Projection Optics With Concave Mirror for Wide-Angle Image Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for projectors capable of ultra-wide angle projection that can display high-quality images in limited spaces, with a focus on safety, efficient use of space, and ease of installation.
Innovation Solution
An image display apparatus with a projection optical system comprising a lens system and a concave reflection surface, configured to ensure precise image alignment and high-quality image projection, using a reference axis to align optical components and minimize shadow generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a projector is configured for ultra-wide angle projection to display large screens in limited spaces, then the projection coverage and space efficiency are improved, but image quality and uniformity deteriorate due to edge distortion and shadowing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved optical surfaces including a concave reflection surface and aspherical lens surfaces to replace traditional flat optical paths. The curved surfaces are specifically designed to correct edge distortion and achieve uniform image quality across the entire projection area, resolving the contradiction between wide-angle coverage and image uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system uses asymmetric optical path design where the projection lens and condensing lens are positioned at different heights relative to the optical axis. This asymmetric configuration optimizes light distribution across the projection area, improving both coverage and uniformity simultaneously
2Device complexity
If the projection optical system uses a conventional lens configuration, then the structure is simple, but shadow generation and image uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the optical path by positioning the projection lens and condensing lens at different heights above the optical axis. This three-dimensional optical arrangement allows light to reach edge regions without being blocked, eliminating shadows while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a condensing lens as an intermediary optical element between the light source and projection lens. This condensing lens focuses light onto the projection lens, ensuring uniform light distribution and preventing shadow formation without significantly increasing system complexity
3Ease of operation
If the projection lens is positioned on the optical axis, then the alignment is simple, but edge light beams are blocked causing shadows and reduced image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the projection lens and condensing lens at different vertical positions relative to the optical axis, creating an asymmetric optical path. This asymmetric arrangement allows light beams for the entire image area, including edges, to reach the screen without being blocked, while the alignment remains straightforward due to the regular spacing
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
Enables high-quality image display with reduced shadowing and improved safety by minimizing direct light exposure, allowing flexible installation options and efficient use of space.
Implementation Method 1
The lens system L is configured with reference to a reference axis at a position where the generated image light is incident and has a positive refractive power as a whole
Implementation Method 2
The concave reflection surface is configured with reference to the reference axis and reflects the image light emitted from the lens system toward an object to be projected
Data Source
AI summary
A projection optical system of an image display apparatus that includes a lens system and a concave reflection surface. The lens system is has a positive refractive power as a whole. The concave reflection surface reflects the image light emitted from the lens system toward an object. The projection optical system is configured such that a relationship 0<|Δθ(hmax) Δθ(0.9·hmax)|/θ(hmax)<0.056 is satisfied, where a light beam height from the reference axis is h, an angle with respect to an optical axis height direction of a tangent line of a function Z(h) representing a shape of the concave reflection surface corresponding to the light beam height h is θ(h), an amount of change in the angle θ(h) is Δθ(h), and the light beam height h of a reflection point farthest from the reference axis of the concave reflection surface for reflecting the image light is hmax.