Projector Optical Path Shifting Control for Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projector technologies face challenges in instantaneously changing the state of optical path shifting elements and switching projection images, leading to time lags and deteriorated image quality, especially when handling images with smooth grayscale transitions or clear pixel boundaries.
Innovation Solution
A projector system incorporating an electro-optical panel, an optical path shifting element, and a control circuit that supplies different image signals to the panel across unit periods within a frame period, and controls the optical path shifting element to adjust its state based on the image type, allowing for precise positioning and smooth transitions between pixel positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the optical path shifting element is controlled to change state instantaneously in each unit period, then the image resolution and display quality are improved, but the time lag between optical path shifting element state change and projection image switching deteriorates image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing image signal preparation and optical path shifting element state adjustment in advance before the actual image switching is needed. The control circuit pre-positions the optical path shifting element to the required state during the transition period, so that when the new image frame is displayed, the optical path is already correctly configured, eliminating the time lag that would otherwise occur during instantaneous switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing the optical path shifting element to undergo controlled state transitions during the transition period between unit periods. Instead of maintaining a fixed state or attempting instantaneous switching, the system dynamically adjusts the optical path shifting element's position and state in synchronization with the image signal changes, enabling smooth transitions without time lag.
2Loss of time
If the projection image switching speed is increased to reduce time lag, then the image quality is improved, but the response speed limitation of the liquid crystal panel restricts further improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing the optical path shifting element in advance during the transition period before the liquid crystal panel completes its image switching. This allows the optical path configuration to be ready ahead of time, compensating for the liquid crystal panel's response speed limitations and reducing the effective time lag without requiring faster panel response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the optical path shifting element as an intermediary component that can be controlled independently of the liquid crystal panel's response limitations. By decoupling the optical path switching from the panel switching, the system can achieve faster effective image transitions without being constrained by the liquid crystal panel's inherent response speed.
3Device complexity
If a single optical path shifting control method is used for all image types, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image quality deteriorates for specific image types such as those with clear pixel boundaries or smooth grayscale transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different optical path shifting control strategies tailored to specific image types. The control circuit analyzes the input image characteristics and selectively applies appropriate shifting methods: for images with clear pixel boundaries, it uses one type of shifting control, while for images with smooth grayscale transitions, it applies a different shifting control method, thereby optimizing image quality for each case without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the optical path shifting control adaptive and variable based on image content. The control circuit dynamically adjusts the shifting parameters and methodology according to the detected image type, transitioning between different control modes as needed. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high image quality across diverse image types while using a unified control architecture.
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 solution enables the projector to maintain high image quality by reducing time lags and appropriately shifting images regardless of the type, whether with clear pixel boundaries or smooth grayscale transitions, thereby improving the display of both character and natural images.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-optical panel in which a plurality of pixels that emit light based on an image signal are arrayed
Implementation Method 2
an optical path shifting element that can change an optical path of light emitted from the plurality of pixels
Data Source
AI summary
A projector including an electro-optical panel in which a plurality of pixels are arrayed, an optical path shifting element configured to change an optical path of light emitted from the plurality of pixels, and a control circuit configured to control a state of the optical path shifting element such that light emitted from a predetermined pixel among the plurality of pixels reaches a first position on a display screen in the first unit period, control a state of the optical path shifting element such that light emitted from the predetermined pixel reaches a second position on the display screen in the second unit period, and control a state of the optical path shifting element in a transition period in which a unit period transitions from the first unit period to the second unit period based on a type of image indicated by an input image signal.