Projector Light Modulation Device With Reflection Element
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to reduce the size of short focus-type projectors while minimizing the blocking of image light by the light source device, which is typically large and needs to be positioned apart from the projection optical device, affecting the projector's size reduction and image forming performance.
Innovation Solution
The projector design includes a light source device emitting light in a first direction, an image generation device modulating light to generate image light in a second direction, and a projection optical device with a bending member and reflection element that projects image light outside the housing, where the absolute value of the focal length ratio of the reflection element to the projection optical device satisfies 4.0<|f2/f1|<20.0, allowing for a compact design without significant deterioration in image forming performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the light source device is disposed apart from the projection optical device to avoid blocking image light, then image forming performance is maintained, but the projector size cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the light source device from a longitudinal arrangement (along the optical axis) to a lateral arrangement (side-by-side with the projection optical device). This spatial reconfiguration in another dimension allows the light source to be disposed apart from the projection range while maintaining compact overall dimensions, thereby resolving the contradiction between avoiding light blocking and reducing projector size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the projector into distinct functional modules: the light source device and the projection optical device are separated into independent units positioned side-by-side. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and positioned to avoid interference, enabling both compact size and maintained image forming performance.
2Volume of moving object
If the light source device is placed within the projection range to reduce size, then projector size is reduced, but image light is blocked by the light source device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a longitudinal placement (where the light source would be in the projection path) to a lateral placement (side-by-side arrangement). This dimensional change allows the light source to be positioned within the compact projector envelope without intruding into the projection range, thus avoiding light blocking while maintaining reduced size.
3Reliability
If the focal length ratio of the reflection element is optimized, then image forming performance is maintained, but the optical path becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the focal length ratio of the reflection element as a key parameter to maintain image forming performance. By carefully selecting and adjusting this optical parameter, the system achieves compact design with the side-by-side arrangement while preserving image quality, balancing performance requirements with optical path simplicity.
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 enables a reduction in projector size by minimizing light source interference with the projection range, maintaining image quality, and allowing for a more compact layout without compromising image forming performance.
Implementation Method 1
a reflection element provided on the emission side optical path and configured to reflect the image light made incident thereon and project the image light to an outside of the exterior housing
Implementation Method 2
a bending member configured to bend, in an opposite direction of the first direction, the image light having passed through the incident side optical path
Data Source
AI summary
A projection optical device includes an incident side optical path on which image light is made incident from a image generation device, a bending member configured to bend the image light having passed through the incident side optical path, an emission side optical path on which the image light bent by the bending member is made incident, the emission side optical path being disposed side by side with the light source device, and a reflection element provided on the emission side optical path and configured to reflect the image light made incident thereon and project the image light to the outside of the exterior housing. The absolute value of f2/f1 satisfies the following expression when a focal length of the projection optical device is represented as f1 and a focal length of the reflection element is represented as f2. 4.0<|f2/f1|<20.0.