Projection Display Mirror Modulation for Alignment and Light Intensity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In projection-type display devices, there is a challenge in accurately aligning the image projection position and image capture position, leading to errors, and the addition of an optical path separating element can result in uneven light intensities between projection and image capture light.
Innovation Solution
The device employs a mirror system that switches between ON and OFF postures to modulate light, allowing for simultaneous image projection and capture without the need for an optical path separating element, thereby reducing alignment errors and maintaining consistent light intensities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a camera is added to the projection-type display device to capture images, then image capture function is improved, but alignment error between projection and capture positions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the image capture function with the existing projection optical system by utilizing the same optical path. The image capture element is positioned to receive light that has passed through the projection optical system, merging the projection and capture functions into a single integrated optical path, thereby eliminating alignment errors between separate projection and capture systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection optical system is designed to serve dual purposes: projecting images outward and capturing images by receiving incoming light. The same optical components (lens, mirrors) are used for both projection and capture functions, making the system universal and eliminating the need for separate alignment mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an optical path separating element is added to enable image capture, then image capture function is improved, but light intensity becomes uneven between projection and capture paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the image capture function from the projection optical path by using a beam splitter or dichroic mirror that separates the capture path from the projection path at a different wavelength or angle. This allows independent optimization of light intensity for both functions without interfering with each other, maintaining uniform light intensity in both paths.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical path separating element (beam splitter or dichroic mirror) is introduced as an intermediary component that directs projection light and capture light into separate paths. This mediator ensures that projection light maintains its intensity for high-quality projection while capture light is directed to the image capture element with sufficient intensity, preventing uneven light distribution.
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 effectively reduces errors between image projection and capture positions and maintains high light intensities for both projection and image capture, enabling accurate image alignment and projection without the loss of light intensity associated with optical path separating elements.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror that modulates light, and a drive element that causes the mirror to switch between an ON posture in which the mirror reflects the light from the light source unit in an ON direction toward the projection optical system and an OFF posture in which the mirror reflects the light from the light source unit in an OFF direction different from the ON direction
Implementation Method 2
a projection optical system that projects the light modulated by the electro-optical device
Implementation Method 3
An image capture element that receives incident light that has entered the projection-type display device from an outside via the projection optical system
Data Source
AI summary
A projection-type display device includes a light source unit, an electro-optical device that modulates light emitted from the light source unit, and a projection optical system that projects the light modulated by the electro-optical device. In the electro-optical device, when a mirror that modulates light assumes an ON posture, the light from the light source unit is reflected in an ON direction toward the projection optical system and, when the mirror assumes an OFF posture, the light from the light source unit is reflected in an OFF direction different from the ON direction. An image capture element that receives incident light that has entered the projection-type display device from the outside via the projection optical system is provided in a direction in which the incident light is reflected by the mirror that assumes the OFF posture.