Folded Imaging Optical System for Compact Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging optical systems for projection display devices face challenges in achieving a compact size while maintaining high optical performance and correcting various aberrations at wide angles, often resulting in increased height or compromised optical quality.
Innovation Solution
The proposed imaging optical system consists of a first imaging optical system forming an intermediate image and a second imaging optical system that re-forms it, incorporating a specific configuration of lens groups and optical path deflection units to achieve size reduction while maintaining optical performance and correcting aberrations, with conditional expressions defining optimal parameters for focal lengths, lens thicknesses, and deflection unit positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If an imaging optical system forms an intermediate image at a position conjugate to the reduction side imaging surface to achieve wide-angle and compact size, then the field of view and portability are improved, but the height of the lens system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical path deflection unit that bends the optical path at approximately 90 degrees, changing the spatial arrangement from a straight linear path to a folded configuration. This allows the optical system to achieve a wide field of view while keeping the overall height compact by utilizing the lateral dimension instead of extending vertically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a two-stage imaging configuration where the first imaging optical system forms an intermediate image that is then re-formed by the second imaging optical system. This nested arrangement allows the optical paths to be folded back on themselves, reducing the overall height while maintaining the wide-angle capability through the intermediate image formation.
2Area of moving object
If the total length of the lens is increased to achieve wide-angle imaging, then the field of view is improved, but the compact size and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing optical path deflection units that bend the light path at approximately 90 degrees, the patent transforms the optical system from a long linear arrangement to a compact folded configuration. This allows achieving wide-angle imaging without proportionally increasing the total length of the lens system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the imaging optical system into two separate imaging optical systems (first and second), each with specific lens groups. This segmentation allows the optical path to be folded and rearranged in space, reducing the overall length while maintaining the wide field of view through the intermediate image formation between the two systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a highly versatile imaging optical system is designed for indoor space installation, then the adaptability is improved, but the height and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical path deflection units to fold the optical path approximately 90 degrees, transforming the apparatus from a tall vertical configuration to a compact horizontal arrangement. This enables versatile indoor installation in spaces with limited height while maintaining the required field of view and imaging performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the optical system with adjustable parameters including the distance between the light valve and the first imaging optical system, and the distance between the two imaging optical systems. This dynamic adjustability allows the system to be adapted to different indoor installation environments while maintaining a compact height profile through the folded optical path configuration.
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 allows for a compact imaging optical system that effectively corrects various aberrations and maintains high optical performance across wide angles, ensuring a reduced height and improved optical quality.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical path deflection unit that deflects an optical path, a second optical path deflection unit that deflects the optical path
Implementation Method 2
a first A lens group, a first B lens group... a second imaging optical system that re-forms the intermediate image
Data Source
AI summary
The imaging optical system consists of, in order from a magnification side: a first imaging optical system that forms an intermediate image on a position conjugate to a magnification side imaging surface; and a second imaging optical system that re-forms the intermediate image on a reduction side imaging surface. The first imaging optical system consists of, in order from the magnification side, a first A lens group, a first optical path deflection unit that deflects an optical path, a first B lens group, and a second optical path deflection unit that deflects the optical path. In addition, the intermediate image is formed between the second optical path deflection unit and the second imaging optical system.