Multi-Section Projector for Depth-Varying Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional projectors are unable to perform simultaneous or concurrent projection in different depth ranges, limiting their ability to project images on curved surfaces or surfaces with varying shapes, as they rely on a flat plane for focus adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A projector system with multiple display sections that form collimated image light rays, a superimposing optical system to combine these rays, and a display controller to adjust the superimposition position along the optical axis, allowing for precise projection on various depth ranges by adjusting the image light convergence and source area positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional projection optical system is used with a planar display element, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but simultaneous or concurrent projection in spaces having different depth ranges is not allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The display element is divided into multiple display sections, each corresponding to a different depth range. Each display section has its own local image source area that can be independently controlled to project images at different depths, enabling simultaneous multi-depth projection while maintaining a relatively simple overall optical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the display element (display sections) are assigned different functional properties - each section is optimized for a specific depth range. The center of the image source area in each display section is shifted according to its relative arrangement and the desired superimposition position, allowing precise control over where image light rays converge at different depths.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the projection optical system is adjusted for a flat plane, then focus is achieved on a substantially flat plane, but adjustment for curved screens or surfaces with varying shapes is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the superimposition position of image light rays along the optical axis by controlling different display sections. This allows the projection system to adapt to various screen shapes and curved surfaces by changing the convergence points of light rays from different display sections, maintaining focus across non-planar surfaces without mechanical adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds the depth dimension (z-axis) to the traditional two-dimensional projection plane by utilizing multiple display sections with different superimposition positions along the optical axis. This enables projection on curved and three-dimensional surfaces by controlling light ray convergence at different depths, transforming the projection from a flat plane to a volumetric space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple display sections are used with different superimposition positions, then simultaneous projection in different depth ranges is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projection optical system serves multiple functions simultaneously - it projects images from multiple display sections at different depth ranges through a single optical path. The superimposing optical system combines light rays from all display sections, allowing one optical system to handle multiple depth planes without requiring separate projection systems for each depth range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual copies of the image source in different depth positions by controlling the superimposition of light rays from different display sections. Each display section effectively creates a virtual image at its designated superimposition position, allowing multiple depth-plane images to coexist without physical duplication of the entire projection system.
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
Enables simultaneous or concurrent projection on surfaces with different depth ranges, maintaining focus and image clarity across varying shapes, including curved screens, by precisely controlling the superimposition and projection optical systems.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of display sections 21 each of which forms a collimated image light ray IM
Implementation Method 2
a superimposing lens 33 that superimposes the image light rays having passed through the plurality of lens elements 31a on one another in such a way that the image light rays are concentrated
Data Source
AI summary
A projector capable of simultaneous or concurrent projection in different positions in the depth direction. The projector includes a plurality of display sections each of which forms a collimated image light ray, a superimposing optical system that superimposes the image light rays having exited out of the plurality of display sections on one another with the image light rays unfocused, a projection optical system that projects an image corresponding to the image light rays superimposed by the superimposing optical system, and a circuit apparatus that causes the image light rays to exit out of local image source areas set in the plurality of display sections to shift a position where the image light rays are superimposed on one another to a plurality of superimposition positions different from one another along an optical axis.