Projection Apparatus Beam-Splitting Module Non-Coplanar Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional projection systems require multiple apparatuses to project large-sized images, leading to increased size and cost, and struggle to efficiently display non-coplanar images without significant cost escalation.

Innovation Solution

A projection apparatus comprising an image source, a projection lens, and a beam-splitting module that divides the image beam into sub-beams, allowing for the projection of non-coplanar images onto different imaging planes using a beam-splitting module with reflectors and lens groups, which can adjust the optical path and direction of the sub-beams to project images on adjacent or non-adjacent planes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple projection apparatuses are used to project large-sized images, then the image size is increased, but the overall size and cost of the system increase by more than M×N times

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage sizeVSAvoidsystem size
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the image beam into multiple sub-image beams using a beam-splitting module, allowing a single projection apparatus to project multiple non-coplanar images simultaneously. This segmentation of the optical path enables one apparatus to replace multiple apparatuses, reducing system size while maintaining large image output capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent projects images onto non-coplanar imaging planes (different spatial dimensions and orientations) using a single projection apparatus with beam splitting. By utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement of imaging planes rather than multiple coplanar screens, the system achieves large-scale multi-image projection without proportionally increasing apparatus size

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If multiple projection apparatuses are used to project M×N images, then the number of images is increased, but the cost increases by at least M×N times

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of imagesVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes a single projection apparatus perform multiple functions by using a beam-splitting module to divide one image beam into multiple sub-image beams that are projected onto different non-coplanar imaging planes. This multi-functionality allows one apparatus to replace M×N apparatuses, dramatically reducing system cost while maintaining the capability to display multiple images

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The beam-splitting module segments the single image beam into multiple sub-image beams, each destined for a different imaging plane. This optical segmentation enables one cost-effective apparatus to generate multiple images simultaneously, avoiding the need to purchase and deploy multiple expensive projection apparatuses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional projection systems are used, then the structure is simple, but the capability to display non-coplanar images is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenon-coplanar image projection capabilityVSAvoidoptical path structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a beam-splitting module as an intermediary component between the projection lens and the imaging planes. This mediator divides the image beam into multiple sub-image beams and directs them to different non-coplanar imaging planes, enabling advanced multi-plane projection capability while adding only one modular component to the optical path

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends the projection capability from single-plane to multi-plane by utilizing non-coplanar spatial arrangement. The beam-splitting module redirects sub-image beams to imaging planes located in different spatial dimensions and orientations, adding versatility without requiring completely complex optical systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution enables the projection of a stitching image composed of multiple non-coplanar images while reducing the overall cost and providing better viewing pleasure by allowing images to be projected on different planes without the need for multiple large-sized apparatuses, thus lowering costs and enhancing user experience.

Implementation Method 1

the beam-splitting module projects the first sub image beam passing through the beam-splitting module along an optical axis of the projection lens onto a first imaging plane, and projects the at least one second sub image beam reflected by the beam-splitting module onto at least one second imaging plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9229309B2Projection apparatus
Publication Date: 2016.01.05 YOUNG OPTICS
  • US9229309B2 patent drawing
  • US9229309B2 patent drawing
  • US9229309B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention provides a projection apparatus having an image source, a projection lens, and a beam-splitting module. The image source provides an image beam, and the image beam includes a first sub image beam and at least one second sub image beam. The projection lens is disposed on a transmission path of the image beam. The beam-splitting module projects the first sub image beam passing through the beam-splitting module onto a first imaging plane, and projects the second sub image beam reflected by the beam-splitting module onto at least one second imaging plane. The first imaging plane is not coplanar with the at least one second imaging plane. The projection lens is disposed on the transmission path of the image beam between the beam-splitting module and the image source.