Prism-Based Imaging System for Aspect Ratio Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for changing projected aspect ratios in projectors often result in image distortion, poor resolution, high costs due to the need for different digital micro-mirror devices and optical engines, and brightness loss, especially when using external anamorphic lenses or requiring multiple optical components.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system and projection apparatus that utilize a first and second prism with acute angles to convert illumination beams into image beams, allowing for improved compatibility with light valves of different resolutions without the need for external anamorphic lenses, thereby reducing costs and optical engine volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an external anamorphic lens is attached to change the projected aspect ratio, then the aspect ratio can be adjusted, but image distortion or poor resolution occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the beam cross-sectional area in a dimensional sense by using a prism to transform the illumination beam's dimensions. The first prism converts the illumination beam with a first cross-sectional area into a beam with a second cross-sectional area that is different from the first, thereby adjusting the aspect ratio without introducing image distortion or resolution loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the beam cross-sectional area by using a prism with specific optical properties. The prism transforms the illumination beam's cross-sectional dimensions, allowing aspect ratio adjustment while maintaining image quality by changing the beam's geometric parameters rather than using traditional lens-based methods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If digital micro-mirror devices of different resolutions are used to change the projected aspect ratio, then the aspect ratio can be adjusted, but high costs are incurred due to the need for different optical engines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single optical engine universal by introducing a prism that can adjust the beam cross-sectional area. This allows the same optical engine to work with light valves of different resolutions (e.g., WUXGA and 4K UHD) without requiring multiple specialized optical engines, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining aspect ratio adjustment capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If large-sized digital micro-mirror devices are used with small-sized devices, then compatibility is improved, but brightness loss occurs due to the overfilled region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a prism to specifically adjust the cross-sectional area of the illumination beam to match the requirements of different light valve sizes. Instead of uniformly illuminating all areas (which causes overfilling and brightness loss), the prism locally modifies the beam dimensions to precisely fit the active area of the light valve, thereby maintaining high brightness while achieving compatibility with different resolutions.
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
The solution achieves improved imaging effects, reduced production costs, and a more compact optical engine by maintaining compatibility with light valves of varying resolutions while avoiding image distortion and brightness loss, thus enhancing the overall performance and efficiency of the projection apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination beam is incident to the first prism with a first incident direction, and exits the first prism with a first exit direction, the first incident direction is perpendicular to the first exit direction. Beam cross-sectional areas of the illumination beam before incident on and after exiting from the first prism are different.
Implementation Method 2
the image beam is then transmitted to the second prism and passes the second prism
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system configured to convert an illumination beam into an image beam includes a first prism including a first surface and a second surface, a second prism, and a light valve. An included angle between the first surface and the second surface is an acute angle. The illumination beam is sequentially transmitted to the first prism, the second prism, and the light valve. The light valve is configured to convert the illumination beam into the image beam, and the image beam is then transmitted to and passes the second prism. A first incident direction of the illumination beam incident on the first prism is perpendicular to a first exit direction of the illumination beam exiting from the first prism. Beam cross-sectional areas of the illumination beam before incident on and after exiting from the first prism are different. A projection apparatus including the imaging system is also provided.