Projector Optical Path Sharing for Visible and Invisible Image Accuracy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 light source device unit, optical elements, liquid crystal panels, and a projection optical system, with an imaging device to correct image positions based on invisible light projections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate optical paths are used for visible and invisible light, then light separation is achieved, but image position accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical paths for visible and invisible light into a single shared path. The projection optical system projects both visible light (first light) and invisible light (second light) along the same optical axis, ensuring that movement or deviation factors affect both wavelengths equally. This resolves the contradiction by combining previously separate optical paths to achieve accurate image position reproduction while maintaining light separation capabilities through wavelength-selective optical elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different optical paths are used for visible and invisible light, then optical path independence is achieved, but movement reproduction accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical paths for visible and invisible light into a shared path where both wavelengths travel together through the projection optical system. This ensures that any movement, vibration, or deviation in the optical path affects both visible and invisible light equally, enabling accurate reproduction of image position changes. The system maintains adaptability by using wavelength-selective optical elements that can independently manipulate each wavelength while sharing the common optical path.
3Device complexity
If separate optical paths are used for visible and invisible light, then optical path configuration flexibility is achieved, but projection image adjustment accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical paths for visible and invisible light into a single shared path that passes through the projection optical system. This configuration ensures that both wavelengths are subject to the same optical conditions, enabling accurate projection image adjustment. The system maintains configuration flexibility by incorporating wavelength-selective optical elements and adjustable components that can independently control each wavelength while benefiting from the shared 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
Enables accurate superimposition and adjustment of visible and invisible images, improving the precision of image projection and reducing manufacturing costs by using efficient light sources and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The optical element functions as at least one of a light separation element that separates, from the visible light, light having a wavelength different from the first wavelength from the visible light
Implementation Method 2
a light combining element that combines the first light and the invisible light, in which the invisible light is reflected by the optical element
Implementation Method 3
a first liquid crystal panel configured to modulate the first combined light
Implementation Method 4
a first incident-side polarizing plate configured to transmit the first light on a light incident side of the first liquid crystal panel; and a first emission-side polarizing plate configured to transmit the first light on a light emission side of the first liquid crystal panel
Data Source
AI summary
A projector includes: a light source device unit configured to emit invisible light and visible light containing first light having a first wavelength; an optical element configured to emit first combined light containing first light and invisible light; a first liquid crystal panel configured to modulate first combined light; a first incident-side polarizing plate configured to transmit first light on a light incident side of first liquid crystal panel; a first emission-side polarizing plate configured to transmit first light on a light emission side of first liquid crystal panel; and a projection optical system configured to project first combined light emitted from first liquid crystal panel, in which optical element functions as at least one light separation element that separates, from visible light, light having a wavelength different from first wavelength or light combining element that combines first light and invisible light, and invisible light is reflected by optical element.