Projection System Using Concave Reflection Surface for Short Distance

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current projection systems require a longer projection distance due to the configuration of optical systems, which can lead to increased size and complexity, and inefficiencies in image formation and projection.

Innovation Solution

A projection system comprising a first optical system and a second optical system with specific optical elements, including a transmissive surface, reflection surfaces, and a concave second reflection surface, where the optical axes intersect, allowing for a shorter projection distance and more compact design by refracting light flux effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If a conventional projection system with separate optical systems is used, then the image can be formed and projected, but the projection distance becomes longer and the system size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection distanceVSAvoidoptical system configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the first optical system (refractive optical system with multiple lenses) and the second optical system (reflection optical system with concave mirror) into a single integrated optical element that has both refractive and reflective surfaces. This merging of functions allows the system to achieve shorter projection distance while reducing overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate optical assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical element is designed with light flux passing through multiple dimensions - entering through a first surface, reflecting off a concave surface, and exiting through a second surface. This multi-dimensional light path configuration enables compact folding of the optical path, significantly reducing the projection distance without compromising image quality.

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

2Volume of moving object

If the projection distance is shortened, then the system becomes more compact, but the image formation efficiency may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem sizeVSAvoidimage formation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The concave reflection surface is designed with specific curvature parameters to optimize light convergence. The curved geometry enables effective light flux concentration within a compact space, maintaining high image formation efficiency while achieving a shorter projection distance. The concave shape provides natural focusing capability that compensates for the reduced system length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical element's parameters including the curvature of the concave surface, the refractive indices of the lens materials, and the spacing between optical surfaces are optimized to achieve the desired balance between compact size and image formation efficiency. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the system achieves short projection distance without sacrificing image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Length of stationary object

If multiple optical surfaces are integrated, then the projection distance is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection distanceVSAvoidoptical surface precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The optical element is segmented into distinct functional surfaces: a first refractive surface, a concave reflective surface, and a second refractive surface. Each surface is designed and manufactured separately with optimized parameters for its specific function, then assembled into the complete optical element. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing processes for each surface type while maintaining overall system compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 enables a shorter projection distance, reduces system size, and improves image formation efficiency by directing light flux without interference, while maintaining high resolution and precision in image projection.

Implementation Method 1

The optical element has a first transmissive surface, a first reflection surface disposed on the enlargement side of the first transmissive surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

a first reflection surface disposed on the enlargement side of the first transmissive surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a second reflection surface disposed on the enlargement side of the first reflection surface, and a second transmissive surface disposed on the enlargement side of the second reflection surface. The second reflection surface has a concave shape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

a second transmissive surface disposed on the enlargement side of the second reflection surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS11754916B2Projection system and projector that have a shorter projection distance
Publication Date: 2023.09.12 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • US11754916B2 patent drawing
  • US11754916B2 patent drawing
  • US11754916B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A projection system includes a first optical system and a second optical system including an optical element and disposed on the enlargement side of the first optical system. The optical element has a first transmissive surface, a first reflection surface disposed on the enlargement side of the first transmissive surface, a second reflection surface disposed on the enlargement side of the first reflection surface, and a second transmissive surface disposed on the enlargement side of the second reflection surface. The second reflection surface has a concave shape. A first optical axis of the first optical system and a second optical axis of the second reflection surface intersect each other.