Single Projector Superimposing Visible and Infrared Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projectors require two separate devices to display visible and infrared images, which complicates portability and usability due to the need for precise alignment and increased size, as they cannot visually adjust the infrared image projection.
Innovation Solution
A single projector that combines visible and infrared light sources, light separating and modulation elements, and combining means to superimpose both images on a single projection surface, allowing independent control and alignment-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate projectors are used to display visible and infrared images, then the control of displayed information is improved, but the device complexity and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate projectors (visible light projector and infrared light projector) into a single integrated projector. The light source unit generates both visible and infrared light, which are then separated by a light separating unit and directed to respective light modulation units. The modulated lights are combined by a light combining unit and projected through a single projection unit, eliminating the need for two separate devices while maintaining the capability to control displayed information.
Solution Approach 2:
The single projector performs multiple functions by integrating both visible light projection and infrared light projection capabilities. The light source unit can generate both types of light, and the projection system can switch between or combine both projection modes, making the device universal and eliminating the need for separate dedicated projectors for different light types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate projectors are used to display visible and infrared images, then the control of displayed information is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the projection functions into a single device with a shared projection unit, the patent eliminates the need for alignment adjustment between separate projectors. The light combining unit integrates the visible and infrared light paths before they reach the single projection unit, ensuring automatic alignment and eliminating the operational burden of adjusting multiple independent projection systems.
3Device complexity
If a single projector is used for both visible and infrared light, then the portability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into distinct functional units: a light source unit that generates both visible and infrared light, a light separating unit that divides the light into different wavelength regions, separate light modulation units for each light type, and a light combining unit that merges the modulated lights. This modular segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing each unit to be optimized and assembled independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in light wavelength to separate and process visible and infrared light through different optical paths. The light separating unit and light combining unit are designed to handle different wavelength parameters, enabling the integration of multiple light types while maintaining manufacturability through wavelength-based differentiation.
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 control of visible and infrared images on a single screen, improving portability and usability by eliminating the need for separate alignment and reducing the overall system size.
Implementation Method 1
light separating means for separating the light from the light source into lights in plural different wavelength regions
Implementation Method 2
at least one light modulation element for visible light that modulates visible light separated by the light separating means, at least one light modulation element for infrared light that modulates one kind of infrared light or at least two kinds of infrared light
Implementation Method 3
light combining means for combining the modulated light modulated by the light modulation element for visible light and the modulated light modulated by the light modulation element for infrared light into one to form combined light
Implementation Method 4
projecting means for projecting and displaying the combined light combined by the light combining means on a projection surface
Data Source
AI summary
A projector includes a light source that emits light including visible light and infrared light, a light separating unit that separates the light from the light source into lights in plural different wavelength regions, at least one light modulation element for visible light that modulates visible light separated by the light separating unit, at least one light modulation element for infrared light that modulates one kind of infrared light or at least two kinds of infrared light in wavelength regions different from each other separated by the light separating unit, a light combining unit that combines the modulated light modulated by the light modulation element for visible light and the modulated light modulated by the light modulation element for infrared light into one to form combined light, and a projecting unit that projects and displays the combined light combined by the light combining unit on a projection surface. The projector superimposes and displays a visible light image formed by the light modulation element for visible light and an infrared image formed by the light modulation element for infrared light on the identical projection surface.