Projector Optical Axis Rotation for Compact Portrait Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projectors that switch between landscape and portrait projections using a reflection mirror require a large mirror, leading to increased device size, limiting their ability to freely change projection direction without size increments.
Innovation Solution
A projector design incorporating an image forming panel, a projection optical system with movable reflection members, sensors, and a controller to adjust the image orientation, allowing for landscape and portrait projections without increasing the device size by rotating the optical axes in increments of 90° and shifting the projector body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a reflection mirror is externally attached to a projection lens to switch between landscape and portrait projections, then projection direction flexibility is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the reflection mirror directly into the projection lens structure, merging two previously separate components (lens and mirror) into a single unified assembly. This eliminates the need for an externally attached mirror and reduces overall device volume while maintaining the capability to switch between landscape and portrait projection modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a movable reflection mirror that can be rotated within the projection lens assembly to change the projection direction. The mirror is designed to be rotatable about an optical axis, allowing dynamic switching between different projection orientations (landscape and portrait) without requiring separate fixed mirrors for each mode, thereby reducing device size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large reflection mirror is used to enable landscape and portrait projection switching, then projection versatility is improved, but device compactness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The projection lens is designed with a universal structure that can perform multiple functions: it serves as both the primary projection lens and houses the reflection mirror for mode switching. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each projection mode, achieving projection versatility while maintaining device compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflection mirror is nested within the projection lens structure rather than being externally attached. The mirror is positioned inside the lens assembly and can rotate within the available space, effectively utilizing the internal volume of the lens to provide projection direction flexibility without increasing the overall device envelope.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the projection optical system is made rotatable in increments of 90° to enable flexible projection directions, then adaptability is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotational mechanism that allows the projection optical system to be rotated in discrete increments of 90 degrees. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to switch between different projection directions (landscape, portrait, and intermediate orientations) while using a relatively simple rotational joint rather than a complex multi-degree-of-freedom mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational mechanism is designed to provide periodic adjustment in 90-degree increments, which is sufficient for achieving the required projection modes. This periodic action approach simplifies the control mechanism compared to continuous or multi-angle adjustment systems, as it only needs to accommodate four distinct positions rather than a full range of motion.
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 flexible projection direction changes between landscape and portrait orientations without enlarging the projector, ensuring the projection image matches the original image orientation while maintaining a compact size.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflection member, and bends a first optical axis of the first optical system at 90°
Implementation Method 2
The first connection member connects the first optical system including the first reflection member to the second optical system to be rotationally movable in increments of 90° around a second optical axis of the second optical system
Implementation Method 3
The first sensor detects a rotational movement state of the first optical axis of the first optical system around the second optical axis in the first connection member
Implementation Method 4
The controller changes an orientation of a display image of the image forming panel based on the rotational movement state detected by the first sensor to make an orientation of a projection image on a projection plane match the original image
Data Source
AI summary
A first holding barrel, a first mirror bending a first optical axis of the first holding barrel at 90°, a second holding barrel, a second mirror bending a second optical axis of the second holding barrel at 90°, and a third holding barrel are disposed on an optical axis from a screen side to an image forming panel. A first connection member connects the first holding barrel including the first mirror to the second holding barrel to be rotationally movable in increments of 90°. A second connection member connects the second holding barrel and the second mirror to the third holding barrel to be rotationally movable in increments of 90°. An orientation of a display image of the image forming panel is changed based on rotational movement states of an optical axis of a first sensor and an optical axis of a second sensor to make an orientation of a projection image on the screen match an original image.