Illumination Device With Horizontal Optical Axis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional illumination devices with image projection functions lack an effective arrangement of light sources and optical units, leading to insufficient consideration of the optical system and element layout, which affects the integration of illumination and image projection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The illumination device incorporates a light source within a housing, a diffusing panel for uniform light distribution, and a projector with an optical unit arranged such that the incident light flux direction is parallel or closer to a horizontal plane, optimizing the arrangement of illumination and image projection functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a light source and projector are integrated in an illumination device, then the device can provide both illumination and image projection functions, but the arrangement of optical components becomes complex and difficult to optimize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the illumination function and image projection function into a single integrated device housing. The light source and projector are positioned within the same housing structure, allowing both functions to be provided simultaneously from one device rather than requiring separate illumination and projection devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies that the optical axis of the projection optical system should be oriented in a direction closer to parallel with the horizontal plane than the vertical direction. This dimensional reorientation of the optical system resolves spatial conflicts between illumination and projection paths, enabling effective arrangement of optical components within the integrated housing.
2Device complexity
If the optical unit is arranged with a vertical optical axis, then the projection path is simplified, but the overlap between illumination area and projection area is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation of the optical axis from a predominantly vertical arrangement to one that is closer to parallel with the horizontal plane. This dimensional change in optical axis orientation allows the projection light to travel horizontally through the housing, creating better spatial overlap between the illumination area and projection area while maintaining a compact device structure.
3Volume of moving object
If the incident light flux direction is not parallel to the horizontal plane, then the projector can be compactly arranged, but the illumination and projection functions interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the incident direction of light flux from the display element onto the projection optical system should be a direction closer to parallel with the horizontal plane than the vertical direction. This dimensional orientation separates the projection optical path from the illumination light paths, preventing functional interference between the two systems while maintaining a compact projector arrangement within the housing.
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 a suitable arrangement of light sources for illumination and optical units for image projection, enhancing the device's functionality and efficiency by ensuring effective overlap of illumination and projection areas while allowing for individual control of illumination and projection functions.
Implementation Method 1
a diffusing panel attached to a part of the housing and diffusing the illumination light from the light source
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination device emits illumination light and has a light source arranged inside a housing generating illumination light; a diffusing panel attached to the housing; and a projector inside a space formed by the housing and a part of the diffusing panel and projecting an image onto a projection surface. An optical unit is arranged so that an incident direction of a light flux incident from a display element provided in the projector onto a projection optical system of the projector is substantially parallel to a horizontal plane or in a direction closer to a direction parallel to the horizontal plane than a vertical direction, or in so that an optical axis of the projection optical system on which the light flux from the display element is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane or in a direction closer to a direction parallel to the horizontal plane than the vertical direction.