Projector Optical Path Merging for Invisible Image Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projectors face challenges in accurately reproducing the movement or deviation of projection images due to differences in optical paths for visible and invisible light, making precise adjustment difficult.
Innovation Solution
A projector design that combines visible and invisible light using a first light combining element, liquid crystal panels, and a projection optical system, with an imaging device to correct the projection image based on the invisible light image, ensuring accurate alignment and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the optical path of invisible light is arranged at a position different from the optical path of visible light, then the visible image can be displayed, but the movement or deviation of the projection image cannot be accurately reproduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the visible light optical path and invisible light optical path into a shared optical path. The light source unit emits both visible and invisible light that pass through the same projection optical system, ensuring that both images experience identical optical path variations and can be accurately aligned and adjusted together.
2Device complexity
If separate optical paths are used for visible and invisible light, then the device structure can be simplified, but accurate adjustment of the projection image becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the visible and invisible light paths so that both types of light pass through the same projection optical system components. This shared configuration ensures that any movement or deviation affects both images equally, making adjustment straightforward through a single alignment process rather than requiring separate adjustments for each 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
The solution enables precise alignment and adjustment of projection images by using an imaging device to correct the position of the invisible light image, improving accuracy and reducing deviations.
Implementation Method 1
a first light combining element configured to combine the first light and the invisible light into first combined light
Implementation Method 2
a first liquid crystal panel configured to modulate the first combined light
Implementation Method 3
a first incident-side polarizing plate configured to transmit the first light between the visible light source device and the first light combining element; and a first emission-side polarizing plate configured to transmit the first combined light
Implementation Method 4
a projection optical system configured to project the first combined light emitted from the first liquid crystal panel
Data Source
AI summary
A projector according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: a visible light source device configured to emit visible light containing first light having a first wavelength; an invisible light source device configured to emit invisible light; a first light combining element configured to combine the first light and the invisible light into first combined light; a first liquid crystal panel configured to modulate the first combined light; a first incident-side polarizing plate configured to transmit the first light between the visible light source device and the first light combining element; a first emission-side polarizing plate configured to transmit the first combined light at a light emission side of the first liquid crystal panel; and a projection optical system configured to project the first combined light emitted from the first liquid crystal panel.