Compact Image Projection Apparatus Using Planar Optical Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a demand for more compact image projection apparatuses that maintain excellent display performance without using large structures, while also being able to project high-quality images in various orientations.
Innovation Solution
The image projection apparatus includes a projection optical system comprising one or more lenses, a concave mirror, and a plane or planar optical substrate, which form an intermediate-focused image on a near side of the concave mirror, allowing for a compact structure and switching between projection modes by adjusting the position of the plane mirror or planar optical substrate relative to the optical path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional projection optical system is used, then image projection capability is achieved, but the apparatus size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a planar optical substrate that reflects light in a specific dimension while allowing light transmission in another dimension. This enables the optical system to achieve compactification by utilizing spatial dimensionality - the planar substrate reflects light at specific angles while maintaining a thin profile, effectively folding the optical path and reducing the overall apparatus volume without sacrificing projection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters by using a planar optical substrate with specific reflectivity characteristics. By controlling the reflectivity and transmission properties of the planar substrate, the system achieves compact optical path folding while maintaining image quality and projection performance, thus reducing apparatus size without compromising versatility
2Volume of moving object
If the apparatus is compacted, then portability is improved, but optical performance may be degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The planar optical substrate utilizes dimensional spatial arrangement to fold the optical path without introducing significant optical aberrations. By positioning the planar substrate at specific locations in the optical path and controlling its orientation, the system achieves compactification while maintaining reliable optical performance through careful geometric design
Solution Approach 2:
The planar optical substrate acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the light source and the projection lens. It selectively reflects and transmits light to fold the optical path compactly while maintaining image quality, thus enabling small apparatus size without degrading optical performance
3Volume of moving object
If a plane mirror with small aspect ratio is used, then apparatus size is reduced, but projection quality on vertical and horizontal planes is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The planar optical substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it reflects light for optical path folding, maintains specific aspect ratios for quality projection, and enables both vertical and horizontal plane projection capabilities. This multi-functionality allows the apparatus to maintain small size while achieving high projection quality on different planes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the aspect ratio parameter of the planar optical substrate to achieve the desired balance between compact size and projection quality. By carefully selecting the aspect ratio and positioning parameters, the system enables high-quality projection on both vertical and horizontal planes while maintaining a compact apparatus form factor
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 achieves a more compact overall structure without degrading optical performance, enabling the projection of high-quality images on both vertical and horizontal planes using a smaller apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
one or more lenses which transmit the incident light and form an intermediate image on a near side of the concave mirror
Implementation Method 2
a concave mirror... which reflects the light having transmitted through the one or more lenses
Implementation Method 3
a plane mirror... which reflects the light reflected by the concave mirror
Data Source
AI summary
An image projection method includes: reflecting, by a concave mirror, light having transmitted through one or more lenses after forming an intermediate-focused image of the light; and projecting an image onto a projection plane through reflecting the light reflected by the concave mirror by a plane mirror that has an aspect ratio of 1.9 or more.