Projector Sidewall Button Placement for Image Clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projector configurations face challenges in maintaining a clear projection image while improving operability of operation buttons, as buttons exposed on the top surface can block the image, and those on the sidewall are difficult to operate.
Innovation Solution
The projector design features operation buttons placed on a first sidewall farther from the projection surface than the image opening, allowing the image to pass through a vertical image opening, and optionally on a tilted surface to enhance accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operation buttons are disposed on the top surface of the exterior housing nearer to the projection surface, then ease of operation is improved, but the projected image is blocked by the user's hand
Solution Approach 1:
The operation buttons are relocated from the top surface to the first sidewall, changing the spatial dimension from horizontal (top surface) to vertical (sidewall). This dimensional transition allows users to operate buttons from the side rather than from above, eliminating hand blockage of the projection image while preserving ease of operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If operation buttons are disposed on the sidewall of the exterior housing, then image blockage is avoided, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The first sidewall is designed with a specific operational characteristics that differ from other sidewalls. By providing operation buttons on this particular sidewall with distinct local properties (positioned to be easily accessible), the design achieves both image protection and user-friendly operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a short focal projection optical device is employed to shorten projection distance, then installation freedom is improved, but the angle of image widening becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
An aspherical mirror with a free-form surface shape that is not rotationally symmetric is used. This asymmetric mirror design enables effective image widening at short projection distances, overcoming the limitations of conventional symmetric mirrors while maintaining installation flexibility.
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 enhances operability by preventing image obstruction and maintaining a clear projection while allowing easier button operation, even when buttons are used.
Implementation Method 1
The projection optical device includes a reflecting mirror which reflects the image, and projects it through the image opening
Data Source
AI summary
A projector includes: an exterior housing configuring an exterior; a projection optical device which projects an image toward a projection surface; and a plurality of operation buttons which, being disposed in such a way as to be exposed to the outside of the exterior housing, an image opening for allowing the image projected from the projection optical device to pass through is formed in one sidewall, among sidewalls configuring the exterior housing, which intersects in a vertical direction, the projection optical device includes a reflecting mirror which reflects the image, and projects it through the image opening, and the plurality of operation buttons are disposed on a side of the one sidewall farther from the projection surface than the image opening.