Relay Element Compact Back Focal Length Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing projection technologies for 3D content deployment face challenges in achieving enhanced performance and lower costs due to the large size of projection lenses and polarization conversion systems, which limit contrast performance and throw ratio, and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
The use of a relay element to form an intermediate image with a focal point proximate to a projection lens, allowing for a short back focal length, combined with a polarizing beam-splitter assembly and compact projection lenses, reduces the size of the polarization conversion system and enhances uniformity and contrast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional projection lens designs are used, then the system can project 3D content, but the projection lens and polarization conversion system become large in size, limiting contrast performance and throw ratio while increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
A relay element is introduced as an intermediary component between the imaging source and the projection lens. This relay element creates an intermediate image that allows the projection lens to be positioned closer to the polarization conversion system, thereby reducing the back focal length and enabling more compact overall system design without sacrificing projection quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reconfigures the optical path by utilizing the relay element to create an intermediate imaging plane, effectively adding a dimensional step in the light path. This allows the system to achieve compact back focal length by redistributing the optical path length across multiple stages rather than requiring a single long focal length lens
2Reliability
If traditional projection lens designs are used, then the system can project 3D content, but the projection lens and polarization conversion system become large in size, limiting contrast performance
Solution Approach 1:
The relay element acts as a mediator that decouples the polarization conversion system from the projection lens constraints. By creating an intermediate image, it allows the polarization conversion system to be optimized for contrast performance independently of the projection lens size, enabling better contrast without proportionally increasing system volume
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional projection lens designs are used, then the system can project 3D content, but the throw ratio is limited due to large component sizes
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing the relay element and creating an intermediate image plane, the patent effectively redistributes the optical path in a dimensional sense. This allows the system to achieve wider throw ratios by reducing the back focal length, enabling the projection lens to be positioned more compactly relative to the screen distance
4Volume of stationary object
If compact projection lenses are used with short back focal length, then the system becomes more compact and cost-effective, but requires precise positioning of the intermediate image focal point
Solution Approach 1:
The relay element serves as a precision-positioning intermediary that creates the intermediate image at a controlled location. This intermediary structure provides mechanical and optical reference points that facilitate precise positioning of the focal point, making the compact design manufacturable with standard precision tolerances
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 more compact, cost-effective projection systems capable of wider throw ratios and improved contrast performance, facilitating the deployment of 3D content with reduced component size and manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a relay element operable to receive the light from the imaging source and form an intermediate image
Implementation Method 2
a polarizing beam splitter assembly and first and second projection lenses disposed proximate to first and second exit ports of the polarizing beam splitter assembly
Implementation Method 3
a projection lens operable to project the intermediate image through the polarization conversion system
Data Source
AI summary
Optical systems, such as 2-D and 3-D projection systems, may be configured to have a compact back focal length to allow for more compact projection lenses, lower throw ratios, improved contrast, or any combination thereof. In an embodiment, an optical system may include a relay element configured to form an intermediate image having a focal point proximate to a projection lens.