GB2463733A

GB2463733A - Wide angle projection lens module

Info

Publication number: GB2463733A
Application number: GB0817808A
Authority: GB
Inventors: kai-chang Lu
Original assignee: Meistream International Optical Ltd
Current assignee: Meistream International Optical Ltd
Priority date: 2008-09-29
Filing date: 2008-09-29
Publication date: 2010-03-31
Anticipated expiration: 2028-09-29
Also published as: GB2463733A9; GB0817808D0; GB2463733B

Abstract

A wide-angle projection lens module is includes a reflective convex aspheric mirror G1 and a refractive lens group G4 of positive refractive power. The following Conditions (1) to (2) are satisfied:15< I Freflective IF I <25 Condition (1); and1.5 < I FrefractivefF I< 2.0 Condition (2),wherein, F is a focal length of the wide-angle projection lens module, Freflective is a focal length of the reflective convex mirror, and Frefractive is a focal length of the refractive lens group. Other conditions as set out in claims 1, 13 and 15 may apply. The module may be used in an optical engine that also has a relay optical system.

Description

TITLE: OPTICAL ENGINE AND WIDE ANGLE PROJECTION LENS

MODULE THEREOF

100011 The present invention relates to a wide-angle projection lens module, and in particular relates to a wide-angle projection lens module for a short throw distance.

[0002] Digital projectors have been widely used to display video or electronic generated images. Digital projectors require an appropriate display device whether used in education, home entertainment, advertising, or videoconferences.

100031 Throw ratio is a key factor to determine an appropriate display device.

In general, the term "throw ratio" can be defined as the throw distance over the picture size (i.e. picture width). Typical throw ratio of conventional projectors is about equal to 2. However, when projection size of the display device increases, the thickness thereof increases with the increased projection size. Therefore, reduced throw ratio is required for large-sized display device.

100041 A detailed description is given in the following embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

100051 In a first embodiment, a wide-angle projection lens module is provided, comprising the following components in sequential order from an output side: (a) a first lens group with a convex aspheric reflective surface; (b) a second lens group of negative refractive power having at least one aspheric surface; (c) a third lens group of substantially zero refractive power, wherein an aperture stop of the wide-angle projection lens module lies within or near the third lens group; and (d) a fourth lens group of positive refractive power, wherein the following Conditions (1) to (4) are satisfied: 10< I F1/F <30 Condition (fl; 4.0 <I F2/F I <8.0 Condition (2); 25< F3/F <50 Condition (3); and 3.5<1 F4/F I <6 Condition (4), wherein, F is the focal length of the wide-angle projection lens module, F1 is the focal length of the first lens group, F2 is the focal length of the second lens group, F3 is the focal length of the third lens group, and F4 is the focal length of the fourth lens group.

100061 In the first embodiment, the following Conditions (5) further satisfies: I Diameter of the image circle/F I >4.5 Condition (5), where, Diameter of the image circle is equal to 2 times that of a rear image height.

[0007] In the first embodiment, the wide-angle projection lens module has a speed of less than or equal to about F/2.8 and an effective focal length of about 4mm.

100081 In the first embodiment, the fourth lens group comprises at least four positive lens elements, and an average Abbe value of all the positive lens elements of the fourth lens group is greater than 70.

100091 In the first embodiment, the average Abbe value of all the positive lens elements of the fourth lens group is greater than 80.

100101 In a second embodiment, a wide-angle projection lens module is provided, comprising the following components in sequential order from an output side: (a) a first lens group with a convex aspheric reflective surface; (b) a second lens group of negative refractive power, having at least one asphenc surface; (c) a third lens group of substantially zero refractive power, wherein an aperture stop of the wide-angle projection lens module lies within or near the third lens group; and (d) a fourth lens group of positive refractive power, wherein the following Conditions (1) to (4) are satisfied: -25<(F1/F) <-15 Condition (1); <(FilF) <6 Condition (2); 35<(F3fF) <40 Condition (3); and -4.5<(FJF) <-3.5 Condition (4), where, F is the focal length of the wide-angle projection lens module; F1 is the focal length of the first lens group; F2 is the focal length of the second lens group; F3 is the focal length of the third lens group; and F4 is the focal length of the fourth lens group.

100111 In the second embodiment, the wide-angle projection lens module of claim 13, wherein the following Conditions (5) further satisfies: Diameter of the image circle/F >4.5 Condition (5), where, Diameter of the image circle is equal to 2 times that of a rear image height.

[00121 In a third embodiment, a wide-angle projection lens module is provided, comprising the following components in sequential order from an output side: a first lens group with a convex aspheric reflective surface; a second lens group of negative refractive power having at least one aspheric surface; a third lens group of substantially zero refractive power, wherein an aperture stop lies of the wide-angle projection lens module lies within or near the third lens group; and a fourth lens group of positive refractive power, wherein the following Conditions (1) to (4) are satisfied: l5<IF1/F <25 Condition(1); 5.0 < F2/F <7.0 Condition (2); 35< F3/F I <40 Condition (3); and 4.0<1 F4/F I <4.5 Condition (4), where: F is the focal length of the wide-angle projection lens module; F1 is the focal length of the first lens group; F2 is the focal length of the second lens group; F3 is the focal length of the third lens group; and F4 is the focal length of the fourth lens group.

10013] In the third embodiment, the following Conditions (5) further satisfies: angle between any chief ray and optical axis <5 degrees Condition (5).

(0014] In the third embodiment, the fourth lens group comprises at least four positive lens elements, and an average Abbe value of all the positive lens elements of the fourth lens group is greater than 70.

[0015] In the third embodiment, the fourth lens group comprises at least four positive lens elements, and an average Abbe value of all the positive lens elements of the fourth lens group is greater than 80.

[0016] In a fourth embodiment an optical engine for a display device is provided, comprising a light source, a relay optical system and a wide-angle projection lens module. The light source provides a light beam. The wide-angle projection lens module comprises a first lens group and a second lens group of negative refractive power. The first lens group has a convex folding aspheric mirror disposed at an output side of the wide-angle projection lens module. The second lens group has at least one aspheric surface, wherein the light beam travels from the light source, passing the relay optical system and the wide-angle projection lens module to generate an output image at a half field angle of at least about 65°, and the output image has substantially no distortion.

10017] In the fourth embodiment, a projection image size of the output image is at least 50 inches (diagonal measurement), and requires substantially no keystone correction.

[0018] In the fourth embodiment, a projected image format of the output image is one of a 4x3 format, a 8x5 format and a 1 6x9 format.

10019] In the fourth embodiment, the second lens group comprises a first lens element of negative refractive power and a second lens element having an asphenc surface, wherein a ratio of a focal length of the second lens group to a focal length of the wide-angle projection lens module (F2/F) has the relationship: 5 <F2/F <6.

100201 In the fourth embodiment, the wide-angle projection lens module further comprises a third lens group disposed adjacent the second lens group, the third lens group has refractive power, and a ratio of a focal length of the third lens group to a focal length of the wide-angle projection lens module (F3/F) has the relationship: <F/F<40.

[0021] In the fourth embodiment, the wide-angle projection lens module further comprises a fourth lens group having a positive refractive power disposed adjacent the third lens group, and a ratio of a focal length of the fourth lens group to a focal length of the wide-angle projection lens module (F4/F) has the relationship: -4.5<F4IF<-4.

[0022] In the fourth embodiment, the optical engine further comprises: a third lens group of substantially zero refractive power and wherein an aperture stop of the wide-angle projection lens module lies within or near the third lens group; and a fourth lens group of positive refractive power, wherein the following Conditions (1) to (4) are satisfied: 15<1F1/FI <25 Condition (1); 5.0 < F2/F <7.0 Condition (2); 35< I F3/F I <40 Condition (3); and 4.0< I FIF <4.5 Condition (4), where, F is the focal length of the wide-angle projection lens module; F1 is the focal length of the first lens group; F2 is the focal length of the second lens group; F3 is the focal length of the third lens group; and F4 is the focal length of the fourth lens group.

100231 In a fifth embodiment, a wide-angle projection lens module is provided, comprising a reflective convex aspheric mirror and a refractive lens group of positive refractive power, wherein the following Conditions (1) to (2) are satisfied: 15< I Freflective/F <25 Condition (1); and 1.5 <I Freñactive/F <2.0 Condition (2), where: F is a focal length of the wide-angle projection lens module; Freijectjve is a focal length of the reflective convex mirror; and Freiactive is a focal length of the refractive lens group.

[00241 In the fifth embodiment, a Condition (3) further satisfies: Diameter of the image circle/F >4.5 Condition (3), where, Diameter of the image circle is equal to 2 times that of a rear image height.

100251 In the fifth embodiment, a Condition (3) further satisfies: I d/F >10 Condition (3), where, d is a distance between the reflective convex mirror and a first refractive lens (L2) surface.

100261 The wide-angle projection lens module of the embodiment of the invention has a short total track distance for utilization of a compact projection lens, thus minimizing the space requirements of an optical engine.

The present invention can be more fully understood by reading the subsequent detailed description and examples with references made to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 100271 Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a wide-angle projection lens module of the invention; [0028] Fig. 2A is a front view showing a projection light path of the embodiment; [0029] Fig. 2B shows an embodiment of the first lens element; [00301 Fig. 2C is a side view showing the projection light path of the embodiment; and [00311 Fig. 3 shows an optical engine of an embodiment of the invention.

100321 The following description is of the best-contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. This description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention and should not be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the invention is best determined by reference to the appended claims.

100331 Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a wide-angle projection lens module I of the invention, which comprises four lens groups (as described from an output side): a first lens group Gi, a second lens group G2, a third lens group G3, and a fourth lens group G4. The term "output side" means the side of the projection lens with a large aspheric reflection folding mirror (first lens group Gl).

[0034] As shown in Fig. 1, the first lens group Gl comprises a first lens element LI which is an aspheric reflection mirror. Preferably, the first lens group Gi is a convex aspheric mirror. The ratio of F1/F in the first lens group GI can be -30 < F1/F <-10, wherein F1 is the focal length of the first lens group, and F is a focal length of the wide-angle projection lens module which is negative in refractive power due to the first lens group GI. The second lens group G2 includes a second lens element L2 of negative refractive power and a third lens element L3 having an aspheric surface on its surface. Preferably, the second lens group G2 is of negative refractive power. A ratio of F2/F in the second lens group the second lens group G2 can be 4.0 <F2/F <8.0, wherein F2 is the focal length of the second lens group. The third lens group G3 includes three lens elements which are affixed or cemented together by adhesive. The third lens group G3 is substantially of small refractive power. Preferably, the third lens group G3 is slightly negative in refractive power.

The ratio of F3/F in the third lens group G3 can be 25 <F3/F < 50, wherein F3 is the focal length of the third lens group. In this exemplary embodiment, an aperture stop of the wide-angle projection lens module I lies within or near the third lens group G3. The fourth lens group G4 includes six lens elements. Preferably, the fourth lens group G4 is of positive refractive power. The ratio of F4IF in the fourth lens group G4 can be 3.5 <JF4[F 1< 6.0, wherein F4 is the focal length of the fourth lens group.

100351 The first lens group Gi is preferably a convex aspheric mirror, particularly a high order aspheric folding mirror with a rotational symmetrical to optical axis. The aspheric profile of the folding mirror surface reduces the distortion of the wide-angle projection lens module I. For example, the first lens element LI, lying closest to the output side, can have the largest diameter of all the lenses in the four lens groups. In a modified embodiment, the first lens element LI in the first lens group has a sufficiently large diameter to project an image at a large field, i.e., with a half field angle greater than 60°, preferably greater than 70°, and most preferably about 68° in the direction of the output side, with substantially no distortion.

100361 In one embodiment, the first lens element Ll of the first lens group has a diameter greater than 300 mm and less than 350 mm. In a modified embodiment, the first lens element Li of the first lens group has a diameter of about 316 mm. Thus, the first lens element can provide a field of view of about 120° to about 140°.

[00371 The first lens element Li can be a reflection mirror having only one asphenc reflective surface, which reduces distortion effects and provides a large field of view. The shape of the aspheric surface can be defined by the equation below: Cr 2 4 4 8 10 12 Z = +a2r -f-a4r +a6r +a8r +a10r +a12r l+.%Jl_(lIk)c2r2 Equation I, wherein Z is the surface sag at a distance r from the optical axis of the system, c is the curvature of the lens at the optical axis in mm r is the radial coordinate in mm, k is the conic constant, a2 is the coefficient for second order term, a4 is the coefficient for fourth order term, a6 is the coefficient for sixth order term, a8 is the coefficient for eighth order term, aw is the coefficient for tenth order term, and a12 is the coefficient for 12th order term.

[0038] As shown in Figs. 1, 2A and 2C, with reference to Fig. 2B, an usage area of the first lens element Ll during front projection application is at an off-axis location, and hence the outer aperture shape of the first lens element LI is preferably a rectangular (about 125mm x 165mm) or ladder shape (with a height about 125.2mm, top width about 120mm and bottom width about 165mm). In one aspect, the first lens element can be fabricated by an optical generated, lapped and polished glass or metal such as copper and aluminum. It can also be fabricated by molding polymer such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or acrylic.

10039] In a modified embodiment, the first shaped element comprises a slightly curved surface with uniformed thickness.

10040] The second lens group G2 is preferably of negative refractive power. In an embodiment, the second lens group G2 comprises a plurality of lens elements.

For example, the second lens element L2 of the second lens group G2, lying closest to the output side, can have the largest diameter of all the remaining refractive lenses in the second lens group G2.

[00411 In a modified embodiment, the second lens element L2 in the second lens group has a diameter greater than 60 mm and less than 70 mm, preferably about 63 mm.

100421 As shown in Fig. 1, the second lens group G2 rther includes the third lens element L3 having at least one aspheric surface. The aspheric surface thereof reduces distortion effects, while still providing a large field of view. In one aspect, the third lens element L3 can be of optical polymer having a refractive index of about 1.49 and an Abbe number of about 57.2, such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The shape of the aspheric surface can also be defined by the above equation I. 100431 A surface of the second element L2 of the second lens group has a radius of curvature substantially equal to the radius of curvature of a surface of the third lens element L3 corresponding thereto.

100441 In a modified embodiment, the second lens group G2 includes two meniscus shaped, nested lens elements, a first meniscus shaped element made of glass and a second meniscus shaped element made of plastic.

10045] In another embodiment, the third lens element L3 is a dome-shaped aspheric lens having a substantially uniform thickness. The dome-shaped design reduces thermal problems, and is easily produced.

[0046] In a modified embodiment, the second lens element L2 and the third lens element L3 are molded together as a single element. Additionally, the material of the second lens element L2 and the third lens element L3 differs. For example, the second lens element L2 can be a glass element, and the third lens element L3 can be a plastic (e.g., PMMA) element.

10047] In another modified embodiment, the second lens group G2 can be a single element (e.g., a single PMMA element), with a single aspheric surface, or two aspheric surfaces.

(0048] As shown in Fig. 1, the third lens group G3 is of substantially small refractive power. The third lens group G3 comprises a plurality of lens elements.

The aperture stop of the wide-angle projection lens module can lie within or close the third lens group.

[00491 In one embodiment, all lens elements of the third lens group G3 have spherical surfaces. The third lens group G3 includes a cemented triplet to control spherical aberration and coma.

[0050] In another embodiment, the third lens group G3 provides a longer effective focal length. -to-

100511 In another embodiment, a doublet element can be utilized in the third lens group G3, which can include an aspheric surface.

100521 The fourth lens group G4 can be of positive refractive power and all lens elements in this lens group can have spherical surfaces. The fourth lens group G4 provides color aberration correction (i.e., primary and secondary dispersion compensation).

100531 By way of example, for the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, Table 1 below lists the surface number, in order from the output side (with surface 1 being the reflective folding mirror's surface of the first lens element Li), the curvature (c) near the optical axis of each surface (in 1/millimeters), the on axis spacing (D) between the surfaces (in millimeters), and the glass type is also indicated. Surface 0 is the object surface or the surface of the projection screen. In this embodiment, the wide-angle projection lens module has an effective overall focal length of -4.35 mm, a half field angle of 68.2° in the direction of the output side and operates at F/2.5. The first lens group Gl has an effective focal length of 92.6 mm, the second lens group G2 has an effective focal length of -26.4 mm, the third lens group G3 has an effective focal length of -164.4 mm, and the fourth lens group G4 has an effective focal length of 18.5mm. The projection lens has a total track of 156mm in this exemplary embodiment.

100541 Furthermore, the projection lens can be defined into two groups. One is the reflective group (G reflective) which is the convex aspheric folding mirror and another group is the refractive lens group (Grefractive). The reflective group G reflective has an effective focal length of 92.6mm and the refractive group Grefiactive has an effective focal length of 7.66mm.

100551 For the embodiment in Fig. 1, the first reflective surface in the first lens group (denoted as surface XX in Table 1) is aspheric, as governed by Equation I above, and has the following values for the coefficients: c = 0.005396844, k = -38.766129, = 0, = 1.866192 x 108, a6 = -9.526963 x i0, CL8 = 2.852074 x = -4.292796 x 1022, and = 2.327975x 10.27 [00561 For the embodiment in Fig. 1, the surface of the third lens element (L3) in the second lens group (denoted as surface XX in Table I) is aspherie, as governed by Equation I above, and has the following values for the coefficients: c 0.0993 8788, k -0.663836, a2 =0, cL4 = 3.000570 x i0, ct6 =-2.916595 x i0, = 2.135367 x i0, = -6.889318 x 1012, and Ui2 = 1.005630 x i0'4 100571 The wide-angle projection lens module I of the embodiment of Fig. 1 has a total track distance of 156 mm. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, in certain applications, such as front-projection and rear projection display applications, it can be advantageous to have a short total track distance because it would result in a compact projection lens, thus minimizing the space requirements of the overall optical engine.

Table 1

Surface No. C (mm') } D (mm) Glass Type 0 0 -580.00 1 -0.00539 0.00 Mirror 2 0 50.00 3 0.02337 3.000 N-SKIS 4* 0.04545 3.500 Acrylic 0.09939 3 1.968 6 0.00374 1.500 N-LAF34 7 0.1630 5.200 N-F2 8 -0.03974 1.500 N-LAF34 9 -0.02623 4.719 -0.02981 1.800 N-LAK8 II -0.00152 0.812 12 -0.02927 4.33 N-PK52 13 -0.07755 0.147 14 0.00907 7.906 N-PK52 -0.05752 0.147 16 0.01289 8.937 N-PK52 17 -0.06002 1.600 N-SF6 18 -0.008357 0.147 19 0.03077 5.22 N-PK52 -0.00526 2.20 21 0 18.486 N-BK7 22 0 0.84 23 0 1.05 N-FK5 24 0 1.11 Tables 2 and 3 below list the general lens data and the surface data summary for the embodiment of Fig. 1.

Table 2

GENERAL LENS DATA: Surfaces 24 Stop 9 System Aperture Image Space F/# -2.5 Glass Catalogs schott_2000 OHARA MISC Ray Aiming Real Reference, Cache On X Pupil Shift 0 Y Pupil Shift 0 Z Pupil Shift 0 Apodization Uniform, Factor = 1.00000E+000 Effective Focal -4.35119 (in air) Length Effective Focal -4.35119 (in image space) Length Back Focal Length -1.01245 Total Track 156.1187 Image Space F/# 2.5 Paraxial Working F# 2.500584 Working FI# 2.5 12801 Image Space NA 0.1960721 Object Space NA 0.00 1403287 Stop Radius 3.9 1982 Paraxial Image 11.50 Height Paraxial -0.007018084 Magnification Entrance Pupil 1.740476 Diameter Entrance Pupil -40.14171 Position Exit Pupil Diameter 52.26916 Exit Pupil Position -130.5756

Field Type Paraxial Image height in millimeters

Maximum Field 11.5

Pnmary Wave 0.55 Lens Units Millimeters Angular -0.03329914 Magnification

Table 3

SURFACE DATA SUMMARY:

Surf Type Comme Radius Thickness Glass Diameter Conic nt OBJ STANDARD Infinity -3277 -38.76613 580.00 1 EVENASPH -185.294 0.00 Mirror 328 0 2 STANDARD Infinity 50.00 300 0 3 STANDARD 42.797 3.000 Nl-SK15 63 0 STANDARD 22.000 3.500 Acrylic 44 -0.8938386 EVENASPH 10.062 3 1.968 32 0 6 STANDARD 267.259 1.500 -13.0 0 LAF34 7 STANDARD 6.135 5.200 F2 10.6 0 8 STANDARD -25.162 1.500 T-10.6 0 LAF34 Sb STANDARD -38.120 4.719 10.6 0 STANDARD -33.5482 1.800 4-LAK8 19 0 11 STANDARD -656.534 0.8 12 15.2 0 12 STANDARD -34.162 4.33.1-PK52 15.2 0 13 STANDARD -12.895 0.147 19 0 14 STANDARD 110.286 7.906 4-PK52 25.5 0 STANDARD -17.386 0.147 25.5 0 16 STANDARD 77.574 8.937 T-PK52 26 0 17 STANDARD -16.662 1.600 J-SF6 26 0 18 STANDARD -119.663 0.147 27.5 0 19 STANDARD 32.5 5.22 -PK52 28.5 0 0 STANDARD -234.78 1 2.20 28.5 0 1 STANDARD Infinity 18.486 4-BK7 28 0 ?2 STANDARD Infinity 0.84 28 0 23 STANDARIiiJ Infinity 1.05 IN.-FK5 28 0 124 STANDARi3T Infinity 1.11 28 0 [00581 The data provided in the Tables above represent one example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention described herein.

[0059] Figure 3 shows an optical engine 10 of an embodiment of the invention having the following components: a light source 12, an integrating element 14, a relay element 15, an imager 16, and a wide-angle projection lens module 1'. The light source 12 can be an arc lamp (with a reflector) or an LED source. The integrating element 14 can be an integrating tunnel or an integrating lens array, or be omitted. The relay element 15 comprises a condensing element 151, flat folding mirrors 152 and a prism 153. In Fig. 3, when the prism 153 is a Total Internal Reflection (TIR) prism, the imager 16 is a reflective imager such as a Digital Lighting Processor (DLP) and a Liquid Crystal On Silicon (LCOS). When the prism 153 is an X-cube, the imager 16 will be a transmitting imager like Liquid Crystal Devices (LCD). Fig. 3 shows an optical engine utilized in a projection display system. Each element in the optical engine is discussed in detail below.

[0060] The light source 12 includes a lamp unit, a filter (such as an infrared light andlor a ultraviolet light rejection filter), and a color separation means. In one embodiment, the lamp unit includes a reflector and a lamp.

100611 The integrating element 14 is used to adjust light intensity distribution to improve light uniformity. However, some light sources such as an LED may have sufficient uniformity in light intensity, and hence the integrating element can be omitted.

[0062] In one embodiment, the relay element 15 is used to relay the tunnel end or the LEDs onto the imager 16. In Fig. 3, one aspheric condensing surface is used to improve relay image sharpness.

[0063] The imager 16 can be an XGA digital micromirror device (DMD) having a diagonal dimension of about 14 mm. Alternatively, a transmitting or reflective liquid crystal display (LCD) can be used as the imager. In one embodiment, the surface of the imager is positioned substantially parallel to the surface of a projection screen.

[0064] The optical engine of the embodiment of the invention can have a V-shape type layout, a Z-shape type layout, a T shape type, or an L-shape type layout, depending on the type of imager or illumination system utilized. As a wide angle/short throw type optical engine can provide an image at a large field, i.e., at a half field angle greater than 500, preferably greater than 60°, and most preferably about 70°, the throw distance can be reduced from that of conventional front projection display devices. For example, the throw distance can be 23 inches and the diagonal picture size would be about equal to 77 inches when using a 0.55" imager.

As would be understood given the present description, the throw distance can vary based on factors such as screen diagonal size and image format.

100651 In addition, the optical engine is designed so that little or no keystone correction is necessary, while distortion is reduced. For example, distortion values for the projected image can be less than or equal to 2%, preferably less than or equal to 1.0%, and more preferably less than or equal to 0.5% (e.g., where distortion (d) can be determined by: d (H-h)/h * 100, where b is the paraxial image height and H is actual image height).

100661 With the exemplary optical engine, a lower-cost, short throw distance, front projection display device design is achieved while using less complex TIR parts. Larger size (e.g., greater than 40 inches (diagonal)) images can be obtained from short distances and at extreme off-axis positions, while keeping the display cabinet relatively thin. In addition, the optical engine of the invention described is substantially distortion free and requires little or no keystone correction.

While the invention has been described by way of example and in terms of the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements (as would be apparent to those skilled in the art). Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements.

Claims

Claims: 1 1. A wide-angle projection lens module comprising the following components 2 in sequential order from ai output side: 3 (a) a first lens group with a convex aspheric reflective surface; 4 (b) a second lens group of negative refractive power having at least one aspheric surface; 6 (c) a third lens group of substantially zero refractive power, wherein an 7 aperture stop of the wide-angle projection lens module lies within or 8 near the third lens group; and 9 (d) a fourth lens group of positive refractive power, wherein the following Conditions (1) to (4) are satisfied: iii 10<1 F1/F <30 Condition (1); 12 4.0 <I F2/F I <8.0 Condition (2); 13 25< I F3/F I <50 Condition (3); and 14 3.5<1F4/FI <6 Condition(4), where: 16 F is the focal length of the wide-angle projection lens module; 17 F1 is the focal length of the first lens group; 18 F2 is the focal length of the second lens group; 19 F3 is the focal length of the third lens group; and F4 is the focal length of the fourth lens group.1 2. A wide-angle projection lens module according to claim 1, wherein the wide-angle 2 projection lens module is incorporated in a front projection display system.1 3. A wide-angle projection lens module according to claim 1, wherein the wide-angle 2 projection lens module is incorporated in a rear projection display system.1 4. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of the preceding 2 claims, wherein the first lens group comprises a rotational symmetrical convex 3 aspheric folding mirror.1 5. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of the preceding 2 claims, wherein the second lens group comprises a first lens element and a second 3 lens element, a first surface of the first element having a radius of curvature 4 substantially equal to that of a second surface of the second lens element, and the first surface contacts the second surface.1 6. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of the preceding 2 claims, wherein the following Conditions (5) further satisfies: 3 Diameter of the image circle/F >4.5 Condition (5), 4 where, Diameter of the image circle is equal to 2 times that of a rear image height.1 7. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of the preceding claims 2 having a speed of less than or equal to about F/2.8 and an effective focal length of 3 about 4mm.1 8. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of the preceding 2 claims, wherein the second lens group comprises two meniscus shaped lens elements 3 nested with each other.1 9. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of the preceding 2 claims, wherein the third lens group comprises at least two cement lens elements.1 10. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of the preceding 2 claims, wherein the fourth lens group comprises at least four positive lens elements 3 and at least two negative lens elements.1 11. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of claims I to 9, 2 wherein the fourth lens group comprises at least four positive lens elements, and an 3 average Abbe value of all the positive lens elements of the fourth lens group is 4 greater than 70.1 12. A wide-angle projection lens module according to claim 11, wherein the average 2 Abbe value of all the positive lens elements of the fourth lens group is greater than 3 80.1 13. A wide-angle projection lens module comprising the following components 2 in sequential order from an output side: 3 (a) a first lens group with a convex aspheric reflective surface; 4 (b) a second lens group of negative refractive power, having at least one aspheric surface; 6 (c) a third lens group of substantially zero refractive power, wherein an 7 aperture stop of the wide-angle projection lens module lies within or 8 near the third lens group; and 9 (d) a fourth lens group of positive refractive power, wherein the following Conditions (1) to (4) are satisfied: 11 -25<(F1/F) <-15 Condition (1); 12 5 <(F2IF) <6 Condition (2); 13 35<(F3/F) <40 Condition (3); and 14 -4.5<(FilF) <-3.5 Condition (4), where: 16 F is the focal length of the wide-angle projection lens module; 17 F1 is the focal length of the first lens group; 18 F2 is the focal length of the second lens group; 19 F3 is the focal length of the third lens group; and F4 is the focal length of the fourth lens group.1 14. A wide-angle projection lens module according to claim 13, wherein the 2 following Condition (5) further satisfies: 3 I Diameter of the image circle/F I >4.5 Condition (5), 4 where, Diameter of the image circle is equal to 2 times that of a rear image height.1 15. A wide-angle projection lens module comprising the following components in 2 sequential order from an output side: 3 a first lens group with a convex aspheric reflective surface; 4 a second lens group of negative refractive power having at least one aspheric surface; 6 a third lens group of substantially zero refractive power, wherein an aperture 7 stop lies of the wide-angle projection lens module lies within or near 8 the third lens group; and 9 a fourth lens group of positive refractive power, wherein the following Conditions (1) to (4) are satisfied: 11 l5<IF1/FI <25 Condition (1); 12 5.0 <I F2/F I <7.0 Condition (2); 13 35< I FIF <40 Condition (3); 14 and 4.0<1 F4/F <4.5 Condition (4), 16 where: 17 F is the focal length of the wide-angle projection lens module; 18 F1 is the focal length of the first lens group; 19 F2 is the focal length of the second lens group; F3 is the focal length of the third lens group; and 21 F4 is the focal length of the fourth lens group.1 16. A wide-angle projection lens module according to claim 15, wherein the 2 following Condition (5) further satisfies: 3 angle between any chief ray and optical axis <5 degrees Condition (5).17. A wide-angle projection lens module according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein 2 the lens is incorporated in a front projection display system.1 18. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of claims 15 to 17, 2 wherein the first lens group comprises a single rotational symmetrical convex 3 aspheric folding mirror.1 19. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of claims 15 to 18, 2 wherein the second lens group comprises a first meniscus shaped lens element nested 3 with a second meniscus shaped lens element.1 20. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of claims 15 to 19, 2 wherein the third lens group comprises at least two cement lens elements.1 21. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of claims 15 to 20, 2 wherein the fourth lens group comprises at least four positive lens elements, and an 3 average Abbe value of all the positive lens elements of the fourth lens group is 4 greater than 70.1 22. A wide-angle projection lens module according to claim 21, wherein the average 2 Abbe value of all the positive lens elements of the fourth lens group is greater than 3 80.1 23. An optical engine for a display device, comprising: 2 a light source, providing a light beam; 3 a relay optical system; and 4 a wide-angle projection lens module, comprising: a first lens group, having a convex folding aspheric mirror disposed at 6 an output side of the wide-angle projection lens module; and 7 a second lens group of negative refractive power, having at least one 8 aspheric surface, wherein the light beam travels from the light 9 source, passing the relay optical system and the wide-angle projection lens module to generate an output image at a half 11 field angle of at least about 65°, and the output image has 12 substantially no distortion.1 24. An optical engine according to claim 23, wherein the output image has a half2 field angle of at least about 600.1 25. An optical engine according to claim 23, wherein the output image has a half2 field angle of at least about 55°.1 26. An optical engine according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein a projection 2 image size of the output image is at least 50 inches (diagonal measurement), and 3 requires substantially no keystone correction.1 27. An optical engine according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein a projected 2 image format of the output image is one of a 4x3 format, a 5x3 format and a 1 6x9 3 format.1 28. An optical engine according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the optical 2 engine is incorporated in a front projection display system.1 29. An optical engine according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the optical 2 engine is incorporated in a rear projection display system.1 30. An optical engine according to any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein the second 2 lens group comprises a first lens element of negative refractive power and a second 3 lens element having an aspheric surface, wherein a ratio of a focal length of the 4 second lens group to a focal length of the wide-angle projection lens module (F2IF) S has the relationship: 5 < F2/F <6.1 31. An optical engine according to claim 30, wherein the wide-angle projection lens 2 module further comprises a third lens group disposed adjacent the second lens group, 3 the third lens group has refractive power, and a ratio of a focal length of the third 4 lens group to a focal length of the wide-angle projection lens module (F3/F) has the relationship: 35 <F3/F <40.32. An optical engine according to claim 31, wherein an aperture stop of the wide- 2 angle projection lens module is located at about the third lens group.1 33. An optical engine according to claim 31 or claim 32, wherein the wide-angle 2 projection lens module further comprises a fourth lens group having a positive 3 refractive power disposed adjacent the third lens group, and a ratio of a focal length 4 of the fourth lens group to a focal length of the wide-angle projection lens module S (F/F) has the relationship: -4.5 <F4/F <-4.1 34. An optical engine according to any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein the second 2 lens group comprises a first lens element of negative refractive power and a second 3 lens element of substantially uniform thickness.1 35. An optical engine according to any one of claims 23 to 29, further comprising: 2 a third lens group of substantially zero refractive power and wherein an 3 aperture stop of the wide-angle projection lens module lies within or 4 near the third lens group; and a fourth lens group of positive refractive power, 6 wherein the following Conditions (1) to (4) are satisfied: 7 15<1 F1/F I <25 Condition (1); 8 5.0 <I F2/F I <7.0 Condition (2); 9 35< I F3/F I <40 Condition (3); and c 11 4.0< F4/F <4.5 Condition (4), 12 where: 13 F is the focal length of the wide-angle projection lens module; 14 F1 is the focal length of the first lens group; F2 is the focal length of the second lens group; 16 F3 is the focal length of the third lens group; and 17 F4 is the focal length of the fourth lens group.1 36. An optical engine according to claim 35, wherein the second lens group 2 comprises a first lens element of negative refractive power and a second lens element 3 of substantially uniform thickness throughout.1 37. A wide-angle projection lens module, comprising: 2 a reflective convex aspheric mirror; and 3 a refractive lens group of positive refractive power, wherein the following 4 Conditions (1) to (2) are satisfied: 15< I Fretive/F <25 Condition (I); and 6 1.5 <I FrejactjvdF I <2.0 Condition (2), 7 where: 8 F is a focal length of the wide-angle projection lens module; 9 Freective is a focal length of the reflective convex mirror; and Frefiactive is a focal length of the refractive lens group.1 38. A wide-angle projection lens module according to claim 37, wherein a Condition 2 (3) further satisfies: 3 I Diameter of the image circle/F >4.5 Condition (3), 4 where, Diameter of the image circle is equal to 2 times that of a rear image height.1 39. A wide-angle projection lens module according to claim 37, wherein a Condition 2 (3) further satisfies: 3 d!F I >10 Condition (3), 4 where, d is a distance between the reflective convex mirror and a first refractive lens 6 (L2) surface.1 40. A wide-angle projection lens module substantially as described herein with 2 reference to the drawings.1 41. An optical engine substantially as described herein with reference to the 2 drawings.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims: 1 1. A wide-angle projection lens module comprising the following components 2 in sequential order from an output side: 3 (a) a first lens group with a convex aspheric reflective surface; 4 (b) a second lens group of negative refractive power having at least one S aspheric surface; 6 (c) a third lens group of substantially zero refractive power, wherein an 7 aperture stop of the wide-angle projection lens module lies within or 8 near the third lens group; and 9 (d) a fourth lens group of positive refractive power, wherein the following Conditions (1) to (4) are satisfied: 11 10<1 F1/F <30 Condition (1); 12 4.0 ci F2/F I <8.0 Condition (2); 13 25< I F3/F I <50 Condition (3); and 14 3.5<IF4/FI <6 Condition(4), where: 16 F is the focal length of the wide-angle projection lens module; 17 F1 is the focal length of the first lens group; 18 F2 is the focal length of the second lens group; 19 F3 is the focal length of the third lens group; and F4 is the focal length of the fourth lens group.

1 2. A wide-angle projection lens module according to claim 1, wherein the wide-angle 2 projection lens module is incorporated in a front projection display system.

1 3. A wide-angle projection lens module according to claim 1, wherein the wide-angle 2 projection lens module is incorporated in a rear projection display system.

4. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first lens group comprises a rotational symmetrical convex aspheric folding mirror.

5. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second lens group comprises a first lens element and a second lens element, a first surface of the first element having a radius of curvature substantially equal to that of a second surface of the second lens element, and the first surface contacts the second surface.

6. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the following Condition (5) further satisfies: I Diameter of the image circle/F >4.5 Condition (5), where, Diameter of the image circle is equal to 2 times that of a rear image height.

7. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of the preceding claims having a speed of less than or equal to about F/2.8 and an effective focal length of about 4mm.

8. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second lens group comprises two meniscus shaped lens elements nested with each other. * : 20 9. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of the preceding *,..claims, wherein the third lens group comprises at least two cement lens elements.1: 10. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of the preceding * : * * claims, wherein the fourth lens group comprises at least four positive lens elements and at least two negative lens elements. * * *.a11. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the fourth lens group comprises at least four positive lens elements, and an average Abbe value of all the positive lens elements of the fourth lens group is greater than 70.12. A wide-angle projection lens module according to claim 11, wherein the average Abbe value of all the positive lens elements of the fourth lens group is greater than 80.13. A wide-angle projection lens module according to claim 1, wherein the following Conditions (5) to (8) are satisfied: 15<1 F1IF I <25 Condition (5); 5.0 <I F2/F I <7.0 Condition (6); 35< F3/F I <40 Condition (7); and 4.0<1 F4/F <4.5 Condition (8), 14. A wide-angle projection lens module according to claim 13, wherein the following Condition (9) further satisfies: angle between any chief ray and optical axis <5 degrees Condition (9).15. A wide-angle projection lens module according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the lens is incorporated in a front projection display system.16. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of claims 13 to 15, ::. . wherein the first lens group comprises a single rotational symmetrical convex aspheric folding mirror.I0****I * 17. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of claims 13 to 16, *I..*' wherein the second lens group comprises a first meniscus shaped lens element nested with a second meniscus shaped lens element.S*.. 1.1 * 18. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the third lens group comprises at least two cement lens elements.19. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the fourth lens group comprises at least four positive lens elements, and an average Abbe value of all the positive lens elements of the fourth lens group is greater than 70.20. A wide-angle projection lens module according to claim 19, wherein the average Abbe value of all the positive lens elements of the fourth lens group is greater than 80.23. A wide-angle projection lens module substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings. *.*I * S * *S * I... * SS*.S*S* * SS* S S 55 * I S... * .S*..e.SS1 16. A wide-angle projection lens module according to claim 15, wherein the 2 following Condition (5) further satisfies: 3 angle between any chief ray and optical axis <5 degrees Condition (5).17. A wide-angle projection lens module according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein 2 the lens is incorporated in a front projection display system.1 18. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of claims 15 to 17, 2 wherein the first lens group comprises a single rotational symmetrical convex 3 aspheric folding mirror.1 19. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of claims 15 to 18, 2 wherein the second lens group comprises a first meniscus shaped lens element nested 3 with a second meniscus shaped lens element.1 20. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of claims 15 to 19, 2 wherein the third lens group comprises at least two cement lens elements.1 21. A wide-angle projection lens module according to any one of claims 15 to 20, 2 wherein the fourth lens group comprises at least four positive lens elements, and an 3 average Abbe value of all the positive lens elements of the fourth lens group is 4 greater than 70.1 22. A wide-angle projection lens module according to claim 21, wherein the average 2 Abbe value of all the positive lens elements of the fourth lens group is greater than 3 80.1 23. An optical engine for a display device, comprising: 2 a light source, providing a light beam; 3 a relay optical system; and 4 a wide-angle projection lens module, comprising: a first lens group, having a convex folding aspheric mirror disposed at 6 an output side of the wide-angle projection lens module; and 7 a second lens group of negative refractive power, having at least one 8 aspheric surface, wherein the light beam travels from the light 9 source, passing the relay optical system and the wide-angle projection lens module to generate an output image at a half 11 field angle of at least about 65°, and the output image has 12 substantially no distortion.1 24. An optical engine according to claim 23, wherein the output image has a half2 field angle of at least about 600.1 25. An optical engine according to claim 23, wherein the output image has a half2 field angle of at least about 55°.1 26. An optical engine according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein a projection 2 image size of the output image is at least 50 inches (diagonal measurement), and 3 requires substantially no keystone correction.1 27. An optical engine according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein a projected 2 image format of the output image is one of a 4x3 format, a 5x3 format and a 1 6x9 3 format.1 28. An optical engine according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the optical 2 engine is incorporated in a front projection display system.1 29. An optical engine according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the optical 2 engine is incorporated in a rear projection display system.1 30. An optical engine according to any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein the second 2 lens group comprises a first lens element of negative refractive power and a second 3 lens element having an aspheric surface, wherein a ratio of a focal length of the 4 second lens group to a focal length of the wide-angle projection lens module (F2IF) S has the relationship: 5 < F2/F <6.1 31. An optical engine according to claim 30, wherein the wide-angle projection lens 2 module further comprises a third lens group disposed adjacent the second lens group, 3 the third lens group has refractive power, and a ratio of a focal length of the third 4 lens group to a focal length of the wide-angle projection lens module (F3/F) has the relationship: 35 <F3/F <40.32. An optical engine according to claim 31, wherein an aperture stop of the wide- 2 angle projection lens module is located at about the third lens group.1 33. An optical engine according to claim 31 or claim 32, wherein the wide-angle 2 projection lens module further comprises a fourth lens group having a positive 3 refractive power disposed adjacent the third lens group, and a ratio of a focal length 4 of the fourth lens group to a focal length of the wide-angle projection lens module S (F/F) has the relationship: -4.5 <F4/F <-4.1 34. An optical engine according to any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein the second 2 lens group comprises a first lens element of negative refractive power and a second 3 lens element of substantially uniform thickness.1 35. An optical engine according to any one of claims 23 to 29, further comprising: 2 a third lens group of substantially zero refractive power and wherein an 3 aperture stop of the wide-angle projection lens module lies within or 4 near the third lens group; and a fourth lens group of positive refractive power, 6 wherein the following Conditions (1) to (4) are satisfied: 7 15<1 F1/F I <25 Condition (1); 8 5.0 <I F2/F I <7.0 Condition (2); 9 35< I F3/F I <40 Condition (3); and c 11 4.0< F4/F <4.5 Condition (4), 12 where: 13 F is the focal length of the wide-angle projection lens module; 14 F1 is the focal length of the first lens group; F2 is the focal length of the second lens group; 16 F3 is the focal length of the third lens group; and 17 F4 is the focal length of the fourth lens group.1 36. An optical engine according to claim 35, wherein the second lens group 2 comprises a first lens element of negative refractive power and a second lens element 3 of substantially uniform thickness throughout.1 37. A wide-angle projection lens module, comprising: 2 a reflective convex aspheric mirror; and 3 a refractive lens group of positive refractive power, wherein the following 4 Conditions (1) to (2) are satisfied: 15< I Fretive/F <25 Condition (I); and 6 1.5 <I FrejactjvdF I <2.0 Condition (2), 7 where: 8 F is a focal length of the wide-angle projection lens module; 9 Freective is a focal length of the reflective convex mirror; and Frefiactive is a focal length of the refractive lens group.1 38. A wide-angle projection lens module according to claim 37, wherein a Condition 2 (3) further satisfies: 3 I Diameter of the image circle/F >4.5 Condition (3), 4 where, Diameter of the image circle is equal to 2 times that of a rear image height.1 39. A wide-angle projection lens module according to claim 37, wherein a Condition 2 (3) further satisfies: 3 d!F I >10 Condition (3), 4 where, d is a distance between the reflective convex mirror and a first refractive lens 6 (L2) surface.1 40. A wide-angle projection lens module substantially as described herein with 2 reference to the drawings.1 41. An optical engine substantially as described herein with reference to the 2 drawings.