lighting fixtures
Patent Information
- Application Number
- TW111122171
- Authority / Receiving Office
- TW · TW
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2021-07-21
- Filing Date
- 2022-06-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-11
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-06-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing phase modulators struggle with achieving phase modulation of 2π or more, leading to reduced response speed and increased optical system size, which results in crosstalk and reduced image quality due to the need for multiple phase modulators or thicker liquid crystal layers.
A lighting device with a phase modulation unit that divides its phase modulation surface into regions, controlling light incidence timing and applying a lens effect to each area, allowing time-divisional output of different images and reducing crosstalk.
The solution enables miniaturization of the optical system and reduces crosstalk in projected images by ensuring each region has a response margin, improving image quality and light utilization efficiency.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] This technology relates to an illumination device for obtaining illumination light, and more particularly to an illumination device for obtaining illumination light with a desired light intensity distribution by performing spatial light phase modulation on incident light from a light source. [Previous Technology]
[0002] In recent years, a technology to improve dynamic range has been proposed in the field of image display devices, especially the HDR (High Dynamic Range) specification, which has attracted much attention. The HDR specification expands the grayscale display of low-brightness areas or the image signal format with higher peak brightness. In the image signal formats to date, the brightness display is only about 100 cd / m2 (candela per square meter), but now there is a demand for a brightness display that is tens of times higher.
[0003] Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique that uses a laser light source and a spatial light phase modulator (hereinafter referred to as "phase modulator") to modulate the phase of the light, thereby directing the light emitted from the laser light source in conjunction with the image signal, concentrating the light from a darker object onto a brighter object, and producing projector illumination light that matches the brightness distribution of the image. A method is proposed that achieves an image with a wide dynamic range by incidenting this illumination light onto a spatial light intensity modulator (hereinafter referred to as "intensity modulator") such as a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device). Here, the method of incidenting the illumination light generated by the phase modulator onto the intensity modulator, as described above, can be considered as seeking the same effect as the area segmentation driving of the backlight in a liquid crystal television (TV receiver). [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]
[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-532152 [Summary of the Invention]
[0005] [The problem the invention aims to solve]
[0006] Here, when using a phase modulator to generate an image with a desired light intensity distribution, it is sometimes necessary to modulate the phase of the light by more than 2π. Currently, the mainstream phase modulator capable of modulating the phase of light by more than 2π is the liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) device. Generally, to modulate the phase by more than 2π, it is necessary to increase the phase difference, which is achieved by using a liquid crystal material with a larger refractive index difference Δn, or by setting the thickness of the liquid crystal layer to more than twice the original value. In previous liquid crystal materials with a modulation factor of π, even with an increase, the refractive index difference Δn is only about 1.5. In contrast, the current state of liquid crystal materials with a larger refractive index difference Δn is about Δn = 2.0, which is less than twice the original value. Furthermore, increasing the refractive index difference Δn reduces the reliability of the liquid crystal material itself, thus posing difficulties before practical application. Therefore, setting the thickness d of the liquid crystal layer to more than twice the original value is a more realistic design for modulating the phase by more than 2π.
[0007] On the other hand, it is known that the response speed of a liquid crystal panel decreases with the thickness d of the liquid crystal layer. If the thickness d is twice, the response speed is 2² = 4 times. In the current case of LCOS, the actual speed is around 10 ms. Therefore, phase modulators with a phase modulation of 2π or more have an operating speed of around 40 ms. This means that compared to the general frame rate of 60 fps (16 ms), which cannot fully respond, when using this type of phase modulator, crosstalk occurs in the time direction of the illumination light used as backlight (the reproduced image that functions as backlight), resulting in a decrease in the image quality of the projected image.
[0008] In order to prevent crosstalk caused by the response speed of the aforementioned phase modulator, for example, the aforementioned Patent Document 1 also discloses that it is considered to configure a plurality of phase modulators and use them in equal time, but configuring a plurality of phase modulators involves the enlargement of the optical system, which is not ideal.
[0009] This technology was developed in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an illumination device for obtaining a reproduced image for illumination by performing spatial phase modulation of incident light from the light source, while simultaneously achieving miniaturization of the optical system and reducing temporal crosstalk in the reproduced image. [Technical Means for Solving the Problem]
[0010] The lighting device of the present invention comprises: a light source unit having a light-emitting unit that emits light; a phase modulation unit that performs spatial light phase modulation on incident light from the light source unit; and a control unit that, for a plurality of regions dividing the phase modulation surface of the phase modulation unit, causes light from the light source unit to be incident on each region at different times, and starts modulation drive according to the time sequence before the light incident period for each region. In this way, the phase modulation unit can output different regenerated images according to the time division of each region.
Implementation Method
[0012] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present technology will be described in the following order: <1. First Embodiment> (1-1. Composition of the Lighting Device) (1-2. Control Method as the First Embodiment) (1-3. Regarding Phase Modulation) (1-4. Specific Control Method) <2. Second Embodiment> <3. Third Embodiment> <4. Fourth Embodiment> <5. Variations> <6. Summary of Embodiments> <7. The Present Technology>
[0013] <1. First Embodiment> (1-1. Configuration of the Lighting Device) FIG1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a projector device 1 as a first embodiment of the lighting device of the present technology. As shown in the figure, the projector device 1 includes a light source unit 2, a phase modulation SLM (Spatial Light Modulator) 3, a relay optical system 4, a prism 5, an intensity modulation SLM 6, a projection lens 7, and a control unit 8.
[0014] In this projector device 1, a phase modulation SLM3 is configured to perform spatial light phase modulation on the incident light from the light source unit 2, thereby reproducing the desired image (light intensity distribution) on the intensity modulation surface Sp of the intensity modulation SLM6. That is, by focusing the light of darker objects in the image to be displayed onto brighter objects, projector illumination light that matches the brightness distribution of the image is generated, thereby expanding the dynamic range compared to the case where the projected image is generated solely by the spatial light intensity modulation of the intensity modulation SLM6.
[0015] Here, to confirm, the principle of image reproduction by spatial light phase modulation will be explained with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 schematically shows the relationship between the rays incident on the phase modulation surface Sm of the phase modulation SLM3, the wavefront of the phase distribution of the phase modulation SLM3, the rays after phase modulation, and the intensity distribution formed on the intensity modulation surface Sp by the rays after phase modulation. First, as a premise, the wavefront of the phase distribution of the phase modulation SLM3 is drawn as a smooth curve using the Freeform method, as shown in the figure. Through spatial light phase modulation by the phase modulation SLM3, the incident rays are refracted in a manner that travels in the normal direction of the wavefront of the phase distribution. Through this refraction, portions with higher light density and portions with lower light density are formed on the intensity modulation surface Sp, thereby forming a light intensity distribution on the intensity modulation surface Sp. Based on this principle, the desired image can be reproduced on the intensity modulation surface Sp by setting the phase distribution pattern on the phase modulation SLM3.
[0016] In previous projector devices, an image was generated by spatial light modulation (SLM) of light from a light source. However, because a portion of the incident light from the light source is blocked or reduced during spatial light intensity modulation, the light utilization rate is low, making it difficult to achieve high contrast. Since the generated image can be produced by performing spatial light phase modulation as described above, the light from darker objects that should be blocked or reduced can be concentrated on brighter objects, thereby improving the light utilization rate and achieving high contrast (expanded dynamic range).
[0017] In Figure 1, the light source unit 2 functions as a light source for incident light to the phase-modulated SLM3. In this example, the light source unit 2 has light-emitting units 2r, 2g, and 2b, which are configured to emit light of different colors respectively. Light-emitting unit 2r emits R (red) light, light-emitting unit 2g emits G (green) light, and light-emitting unit 2b emits B (blue) light. In this example, laser light-emitting elements are used for the light-emitting units 2r, 2g, and 2b.
[0018] The phase modulation SLM3 is composed of a transmissive liquid crystal panel and performs spatial light phase modulation of the incident light. Details of the spatial light phase modulation of the implemented phase modulation SLM3 will be explained again later.
[0019] The relay optical system 4 guides the light that has undergone spatial phase modulation by the phase modulation SLM3 to the prism 5. As shown in the figure, the light emitted from the relay optical system 4 enters the intensity modulation surface Sp of the intensity modulation SLM6 through the prism 5.
[0020] The intensity modulation SLM6 is, for example, LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon), which modulates the spatial light intensity of the incident light. Alternatively, DMD (Digital Micro Mirror Device) can also be used as the intensity modulation SLM6. Furthermore, when it is configured as a transmissive type, a transmissive liquid crystal panel can also be used, for example.
[0021] The light whose spatial light intensity is modulated by the intensity modulation SLM6 is reflected by the reflective surface of the prism 5 and incident on the projection lens 7. The projection lens 7 projects the light whose spatial light intensity is modulated by the intensity modulation SLM6 onto an object such as the screen Sc, thereby projecting a reproduced image corresponding to the input image onto the object.
[0022] Here, an example of the configuration of the relay optical system 4 will be described with reference to FIG3. In the relay optical system 4, a lens 41, a diffuser plate 42, a lens 43, and a lens 44 are provided. These are arranged in the order of lens 41, diffuser plate 42, lens 43, and lens 44 from the phase modulation SLM3 to the prism 5 side.
[0023] The light rays emitted from the phase modulation SLM3 are incident on the diffuser plate 42 via the lens 41. The diffuser plate 42 is disposed on the dummy surface Sd. The dummy surface Sd is a surface that is conjugate to the intensity modulation surface Sp of the intensity modulation SLM6 and the projection object surface of the projection lens 7 (the surface of the screen Sc in this example). The light passing through the diffuser plate 42 is incident on the prism 5 shown in Figure 1 via the lens 43 and the lens 44.
[0024] Here, in the dummy surface Sd, similar to the intensity modulation surface Sp, a regenerated image of the phase modulation SLM3 is obtained. (Detailed illustration omitted). In the dummy surface Sd, the focal point of each ray emitted from the phase modulation SLM3 is connected. By using the diffuser plate 42 disposed on the dummy surface Sd, the light spread (beam cross-sectional area) of the dummy surface Sd is reduced, and safety for the eyes and skin is improved.
[0025] In addition, the optical system of the projector device 1 is not limited to this, and an image can also be generated on the intensity modulation surface Sp without passing through the diffuser plate 42.
[0026] The explanation returns to Figure 1. The control unit 8 includes a light source control unit 9, a target intensity distribution calculation unit 10, a phase pattern calculation unit 11, a drive control unit 12, a drive control unit 13, and an intensity pattern calculation unit 14.
[0027] The light source control unit 9 controls the light emission operation of the light-emitting parts of the light source unit 2. Specifically, in this example, the light-emitting parts 2r, 2g, and 2b provided in the light source unit 2 are turned on (ON) / off (OFF) controlled (light emission / non-light emission control).
[0028] The drive control unit 12 is configured to have a drive circuit for driving the phase modulation SLM3. The drive control unit 12 is configured to drive each pixel of the phase modulation SLM3 individually. Similarly, the drive control unit 13 is configured to have a drive circuit for driving the intensity modulation SLM6, and is configured to drive each pixel of the intensity modulation SLM6 individually.
[0029] The target intensity distribution calculation unit 10 performs a process based on image data to obtain the light intensity distribution of the reproduced image generated on the intensity modulation surface Sp as the target intensity distribution. This target intensity distribution calculation is performed on a frame-by-frame basis, calculating for each color within one frame period, for example, when each subframe representing each color such as R, G, and B is required. As described above, the reproduced image generated on the intensity modulation surface Sp is equivalent to the backlight light driven by area segmentation in a liquid crystal television (television receiver), etc. Here, the target intensity distribution refers to an image close to the low-domain components of the extracted input image.
[0030] The phase pattern calculation unit 11 calculates the phase modulation pattern (phase distribution: information on the phase of each pixel) set in the phase modulation SLM3 based on the target intensity distribution calculated by the target intensity distribution calculation unit 10. Furthermore, the phase modulation pattern used to realize the target intensity distribution is calculated in this example based on the Freeform method; details of this will be explained later.
[0031] The drive control unit 13 drives the phase modulation SLM3 according to the phase modulation pattern calculated by the phase pattern calculation unit 11.
[0032] The intensity pattern calculation unit 14 calculates the intensity modulation pattern to be set on the intensity modulation SLM6 based on the image data and the target intensity distribution calculated by the target intensity distribution calculation unit 10. In this example, the spatial light intensity modulation of the intensity modulation SLM6 is equivalent to giving the regenerated image output to the intensity modulation surface Sp by the phase modulation SLM3 a high-domain component. The intensity modulation pattern calculation here is based on the input image data and the target intensity distribution (equivalent to the low-domain component of the image) being close to the image of the high-domain component of the extracted input image data. When the intensity pattern calculation unit 14 needs to display a plurality of subframe images of multiple colors within one frame period, it calculates the intensity modulation pattern for each of the subframe images.
[0033] The drive control unit drives the intensity modulation SLM6 based on the intensity modulation pattern calculated by the intensity pattern calculation unit 14.
[0034] (1-2. Control method as a first embodiment) Here, when using a phase-modulated SLM to generate an image with a desired light intensity distribution, there is a need to modulate the phase of the light by 2π or more. Therefore, it is required that the thickness d of the liquid crystal layer of the phase-modulated SLM be set to more than twice the conventional ratio.
[0035] However, the response speed of a liquid crystal panel decreases due to its thickness d. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the dependence of the response speed of a liquid crystal panel on its thickness d, showing the response characteristics of a typical intensity modulation SLM with a thickness d (Figure 4A) and the response characteristics of a phase modulation SLM that increases the thickness d by about 2 times for the intensity modulation SLM (Figure 4B).
[0036] Therefore, for phase modulation SLM, there is a risk that it cannot fully respond to the general frame rate of 60 fps (16 msec), and crosstalk in the temporal direction will be generated for the illumination light (reproduced image) illuminating the intensity modulation surface Sp, resulting in a reduction in the image quality of the projected image.
[0037] In order to prevent crosstalk caused by the response speed of the phase modulation SLM as described above, it is considered to configure it to provide a plurality of phase modulation SLMs and use them in a time-division manner. However, the provision of a plurality of phase modulation SLMs involves the enlargement of the optical system, which is not ideal.
[0038] Therefore, in this embodiment, a method is adopted in which the phase modulation surface Sm of the phase modulation SLM3 is divided into a plurality of regions Ar, and light from the light source unit 2 is incident on each of the regions Ar at different times, and the modulation drive is started on each region Ar before the light incident period.
[0039] In this example, the premise is that three color subframes of R, G, and B are output during frame 1. Correspondingly, light-emitting units 2r, 2g, and 2b are provided in the light source unit 2. In this example, during the subframes of R, G, and B, the reproduced image is illuminated from different regions Ar of the phase modulation SLM3 onto the intensity modulation surface Sp. Specifically, during the subframe of R, the reproduced image from a certain region Ar of the phase modulation SLM3 is illuminated onto the intensity modulation surface Sp. During the subframe of G, the reproduced image from another region Ar of the phase modulation SLM3 is illuminated onto the intensity modulation surface Sp. Furthermore, during the subframe of B, the reproduced image from yet another region Ar of the phase modulation surface SLM3 is illuminated onto the intensity modulation surface Sp. Therefore, in this example, the phase modulation surface Sm of the phase modulation surface SLM3 is divided into three parts. The three parts Ar are respectively designated as the first region Ar1, the second region Ar2, and the third region Ar3.
[0040] Furthermore, in this example, the optical system is configured such that during the subframe of R, the reproduced image of the R light is irradiated onto the intensity modulation surface Sp; during the subframe of G, the reproduced image of the G light is irradiated onto the intensity modulation surface Sp; during the subframe of B, the reproduced image of the B light is irradiated onto the intensity modulation surface Sp; and light from the light-emitting part 2r is incident on the first region Ar1, light from the light-emitting part 2g is incident on the second region Ar2, and light from the light-emitting part 2b is incident on the third region Ar3.
[0041] Figure 5 shows the emitted image of the regenerated image of each region Ar in the first embodiment. As shown in Figures 5A to 5C, in order to prevent crosstalk in the spatial direction of the regenerated image, light is emitted from each region Ar in such a way that the regenerated image of each region is illuminated by the same region on the intensity modulation surface Sp.
[0042] Therefore, spatial phase modulation of Ar in each region can be performed by giving a lens effect that changes at least one of the direction or beam size of the emitted beam from each region Ar (beam before incident on each region Ar).
[0043] (1-3. Regarding Phase Modulation) Hereinafter, with reference to Figures 6 to 9, a method for deriving a phase modulation pattern that includes the lens effect described above, for reproducing the desired light intensity distribution on the intensity modulation surface Sp, will be explained. As mentioned above, the Freeform method is known as a method for obtaining the phase distribution of the light intensity distribution to be reproduced. The Freeform method is a general term for methods that obtain the phase distribution of the desired image based on ray optics. Hereinafter, a method for obtaining the phase distribution of each region Ar based on the Freeform method will be explained. Also, although the concept of "domain Dm" is used in the following explanation, it is equivalent to the concept of "region Ar".
[0044] First, as shown in Figure 6, for ease of explanation, a coordinate system (x, y) is defined in the phase-tunable region of the phase modulation surface Sm, a coordinate system (x', y') is defined in the domain Dm of the phase modulation surface, and a coordinate system (ux, uy) is defined in the illumination region (the region illuminating the regenerated image) of the intensity modulation surface Sp. Furthermore, the displacement of the domain Dm relative to the phase-tunable region is set as (∆x, ∆y), and the area reduction factor of the domain Dm relative to the phase-tunable region is set as r (r > 2). Also, the distance between the phase modulation surface Sm and the intensity modulation surface Sp is set as f.
[0045] The phase distribution P, which corresponds one-to-one with the light rays from the entire phase-tunable region to the illumination region, is obtained by the Freeform method. The refraction of the light ray incident on the point (x, y) = (x1 = y1) on the phase-tunable region is determined by the gradient vector [Equation 1] of the phase distribution P at the point (x, y) = (x1 = y1). The displacement of the in-plane direction of the light ray passing through the projection surface at the point (ux, uy) = (ux1, uy1) and the point (x, y) = (x1, y1) on the phase-tunable surface Sm is given by the product of the gradient vector and the distance f as shown in Equation 2. [Equation 2] Therefore, the correspondence between the point of a light ray passing through the phase-tunable surface Sm and the point of passing through the intensity-tunable surface Sp, which is refracted by the phase distribution P, is given by Equation 3. [Equation 3]
[0046] The phase distribution to be assigned to the domain Dm is called "P'". As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the intensity distribution in the illumination region achieved by the refraction of light incident on the entire phase-tunable region through the phase distribution P is defined as "I", and the intensity distribution in the illumination region achieved by the refraction of light incident on the domain Dm through the phase distribution P' is defined as "I'". The condition that the phase distribution P' should satisfy is that the intensity distribution I and the intensity distribution I' are consistent.
[0047] Here, as shown in Figure 8, any point on the domain Dm is designated as point A', and its coordinates are set as (x', y') = (sx, sy). Furthermore, the point on the light penetration intensity modulation surface Sp, which is refracted by the phase distribution P' at point A', is designated as point B'. Moreover, as shown in Figure 7, a point on the phase-tunable region corresponding to point A' at coordinates (x, y) = (r·sx, r·sy) is designated as point A, and the point on the light penetration intensity modulation surface Sp, which is refracted by the phase distribution P at point A, is designated as point B.
[0048] To ensure that intensity distribution I is consistent with intensity distribution I', phase distribution P' can be defined in such a way that point B and point B' are consistent. If a phase distribution P' that satisfies this condition exists, then as explained in [Equation 2], the product of the gradient vector of the phase distribution P' at point A' and the distance f is consistent with the in-plane direction displacement of point B and point A'. The coordinates of point B are expressed using the expression on the left side of [Equation 3] [Equation 4]. Note that the coordinates of the (x, y) coordinate system of point A' are (x, y) = (sx + ∆x, sy + ∆y). Then, as the condition that phase distribution P' should satisfy, we obtain the following [Equation 5]. [Equation 5] If [Equation 3] is used, then [Equation 5] is rewritten as shown in the following [Equation 6]. [Equation 6]
[0049] Here, since point A' is any point on the domain Dm, we obtain the following conditional expression in [Equation 7], which rewrites (sx, sy) as (x', y') in [Equation 6]. [Equation 7] If we calculate the rotational field of (x', y') on the right side of [Equation 7], it becomes the following [Equation 8]. [Equation 8]Here, since the phase distribution P is a known scalar field on (x, y), the rotational field of its gradient field is zero with respect to any (x, y), so the result of [Equation 8] is zero. In general, if a vector field is given as a gradient field, the necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of a scalar field is that the rotational field of its vector field is zero at any point. Therefore, the rotational field on the right side of the conditional expression in [Equation 7] is zero, indicating that there does exist a phase distribution P' that satisfies [Equation 7], that is, the phase distribution P' given as the gradient field on the right side of [Equation 7]. Therefore, the value of the phase distribution P' of any point (x', y') = (sx, sy) on the domain Dm can be constructed as shown below by performing a line integral on the right side of [Equation 7]. [Number 9]
[0050] The first term of [Equation 10] above represents the component of scaling the phase distribution P in both the spatial and phase directions by a reduction factor r. The second and third terms represent the lens components determined by the position of the domain Dm. Therefore, in order to calculate the phase distribution P' of each segmented region Ar, firstly, the phase distribution P obtained by the Freeform method is scaled in both the spatial and phase directions. For this scaled phase distribution, the lens component corresponding to its position is added to each domain Dm, and this is used as the phase distribution P' of each domain Dm. In this way, the positions of the reproduced images from each domain Dm can be separated, and the light intensity distributions of each can be reproduced in the same region on the intensity modulation surface Sp.
[0051] Hereinafter, for an image of a certain color, the phase distribution P obtained by calculating the entire phase-adjustable region is denoted as "basic phase distribution Dpr". Furthermore, the phase distribution obtained by scaling the basic phase distribution Dpr in the spatial and phase directions corresponding to the size of the domain Dm is denoted as "regional basic phase distribution Dpa". In the case where, as shown in the first embodiment, the first region Ar1 corresponds to the R image, the second region Ar2 corresponds to the G pattern, and the third region Ar3 corresponds to the blue image, the regional basic phase distribution Dpa is obtained according to each of the R image, G image, and B image.
[0052] Regarding the scaling of the basic phase distribution Dpr, when the area of the entire phase-adjustable region is set to "arr" and the area of the domain Dm is set to "ard", the scaling is performed as a multiplier "ard / arr".
[0053] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram regarding the addition of lens components. Here, as a domain Dm, examples include a central domain Dm-1, and domains Dm-2 and Dm-3 located above and below domain Dm-1, respectively. In the figure, the phase distribution shown as lens component Dpl-1 is the phase distribution of the lens component corresponding to the position of domain Dm-1, and lens components Dpl-2 and Dpl-3 are the phase distributions of the lens components corresponding to the positions of domains Dm-2 and Dm-3, respectively. Furthermore, the regional basic phase distributions Dpa1, Dpa2, and Dpa3 refer to the regional basic phase distributions Dpa obtained corresponding to domains Dm-1, Dm-2, and Dm-3, respectively.
[0054] As shown in the figure, the phase distribution Dpd-1 set for region Dm-1 is obtained by adding the phase distribution of the lens component Dpl-1 to the region's basic phase distribution Dpa1. Similarly, the phase distribution Dpd-2 set for region Dm-2 is obtained by adding the phase distribution of the lens component Dpl-2 to the region's basic phase distribution Dpa2, and the phase distribution Dpd-3 set for region Dm-3 is obtained by adding the phase distribution of the lens component Dpl-3 to the region's basic phase distribution Dpa2. In this way, each region Dm of regions Dm-1, Dm-2, and Dm-3 can reproduce the light intensity distribution of the target in the same region on the intensity modulation surface Sp.
[0055] Hereinafter, as shown above, the phase distribution obtained by adding the lens component Dpl corresponding to each domain Dm to the regional basic phase distribution Dpa is collectively referred to as the "regional phase distribution Dpd".
[0056] Here, in the first embodiment, it is assumed that three subframes of R, G, and B are output within one frame period as described above. Therefore, the phase pattern calculation unit 11 shown in FIG1 calculates the regional phase distribution Dpd corresponding to the R image (i.e., "regional phase distribution DpdR"), the regional phase distribution Dpd corresponding to the G image (i.e., "regional phase distribution DpdG"), and the regional phase distribution Dpd corresponding to the B image (i.e., "regional phase distribution DpdB") for each of the R, G, and B images obtained according to each frame.
[0057] (1-4. Specific Control Method) Referring to Figures 10 and 11, a specific example of the control method as a first embodiment will be described. Furthermore, in the following description, the different colors of light are represented in the diagrams by the types of lines shown below. Red (R): Solid line; Green (G): Short dashed line; Blue (B): Single dashed line; Yellow (Y): Two-dot chain line; Cyan (C): Long dashed line
[0058] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the "Intensity Modulation SLM" is used in this embodiment to output subframes of three colors (R, G, and B) during each frame period F. Figure 10 shows the response characteristics of the phase modulation SLM3 ("Phase Modulation SLM" in the figure) when the intensity modulation surface Sp is illuminated by the phase modulation surface Sm without regional segmentation, and the on / off timing of the light-emitting parts 2r, 2g, and 2b ("Red Light Source", "Green Light Source", and "Blue Light Source" in the figure), and the contribution of the phase modulation SLM3 to the illumination light of the projected image of each subframe ("Red Image", "Green Image", and "Blue Image" in the figure).
[0059] Regarding the driving of light-emitting parts 2r, 2g, and 2b, as shown in the figure, only light-emitting part 2r emits light during the subframe period of R within frame period F, only light-emitting part 2g emits light during the subframe period of G, and only light-emitting part 2b emits light during the subframe period of B.
[0060] Referring to Figure 10, when the phase modulation surface Sm is not divided into regions, the liquid crystal response for phase modulation corresponding to each color correlation is insufficient during the subframe period of R, G, and B, resulting in temporal crosstalk between the subframe images of each color. This crosstalk leads to a decrease in the resolution or contrast of the projected image.
[0061] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram of the control method as a first embodiment of the region segmentation accompanying the phase modulation surface Sm. As described above, in this example, light from the light-emitting part 2r is incident on the first region Ar1, light from the light-emitting part 2g is incident on the second region Ar2, and light from the light-emitting part 2b is incident on the third region Ar3.
[0062] By performing region segmentation, the first region Ar1 only serves as the second frame period of R, the second region Ar2 only serves as the second frame period of G, and the third region Ar3 only serves as the second frame period of B. This allows each region Ar to generate a margin of time (response margin) that can be divided into response times within the frame period F. Therefore, in this example, modulation drive is initiated for each region Ar before the light incidence period. Specifically, for the first region Ar1, phase modulation drive to generate the regenerated image corresponding to the R image is initiated before the light incidence period from the light-emitting part 2r (i.e., the second frame period of R). That is, phase modulation drive based on the aforementioned region phase distribution DpdR is initiated. Similarly, for the second region Ar2, phase modulation drive based on the aforementioned regional phase distribution DpdG is started before the light incident period from the light source 2g (the subframe period of G), and for the third region Ar3, phase modulation drive based on the aforementioned regional phase distribution DpdB is started before the light incident period from the light source 2b (the subframe period of B).
[0063] In this way, the corresponding region Ar responds in a timely manner during each subframe, thereby reducing crosstalk between subframe images.
[0064] To achieve the operation of the first embodiment as described above, the control unit 8 shown in FIG1 performs the following control during each frame period F: Specifically, as the control of the light source unit 2, only the light-emitting unit 2r is turned on during the next frame period R, only the light-emitting unit 2g is turned on during the next frame period G, and only the light-emitting unit 2b is turned on during the next frame period B. Furthermore, during each frame period F, the regional phase distributions DpdR, DpdG, and DpdB are calculated based on the input image data. Moreover, as the drive control of the phase modulation SLM3, as described above, for regions Ar1, Ar2, and Ar3, the phase modulation drive based on the corresponding regional phase distribution Dpd is started at a timing earlier than the light incident period from the corresponding light-emitting unit.
[0065] Here, although the response time can be obtained by setting multiple phase-modulated SLM3s, in this case, in order for the regenerated images of each phase-modulated SLM3 to illuminate the same area on the intensity modulation surface Sp, it is necessary to bend the beam more significantly by using a phase modulation pattern. The more the number of phase-modulated SLM3s increases, the greater the amount of beam bending, and the feasibility decreases. It is also considered to use a dichroic mirror or a PBS (polarization beam splitter) to coaxialize multiple phase-modulated SLM3s, but this will increase the system size. Furthermore, when using multiple phase-modulated SLM3s, the light illuminating each phase-modulated SLM3 passes through the aperture, resulting in a decrease in light utilization efficiency. According to the implementation method of using a single-board phase-modulated SLM3 in a segmented manner, this problem can be solved.
[0066] <2. Second Embodiment> Next, the second embodiment will be described. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the projector device 1A as the second embodiment. In the following description, the same symbols are used for the parts that have been described at the end, and the description is omitted.
[0067] Regarding the projector device 1A in the second embodiment, the differences from the projector device 1 in the first embodiment are that the light source unit 2A is provided instead of the light source unit 2, two intensity modulation SLM6-1 and intensity modulation SLM6-2 are provided as intensity modulation SLM6, and the control unit 8A is provided instead of the control unit 8.
[0068] In this case, the optical system comprising prism 5, intensity modulation SLM6-1, intensity modulation SLM6-2, and projection lens 7 is configured such that, for intensity modulation SLM6-1 and 6-2 respectively disposed at different positions, the reproduced image from phase modulation SLM3 illuminates the intensity modulation surface Sp-1 of intensity modulation SLM6-1 and the intensity modulation surface Sp-2 of intensity modulation SLM6-2, and the intensity modulation images from each of the intensity modulation surfaces Sp-1 and Sp-2 are incident on the projection lens 7 via prism 5. In this case, the intensity modulation images from each of the intensity modulation surfaces Sp-1 and Sp-2 are projected onto the same area on the projection target surface (the surface on which the image is projected by the projection lens 7).
[0069] Here, in the second embodiment, it is set as an example where one frame period is composed of two sub-frame periods. That is, each of the intensity modulation SLMs 6-1 and 6-2 performs spatial light intensity modulation related to two sub-frame images within one frame period. Specifically, in this example, the intensity modulation SLM 6-1 performs spatial light intensity modulation of the sub-frame image R during the first frame period of frame period F, and performs spatial light intensity modulation of the sub-frame image B during the second frame period. Furthermore, in the intensity modulation SLM 6-2, the spatial light intensity modulation of the sub-frame image G is performed during the first frame period, and the spatial light intensity modulation of the sub-frame image B is performed during the second frame period.
[0070] Furthermore, correspondingly, a light-emitting part 2y that emits Y (yellow) light, a composite color of R and G, and a light-emitting part 2b that emits B light are provided in the light source part 2A. Also, for the phase modulation SLM3, the phase modulation surface Sm is divided into two parts. The regions Ar in this division are designated as the first region Ar1 and the second region Ar2.
[0071] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, the control method as a second embodiment will be described. Figures 13 and 14 are explanatory diagrams related to the same items as those in Figures 10 or 11 above. Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram of the case where the area division of the phase modulation SLM3 is not performed based on the configuration of the projector device 1A as described above in the second embodiment. Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram of the case where the control method as the second embodiment is adopted.
[0072] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, in this case, during the first frame period when the intensity modulation SLM6-1 modulates the subframe image of R and the intensity modulation SLM6-2 modulates the subframe image of G, only the light-emitting part 2y emits light in the light source part 2A. During the second frame period when the intensity modulation SLM6-1 modulates the subframe image of B and the intensity modulation SLM6-2 also modulates the subframe image of B, only the light-emitting part 2b emits light in the light source part 2A.
[0073] Referring to Figure 13, in this case, if the phase modulation surface Sm region is not divided, the liquid crystal cannot respond during each subframe period, which increases the crosstalk in the time direction between subframe images.
[0074] In the second embodiment, after the phase modulation surface Sm is divided into two parts to form a first region Ar1 and a second region Ar2 as described above, light from the light-emitting part 2y is incident on the first region Ar1, and light from the light-emitting part 2b is incident on the second region Ar2.
[0075] By performing region segmentation, as shown in FIG14, the first region Ar1 only needs to serve as the first frame period for spatial light intensity modulation of the subframe image of R and G, and the second region Ar2 only needs to serve as the second frame period for spatial light intensity modulation of the subframe image of B by both intensity modulation SLMs 6-1 and 6-2. That is, in this case, each region Ar also generates a response margin time within the frame period F. Therefore, in the second embodiment, for the first region Ar1, the phase modulation drive for generating the regenerated image corresponding to the Y image starts before the light incident period from the light source 2y (the first frame period). Similarly, for the second region Ar2, the phase modulation drive for generating the regenerated image corresponding to the B image starts before the light incident period from the light source 2b (the second frame period).
[0076] Accordingly, during each subframe period, the corresponding region Ar responds promptly, thereby reducing crosstalk between subframe images. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, during the first frame period of spatial light intensity modulation of the subframe images of R and G, the light source of the composite color of R and G, i.e., Y light, is emitted, and a regenerated image corresponding to the Y image is generated in the first region Ar1, thereby suppressing the reduction in resolution of the subframe images of R and G.
[0077] In order to achieve the operation as described above in the second embodiment, the control unit 8A shown in FIG12 performs the following control during each frame period F: That is, as the control of the light source unit 2A, during the first frame period, only the light-emitting unit 2y is controlled to be turned on, and during the second frame period, only the light-emitting unit 2b is controlled to be turned on. Furthermore, during each frame period F, based on the input image data, the region phase distribution Dpd corresponding to the Y image, i.e., the region phase distribution DpdY, and the region phase distribution DpdB corresponding to the B image are calculated. Moreover, as the drive control of the phase modulation SLM3, the phase modulation drive based on the corresponding region phase distribution Dpd is started at a timing earlier than the light incident period from the light-emitting units corresponding to the first region Ar1 and the second region Ar2, respectively.
[0078] In addition, the example given above in which the first frame period (the modulation period of the subframe images of R and G) precedes the second frame period (the modulation period of the subframe image of B) within the frame period F can also be reversed, so that the second frame period precedes the first frame period.
[0079] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the composite color W (white) of R, G, and B is also considered. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG15, the first region Ar1 and the second region Ar2 are driven by a phase modulation pattern corresponding to the W image (W is represented by a gray line in the figure). W can correspond to both R and G during the first frame period and B during the second frame period. Therefore, as shown in the figure, the first region Ar1 and the second region Ar2 are subjected to phase modulation corresponding to the W image every frame and alternately. Specifically, the first region Ar1 is subjected to phase modulation corresponding to the W image for example, throughout the first frame period (i.e., throughout the first and second frame periods) in even-numbered frames, and the second region Ar2 is subjected to phase modulation corresponding to the W image for example, throughout the first frame period in odd-numbered frames. In this way, in each region Ar of the first region Ar1 and the second region Ar2, the response margin time can be further expanded, and the crosstalk reduction effect in the temporal direction of the projected image can be improved.
[0080] When using a phase modulation pattern corresponding to the W image as described above, the control unit 8A can perform the following control: As a control of the light source unit 2A, during each frame period F, only the light-emitting unit 2y is turned on during the first frame period, and only the light-emitting unit 2b is turned on during the second frame period. Furthermore, during each frame period F, based on the input image data, the region phase distribution Dpd, i.e., the region phase distribution DpdW, corresponding to the W image is calculated. Furthermore, as the drive control for the phase modulation SLM3, for the first region Ar1, the phase modulation drive based on the regional phase distribution DpdW begins at a timing earlier than the even-numbered frame period of the target region, and continues to be driven based on the regional phase distribution DpdW throughout the 1-frame period. Also, for the second region Ar2, the phase variation drive based on the regional phase distribution DpdW begins at a timing earlier than the odd-numbered frame period of the target region, and continues to be driven based on the regional phase distribution DpdW throughout the 1-frame period.
[0081] Alternatively, as described above, if the entire region Ar is driven by a phase modulation pattern corresponding to the W image, it can also be configured such that only one region Ar is driven by a phase modulation pattern corresponding to the W image.
[0082] <3. Third Embodiment> Figure 16 shows a configuration example of the projector device 1B as a third embodiment. The difference between the projector device 1B and the projector device 1 in the first embodiment is that a light shifting unit 20 for each of the R-light, G-light, and B-light components is provided between the light source unit 2 and the phase modulation SLM3, and a control unit 8B is provided instead of the control unit 8. The control unit 8B has a light incident control unit 15 for controlling the operation of each light shifting unit 20, which differs from the control unit 8. The light shifting units 20 are provided to switch the light incident area Ar for each corresponding light-emitting unit.
[0083] Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram of the light shifting unit 20. As illustrated in Figure 17A, the light shifting unit 20 is configured to move the optical axis of the incident light Li from the two sides of the light source unit parallel to it, and output it as the outgoing light Lo to the phase modulation SLM3 side. Specifically, the light shifting unit 20 is configured as a combination of wedge-shaped optical elements 21 and 22 as shown in the figure, and can rotate freely around the rotation axis 20a (an axis parallel to the plane orthogonal to the optical axis of the incident light Li) provided on the wedge-shaped optical element 21.
[0084] Figures 17B and 17C illustrate the optical axis displacement operation of the light displacement unit 20. Here, the operation of the light displacement unit 20, which is provided for emitting R-light, is illustrated as a representative example. However, as shown in the figures, by rotating the wedge-shaped optical elements 21 and 22 around the rotation axis 20a, the region Ar on which the emitted R-light Lo is incident on the phase-modulated SLM3 can be switched. In other words, the region Ar on which light from the two sides of the light source unit is incident can be selected.
[0085] Although the illustration is omitted, for G light and B light, the light displacement unit 20 provided corresponding to each can also be used to switch which region Ar light from the light-emitting unit 2g and 2b side is incident on.
[0086] Furthermore, the specific configuration of the light displacement section 20 is not limited to that shown in FIG17. If it is a configuration that causes the optical axis of the incident light Li to shift (parallel shift), it is not limited to a specific configuration.
[0087] In the third embodiment, one frame period is configured to consist of four sub-frame periods. Specifically, in this case, the intensity modulation SLM6 performs spatial light intensity modulation related to four sub-frame images (R, G, B, G) within one frame period. Here, the first frame period is the beginning of frame period F, followed by the second, third, and fourth frame periods. Furthermore, in this case, the intensity modulation SLM6 performs spatial light intensity modulation of the sub-frame images within each frame period F, with the allocation being first frame period = R, second frame period = G, third frame period = B, and fourth frame period = G.
[0088] Referring to Figures 18 and 19, the control method as a third embodiment will be described. Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram based on the configuration of the projector device 1B as the third embodiment described above, without the region division of the phase modulation SLM3, and Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram of the case where the control method as the third embodiment is adopted.
[0089] As shown in Figures 18 and 19, in order to control the light source unit 2 in this case, only the light-emitting unit 2r is turned on during the first frame period (R), only the light-emitting unit 2g is turned on during the second frame period (G), only the light-emitting unit 2b is turned on during the third frame period (B), and only the light-emitting unit 2g is turned on during the fourth frame period (G).
[0090] As can be seen from FIG18, in this case, if the phase modulation surface Sm region is not divided, the liquid crystal cannot respond during each subframe period, which increases the crosstalk in the time direction between subframe images.
[0091] In the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the phase modulation surface Sm is divided into three regions to form a first region Ar1, a second region Ar2, and a third region Ar3. As shown in FIG19, each region Ar changes its color in a repeating sequence of R, G, B, G every two frames. Specifically, the first region Ar1 performs phase modulation of the R image during the first frame period F. After the first frame period, the target color of the phase modulation G→R→G→B→... changes cyclically every two frames. The second region Ar2 performs phase modulation of the G image during the second frame period F. After the second frame period, the target color of the phase modulation G→R→G→B→... changes cyclically every two frames. The third region Ar3 is made to perform phase modulation of the B image during the initial frame period F and during the third frame period. After the third frame period, the phase-modulated object color G→R→G→B→... is cyclically changed every 2 frames.
[0092] At this time, light from the light source unit 20 is incident on each region Ar via each light displacement unit 20 in a repeating sequence of R, G, B, G every two frames. Specifically, for the first region Ar1, during the initial frame period F, R light from the light source unit 2r is incident during the first frame period. After the first frame period, the color of the incident light changes cyclically every two frames: G→B→G→R→... For the second region Ar2, during the initial frame period F, G light from the light source unit 2g is incident during the second frame period. After the second frame period, the color of the incident light changes cyclically every two frames: G→B→G→R→... For the third region Ar3, during the initial frame period F, B light from the light source unit 2b is incident during the third frame period. After the third frame period, the color of the incident light changes cyclically every two frames: G→B→G→R→...
[0093] According to the control method as described in the third embodiment above, the response margin time of each region Ar can ensure the duration of two frame intervals. In this case, the phase modulation drive of each region Ar also starts from the timing before the incident period of the corresponding light.
[0094] In order to achieve the operation as described above in the third embodiment, the control unit 8B shown in FIG16 performs the following control: As for the control of the light source unit 2, during each frame period F, only the light-emitting unit 2r is turned on during the first frame period, only the light-emitting unit 2g is turned on during the second frame period, only the light-emitting unit 2b is turned on during the third frame period, and only the light-emitting unit 2g is turned on during the fourth frame period. Furthermore, the control of each light displacement unit 20 has already been explained above, so it will not be repeated. Also, during each frame period F, the regional phase distributions DpdR, DpdG, and DpdB are calculated based on the input image data. At this time, in the third embodiment, since the color of each region Ar changes over time, the lens component Dpl (see FIG9) used to generate the regional phase distributions DpdR, DpdG, and DpdB is selected according to the rule of this change. Furthermore, as the driving control of the phase modulation SLM3, the phase modulation driving based on the corresponding region phase distribution Dpd is started for the first region Ar1, the second region Ar2, and the third region Ar3 at a time sequence earlier than the light incident period from the light-emitting part of the corresponding color of each region.
[0095] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the light shifting unit 20 may not be provided. For example, as shown in FIG20, a light source unit 2B having three sets of light-emitting units 2r, 2g, and 2b is provided instead of the light source unit 2. In this way, by connecting any of the light-emitting units 2r, 2g, and 2b in each set, the type of light R, G, and B incident on each region of the phase-modulated SLM3 can be switched.
[0096] <4. Fourth Embodiment> Figure 21 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the projector device 1C as a fourth embodiment. The differences between the projector device 1C and the projector device 1 of the first embodiment are that a light source unit 2C is provided instead of a light source unit 2, and a control unit 8C is provided instead of a control unit 8. As shown in the figure, the light source unit 2C has a light-emitting unit 2y that emits Y light, and a light-emitting unit 2c that emits C (cyan) light, a composite color of G and B.
[0097] In the fourth embodiment, the phase modulation SLM3 has 2 region divisions, and each region Ar is designated as the first region Ar1 and the second region Ar2. The Y light emitted by the light-emitting part 2y is incident on the first region Ar1, and the C light emitted by the light-emitting part 2c is incident on the second region Ar2.
[0098] In the fourth embodiment, similar to the third embodiment, one frame period consists of four sub-frame periods. In this case, the intensity modulation SLM6 also performs spatial light intensity modulation of four sub-frame images (R, G, B, G) within one frame period. Similar to the third embodiment, the first frame period is the beginning of the sub-period F, followed by the second, third, and fourth sub-frame periods. In this case, the intensity modulation SLM6 performs spatial light intensity modulation of the sub-frame image within each frame period F, with the allocation being first frame period = R, second frame period = G, third frame period = B, and fourth frame period = G.
[0099] Figure 22 is an explanatory diagram related to the control method as a fourth embodiment. In this case, during each frame period F, during the first frame period (R) and the second frame period (G), only the light-emitting part 2y of the light source 2C emits light, and during the third frame period (B) and the fourth frame period (G), only the light-emitting part 2c of the light source 2C emits light.
[0100] In the fourth embodiment, the first region Ar1 performs phase modulation corresponding to the Y image during the first and second frame periods, and the second region Ar2 performs phase modulation corresponding to the C image during the third and fourth frame periods.
[0101] In this case, in the first region Ar1, a response margin is ensured during the third and fourth frame periods when phase modulation is not performed, and in the second region Ar2, a response margin is ensured during the first and second frame periods when phase modulation is not performed. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, for the first region Ar1, phase modulation drive for generating the regenerated image corresponding to the Y image begins at a time earlier than the light incident period from the light-emitting unit 2y (the first and second frame periods). Similarly, for the second region Ar2, phase modulation drive for generating the regenerated image corresponding to the C image begins at a time earlier than the light incident period from the light-emitting unit 2c (the third and fourth frame periods).
[0102] In this case, by segmenting the region, a response margin time (in this case, the duration of two frames) is ensured in each region Ar, thereby reducing crosstalk in the temporal direction between subframe images. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, during the spatial light intensity modulation of the subframe images of R and G (in this case, the first and second frame periods), the resolution reduction of the subframe images of R and G can be suppressed by emitting light from the source of the composite color of R and G, i.e., Y light, and generating a regenerated image corresponding to the Y image in the first region Ar1. Moreover, in the fourth embodiment, during the third and fourth frame periods of spatial light intensity modulation of the subframe images of B and G, the resolution reduction of the subframe images of G and B can be suppressed by emitting light from the source of the composite color of B and G, i.e., C light, and generating a regenerated image corresponding to the C image in the second region Ar2.
[0103] In order to achieve the operation as described above in the fourth embodiment, the control unit 8C performs the following control during each frame period F: Specifically, as a control of the light source unit 2C, only the light-emitting unit 2y is turned on during the first and second frame periods, and only the light-emitting unit 2c is turned on during the third and fourth frame periods. Furthermore, during each frame period F, based on the input image, the region phase distribution DpdY corresponding to the Y image and the region phase distribution DpdC corresponding to the C image are calculated. Moreover, as a drive control for the phase modulation SLM3, phase modulation drive based on the corresponding region phase distribution Dpd is started for the first region Ar1 and the second region Ar2 at a timing earlier than the light incident period from their respective light-emitting units.
[0104] In addition, in the fourth embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, it is also possible to consider using the composite color of R, G, B, i.e., W, for the composite color.
[0105] <5. Variations> Here, as an implementation, it is not limited to the specific examples described above, and various variations can be adopted. For example, in the above, the case of using one or two intensity modulation SLM6 is illustrated, but in the case of adopting a so-called three-plate configuration with three intensity modulation SLMs, the region segmentation drive of the phase modulation SLM3 can also be applied.
[0106] Figure 23 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a control method corresponding to a three-plate configuration. As shown in the figure, each intensity modulation SLM6 modulates the spatial light intensity of one color among R, G, and B during each frame period F. In this case, the phase modulation SLM3 is divided into two parts, and each part is designated as a first region Ar1 and a second region Ar2. As shown in the figure, the first region Ar1, for example, performs phase modulation corresponding to the W image in even-numbered frames, and the second region Ar2 performs phase modulation corresponding to the W image in odd-numbered frames. Light from the first light source is incident only on the first region Ar1 in even-numbered frames, and light from the second light source is incident only on the second region Ar2 in odd-numbered frames.
[0107] For example, by using the control method described above, corresponding to the case of a three-board configuration, a response margin of 1 frame period can be ensured in each region Ar. In this case, in each region Ar, since phase modulation drive can begin from the beginning timing of the frame period F before the frame period F that will become the light incident period, crosstalk in the temporal direction of the projected image can be reduced.
[0108] Furthermore, in the description up to this point, the maximum number of divisions of region Ar is set to 3, but the number of divisions of region Ar can also be set to 4 or more. Figure 24 shows a configuration example of a projector device 1D with the number of divisions of region Ar set to 4. Hereinafter, the four regions Ar will be referred to as the first region Ar1, the second region Ar2, the third region Ar3, and the fourth region Ar4, respectively.
[0109] The difference from the projector device 1 in the first embodiment is that a control unit 8D is provided instead of the control unit 8, and a light shifting unit 20 is provided for the light-emitting unit 2g. The control unit 8D is different from the control unit 8 in that it has an incident light control unit 15' for controlling the light shifting unit 20.
[0110] Figure 25 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the control method of the projector device 1D. In this case, the intensity modulation SLM6, in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment, performs spatial light intensity modulation of the subframe image during each frame period F with the allocation of the first frame period = R, the second frame period = G, the third frame period = B, and the fourth frame period = G.
[0111] In this variation, by setting the number of regions Ar to four, one region Ar can be allocated during each of the first to fourth frame periods. Specifically, in this case, the first region Ar1 performs phase modulation corresponding to the R image during the first frame period (R), and the second region Ar2 performs phase modulation corresponding to the G image during the second frame period (G). Furthermore, the third region Ar3 performs phase modulation corresponding to the B image during the third frame period (B), and the fourth region Ar4 performs phase modulation corresponding to the G image during the fourth frame period (G). In this case, for the G light, it needs to be incident on the second region Ar2 during the second frame period and on the fourth region Ar4 during the fourth frame period. Therefore, as shown in FIG24, a light shifting unit 20 is provided for the light-emitting part 2g.
[0112] As shown in Figure 25, by increasing the number of region segments, the response margin time of each region Ar can be increased. Therefore, the effect of reducing crosstalk in the temporal direction between subframe images can be improved.
[0113] Here, the number of region segments of the phase modulation SLM3 can be greater than the number of subframes. Since the modulation drive interval of each region Ar can be longer than the duration of 1 frame by making the number of region segments greater than the number of subframes, it is more advantageous in terms of reducing crosstalk in the time direction.
[0114] Furthermore, the region division of the phase modulation surface Sm is not limited to equal division. For example, as shown in Figure 26, when using Y and B as light sources, and dividing the phase modulation surface Sm into a first region Ar1 corresponding to Y light and a second region Ar2 corresponding to B light, it is considered that the size of the second region Ar2 is larger than that of the first region Ar1. In this way, the optical density related to the blue light region where shorter wavelength blue light is incident can be reduced, thereby improving the reliability of the projector device.
[0115] Furthermore, although the illustration is omitted, as shown in the first embodiment, when using R, G, and B as light sources and dividing the phase modulation surface Sm into three parts, the size of the R-light incident area Ar can be set larger than the G-light incident area Ar and the B-light incident area Ar. In recent years, due to the smaller output of a single emitter of mass-produced red laser light-emitting elements, it is common to use multi-emitter laser light-emitting elements with two or more emitters mounted on a single chip. When used, the light spread as a light source increases, thus reducing the effect of the optical system and phase modulation SLM3. Furthermore, for projected images, the energy ratio of R light is greater than that of G and B light in order to obtain white balance. Therefore, as described above, by increasing the R-light area Ar, efficiency can be improved or the resolution of the illumination light on the intensity modulation surface Sp can be improved.
[0116] Furthermore, the method of setting the region segmentation of the phase modulation surface Sm as unequal as described above can also be better applied to the case of switching the incident light region as described in the third embodiment. In this case, the region Ar with an increased size can be switched in conjunction with the switching of the incident light region.
[0117] Furthermore, the arrangement of the regions Ar for each color can be appropriately selected based on the actual implementation. For example, as shown in the first embodiment, when using R, G, and B as light sources and dividing the phase modulation surface Sm into three parts, consider placing the region Ar (the second region Ar2 in the figure) of the incident B light as shown in Figure 27 further inside than the other regions Ar (the first region Ar1 and the third region Ar3 in the figure). The maximum angle at which the longer wavelength R light bends compared to the shorter wavelength B light by the phase modulation pattern is smaller. If a larger bending is desired, the efficiency of the B light will decrease. Therefore, with the arrangement shown in Figure 27, the efficiency reduction can be suppressed by placing the region Ar of the B light close to the optical axis. At this time, for white balance adjustment, as shown in the figure, the region Ar of the B light can also be set larger than the other regions Ar (the regions Ar of R light and G light).
[0118] Furthermore, although the use of a transmissive SLM as an example of phase modulation SLM3 has been given in the explanation up to this point, a reflective phase modulation SLM3' can also be used as phase modulation SLM3. As a reflective phase modulation SLM3', for example, a reflective liquid crystal panel or a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) can be used.
[0119] Figure 28 shows a schematic example of the optical system configuration when using phase modulation SLM3'. As shown, in this case, the incident light Li from the light source 2 (or light source 2A to 2C) is incident on the phase modulation SLM3', and spatial light phase modulation is performed. Furthermore, the spatial light phase-modulated light is reflected from the phase modulation SLM3' and incident on the relay optical system 4. In addition, as a later configuration than the relay optical system 4, the same configuration as in Figure 1 or Figures 16, 21, and 24 is shown here, and the configuration shown in Figure 12 can also be used.
[0120] By using a reflective spatial light phase modulator, compared with the case of using a transmissive spatial light phase modulator, the thickness of the phase modulation section (the thickness of the liquid crystal layer) required to achieve the same phase modulation can be reduced to approximately half, thereby improving the response speed of phase modulation.
[0121] Furthermore, the configuration of the optical system is not limited to the configuration illustrated herein. For example, as shown in FIG29, it can also be configured to add a light source unit 30 as an SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) light source. In addition to the phase-modulated SLM3 illumination light, light from the light source unit 30 can also be used to improve the overall brightness of the projected image. Specifically, in this case, the light from the light source unit 30 passes through an integrating optical system 31 consisting of a first compound eye lens 31a and a second compound eye lens 31b, and then enters the polarization conversion element 32. As shown, the polarization conversion element 32 forms an aperture 32a on the side where the light from the light source unit 30 is incident, and a half-wavelength plate 32b on the side where the light exits. By using the integrating optical system 31 and the polarization conversion element 32 as described above, the illuminance of the irradiated surface is uniformly improved for the light from the light source unit 30. As shown in the figure, in this case, in the relay optical system 4, the light from the phase-modulated SLM3 is incident on the prism 5 via the condenser lenses 34 and 35, the combiner element 36, and the condenser lens 37. The light from the light source 30, after passing through the aforementioned integrating optical system 31 and polarizing conversion element 32, passes through the condenser lens 33, and is combined with the illumination light from the phase-modulated SLM3 by the combiner element 36 arranged in the relay optical system 4. The light then enters the prism 5 together with the illumination light and illuminates the intensity modulation surface Sp.
[0122] Here, regarding the light source section 30, for example, it is considered to be configured as illustrated in Figures 30A to 30D. Figure 30A is a configuration example when using a lamp such as an UHP (Ultra High Power) lamp, and Figure 30B is a configuration example when using an LED (Light Emitting Diode). Furthermore, Figure 30C is a configuration example where a B-type excitation laser light source is used on a phosphor, in which B light is incident on the phosphor. Figure 30D is a configuration example when using R, G, and B laser light-emitting elements, in which case the light from the laser light-emitting element is considered to be emitted through a diffuser plate, as shown in the figure.
[0123] Furthermore, in the description up to this point, examples of using a reflective spatial light intensity modulator as the intensity modulation SLM6 have been given. However, for example, the projector device 1F shown in Figure 31 may also be configured with an intensity modulation SLM6' equipped with a transmissive spatial light intensity modulator.
[0124] Furthermore, although examples of applying the illumination device of this technology to a projector device have been given in the description up to this point, this technology can be widely and preferably applied to illumination devices that illuminate any object surface with a reproduced image whose light intensity distribution is imparted by spatial light phase modulation by a phase modulation unit. For example, it can also be used as an illumination device for illuminating the aforementioned range-measuring light in a range-measuring device that illuminates an object with infrared light or other range-measuring light and measures distance based on the result of receiving the reflected light.
[0125] Furthermore, in the explanation up to this point, as an example of spatial light phase modulation for reproducing the desired light intensity distribution on the object surface, an example of spatial light phase modulation based on the Freeform method, that is, spatial light phase modulation based on the utilization of light refraction, has been given. However, this technique can also be better applied to the case of spatial light phase modulation based on the method of utilizing light diffraction, as shown in CGH (Computer-Generated Hologram).
[0126] <6. Summary of Embodiments> As described above, the lighting device (projector device 1, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F) as an embodiment includes: a light source unit (2, 2A, 2B, 2C) having a light-emitting unit (same as 2r, 2g, 2b, 2y, 2c); a phase modulation unit (phase modulation SLM3, 3') that performs spatial light phase modulation of the incident light from the light source unit; and a control unit (same as 8, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D) that, for a plurality of regions (same as Ar) dividing the phase modulation surface of the phase modulation unit, receives light from the light source unit at different times for each region, and starts modulation drive according to the time sequence before the light incident period for each region. In this way, the phase modulation unit can output different regenerated images for each region in a time-division manner. Therefore, even with only one phase modulation unit, the temporal crosstalk of the regenerated image can be reduced due to the leeway in response time for each region. In other words, by reducing the number of phase modulation units, it is possible to achieve both miniaturization of the optical system and reduction of temporal crosstalk in the regenerated image.
[0127] Furthermore, in the illumination device as an embodiment, the phase modulation unit performs spatial light phase modulation on each region in such a way that it imparts a lens effect (lens component Dpl) to each region to change at least one of the direction or beam size of the emitted beam from the region (see Figure 9). This allows the regenerated images of each region obtained on the surface conjugate to the phase modulation surface to have consistent positions or dimensions on the optical axis orthogonal plane. Therefore, crosstalk in the spatial direction related to the regenerated image of the phase modulation unit can be reduced.
[0128] Furthermore, in the illumination device as an embodiment, the phase modulation unit (phase modulation SLM3') is a reflective spatial light phase modulator (see Figure 28). This allows the thickness of the phase modulation unit required to achieve the same phase modulation value to be reduced to approximately half that of a transmissive spatial light phase modulator. Therefore, the response speed of the phase modulation unit can be improved, and the effect of reducing crosstalk in the temporal direction between regenerated images can be enhanced.
[0129] Furthermore, in the lighting device as an embodiment, a projector device is configured, which includes: an intensity modulation unit (intensity modulation SLM6, 6-1, 6-2) that performs spatial light intensity modulation on the reproduced image of the phase modulation unit; and a projection unit (projection lens 7) that projects the reproduced image, which has undergone spatial light intensity modulation by the intensity modulation unit, onto an object surface. In this way, a projector device can be realized that has higher light utilization efficiency from the light source unit than a previous projector device that only generates a projected image by spatial light intensity modulation of the intensity modulation unit.
[0130] Furthermore, in the lighting device as an embodiment, the number of regions divided by the phase modulation unit is set to be one or more subframes (see Figures 1, 24, etc.). This ensures that each region does not serve as at least one subframe. Therefore, in each region, since modulation drive can begin before the start of the period of the subframe it is to serve, it can be in a state of response completion during the serving period, thereby reducing crosstalk in the temporal direction related to the projected image.
[0131] Furthermore, in the lighting device as an embodiment, the number of regions of the phase modulation unit is the same as the number of subframes (see Figures 1, 24, etc.). This allows the modulation drive interval of each region to be set to one frame interval. Therefore, each region can be in a state of response termination during the operation period, and crosstalk in the temporal direction related to the projected image can be reduced.
[0132] Furthermore, in the lighting device of the embodiment, there are three or more subframes. During the spatial light intensity modulation period of the intensity modulation unit related to at least two subframes, the control unit directs the light of the composite color of at least two colors from the light source unit to one area in each area, and performs spatial light phase modulation by means of a modulation pattern corresponding to the composite color (see Figures 14, 15, 22, etc.). Given that there are three or more subframes, as described above, during the intensity modulation period related to at least two subframes, by causing one area to undergo phase modulation by a modulation pattern corresponding to the composite color of the at least two colors, the response margin time of that area can be longer than when that area undergoes phase modulation of the two colors. Therefore, it is possible to reduce crosstalk in the temporal direction of the projected image.
[0133] Furthermore, in the lighting device of the embodiment, two intensity modulation units are prepared, and the number of regions of the phase modulation unit is 2. One intensity modulation unit performs spatial light intensity modulation of the red subframe during the first frame period within one frame period, and performs spatial light intensity modulation of the blue subframe during the second frame period. The other intensity modulation unit performs spatial light intensity modulation of the green subframe during the first frame period, and performs spatial light intensity modulation of the blue subframe during the second frame period. During the first frame period, the control unit (same as 8A) causes the composite color of red and green, i.e., yellow light, to be incident from the light source unit to one region of the phase modulation unit, and performs spatial light phase modulation by means of the modulation pattern corresponding to yellow. During the second frame period, the blue light is incident from the light source unit to another region of the phase modulation unit, and performs spatial light phase modulation by means of the modulation pattern corresponding to blue (see Figure 14). This allows for the reduction of temporal crosstalk in the projected image, corresponding to the use of three colored subframes (red, blue, and green). During one frame, one intensity modulation unit modulates the intensity of the red and blue subframes, while another intensity modulation unit modulates the intensity of the green and blue subframes.
[0134] Furthermore, in the lighting device of the embodiment, the intensity modulation unit performs red spatial light intensity modulation during the first frame period within the 1 frame period, green spatial light intensity modulation during the second frame period connected to the first frame period, blue spatial light intensity modulation during the third frame period, and green spatial light intensity modulation during the fourth frame period connected to the third frame period. The phase modulation unit has 2 area divisions. During the first and second frame periods, the control unit (same as 8C) causes the composite color of red and green, i.e., yellow light, to be incident from the light source unit to one area of the phase modulation unit, and performs spatial light phase modulation by means of the modulation pattern corresponding to yellow. During the third and fourth frame periods, the composite light of blue and green, i.e., cyan light, is incident from the light source unit to another area of the phase modulation unit, and performs spatial light phase modulation by means of the modulation pattern corresponding to cyan (see Figure 22). This allows for the reduction of temporal crosstalk in the projected image, corresponding to the use of red, blue, and green subframes, where a single intensity modulator modulates the intensity of the red, green, blue, and green subframes within one frame period.
[0135] Furthermore, in the lighting device as an embodiment, there are three secondary signal frames of red, blue, and green. The control unit causes at least one area to perform spatial light phase modulation using a modulation pattern corresponding to white, the composite color of red, blue, and green (see Figure 15). This allows the response margin time of that area to be longer than in the case where one area performs phase modulation of a single color or two colors. Therefore, crosstalk in the temporal direction of the projected image can be reduced.
[0136] Furthermore, in the lighting device of the embodiment, the light source unit has a plurality of light-emitting units with different emission colors, and includes an incident light area switching unit (light displacement unit 20 and incident light control units 15, 15') for switching the area where light is incident on at least one of the light-emitting units (see Figures 16 and 24). This allows for switching of which area and at what time a light is incident on a light-emitting unit with at least one color quantity. Therefore, when it is required that light of a specific color be incident on another area at another time, it is not necessary to provide a light-emitting unit of that specific color in each of these areas, thus enabling miniaturization of the light source unit.
[0137] Furthermore, in the lighting device of the embodiment, the light incident area switching unit switches the areas where light is incident on all the light-emitting parts of the light source unit (see Figures 16 and 19). This allows for switching of which area and at what time each color of light-emitting part is incident on. Therefore, when switching which color of light is incident on each area at what time, it is not necessary to provide light-emitting parts of different colors for each area, thus enabling miniaturization of the light source unit.
[0138] Furthermore, in the lighting device as an embodiment, multiple regions are provided as regions that unevenly divide the phase modulation surface (see Figures 26 and 27). In this way, the regions used for phase modulation of a certain color of light and the regions used for phase modulation of another color of light can be made to have different sizes.
[0139] Furthermore, in the lighting device of the embodiment, the phase modulation section, as a region, includes a blue light region where blue light is incident from the light source and a non-blue light region where light with a longer wavelength than blue light is incident from the light source. The size of the blue light region is larger than the size of the non-blue light region. This reduces the light density in the blue light region where blue light with a shorter incident wavelength is incident. Therefore, the reliability of the lighting device can be improved.
[0140] Furthermore, as an example of unequally divided phase modulation surfaces, it is not limited to the above example. For example, when using R, G, and B as light sources, and dividing the phase modulation surface into three parts, the size of the area of incident R light can be made larger than the area of incident G light and the area of incident B light. By increasing the area of R light in this way, efficiency can be improved.
[0141] Furthermore, in the lighting device of the embodiment, the phase modulation section has a blue light region from the light source where blue light is incident, and a non-blue light region from the light source where light with a longer wavelength than blue light is incident. The blue light region is located further inside the non-blue light region (Fig. 27). This positions the blue light region closer to the optical axis than the non-blue light region with a longer wavelength. Therefore, for short-wavelength blue light, the bending of the phase-modulated beam can be suppressed, and the utilization rate of blue light-related light can be improved.
[0142] Furthermore, the effects described in this specification are merely illustrative and not limiting; other effects may also occur.
[0143] <7. This Technology> This technology can also be configured as follows. (1) An illumination device comprising: a light source having a light-emitting part; a phase modulation part for performing spatial light phase modulation of incident light from the light source; and a control part for, for a plurality of regions dividing the phase modulation surface of the phase modulation part, causing light from the light source to be incident on each region at different times, and starting modulation drive according to the time sequence before the light incident period of each region. (2) The illumination device of (1) above, wherein the phase modulation part performs spatial light phase modulation on each region in such a way as to give each region a lens effect that changes at least one of the direction or size of the emitted light beam from the region. (3) The illumination device of (1) or (2) above, wherein the phase modulation part is a reflective spatial light phase modulator. (4) The lighting device as described in (1) to (3) above, wherein it is configured as a projector device, the projector device comprising: an intensity modulation unit that performs spatial light intensity modulation on the reproduced image of the phase modulation unit; and a projection unit that projects the reproduced image, which has undergone spatial light intensity modulation by the intensity modulation unit, onto an object surface. (5) The lighting device as described in (4) above, wherein the number of divisions of the region of the phase modulation unit is one frame or more. (6) The lighting device as described in (5) above, wherein the number of divisions of the region of the phase modulation unit is the same as the number of subframes. (7) The lighting device as described in (4) above, wherein there are three or more subframes as the subframes; and during the spatial light intensity modulation of the intensity modulation unit associated with at least two subframes, the control unit causes light of the composite color of at least two colors to be incident from the light source unit onto one of the regions, and performs spatial light phase modulation by means of a modulation pattern corresponding to the composite color. (8) The lighting device as described in (7) above includes: two intensity modulation units; and the number of divisions of the regions of the phase modulation units is 2; one intensity modulation unit performs spatial light intensity modulation of a red subframe during the first frame period within a frame period, and performs spatial light intensity modulation of a blue subframe during the second frame period; the other intensity modulation unit performs spatial light intensity modulation of a green subframe during the first frame period, and performs spatial light intensity modulation of a blue subframe during the second frame period; the control unit, during the first frame period, directs yellow light (a composite color of red and green) from the light source unit to one of the regions of the phase modulation units, and performs spatial light phase modulation by means of a modulation pattern corresponding to yellow; during the second frame period, directs blue light from the light source unit to another region of the phase modulation unit, and performs spatial light phase modulation by means of a modulation pattern corresponding to blue.(9) The lighting device as described in (7) above, wherein the intensity modulation unit performs red spatial light intensity modulation during the first frame period within a frame period, green spatial light intensity modulation during the second frame period connected to the first frame period, blue spatial light intensity modulation during the third frame period, and green spatial light intensity modulation during the fourth frame period connected to the third frame period; the number of divisions of the area of the phase modulation unit is 2; the control unit, during the first frame period and the second frame period, causes the composite color of red and green, i.e., yellow light, to be incident from the light source unit onto one of the areas of the phase modulation unit, and performs spatial light phase modulation by means of a modulation pattern corresponding to yellow; during the third frame period and the fourth frame period, causes the composite light of blue and green, i.e., cyan light, to be incident from the light source unit onto another area of the phase modulation unit, and performs spatial light phase modulation by means of a modulation pattern corresponding to cyan. (10) The lighting device of (7) above, wherein the subframes are of three colors: red, blue, and green; the control unit causes at least one of the regions to perform spatial light phase modulation by means of a modulation pattern corresponding to white, a composite color of red, blue, and green. (11) The lighting device of any one of (4) to (6) above, wherein the light source has a plurality of light-emitting parts with different emission colors; and includes: an incident light area switching unit, which switches the area in which light is incident for at least one of the light-emitting parts. (12) The lighting device of (11) above, wherein the incident light area switching unit switches the area in which light is incident for all of the light-emitting parts of the light source. (13) The lighting device of any one of (1) to (12) above, wherein the plurality of regions are regions that unevenly divide the phase modulation surface. (14) In the lighting device of (13) above, the phase modulation section, as the aforementioned region, has a blue light region from which blue light is incident from the aforementioned light source section, and a non-blue light region from which light with a longer wavelength than blue light is incident from the aforementioned light source section; the size of the blue light region is larger than the size of the non-blue light region. (15) In the lighting device of (2) above, the phase modulation section, as the aforementioned region, has a blue light region from which blue light is incident from the aforementioned light source section, and a non-blue light region from which light with a longer wavelength than blue light is incident from the aforementioned light source section; the blue light region is located further inside than the non-blue light region. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]
[0011] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an illumination device as a first embodiment of the present technology. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of the principle of image reproduction by spatial light phase modulation. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an illumination device as an embodiment, including a relay optical system 4. Figures 4A-4B are diagrams illustrating the dependence of the response speed of a liquid crystal panel on thickness. Figures 5A-5C are diagrams showing the emitted images of the reproduced images of each region in the first embodiment. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the coordinate system of the phase-modulated region and domain of the phase modulation surface, and the coordinate system of the illumination region of the intensity modulation surface. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the phase distribution of the entire phase-modulated region and the intensity distribution achieved by the phase distribution in the illumination region. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the phase distribution of the domain and the intensity distribution achieved by the phase distribution in the illumination region. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of the additive relationship of the lens components of the scaled phase distribution. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the lighting device in the first embodiment when it adopts the previously configured configuration. Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram of the control method in the first embodiment. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the lighting device in the second embodiment. Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the lighting device in the second embodiment when it adopts the previously configured configuration. Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram of the control method in the second embodiment. Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram of the control method when performing phase modulation corresponding to white in the second embodiment. Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the lighting device in the third embodiment. Figures 17A-17C are explanatory diagrams of the light displacement unit of the embodiment. Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the lighting device in the third embodiment when it adopts the previously configured configuration. Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram of the control method in the third embodiment. Figure 20 is an explanatory diagram of another example of the light source unit in the third embodiment. Figure 21 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the lighting device in the fourth embodiment. Figure 22 is an explanatory diagram of the control method as a third embodiment. Figure 23 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a control method corresponding to a three-plate configuration. Figure 24 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lighting device with a variation of setting the number of area divisions to 4. Figure 25 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the control method of the lighting device shown in Figure 24. Figure 26 is an explanatory diagram of uneven area division. Figure 27 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of areas of each color. Figure 28 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of an optical system when using a reflective phase modulation unit. Figure 29 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a lighting device as a variation of adding an SDR light source. Figures 30A-30D are explanatory diagrams of an SDR light source configuration example. Figure 31 is an explanatory diagram of a lighting device as a variation of using a transmissive spatial light intensity modulator.
Claims
1. A lighting device comprising: a light source having a light-emitting portion; a phase modulation unit for spatially modulating incident light from the light source; and a control unit for incidenting light from the light source at different times in a plurality of regions dividing the phase modulation surface of the phase modulation unit, and starting modulation drive according to the time sequence before the light incident period in each region; wherein the phase modulation unit performs spatial light phase modulation in each region in such a way as to impart a lens effect to each region to change at least one of the direction or size of the emitted light beam from the region; and wherein, in the phase modulation unit, as the regions, there are a blue light region where blue light is incident from the light source and a non-blue light region where light with a longer wavelength than blue light is incident from the light source; wherein the blue light region is located further inside than the non-blue light region.
2. The lighting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the phase modulation unit is a reflective spatial light phase modulator.
3. The lighting device of claim 1, configured as a projector device, the projector device comprising: an intensity modulation unit that performs spatial light intensity modulation on the reproduced image of the phase modulation unit; and a projection unit that projects the reproduced image after spatial light intensity modulation by the intensity modulation unit onto an object surface.
4. The lighting device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the number of divisions of the aforementioned area of the aforementioned phase modulation unit is more than the number of subframes of one frame.
5. The lighting device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the number of divisions of the aforementioned area of the aforementioned phase modulation unit is consistent with the number of the aforementioned subframes.
6. The lighting device of claim 3, wherein there are three or more subframes as subframes; and during the period when the intensity modulation unit performs spatial light intensity modulation on at least two subframes, the control unit causes light of the composite color of at least two colors to be incident from the light source unit onto one of the regions, and performs spatial light phase modulation by means of a modulation pattern corresponding to the composite color.
7. The lighting device according to claim 6, comprising: two intensity modulation units; and the number of divisions of the regions of the phase modulation units being two; one intensity modulation unit performs spatial light intensity modulation of a red subframe during a first frame period within a frame period, and performs spatial light intensity modulation of a blue subframe during a second frame period; the other intensity modulation unit performs spatial light intensity modulation of a green subframe during the first frame period, and performs spatial light intensity modulation of a blue subframe during the second frame period; the control unit, during the first frame period, directs yellow light (a composite color of red and green) from the light source unit to one of the regions of the phase modulation units, and performs spatial light phase modulation using a modulation pattern corresponding to yellow; during the second frame period, directs blue light from the light source unit to another region of the phase modulation unit, and performs spatial light phase modulation using a modulation pattern corresponding to blue.
8. The lighting device of claim 6, wherein the intensity modulation unit performs spatial light intensity modulation of red during the first frame period within a frame period, performs spatial light intensity modulation of green during the second frame period following the first frame period, performs spatial light intensity modulation of blue during the third frame period, and performs spatial light intensity modulation of green during the fourth frame period following the third frame period; the number of divisions of the area of the phase modulation unit is 2; the control unit, during the first and second frame periods, directs yellow light (a composite color of red and green) from the light source unit into one of the areas of the phase modulation unit, and performs spatial light phase modulation by means of a modulation pattern corresponding to yellow; during the third and fourth frame periods, directs cyan light (a composite color of blue and green) from the light source unit into another area of the phase modulation unit, and performs spatial light phase modulation by means of a modulation pattern corresponding to cyan.
9. The lighting device of claim 6, wherein the secondary frame has three colors: red, blue, and green; the control unit performs spatial light phase modulation on at least one of the areas by means of a modulation pattern corresponding to white, a composite color of red, blue, and green.
10. The lighting device according to claim 3, wherein the light source unit has a plurality of light-emitting units with different light-emitting colors; and includes: an incident light area switching unit, which switches the area in which light is incident for at least any one of the light-emitting units.
11. The lighting device of claim 10, wherein the light incident area switching unit switches the light-emitting area of all the light-emitting parts of the light source unit to the area where light is incident.
12. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of regions are unequally divided into regions of the phase modulation surface.
13. The lighting device of claim 12, wherein the size of the blue light area is larger than the size of the non-blue light area.
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