Curved Screen Projection Optical System for Ultra-Wide Angle Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for technologies that can effectively handle super-wide-angle projection while maintaining high image quality, particularly in limited spaces where traditional projectors struggle with image alignment and shadow interference.
Innovation Solution
The use of a liquid crystal projector with a projection optical system that includes a concave reflective surface designed to reflect light beams at angles of 80 degrees or more relative to the optical axis, combined with a curved screen configuration that allows for efficient image stitching and reduced shadow interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional projector is used in a limited space, then the projection distance is reduced, but the image quality deteriorates due to shadow interference and alignment difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved screen with a specific radius of curvature to match the projection geometry of ultra-wide-angle lenses. This curvature compensates for the distortion inherent in wide-angle projection, maintaining image quality and reducing shadow interference in limited spaces where traditional flat screens would fail to provide adequate image fidelity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific parameters including the radius of curvature of the screen, the focal length of the projection lens, and the projection angle to achieve high-quality images in constrained spaces. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system maintains image fidelity while operating in environments with limited projection distance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an ultra-wide-angle projection optical system is used, then the projection angle is increased, but the image distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved screen surface is designed with a radius of curvature that corresponds to the field of view of the ultra-wide-angle projection lens. This geometric matching allows the system to achieve very wide projection angles (up to 180 degrees or more) while maintaining accurate image geometry and minimizing distortion through the natural geometry of the curved display surface.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple images are projected and stitched together, then the screen size is increased, but the stitching precision becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The curved screen provides a continuous geometric reference that facilitates precise alignment of multiple projected images. The curvature serves as a natural guide for stitching operations, allowing multiple projectors to be accurately positioned and aligned along the curved surface, thereby achieving high stitching precision for large-scale displays.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables high-quality image projection on curved surfaces with minimal distortion and shadow interference, allowing for flexible installation in small spaces and improved user immersion.
Implementation Method 1
a concave reflective surface configured to reflect light beams incident on the concave reflective surface toward directions that intersect with a direction along an optical axis at angles of 80 degrees or more
Data Source
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AI summary
An image display apparatus according to an aspect of the present technology includes a light source, an image generator, and a projection optical system. The image generator modulates light emitted from the light source and generates image light. The projection optical system includes a lens system and a concave reflective surface. The lens system is configured on a basis of a reference axis at a position on which the generated image light is incident, and has a positive refracting power as a whole. The concave reflective surface is configured on a basis of the reference axis, and reflects the image light emitted from the lens system toward a projection target. In addition, the concave reflective surface reflects at least one or more light beams included in the image light incident on the concave reflective surface, toward a direction that intersects with a direction along the reference axis at an angle of 80 degrees or more.