflected and scanned through reflective surface 213c from overlapping when combined by the light combining unit 220, each reflective surface is configured such that the starting / ending points of the tilt of each reflective surface, i.e., the tilt angles of the reflective surfaces, are discontinuous and staggered when viewed along the circumferential direction.

[0118] refer to Figure 1It can be seen that on the upper surface of deflector 210a, the position illuminated by light source B 100B is located on the opposite side of the position illuminated by light source G 100G, separated by the rotation axis AX. Furthermore, the position illuminated by light source R 100R on the lower surface of deflector 210a is located on the opposite side of the position illuminated by light source G 100G on the upper surface of deflector 210a, separated by the rotation axis AX. The tilt of each reflecting surface is set such that when the light beams of various colors reflected at each illumination position are combined through the light combining unit 220, the phases of the deflection scans are offset by 120 degrees from each other. For example, in... Figure 9 In (a), when the tilt of reflective surface 213a is discontinuous at position NC at clock 12 o'clock, the tilt of reflective surface 213b is discontinuous at position NC at clock 2 o'clock. At this time, in Figure 9 In (c), the tilt of the reflecting surface 213c is at a discontinuous position NC located at the 8 o'clock position. Additionally, in Figure 9 The upper surface shown in (a) is... Figure 9 As shown in (c), the rotation direction RO of the substrate 211 is shown in the opposite direction when viewed from the outside. Thus, in order to prevent each rectangular illumination area from overlapping when recursively deflected scanning, the phases of the changes in the tilt angles of the reflective surfaces at the illumination positions on the deflector's disc are staggered along the rotation direction.

[0119] Using the deflector 210a described above, such as Figure 1 As shown, rectangular illumination areas IM1 of various colors formed by laser beams of B, G, and R are deflected and scanned in the directions of DB, DG, and DR, respectively.

[0120] (Photosynthesis Department)

[0121] The light combining unit 220 unifies the travel directions of laser beams of various colors. The function of the light combining unit 220 is as described in the overall structure section. Furthermore, the R-beam is deflected and scanned by the reflective surface 213c disposed on the lower surface side of the deflector 210a. However, the R-beam's optical path is altered by the reflectors 209F and 209R, causing it to detour before entering the dichroic mirror 222. This allows it to be guided into the dichroic mirror 222 of the light combining unit 220 without interference from other components. This detour results in a difference between the optical path length of the R-beam and that of the G or B-beam. In this embodiment, an adjustment lens 203 is provided between the reflectors 209F and 209R to adjust for the effect of this optical path length difference.

[0122] (Transfer Optical System)

[0123] The rectangular illumination area IM1 formed by laser beams of various colors is magnified and projected onto the screen of the reflective light modulator 340 through the first transfer lens 200 (first transfer optical system), which consists of a front transfer lens 201 set for each color and a rear transfer lens 202 shared by all colors. Both the front transfer lens 201 and the rear transfer lens 202 are convex lenses with positive optical power.

[0124] Figure 11 Figure (a) is a typical diagram used to illustrate the function of the front transpilation lens 201 and the rear transpilation lens 202. As shown, the rectangular illumination area IM1 is magnified and transpiled into a rectangular secondary transpilation image IM2. Figure 1 As shown, the rectangular secondary image IM2 is set at the screen position of the reflective light modulator 340. The magnification of the rectangular illumination area IM1 to the rectangular secondary image IM2 is, for example, about 6 times (V1:V2 = 1:6).

[0125] exist Figure 11 (b) illustrates the relationship between the image of the reflective light modulator 340 and the rectangular laser beam scanning range SA. If the image size of the reflective light modulator 340 is set to H (horizontal direction) × V (vertical direction), the rectangular laser beam scanning range SA covers an area H' × V' larger than the image size. Furthermore, the rectangular laser beam scanning range SA is magnified by the aforementioned transfer magnification relative to the scanning range of the rectangular illumination area IM1 scanned by the deflector 210.

[0126] Figure 11 (c) is a diagram showing the illumination of the screen of the reflective light modulator 340 by rectangular B-beams, G-beams, and R-beams, with the horizontal axis as the time axis. The B-beams, G-beams, and R-beams vertically scan the screen of the reflective light modulator 340 along the scanning direction SD, completing one frame scan in one frame time. The B-beams, G-beams, and R-beams are configured to be non-overlapping to avoid color mixing at the boundaries of various color regions, and the vertical width V2 of each beam is necessarily configured to be less than 1 / 3 of V'. The vertical width of each beam can be set to be more than 1 / 6 and less than 1 / 3 of the vertical width of the screen of the reflective light modulator 340.

[0127] As described above, the projection display device of this embodiment is equipped with multiple semiconductor lasers, collimating lenses, and integrator illumination systems for each different color of light. The illumination light of each color can be deflected and scanned using a single deflection device. On the rotating body of the deflection device, the reflective surfaces used to deflect and scan each color of light are configured to have a 120-degree phase difference when viewed in the rotational direction. Each reflective surface can be rotated as a single unit using a single motor. Therefore, it is not necessary to individually provide motors for rotating each reflective surface corresponding to each color of light, nor is it necessary to adjust the phase of the deflection scan between different colors of light through drive control between the motors. Since a single rotating body and a single motor can be used, the number of components is reduced, and the control of the deflection scan is also easier.

[0128] Furthermore, the projection display device of this embodiment includes a light synthesis unit that synthesizes illumination light of different colors that are deflected and scanned by a single deflection device. The rectangular illumination areas of different colors of light are magnified and projected onto the screen of the reflective light modulation device, and are scanned on the screen along the scanning direction SD in a manner that they do not overlap with each other.

[0129] According to this embodiment, in the field of projection image display devices that modulate and project lasers based on image signals, a small, easy-to-drive and control device with high light utilization efficiency can be realized.

[0130] Furthermore, the arrangement of light sources of various colors relative to the deflector is not limited to... Figure 1 For example, the positions of various colored light sources can be changed. In this case, the reflection / transmission characteristics of the dichroic mirror constituting the light combining unit 220 can be adjusted according to the layout of the various colored light sources. Furthermore, the three colored light sources are not necessarily limited to blue, green, and red; other colored light sources can also be used. In this case, the reflection / transmission characteristics of the dichroic mirror constituting the light combining unit 220 can also be adjusted according to the light emission characteristics of the light source used.

[0131] [Implementation Method 2]

[0132] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the outline structure of the optical system of the projection display device according to Embodiment 2. For ease of explanation, the mechanical structure, body, electrical wiring, etc., used for mounting the optical components are omitted in this diagram. Items common to Embodiment 1 are simplified or omitted in the description.

[0133] [Overall Structure]

[0134] The projection display device 1001 of this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 1 in that it includes a B light source 100B, a G light source 100G, an R light source 100R, a first transflection lens 200 composed of a front transflection lens 201 and a rear transflection lens 202, a light combining unit 220, a light path conversion mirror 330, a TIR prism 350, a reflective light modulation device 340, and a projection lens 360.

[0135] In Embodiment 1, a single deflector 210a is used to deflect and scan the B-beam, G-beam, and R-beam. In this embodiment, a deflector 210c having two optical surfaces (reflective surfaces) is used to deflect and scan the B-beam and G-beam, and a deflector 210b having one optical surface (reflective surface) is used to deflect and scan the R-beam. However, this embodiment is the same as Embodiment 1 in that it uses deflectors having multiple (two in this embodiment) optical surfaces (reflective surfaces).

[0136] In this embodiment, the deflector 210c, as a single deflection device, can deflect and scan both the G light emitted by the G light source 100G and the B light emitted by the B light source 100B. On the rotating body of the deflector, the reflective surfaces used to deflect and scan the G and B lights respectively are configured to have a 120-degree phase difference when viewed in the rotation direction, and each reflective surface can be rotated as a single unit using a single motor. Therefore, it is not necessary to individually install motors to rotate the reflective surfaces corresponding to the G and B lights respectively, nor is it necessary to adjust the phase of the deflection and scanning of the G and B lights through drive control between the motors.

[0137] In this embodiment, a deflector 210b is provided for deflecting and scanning the R-light, as compared to... Figure 1 and Figure 12 It can be seen that, compared to the case where the R-light is guided from the reflective surface of the lower surface of the deflector 210a to the dichroic mirror 222 of the light combining unit 220, when using the deflector 210b, the R-light can be guided to the dichroic mirror 222 without detouring the optical path. In this case, the arrangement can be such that the optical path length of the R-light is equal to the optical path length of the G-light or B-light. Therefore, even without providing reflectors 209F, 209R, and adjustment lens 203 for detouring the optical path, the R-light undergoing deflection scanning can be guided to the dichroic mirror 222 of the light combining unit 220. In this embodiment, to prevent the R-light undergoing deflection scanning from overlapping with the G-light or B-light, the phase of the motor that rotates the deflector 210b and the motor that rotates the deflector 210c is adjusted by the motor drive circuit. (Refer to Embodiment 1) Figure 11 As described in (c), the modulation operation of the reflective light modulator is synchronized with the vertical scanning of illumination light of various colors, and this embodiment is no exception.

[0138] In the projection display device of this embodiment, the illumination areas of G light and B light can be deflected and scanned using a single deflector 210c. Furthermore, it is equipped with a light combining unit that combines the three colors of illumination light that are deflected and scanned using deflectors 210c and 210b. The rectangular illumination areas of different colors of light are magnified and projected onto the screen of the reflective light modulation device, and are scanned on the screen along the scanning direction SD in a non-overlapping manner.

[0139] According to this embodiment, in the field of projection image display devices that modulate and project lasers based on image signals, a small, easy-to-drive and control device with high light utilization efficiency can be realized.

[0140] Furthermore, the arrangement of light sources of various colors relative to the deflector is not limited to... Figure 12 For example, the positions of various colored light sources can be changed. In this case, the reflection / transmission characteristics of the dichroic mirror constituting the light combining unit 220 can be adjusted according to the layout of the various colored light sources. Furthermore, the three colored light sources are not necessarily limited to blue, green, and red; other colored light sources can also be used. In this case, the reflection / transmission characteristics of the dichroic mirror constituting the light combining unit 220 can also be adjusted according to the light emission characteristics of the light source used.

[0141] [Implementation Method 3]

[0142] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the outline structure of the optical system of the projection display device according to Embodiment 3. For ease of explanation, the mechanical structure, body, electrical wiring, etc., used to install the optical components are omitted in this diagram. Items common to Embodiment 1 are simplified or omitted in the description.

[0143] [Overall Structure]

[0144] The projection display device 1002 of this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 1 in that it includes a B light source 100B, a G light source 100G, an R light source 100R, a deflector 210a, a first transfer lens 200 composed of a front transfer lens 201 and a rear transfer lens 202, an adjustment lens 203, a reflector 209F, a reflector 209R, a light combining unit 220, a light path conversion mirror 330, a TIR prism 350, a reflective light modulation device 340, and a projection lens 360.

[0145] This embodiment also includes a diffuser plate 310a disposed between the rear-side transflecting lens 202 of the first transflecting optical system and the optical path conversion mirror 330, and a second transflecting optical system 320. The second transflecting optical system 320 is composed of a front-side transflecting lens 321 and a rear-side transflecting lens 322, which are disposed with the optical path conversion mirror 330 between them.

[0146] In Embodiment 1, the first transpiling lens 200 magnifies and transpiles the rectangular illumination area IM1 onto the screen of the reflective light modulator 340, while in this embodiment, the first transpiling lens 200 (first transpiling optical system) forms a secondary transpiled image IM2 at the position of the diffuser plate 310a. Then, the secondary transpiled image IM2 scattered by the diffuser plate 310a is magnified and transpiled onto the screen of the reflective light modulator 340 as a tertiary transpiled image IM3 by the second transpiling optical system 320 (second transpiling optical lens). The size of each image is typically set as follows.

[0147] IM1:IM2:IM3 = 1:2:6

[0148] According to this embodiment with such a structure, the F-value of the illumination light illuminating the reflective light modulator 340 is easily controlled.

[0149] In addition, Figure 13 In this design, the diffuser plate 310a is fixed in a fixed position, but it can also be configured such that the irradiation position of the laser on the diffuser plate moves over time, for example, by rotating the diffuser plate or making it reciprocate linearly. According to this method, flickering of the illumination light caused by the laser can be suppressed.

[0150] According to this embodiment, similar to Embodiment 1, the deflector 210a can be provided with a single rotating body and a single motor, thus requiring fewer components and making deflection scanning control easier. Furthermore, the projection display device of this embodiment includes a light combining unit that combines illumination light of different colors that is deflected and scanned by a single deflector. Rectangular illumination areas of different colors of light are magnified and projected onto the screen of the reflective light modulator via a first and second transfer optical system, and scanned along the scanning direction SD on the screen in a non-overlapping manner.

[0151] According to this embodiment, in the field of projection image display devices that modulate and project lasers based on image signals, a small, easy-to-drive and control device with high light utilization efficiency can be realized.

[0152] Furthermore, the arrangement of light sources of various colors relative to the deflector is not limited to... Figure 13 For example, the positions of various colored light sources can be changed. In this case, the reflection / transmission characteristics of the dichroic mirror constituting the light combining unit 220 can be adjusted according to the layout of the various colored light sources. Furthermore, the three colored light sources are not necessarily limited to blue, green, and red; other colored light sources can also be used. In this case, the reflection / transmission characteristics of the dichroic mirror constituting the light combining unit 220 can also be adjusted according to the light emission characteristics of the light source used.

[0153] [Implementation Method 4]

[0154] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the outline structure of the optical system of the projection display device according to Embodiment 4. For ease of explanation, the mechanical structure, body, electrical wiring, etc., used to install the optical components are omitted in this diagram. Items common to Embodiment 1 are simplified or omitted in the description.

[0155] [Overall Structure]

[0156] The projection display device 1003 of this embodiment is the same as that of embodiment 3 in that it includes a B light source 100B, a G light source 100G, an R light source 100R, a deflector 210a, a first transflection optical system, a reflector 209F, a reflector 209R, a second transflection optical system 320, a light combining unit 220, a light path conversion mirror 330, a TIR prism 350, a reflective light modulation device 340, and a projection lens 360.

[0157] Similar to Embodiment 3, in this embodiment, a secondary image IM2 is formed at the position of the diffuser plate 310a using a first transpilation optical system. However, in this embodiment, the lens structure of the first transpilation optical system differs from that in Embodiment 3. In the first transpilation optical system (first transpilation lens 200) of Embodiment 3, front transpilation lenses 201 are individually configured for each color of light source, and a rear transpilation lens 202 common to all colors is configured in front of the light combining unit 220.

[0158] In contrast, in this embodiment, a front-side transflecting lens 201 is disposed corresponding to both the G light source 100G and the B light source 100B, and a rear-side transflecting lens 202 shared by the G and B lights is disposed between the dichroic mirrors 221 and 222. That is, the first transflecting lens 200 is configured to operate only on the G and B lights. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a front-side transflecting lens 201R corresponding to the R light source 100R is disposed between the deflector 210a and the reflector 209F, and a rear-side transflecting lens 202R for the R light is disposed between the reflector 209R and the dichroic mirror 222. That is, a first transflecting optical system (first transflecting lens 200R) dedicated to the R light is provided. In addition, in embodiment 3, an adjustment lens 203 is provided to adjust the effect of the R light's optical path length being longer than that of the B light or G light. However, in this embodiment, by appropriately setting the characteristics of the front transflection lens 201R and the rear transflection lens 202R, the adjustment lens 203 can be omitted.

[0159] According to this embodiment, similarly to Embodiment 3, the deflector 210a can be provided with a single rotating body and a single motor, thus requiring fewer components and making deflection scanning control easier. Furthermore, the projection display device of this embodiment includes a light combining unit that combines illumination light of different colors that is deflected and scanned by a single deflector. Rectangular illumination areas of different colors of light are magnified and projected onto the screen of the reflective light modulator via a first and second transfer optical system, and scanned along the scanning direction SD on the screen in a non-overlapping manner.

[0160] In this embodiment, multiple semiconductor lasers, collimating lenses, and integrator illumination systems are provided for each different color of light, and the illumination light of each color can be deflected and scanned by a single deflection device. On the rotating body of the deflection device, the reflective surfaces used to deflect and scan each color of light are configured to have a 120-degree phase difference when viewed in the rotation direction, and each reflective surface can be rotated as a single unit using a single motor. Therefore, it is not necessary to individually provide motors for rotating each reflective surface corresponding to each color of light, nor is it necessary to adjust the phase of the deflection scan between different colors of light through drive control between motors. Since a single rotating body and a single motor can be used, the number of components is reduced, and the control of the deflection scan is also easier.

[0161] According to this embodiment, in the field of projection image display devices that modulate and project lasers based on image signals, a small, easy-to-drive and control device with high light utilization efficiency can be realized.

[0162] Furthermore, the arrangement of light sources of various colors relative to the deflector is not limited to... Figure 14 For example, the positions of various colored light sources can be changed. In this case, the reflection / transmission characteristics of the dichroic mirror constituting the light combining unit 220 can be adjusted according to the layout of the various colored light sources. Furthermore, the three colored light sources are not necessarily limited to blue, green, and red; other colored light sources can also be used. In this case, the reflection / transmission characteristics of the dichroic mirror constituting the light combining unit 220 can also be adjusted according to the light emission characteristics of the light source used.

[0163] [Implementation Method 5]

[0164] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the outline structure of the optical system of the projection display device according to Embodiment 5. For ease of explanation, the mechanical structure, body, electrical wiring, etc., used for mounting the optical components are omitted in this diagram. Items common to Embodiment 1 are simplified or omitted in the description.

[0165] [Overall Structure]

[0166] The projection display device 1004 of this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 1 in that it includes a B light source 100B, a G light source 100G, an R light source 100R, a deflector 210a, a reflector 209F, a reflector 209R, a light combining unit 220, a light path conversion mirror 330, a TIR prism 350, a reflective light modulation device 340, and a projection lens 360.

[0167] In embodiments 1 to 4, light source B 100B, light source G 100G, and light source R 100R each employ a reference... Figure 5 (a)~ Figure 5 The light source of the integrator illumination system INT described in (d) is as follows. The various color light sources of this embodiment have a simpler structure, comprising: a laser module LM that emits a rectangular laser beam; and a focusing lens 500 that focuses the laser beam emitted by the laser module LM as a point image onto the reflective surface of the deflector 210a. Furthermore, the projection display device 1004 of this embodiment comprises: a collimating lens 501 that collimates the diverging beam reflected by the reflective surface of the deflector 210a into parallel light, and magnifies and projects it onto the reflective light modulation device as a rectangular illumination area.

[0168] In this embodiment, illumination light of various colors can also be deflected and scanned using a single deflection device. On the rotating body of the deflection device, the reflective surfaces used to deflect and scan each color of light are configured to have a 120-degree phase difference when viewed in the rotational direction, and each reflective surface can be rotated as a single unit using a single motor. Therefore, it is not necessary to individually configure motors for rotating each reflective surface corresponding to each color of light, nor is it necessary to adjust the phase of the deflection scan between different colors of light through drive control between motors. Since a single rotating body and a single motor can be used, the number of components is reduced, and the control of the deflection scan is also easier.

[0169] Furthermore, the projection display device of this embodiment includes a light synthesis unit that synthesizes illumination light of different colors that are deflected and scanned by a single deflection device. The rectangular illumination areas of different colors of light are magnified and projected onto the screen of the reflective light modulation device, and are scanned on the screen along the scanning direction SD in a manner that they do not overlap with each other.

[0170] According to this embodiment, in the field of projection image display devices that modulate and project lasers based on image signals, a small, easy-to-drive and control device with high light utilization efficiency can be realized.

[0171] Furthermore, the arrangement of light sources of various colors relative to the deflector is not limited to... Figure 15For example, the positions of various colored light sources can be changed. In this case, the reflection / transmission characteristics of the dichroic mirror constituting the light combining unit 220 can be adjusted according to the layout of the various colored light sources. Furthermore, the three colored light sources are not necessarily limited to blue, green, and red; other colored light sources can also be used. In this case, the reflection / transmission characteristics of the dichroic mirror constituting the light combining unit 220 can also be adjusted according to the light emission characteristics of the light source used.

[0172] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0173] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the technical concept of the present invention.

[0174] For example, in the integrator illumination system INT of embodiments 1 to 4, a diffractive diffusion device (so-called top-cap device) can be configured to replace the paired microlens array 103 and microlens array 104. If the top-cap device has different diffusion angles in the X and Y directions, it is not necessary to provide two devices; one device can be used instead.

[0175] Alternatively, instead of the microlens arrays 103 and 104 formed by two-dimensionally arranging microlenses with spherical shapes, arrays of striped microlenses (cylindrical lenses) in the X direction and arrays of striped microlenses (cylindrical lenses) in the Y direction can be set independently. With such a structure, the focal length and array spacing can be set independently of the stripe spacing, thus suppressing capture instability caused by insufficient array division and making it easier to generate a finer and more uniform rectangular light spot.

[0176] Alternatively, instead of a microlens array, an integrator illumination system (INT) with a rod-shaped optical integrator can be used. Figure 16 This diagram illustrates an integrator illumination system equipped with a rod-shaped optical integrator. The integrator illumination system includes a laser module LM, a condenser lens 401, a diffuser 402, a light rod 403, and a relay lens 406, forming a rectangular illumination area IM1. The semiconductor laser, the light-emitting portion 12 of the semiconductor laser, the collimating lens 102, etc., included in the laser module LM are described as in Embodiment 1.

[0177] The laser beams emitted from each semiconductor laser in the laser module LM are made approximately parallel by the collimating lens 102, with the divergence angle as already explained. The approximately collimated laser beams output from the laser module LM are focused onto the incident surface INP of the light bar 403 by the condenser lens 401. In this figure, the condenser lens 401 is represented by a single convex lens, but it can also be composed of multiple lenses for purposes such as suppressing aberrations.

[0178] A diffuser 402 is disposed near the incident surface INP of the light rod 403. The laser beam, diffused by the diffuser 402, is incident on the light rod 403 from the incident surface INP. Since the beam output from the laser module LM has a better divergence angle along the shorter side of the rectangle than along the longer side, the light capture loss on the incident surface INP of the light rod 403 can be suppressed, thereby improving utilization efficiency. The light incident on the light rod 403 undergoes repeated total internal reflection on the side and exits from the exit surface EXP. By appropriately setting the diffusion capability (diffusion angle) of the diffuser 402 and the length of the light rod 403, the illuminance distribution on the exit surface EXP can be made uniform.

[0179] By transferring the image emitted from the exit surface EXP of the light bar 403 using the relay lens 406, a rectangular illumination area IM1 with high illuminance uniformity can be obtained. By appropriately setting the transfer magnification of the relay lens, an illumination area IM1 of the desired size, either reduced, equal in size, or enlarged, can be obtained. Furthermore, in Figure 16 In this example, the relay lens 406 is composed of two lenses: a front convex lens 406a and a rear convex lens 406b. However, the structure of the relay lens 406 is not limited to this example.

[0180] The light bar 403 can be any optical device capable of causing total internal reflection of incident light from its side. Preferably, the light bar 403 is configured such that the shape of the incident surface INP, the shape of the exit surface EXP, and the cross-sectional shape of the light bar portion are the same. The light bar 403 can be, for example, a solid tetragonal prism made of an optical material such as optical glass or a light-transmitting resin. Alternatively, the light bar 403 can also be a hollow tetragonal prism, i.e., a cylindrical device, with a reflective surface formed on the inner surface of the cylinder, for example, made of a material such as aluminum.

[0181] The incident surface INP and the exit surface EXP of the light rod 403 are rectangles with a long side of H0 and a short side of V0. Through the relay lens 406, a rectangular illumination area IM1 with a long side of H1 and a short side of V1 is formed. The long side of the rectangular illumination area IM1 corresponds to the parallel direction (the slow axis direction of the semiconductor laser), and the short side corresponds to the orthogonal direction (the fast axis direction of the semiconductor laser). For example, if the shape of the incident surface INP and the exit surface EXP of the light rod 403 is set to a rectangle with a short side V0 of 0.33 mm in the X direction and a long side H0 of 1.67 mm, and the magnification of the relay lens 406 is set to 1.2x, a rectangular illumination area IM1 with a V1 of approximately 0.4 mm and an H1 of approximately 2 mm can be obtained.

[0182] Alternatively, for the light rod 403, a light rod can be used where the shape of the incident surface INP, the shape of the exit surface EXP, and the cross-sectional shape of the light rod portion are not the same, but rather a light rod like a so-called conical light rod where the shape of the incident surface INP and the shape of the exit surface EXP are different.

Claims

1. A projection display device, characterized in that, have: Multiple lighting units, each forming a rectangular lighting area; The deflection device is capable of deflecting and scanning the rectangular illumination area formed by each of the plurality of illumination units; The transpilation optical system synthesizes and magnifies the rectangular illumination area that has been deflected and scanned by the deflection device and transpiles it onto a reflective light modulation device. as well as The projection lens projects the image light output from the reflective light modulation device. Each of the plurality of illumination units includes a plurality of semiconductor lasers and a collimating lens for collimating the laser beams output from the plurality of semiconductor lasers. The deflecting device is rotatable about a rotation axis and has multiple reflective surfaces arranged along the circumference of a plurality of concentric circles centered on the rotation axis. Each of the multiple reflective surfaces is configured such that its tilt angle relative to the rotation axis varies along the circumference along which the reflective surface is arranged. The tilt angle of each of the plurality of reflective surfaces is configured such that, when the reflective surfaces are continuously rotated at a certain speed, the rectangular illumination area reflected by the reflective surfaces is recursively deflected and scanned in a certain direction at a certain speed.

2. The projection display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The phases of the changes in the tilt angles of the plurality of reflective surfaces are staggered along the rotation direction so that each of the rectangular illumination areas magnified and projected onto the reflective light modulator does not overlap with each other.

3. The projection display device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The plurality of semiconductor lasers are configured such that the slow axis direction is consistent with the fast axis direction. The long side of the rectangular illumination region is oriented along the slow axis of the semiconductor laser. The short side of the rectangular illumination region is oriented along the fast axis of the semiconductor laser. The deflection device deflects the laser beam along the short side of the rectangular illumination area.

4. The projection display device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of illumination units includes an integrator illumination system, which superimposes multiple laser beams collimated by the collimating lens to form a rectangular illumination area.

5. The projection display device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The integrator illumination system comprises: a microlens array consisting of spherical microlenses arranged in a two-dimensional manner, a diffractive diffusion device, or a microlens array consisting of striped microlenses.

6. The projection display device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The integrator illumination system includes: a light bar; a focusing lens that focuses multiple laser beams collimated by the collimating lens onto the light bar; a diffuser disposed near the incident surface of the light bar; and a relay lens that transfers the image of the exit surface of the light bar.

7. The projection display device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of illumination units includes a focusing lens, which focuses the plurality of laser beams collimated by the collimating lens onto any one of the plurality of reflective surfaces of the deflection device.

8. The projection display device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The plurality of reflective surfaces include a reflective surface disposed on the upper surface of the deflecting device and a reflective surface disposed on the lower surface of the deflecting device.

9. The projection display device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The plurality of reflective surfaces includes two reflective surfaces disposed on one side of the deflecting device.

10. The projection display device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The multiple reflective surfaces respectively deflect and scan the rectangular illumination area of ​​different colors of light.

Images