Interchangeable Reflection Optics for Variable Shift Projection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical systems struggle to perform short-focus, large screen projection or imaging in an oblique direction, and lack the ability to variably set the shift amount of the projection or imaging range from the optical axis.

Innovation Solution

An optical system comprising a base optical system with rotationally symmetric lenses and an aperture stop, combined with interchangeable attachment optical systems featuring different reflection surface groups, allowing for variable shift amounts by attaching these systems closer to the magnification side, thereby adjusting the projection or imaging range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional projection optical system is used, then the system can perform standard projection, but it cannot achieve short-focus and large screen projection or imaging in an oblique direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojection capabilityVSAvoidoptical system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is divided into a base optical system and detachable attachment optical systems. The attachment optical systems include reflection surface groups that can be selectively attached to the base optical system to achieve different projection characteristics, including short-focus and large screen projection in oblique directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base optical system is designed to accommodate multiple attachment optical systems with different optical characteristics. By attaching different reflection surface groups, the same base optical system can perform various functions such as standard projection, short-focus projection, large screen projection, and oblique direction imaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the projection range is fixed, then the optical system is simple, but it cannot variably set the shift amount of the projection range from the optical axis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshift amount adjustmentVSAvoidattachment optical system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The projection range shift amount is made variable by allowing users to attach different attachment optical systems with different optical characteristics. Each attachment system provides a specific shift amount, enabling dynamic adjustment of the projection range position relative to the optical axis without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of stationary object

If the optical system is enlarged to achieve large screen projection, then the projection size increases, but the system cannot be downsized for hidden installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojection screen sizeVSAvoidoptical system size

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is segmented into a compact base optical system and separate attachment optical systems. The attachment optical systems include reflection surface groups that can be attached to the base system to achieve large screen projection when needed, while the base system itself remains compact and can be hidden when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves large screen projection capability through the attachment optical systems that extend the optical path in specific dimensions. The reflection surface groups in the attachment systems redirect light to achieve large projection areas while keeping the overall system compact and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 short-focus, large screen projection or imaging in an oblique direction with adjustable shift amounts, maintaining excellent optical performance and enabling the system to be downsized and hidden from view when installed in certain configurations.

Implementation Method 1

a first attachment optical system including a first reflection surface group, and having a first optical characteristic; and a second attachment optical system including a second reflection surface group, and having a second optical characteristic different from the first optical characteristic

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20260029697A1Optical system, image projection apparatus, and imaging apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

An optical system includes: a base optical system configured to allow either a first attachment optical system or a second optical system to be attached at a position closer to a magnification side than the base optical system. The first attachment optical system includes a first reflection surface group, and has a first optical characteristic. The second attachment optical system includes a second reflection surface group, and has a second optical characteristic. In a case where the first attachment optical system is attached to the base optical system, a vertical distance from an optical axis to the magnification conjugate point in a vertical direction to the magnification conjugate point perpendicular to the optical axis is set to a first shift amount. In a case where the second attachment optical system is attached to the base optical system, the vertical distance is set to a second shift amount.