Ultra-short throw projector with transmissive LCD and ellipsoidal reflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projector devices are expensive and inefficient for projecting images from short distances, requiring costly equipment and significant heat management, which leads to increased costs and potential negative visual effects.
Innovation Solution
An ultra-short throw projector with a transmissive liquid crystal display (LCD), an ellipsoidal reflector, a positive Fresnel lens, high-powered surface-mounted light sources, and a heat sink, which uses low-lumen projection and a catadioptric design to minimize cost, brightness, and picture resolution while reducing heat generation and off-axis keystone distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional projector equipment is used to project images from short distances, then image projection capability is achieved, but cost increases and heat generation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the projection system by using a transmissive LCD panel with specific pixel pitch and a projection lens with optimized focal length and aperture. This allows the system to achieve ultra-short throw ratio (less than 0.5) while controlling heat generation through efficient light path design and reduced optical losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional high-lumen projection mechanics with a low-lumen transmissive LCD system. By using a transmissive display panel that allows light to pass through rather than reflect, the system achieves efficient light utilization with minimal heat generation, eliminating the need for expensive high-power projection equipment.
2Length of moving object
If expensive ultra-short throw equipment is used, then short distance projection is achieved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the projection system into distinct functional modules: a transmissive LCD panel for image generation, a projection lens for focal control, and an illuminator for light provision. This modular approach allows each component to be optimized independently and selected from cost-effective options, achieving ultra-short throw capability without requiring expensive integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a transmissive LCD panel that can be a lower-cost component compared to traditional reflective LCDs or DLP chips. By accepting that the LCD panel may have limited operational life under high-intensity illumination, the system achieves cost savings while maintaining ultra-short throw projection capability through efficient light management.
3Illumination intensity
If high brightness projection is used, then image visibility is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of heat generation into a benefit by using a transmissive LCD system that efficiently transmits light with minimal absorption and heat conversion. The system design ensures that most light energy reaches the projection lens and screen, while minimal energy is converted to heat in the LCD panel, achieving high brightness with controlled heat generation.
4Ease of manufacture
If low-lumen projection is used, then cost and heat are reduced, but image brightness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the optical parameters including the projection lens aperture ratio, focal length, and LCD panel pixel pitch to maximize light transmission efficiency. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system achieves adequate image brightness with low-lumen projection, reducing cost and heat generation while maintaining acceptable image quality for the intended application.
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
The solution enables cost-effective, high-brightness image projection with improved resolution and reduced heat generation, allowing for efficient image projection from short distances without the need for expensive equipment or noisy cooling mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
an ellipsoidal reflector, a positive Fresnel lens, high-powered surface-mounted light sources
Implementation Method 2
a positive Fresnel lens, high-powered surface-mounted light sources
Implementation Method 3
transmissive liquid crystal display (LCD)
Implementation Method 4
high-powered surface-mounted light sources, and a heat sink
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods are provided for an ultra-short throw projector. The projector may include an illuminator having an ellipsoidal reflector, a light emitting diode (LED) positioned inside of the ellipsoidal reflector, and a Fresnel lens positioned inside of the ellipsoidal reflector. The projector may include a circular transmissive liquid crystal display (LCD) and a three-element plastic projection lens positioned outside of the ellipsoidal reflector, wherein the circular transmissive LCD is positioned between the ellipsoidal reflector and the three-element plastic projection lens, wherein the ellipsoidal reflector reflects light emitted by the LED, wherein the Fresnel lens refracts light emitted by the LED, and wherein the three-element plastic projection lens projects the reflected light and the refracted light.