Projector Optical System Using Polarizing Beam Splitter for Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional projectors with detection functions have complex lens configurations, leading to large size and high costs, and struggle with achieving high-performance object detection while minimizing aberrations and background light interference.
Innovation Solution
The optical system incorporates a projection optical system, an optical path splitting unit, and a detection optical system, where the optical path splitting occurs near the focal point of the projection lens, simplifying the lens configuration and reducing costs by using a polarizing beam splitter to separate the optical paths for projection and detection, and employing aspherical lenses for improved imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a detection function is added to a projector, then object detection capability is improved, but the lens configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The projection optical system is designed to perform both projection and object detection functions. The same projection lens is used to project images and to detect objects by receiving object light from the projection surface, eliminating the need for a separate detection optical system with its own complex lens configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the projection optical system and detection optical system into a single integrated system. The projection lens serves dual purposes: projecting images onto the screen and detecting objects by capturing reflected light. This merging simplifies the overall lens configuration while maintaining both functions.
2Measurement precision
If a complicated lens configuration is used for detection, then detection performance may be improved, but the system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projection lens is designed to serve both projection and detection functions simultaneously. By using the same optical system for both purposes, the patent avoids adding a separate detection optical system that would increase system size, while still achieving adequate detection performance through the existing projection optics.
3Measurement precision
If a complicated lens configuration is used for detection, then detection performance may be improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing projection lens for both projection and detection functions, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble a separate detection optical system. This approach significantly reduces manufacturing costs by avoiding duplicate components and assembly processes while maintaining detection capability.
4Measurement precision
If the optical path splitting unit is disposed far from the projection surface, then detection accuracy may be improved, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from a separate optical system and integrates it into the projection optical path. By using the existing projection lens and optical path for detection purposes, the patent achieves detection accuracy without adding the complexity of a separate detection optical path splitting unit positioned far from the projection surface.
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 results in a compact, cost-effective projector with high detection performance, reduced aberrations, and improved signal-to-noise ratio, capable of detecting both visible and infrared light, while maintaining telecentricity and high resolution.
Implementation Method 1
employing aspherical lenses for improved imaging
Implementation Method 2
a projection optical system that includes a plurality of lenses and projects, on a projection surface, an image generated by a light valve
Implementation Method 3
a detection optical system that includes at least one lens disposed between an imaging device and the optical path splitting unit on the second optical path
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system of the present disclosure includes a projection optical system, an optical path splitting unit, and a detection optical system. The projection optical system includes a plurality of lenses and projects, on a projection surface, an image generated by a light valve. A detection object is on side of the projection surface, and object light is incident from the side of the projection surface. The optical path splitting unit is on the side of the projection surface relative to one of the plurality of lenses most adjacent to the light valve. The detection optical system includes at least one lens between an imaging device and the optical path splitting unit. The object light is incident through the optical path splitting unit on the detection optical system.