Offset Display Device Projector Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projectors lack flexibility in positioning the display device relative to the optical axis of the illumination unit, limiting design freedom and requiring axis matching for optimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A projector design that includes a light source, an illumination unit with collimation lenses and a Fly Eye Lens (FEL), and a display device positioned offset from the optical axis, utilizing a Polarizing Beam Splitter (PBS) and a prism for upward illumination, allowing the display device to be positioned 1-200% offset from the optical axis without axis matching, enhancing design flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the display device is positioned on the optical axis of the illumination unit, then optimal image quality is achieved, but design freedom and positioning flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
A PBS (polarizing beam splitter) is introduced as an intermediary optical element between the illumination unit and the display device. The PBS redirects light at a 45-degree angle, enabling the display device to be positioned offset from the illumination optical axis while maintaining proper illumination. This mediator resolves the contradiction by decoupling the illumination path from the display device position, achieving both positioning flexibility and image quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display device is positioned offset from the optical axis, then design freedom is enhanced, but image quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination path is redirected into a different spatial dimension by using the PBS to deflect light at 45 degrees. This dimensional change allows the display device to be positioned in an offset location (different spatial plane) while still receiving properly directed illumination, thereby maintaining image quality despite the offset position and enabling greater position selection freedom.
3Ease of manufacture
If axis matching between illumination unit and display device is required, then optimal performance is achieved, but device complexity increases due to alignment constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system deliberately introduces asymmetry by positioning the display device offset from the illumination optical axis. The PBS compensates for this asymmetric positioning by redirecting the light path. This asymmetric design simplifies assembly by removing the need for precise axis matching between components, thereby reducing alignment constraint complexity while maintaining optimal performance.
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 broadens the degree of freedom in positioning the display device, enabling designers to place it at desired locations without compromising image quality, and allows for a more versatile optical system design.
Implementation Method 1
a collimation lens advancing in parallel the light emitted from the light source to a predetermined direction
Implementation Method 2
an FEL (Fly Eye Lens), where the FEL may include micro lenses formed at an incidence surface for collecting the incident light on a light emitting surface, and micro lenses formed at a light emitting surface for advancing the collected light upwards from the optical axis
Implementation Method 3
a PBS (Polarizing Beam Splitter) that transmits the light from the illumination unit to the display device
Implementation Method 4
utilizing a Polarizing Beam Splitter (PBS) and a prism for upward illumination
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a projector, the projector including a light source, an illumination unit illuminating light incident from the light source, and a display device enabling to realize an image by receiving the light irradiated from the illumination unit, and whose center is positioned at an axis different from an optical axis of the illumination unit.