Projector Light Path Merging for Image Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projectors face challenges in accurately adjusting the projection image due to discrepancies between the displacement of the visible light projection image and the detected displacement, primarily because they lack a direct method to trace the shift of colored light beams along their light paths.
Innovation Solution
A projector configuration that includes a first light source device emitting light with different wavelengths, a light separator, first and second light modulators, a light combiner, a projection optical system, and a second light source device emitting polarized invisible light, which combines with the visible light to enable accurate alignment of the projection image by tracing the displacement of any colored light beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate infrared light modulator is added to the projector, then the invisible light can be modulated for control purposes, but the displacement and shift of the projection image cannot be directly traced due to the separate light paths of visible and invisible light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light paths of visible light and invisible light by having both pass through the same light modulator. The light source emits both visible light (first light) and invisible light (second light), which are combined and modulated together, allowing the projection image displacement to be directly traced through the same optical path, thereby resolving the measurement precision issue while maintaining control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the visible light and invisible light follow separate light paths, then each can be modulated independently, but the displacement of the projection image and the detected displacement fail to coincide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light paths of visible light and invisible light so that both pass through the same light modulator. This merging ensures that any displacement or shift in the projection image is directly reflected in the invisible light path, allowing accurate tracing and coincidence of displacement between the projection image and detected displacement, thereby improving image alignment accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated light modulation element is used for infrared light, then the invisible light can be controlled, but the system becomes more complex and cannot directly trace displacement of colored light beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single light modulator that serves multiple functions: it modulates both visible light (first light) and invisible light (second light) that pass through it. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated light modulation elements for infrared light, reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to control invisible light and trace displacement of colored light beams through the unified optical path.
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 allows for precise adjustment of the projection image by ensuring that the detected displacement of the actual visible light projection matches the displacement of the projected image, enhancing the accuracy of image alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a light separator configured to separate the light emitted from the first light source device into the first light and the second light
Implementation Method 2
an optical part configured to combine the first light emitted from the light separator and the invisible light emitted from the second light source device with each other
Implementation Method 3
a first light modulator configured to modulate the first light, a second light modulator configured to modulate the second light
Implementation Method 4
a light combiner configured to combine light emitted from the first light modulator and light emitted from the second light modulator with each other
Implementation Method 5
a projection optical system configured to project light emitted from the light combiner
Data Source
AI summary
A projector includes a light separator configured to separate light emitted from a first light source device into first light with a first wavelength and second light with a second wavelength, a light combiner configured to combine light emitted from a first light modulator and light emitted from a second light modulator, a second light source device configured to emit invisible light, and an optical part configured to combine the first light emitted from the light separator and the invisible light emitted from the second light source device with each other. The invisible light includes first polarized light with a first polarization direction and second polarized light with a second polarization direction. The first light and the invisible light which are emitted from the optical part enter the first light modulator. A projection optical system projects light including the first light, the second light, and the invisible light.