JP2005173235A - Screen, projector, and projector system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a screen and so forth, capable of obtaining high contrast images by reducing the external light running in the direction of the viewers. <P>SOLUTION: This screen has a light-scattering layer 201 which scatters a light L1, projected from the projection optical system 122 of a projector 120 within the angle determined by F of the projection optical system 122 but passes a light L2 other than the projection light L1 and projected at angles other than those prescribed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a screen, a projector, and a projector system, and more particularly to a screen technology that projects light according to an image signal.

  The projector screen displays an image by transmitting light according to the image signal, a transmissive screen for a rear projector, and a front type that displays an image by reflecting light according to the image signal. There is a reflective screen for a projector. In any screen, when the external light reflected by the screen travels in the direction of the observer, the observer observes the light corresponding to the image signal and the external light simultaneously. When the external light is observed simultaneously with the light corresponding to the image signal, it causes a decrease in the contrast of the image. For example, Patent Literatures 1 and 2 and Non-Patent Literature 1 propose techniques for reducing such a reduction in image contrast.

JP 2002-107830 A JP 2001-305315 A Takakamitsu Okumura, three others, "High-Definition Projection Screen", "Digest of Technical Papers" (USA), SID International Symposium, SID Digest 03, 22.3 / T.Okumura, 2003, p.882-885

  The technique proposed in Patent Document 1 is to alternately provide a light shielding layer and a light incident portion. In this configuration, external light that has entered the light incident portion may become stray light and travel toward the viewer. The technique proposed in Patent Document 2 is to form a light shielding layer on the upper surface of a microprojection having a triangular cross section. In this configuration, light that is refracted by the minute protrusions and incident on the light shielding layer out of the light corresponding to the image signal may be absorbed by the light shielding layer, and the image may become dark. Further, in both of the configurations of Patent Documents 1 and 2, since it is necessary to form a minute lens structure by mold transfer or the like and to form a light-shielding layer by patterning or the like at the time of manufacture, the manufacture is difficult and the cost is high. End up.

  The technique proposed in Non-Patent Document 1 is to scatter external light by a light scattering layer in which a light scattering material is dispersed. Some of the external light incident on the light scattering layer may travel in the direction of the observer by being scattered by the light scattering layer. As described above, according to the conventional technique, there is a problem that it is difficult to reduce the decrease in contrast easily and effectively. The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and can efficiently scatter projected light and reduce external light traveling in the direction of an observer, and can easily obtain a high-contrast image. An object of the present invention is to provide a projector and a projector system.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, according to the present invention, the projection light from the projection optical system of the projector is projected and within a predetermined angle range determined according to the F value of the projection optical system. A light scattering layer having an angle characteristic that scatters incident projection light and transmits light that is different from the projection light and that is incident in an angle range other than the predetermined angle range; A feature screen can be provided. For example, when the projection light from the projector is incident on the screen, the projection light is incident on the screen within a predetermined angle range determined by the F value of the projection optical system. The light scattering layer scatters the projection light from the projector that enters in a predetermined angle range. By setting the predetermined angle range in which the projection light is incident to an F value that the projection optical system of the projector has, the light scattering layer can efficiently scatter the incident light from the projector. The light scattering layer transmits external light incident in an angle range other than the predetermined angle range. By allowing external light to pass through the light scattering layer, external light traveling toward the viewer can be reduced.

  The light scattering layer is uniformly provided on the plane of the screen. For this reason, the light scattering layer can scatter projection light incident in a predetermined angle range at any position on the screen surface. Since the projection light can be scattered regardless of the incident position on the screen, the loss of the projection light can be reduced and the projection light can be efficiently scattered in the direction of the observer. Further, the light scattering layer can efficiently transmit external light incident in an angle range other than the predetermined angle range regardless of the incident position on the screen. The light scattering layer is produced, for example, by irradiating a film-like ultraviolet curable resin composition with ultraviolet rays. By changing the incident angle of ultraviolet rays with respect to the ultraviolet curable resin composition, the angle range of incident light scattered by the light scattering layer can be appropriately determined. As described above, since the angle characteristic of the light scattering layer can be determined by irradiating with ultraviolet rays, the screen can be easily manufactured, and a low-cost configuration can be obtained. As a result, it is possible to obtain a screen that can efficiently scatter the projection light and reduce the external light traveling in the direction of the observer, and easily obtain a high-contrast image.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is desirable that the light scattering layer has an array shape having a convex surface or a concave surface on the side where the projection light is scattered. By providing a convex surface or a concave surface in the light scattering layer, the projection light can be scattered over a wide range. If the projection light can be scattered over a wide range, the observer can observe the image over a wide range. Thereby, a screen capable of observing an image in a wide range can be obtained.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is desirable that the light scattering layer transmits and scatters the projection light incident in a predetermined angle range to the observation side. For example, when using a so-called rear projector in which light according to an image signal is incident on one surface of the screen and an image is observed from the other surface of the screen, the projection light is transmitted and scattered by the light scattering layer. Thus, the image can be observed. As a result, a high-contrast image can be obtained on the transmissive screen.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the predetermined angle is an angle formed by a normal line on the observation side of the light scattering layer and a light beam of the projection light incident on the light scattering layer, and the projection light is transmitted to the viewer side. The predetermined angle range to be transmitted and scattered to 120 to 240 degrees with respect to the normal line, and the other angle ranges to transmit other light are 60 to 120 degrees and from 240 degrees It is desirable to be up to 300 degrees. By setting the predetermined angle range of the projection light to be scattered to 120 degrees to 240 degrees, the light scattering layer can scatter the projection light efficiently. In addition, by transmitting external light incident in an angle range of 60 degrees to 120 degrees and 240 degrees to 300 degrees, it is possible to reduce that the external light that causes a decrease in contrast travels toward the observer due to reflection. it can. Thereby, the projection light can be efficiently scattered and the external light traveling in the direction of the observer can be reduced, and a high-contrast image can be obtained.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is desirable that the light scattering layer reflects and scatters the projection light incident in a predetermined angle range to the viewer side. When using a so-called front type projector that projects an image on a screen or the like and observes the image on the incident side of the projection light from the projector, the image can be observed by reflecting and scattering the projection light by the light scattering layer. it can. Thereby, a high-contrast image can be obtained on the reflective screen.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the predetermined angle is an angle formed by a normal line on the observation side of the light scattering layer and a light beam of the projection light incident on the light scattering layer, and the projection light is transmitted to the viewer side. The predetermined angle range that is transmitted and scattered to the light source is 270 degrees to 360 degrees with respect to the normal line, and the other angle range that transmits other light is 0 degrees to 90 degrees. desirable. Here, 360 degrees with respect to the normal line refers to a position that rotates clockwise from the normal line and returns to 0 degree, that is, the same position as the reference normal line. By setting the predetermined angle range of the projection light to be scattered to 270 degrees to 360 degrees, the light scattering layer can scatter the projection light efficiently. Further, by transmitting external light incident in an angle range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees, it is possible to reduce the propagation of the external light, which is a cause of lowering the contrast, toward the observer due to reflection. Thereby, the projection light can be efficiently scattered and the external light traveling in the direction of the observer can be reduced, and a high-contrast image can be obtained.

  Moreover, as a preferable aspect of the present invention, it is desirable to have a light absorption layer that absorbs light transmitted through the light scattering layer. By absorbing the external light transmitted through the light scattering layer, the light absorption layer can prevent the external light transmitted through the light scattering layer from being emitted as stray light. By preventing the occurrence of stray light in this way, a high-contrast image can be obtained.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, a light source that supplies light, a spatial light modulation device that modulates light from the light source according to an image signal, a projection optical system that projects light from the spatial light modulation device, and projection optics A screen on which projection light from the system is projected, a light source, a spatial light modulator, and a projection optical system, and a housing having a screen provided on the surface on the observation side. A projector having the above-described screen can be provided. By providing the above-described screen in the rear projector, it is possible to efficiently scatter the projection light and reduce the external light traveling toward the viewer, and obtain a high-contrast image. Thereby, a projector with a high contrast image can be obtained.

  Moreover, as a preferable aspect of the present invention, it is desirable to have a light absorption layer that is provided inside the housing and absorbs light transmitted through the screen from the observation side. The external light transmitted through the light scattering layer is absorbed by the light absorption layer provided inside the housing, so that the external light transmitted through the light scattering layer can be prevented from being emitted as stray light. By preventing the occurrence of stray light in this way, a high-contrast image can be obtained.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, a light source that supplies light, a spatial light modulation device that modulates light from the light source according to an image signal, a projection optical system that projects light from the spatial light modulation device, and projection optics And a screen on which projection light from the system is projected, and the screen is the above-described screen. By providing the above screen in the projector system, it is possible to efficiently scatter the projection light and reduce the external light traveling in the direction of the observer, and obtain a high-contrast image. Thereby, a projector system with a high contrast image can be obtained.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a state in which the projection light L1 from the projector 120 is incident on the screen 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The projector 120 is a so-called front type projector that projects the projection light L1 onto the first surface S1 of the screen 100 and observes the image from the first surface S1 side of the screen 100, that is, the incident side of the projection light L1. The projector 120 modulates the light supplied from the light source according to the image signal by the spatial light modulator and projects the light by the projection lens 122. Here, it is assumed that the light source and the spatial light modulation device are provided inside the projector 120 and are not shown. The projection light L1 from the projection lens 122 travels in the plus Z direction shown in FIG. On the screen 100, the projection light L1 from the projector 120 is projected. As the spatial light modulator, a liquid crystal spatial light modulator, an interference spatial light modulator, a tilt mirror device, or the like can be used.

  FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the screen 100 and a traveling direction of light incident on the screen 100. A light scattering layer 201 is provided on the first surface S1 side of the screen 100. The light scattering layer 201 reflects and scatters light incident on the first surface S1 of the screen 100 within a predetermined angle range and further transmits light incident at an angle range other than the predetermined angle range. have. A light absorption layer 203 is provided on the side of the light scattering layer 201 opposite to the first surface S1. The light absorption layer 203 absorbs light transmitted through the light scattering layer 201.

  The projector 120 is disposed at a position substantially horizontal to the lower (minus Y direction) peripheral edge of the screen 100, and makes the projection light L1 enter the first surface S1 of the screen 100 obliquely upward from below. The light scattering layer 201 reflects and scatters incident light that travels obliquely upward with respect to the screen 100. Thus, the light scattering layer 201 has an angle characteristic that reflects and scatters the projection light L1 incident in a predetermined angle range. As a result, an image is displayed on the screen 100. An observer observes the projection light L <b> 1 scattered on the screen 100 from a position facing the screen 100. By reflecting and scattering the projection light L1 on the screen 100, an image can be observed over a wide range.

  On the other hand, other light different from the projection light L1, for example, external light L2 from the lighting fixture 230 shown in FIG. Consider a case in which external light L2 from the lighting fixture 230 enters the screen 100 while traveling obliquely downward from above. When the screen 100 reflects external light L2 as well as the incident light L1, the observer observes the external light L2 together with the incident light L1. If the external light L2 unrelated to the image signal is observed simultaneously with the incident light L1, it may cause a decrease in the contrast of the image.

  The light scattering layer 201 has an angle characteristic that transmits light incident in an angle range other than a predetermined angle range. By having such an angle characteristic, the light scattering layer 201 can transmit the external light L2 in an angle range different from the angle range in which the projection light L1 is incident. The screen 100 transmits the external light L2, thereby preventing the external light L2 from reflecting in the direction of the observer and reducing the external light L2 traveling in the direction of the observer. In this way, the image can be made high contrast. Further, the external light L 2 that has passed through the light scattering layer 201 travels in the direction of the light absorption layer 203 and is absorbed by the light absorption layer 203. By absorbing the external light L2 that has passed through the light scattering layer 201 with the light absorption layer 203, the generation of stray light can be prevented.

Here, the angle characteristic of the light scattering layer 201 will be described in detail. The angle range α of the projection light L1 is determined according to the F value of the projection lens 122 (see FIG. 2). When F is an F value, the following conditional expression can be used.
α = sin ⁻¹ [1 / (2F)]
The light scattering layer 201 has an angle characteristic that scatters light in the angle range α obtained by this conditional expression, so that the projection light L1 from the projection lens 122 can be efficiently scattered to display an image. Further, the light scattering film 201 has an angle characteristic that allows light in an angle range other than the angle range α to pass therethrough, thereby preventing the external light L2 from being reflected in the direction of the observer.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the angle characteristics of the light scattering layer 201 determined according to the positional relationship between the screen 100 and the projector 120. The X axis, Y axis, and Z axis shown in FIG. 3 correspond to the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis shown in FIG. 2, respectively. Further, the angle of light incident on the screen 100 is expressed as an angle formed between the normal line on the observation side of the light scattering layer 201, that is, the Z axis on the first surface S1 side, and the light beam of incident light. The projection light L1 and the external light L2 enter the screen 100 only from the first surface S1 side. For this reason, the angle characteristic of the light scattering layer 201 shown in FIG. 3 represents only the angle range of the light incident on the first surface S1 side.

  The light scattering layer 201 reflects and scatters the projection light L1 (see FIG. 2) in an angle range θ1 from 270 degrees to 360 degrees, that is, rotating clockwise and reaching 0 degrees. Since the projection light L1 travels obliquely upward from the bottom and enters the screen 100, the angle range θ1 is determined to be a range of 90 degrees from 270 degrees to 360 degrees. Further, since the external light L2 (see FIG. 2) travels obliquely downward from the top 100 and enters the screen 100, the angle range θ2 is determined as a range from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. The angle characteristics of the light scattering layer 201 can be determined according to the F value of the projection lens 1220 and the positional relationship between the screen 100 and the projector 120.

  For example, when the projection light L1 is incident on the screen 100 in an angle range from 300 degrees to 360 degrees, the angle range θ1 in which the light scattering layer 201 can reflect and scatter the projection light L1 is changed from 300 degrees to 360 degrees. It is good also as an angle range to. Similarly to the case of the angle range θ1, the angle range θ2 in which the light scattering layer 201 can transmit the external light L2 may also be appropriately changed according to the angle range in which the external light L2 enters the screen 100.

  Here, an outline of a configuration of the light scattering layer 201 that scatters the projection light L1 incident in a predetermined angle range will be described with reference to FIG. The light scattering layer 201 has a structure in which layers having different refractive indexes are stacked in a predetermined direction. Since layers having different refractive indexes are laminated in a predetermined direction, a part of the projection light L1 incident on the light scattering layer 201 within a predetermined angle range is reflected at the interface 404 of the layers having different refractive indexes. . Then, the projection light L1 reflected by the interface 404 of the layer is scattered and travels from the first surface S1 of the screen 100 (see FIG. 2) toward the viewer. A portion of the projection light L1 incident on the interface 404 passes through the interface 404 and travels straight. The projection light L1 traveling straight through the interface 404 is repeatedly reflected or transmitted again at the interface 404 of layers having different refractive indexes. In this way, the projection light L1 can be advanced in the direction of the observer. On the other hand, the external light L2 incident in an angle range other than the predetermined angle range is not reflected to the first surface S1 side, passes through the inside of the layer having the same refractive index, and the first surface S1 of the screen 100. Proceed in different directions.

  The light scattering layer 201 having the angle characteristics as described with reference to FIG. 4 can be manufactured, for example, by irradiating a film-like ultraviolet curable resin composition with ultraviolet rays. The angle characteristics of the light scattering layer 201 that allow the projection light L1 incident in a predetermined angle range to be scattered and the external light L2 incident in an angle range other than the predetermined angle range to be transmitted are ultraviolet rays. It can be set as appropriate according to the irradiation angle of the ultraviolet rays to the film of the curable resin composition. It is desirable to irradiate the ultraviolet rays using the projection lens 122 in the same manner as the projection light L1 projected by the projector 120 shown in FIG. By irradiating with ultraviolet rays using the projection lens 122, the light scattering layer 201 capable of scattering light in a predetermined angle range corresponding to the F value of the projection lens 122 can be formed.

  Thus, the light scattering layer 201 can be easily formed by irradiating the film-like ultraviolet curable resin composition with ultraviolet rays at a predetermined irradiation angle. The angle characteristics of the light scattering layer 201 can be determined not only by the film of the single ultraviolet curable resin composition irradiated with ultraviolet rays, but also by overlapping the films of the ultraviolet curable resin compositions irradiated with ultraviolet rays. . For example, the light scattering layer 201 can be configured to have the angular characteristics of the respective ultraviolet curable resin compositions by superimposing two ultraviolet curable resin compositions having different angular characteristics.

  The light scattering layer 201 is uniformly provided on the plane of the screen 100. For this reason, the light scattering layer 201 can scatter the projection light L1 incident in a predetermined angle range at any position on the screen 100 surface. Since the projection light L1 can be scattered regardless of the incident position on the screen 100, the loss of the projection light L1 can be reduced and the projection light L1 can be efficiently scattered toward the observer. Further, the light scattering layer 201 can efficiently transmit the external light L2 incident in an angle range other than the predetermined angle range regardless of the incident position with respect to the screen 100.

  Further, since the screen 100 does not need to be provided with a minute lens structure or a lightly spaced light-shielding layer, it is necessary to form a light-shielding layer by forming a lens structure by pattern transfer or patterning at the time of manufacture. Absent. Furthermore, the light scattering layer 201 used in the screen 100 can be easily formed by irradiating ultraviolet rays from a predetermined angle. For this reason, the screen 100 can be easily manufactured and can be configured at a low cost.

  As a result, the projection light L1 can be efficiently scattered, and the external light L2 traveling in the direction of the observer can be reduced, thereby producing an effect that a high-contrast image can be easily obtained. Furthermore, the external light L2 transmitted through the light scattering layer 201 is absorbed by the light absorption layer 203, so that the external light L2 transmitted through the light scattering layer 201 can be prevented from being emitted as stray light. By preventing the generation of stray light in this way, there is an effect that a high-contrast image can be obtained.

  FIG. 5 shows a schematic configuration of the projector system 510 of the present invention. Projector system 510 includes projector 120 and screen 500. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a vertical screen 500 can be used by modifying the screen 100 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the screen 500 not only has a configuration in which an image is displayed by reflected light L4 reflected and scattered by the projection light L3 from the projector 120, but also transmits and scatters the projection light L3 from the projector 120. A configuration may be adopted in which an image is displayed by the transmitted light L5. By configuring the screen 500 together with the projector 120, the screen 500 can be used as a projector system 510 having excellent functionality and fashionability.

  The light scattering layer 201 (see FIG. 2) of the screen 100 can be used by being attached to an optically transparent member. Therefore, for example, like the projector system 610 shown in FIG. 6, the screen 604 can be formed on a part of the glass plate 600 by pasting the light scattering layer 201 on the glass plate 600 of the show window. Since the light scattering layer 201 is formed in a film shape, it can be attached to a glass plate 600 having a curved surface as shown in FIG. When the screen 604 is provided, for example, it is possible to display an image together with the display, and it is possible to realize the projector system 610 that can obtain a high effect as a display.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the screen 100 reflects and scatters the projection light L1 traveling obliquely upward from below with respect to the first surface S1, and enters the first surface S1 obliquely downward from above. It is not restricted to the structure which permeate | transmits the external light L2 to transmit. For example, the projector 120 may be disposed at an upper position of the screen 100, and the projection light L1 traveling obliquely downward from above may be reflected and scattered with respect to the first surface S1. Further, for example, like the screen 500 shown in FIG. 5, the projection light L <b> 3 may be incident obliquely from the right or left lateral direction with respect to the approximate center position of the screen 500. In this case, the projection light L3 incident in a predetermined angle range in the horizontal direction can be reflected or transmitted and scattered, and external light incident in a range other than the predetermined angle range in the horizontal direction can be transmitted. The screen 100 can appropriately set the angle range of the projection light L1 to be scattered and the angle range of the external light L2 to be transmitted by changing the angle characteristics described with reference to FIG. In this way, the screen 100 can be configured to display a high-contrast image corresponding to the position of the projector 120 and the position where the external light L2 is generated.

  Further, when the screen 100 is made portable, it is desirable to display the top and bottom, the front and back, etc. when the screen 100 is arranged in order to make it easy to specify the arrangement position of the screen 100. For example, an arrow indicating upward and downward when the screen 100 is arranged, a display of a surface on which the projection light L1 from the projector 120 is incident, a position where the projector 120 is installed, and the lighting fixture 230 The position can be displayed. With such a display, it is possible to easily perform accurate installation even on the screen 100 where it is difficult to distinguish the top and bottom and the front and back at first glance, and a high-contrast image can be easily obtained.

  FIG. 7 shows a perspective configuration of a screen 700 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The same portions as those of the screen 100 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. The screen 700 of this embodiment is characterized in that the light scattering layer 701 has an array shape having a convex surface on the side where the projection light L7 is scattered. The light scattering layer 701 includes a curved surface 705 such as a part of a cylindrical shape having a curvature in the X direction, in other words, the left and right directions as viewed from the observer. The light scattering layer 701 has a plurality of curved surfaces 705 arranged in the X direction. The cross section of the curved surface 705 of the light scattering layer 701 in the XZ plane is a part of a circle or a curve other than a circle, for example, a part of an ellipse. Note that the number of the curved surfaces 705 of the light scattering layer 701 is not limited to that illustrated.

  Here, the traveling direction of the projection light L7 incident on the screen 700 and the external light L8 will be described. Similar to the first embodiment, the projection light L7 from the projector (not shown) travels obliquely upward from below with respect to the screen 700 and enters the screen 700. The projection light L7 incident on the light scattering layer 701 is reflected by the light scattering layer 701 and scattered. Further, the light scattering layer 701 has a plurality of curved surfaces 705 having a curvature in the X direction. In addition to the scattering action by the light scattering layer 701, the plurality of curved surfaces 705 have a curvature in the X direction, so that the projection light L7 is scattered over a wider range in the X direction. Since the projection light L7 can be scattered over a wide range, the observer can observe the image over a wide range.

  As in the first embodiment, the external light L8 is incident on the screen 700 while traveling obliquely downward from above. The external light L8 incident on the light scattering layer 701 is transmitted through the light scattering layer 701. Here, the curved surface 705 has a curvature in the X direction, whereas it does not have a curvature in the Y direction and has no irregularities. Since the curved surface 705 has no unevenness in the Y direction, the angle characteristic in the Y direction is the same as that of the screen 100 of the first embodiment in which the light scattering layer is planar. Therefore, the angle range of the projection light L7 that can be scattered and the angle range of the external light L8 that can be transmitted are the same as those of the screen 100 of the first embodiment.

  Each curved surface 705 of the light scattering layer 701 scatters the projection light L7 in a wider range in the X direction as the curvature increases. As the range in which the projection light L7 is scattered becomes wider, the light rays are dispersed in a wide range, so that the amount of light rays traveling to each position where the observer is present becomes smaller. For this reason, the projected image of the screen 700 becomes darker as the curvature of each curved surface 705 increases. On the contrary, if the curvature of each curved surface 705 is reduced, the range in which the projection light L7 can be scattered becomes narrow and the projected image on the screen 700 becomes brighter. In order to obtain a bright image over a wide range, the curvature of each curved surface 705 is preferably greater than 0.0001 and less than 100. The curvature of each curved surface 705 is more preferably greater than 0.001 and less than 10, more preferably greater than 0.01 and less than 1. Thereby, a bright image can be observed in a wide range.

  By forming the light scattering layer 701 from the curved surface 705, the projection light L7 is scattered in a wider range. The array shape of the light scattering layer 701 can be easily formed by subjecting the light scattering layer formed in a substantially planar shape to press processing or hot press processing. Thereby, there is an effect that the screen 700 capable of observing an image in a wide range can be easily obtained. Further, by appropriately determining the curvature of each curved surface 705, a bright image can be observed in a wide range.

  Next, a modified example of the screen 700 of the second embodiment will be described. Here, the description overlapping with the screen 700 of the second embodiment is omitted. FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective configuration of a screen 800 that is a first modification of the screen 700 according to the second embodiment. The screen 800 is characterized in that the light scattering layer 801 includes a curved surface 805 having a curvature not only in the X direction but also in the Y direction. The light scattering layer 801 has a configuration in which a plurality of curved surfaces 805 having curvatures in the X direction and the Y direction are arranged in a lattice shape in two directions of the X direction and the Y direction. A curved surface 805 of the light scattering layer 801 is a part of a spherical surface or a part of an aspherical surface such as an ellipse. 8 illustrates a configuration in which the curved surfaces 805 are arranged in a lattice pattern of five in the X direction and four in the Y direction, the number of curved surfaces is not limited to that illustrated.

  The light scattering layer 801 has a plurality of curved surfaces 805 having curvatures in the X direction and the Y direction. The curved surface 805 constituting the light scattering layer 801 has a curvature in the X direction, similar to the light scattering layer 701 of the screen 700 of the second embodiment. For this reason, the light scattering layer 801 of this modification scatters incident light over a wide range, like the light scattering layer 701 described above. The curved surface 805 of the light scattering layer 801 of this modification has a curvature not only in the X direction but also in the Y direction. For this reason, incident light can be scattered over a wide range also in the Y direction.

  FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional configuration on the YZ plane of a screen 900 that is a second modification of the screen 700 of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 shows the configuration of the screen 900 in the XY plane. In the screen 900, a plurality of curved surfaces 905 having convex surfaces of a spherical or aspherical shape are formed on a planar light scattering layer 901. The curved surface 905 of the light scattering layer 901 is common to the curved surface 805 of the light scattering layer 801 of Modification 1 above in that it has curvature in the X direction and the Z direction. As shown in FIG. 10, the curved surface 905 of the light scattering layer 901 is different from the curved surface 805 of the light scattering layer 801 of Modification 1 in that the curved surface 905 has a substantially circular shape on the XY plane. Since the curved surface 905 of the light scattering layer 901 has a curvature in the X direction and the Z direction, the screen 900 of this modification example is incident over a wide range in the X direction and the Y direction, similarly to the screen 800 of the modification example 1. Light can be scattered.

  In order to obtain a bright image in a wide range with respect to the light scattering layers 801 and 901 of the first and second modified examples, the curvatures of the curved surfaces 805 and 905 in the X direction are greater than 0.0001 and less than 100. Is preferred. The curvature in the X direction is more preferably greater than 0.001 and less than 10, more preferably greater than 0.01 and less than 1. Moreover, it is preferable that the curvature about the Y direction of each curved surface 805 and 905 is larger than 0.0005 and less than 50. The curvature in the Y direction is more preferably greater than 0.005 and less than 5, more preferably more than 0.05 and less than 0.5.

  Usually, it is conceivable that the observer observes an image from a wider area in the left and right direction (X direction) than in the vertical direction (Y direction) with respect to the screens 800 and 900. In order for a wide range of observers to observe a bright image, it is desirable that the screens 800 and 900 cause the incident light to travel more widely in the left-right direction than in the up-down direction. Therefore, as described above, it is desirable that the curved surfaces 805 and 905 have a larger curvature in the Y direction than the curvature in the X direction. Thereby, the projection light can be effectively advanced in the direction of the observer, and a bright image can be displayed for a wide range of observers.

  If the curved surfaces 805 and 905 are hemispherical, the range in which the projection light is scattered becomes too wide, and the amount of light that travels to each position where the observer is present becomes small. For this reason, when the curved surfaces 805 and 905 are hemispherical, the displayed image is considered to be dark. For this reason, it is desirable that the curved surfaces 805 and 905 have a flat shape with a thickness smaller than that of the hemisphere. When the curved surfaces 805 and 905 are flattened with a thickness smaller than that of the hemisphere, the range in which incident light is scattered is prevented from becoming too wide, and a bright image can be obtained over a wide range. Further, the curvature of the curved surface of the light scattering layer of this embodiment and each modification can be appropriately changed according to the region where the observer is present and the traveling direction of the projection light L8. Furthermore, the shape of the curved surface is not limited to that shown in the figure, and may be appropriately changed according to the traveling directions of the projection light L8 and the external light L9.

  In this embodiment and each modification, the light scattering layer has an array shape having a convex surface on the side where the projection light L7 is scattered, but may have an array shape having a concave surface on the side where the projection light L7 is scattered. When the concave surface is provided, the image can be observed in a wide range as in the case where the convex surface is provided. When the concave surface is provided in the light scattering layer, the concave shape condition can be appropriately set so that the projection light can travel over a wide range by an interface having different refractive index (see FIG. 4).

  FIG. 11 shows a schematic configuration of a projector 1100 according to the third embodiment of the invention. The description overlapping with the screen 100 of the first embodiment is omitted. The projector 1100 according to the present embodiment makes light according to an image signal incident on the second surface S2 that is one surface of the screen 1105, and observes an image from the first surface S1 that is the other surface of the screen 1105. This is a rear projector. The projector 1100 houses a projection unit 1120 that supplies projection light L9 corresponding to an image signal in the housing 1108. The projection unit 1120 includes a light source and a spatial light modulation device (both not shown), like the projector 120 of the first embodiment. The projection light L9 from the projection lens 1122 travels in the direction of the reflection mirror 1107.

  The reflection mirror 1107 is a surface inside the housing 1108 and is provided at a position facing the screen 1105. The reflection mirror 1107 is made of a glossy metal member such as an aluminum member. The projection light L9 reflected by the reflection mirror 1107 travels in the direction of the screen 1105 and enters the second surface S2 of the screen 1105. The screen 1105 is provided on the surface on the viewer side of the housing 1108. The screen 1105 includes a planar glass substrate 1106 and a light scattering layer 1101 provided by being adhered to a plane on the glass substrate 1106. The light scattering layer 1101 has an angle characteristic such that light incident in a predetermined angle range is transmitted and scattered, and light incident in an angle range other than the predetermined angle range is transmitted. A light absorption layer 1103 is provided inside the housing 1108. The light absorption layer 1103 absorbs light transmitted through the light scattering layer 1101.

  The light scattering layer 1101 has an angle characteristic such that the projection light L9 incident on the second surface S2 of the screen 1105 in a predetermined angle range is transmitted and scattered to the first surface S1 side. As a result, an image is displayed on the first surface S1 of the screen 1105. The observer observes the projection light L9 scattered by the screen 1105 from a position facing the first surface S1. By transmitting and scattering the projection light L9 on the screen 1105, an image can be observed over a wide range.

  On the other hand, other light different from the projection light L9, for example, external light L10, enters the first surface S1 of the screen 1105. When the external light L10 is reflected by the first surface S1 of the screen 1105 and travels in the direction of the observer similarly to the incident light L9, the observer observes the external light L10 together with the incident light L9. If the external light L10 unrelated to the image signal is observed simultaneously with the incident light L9, it may cause a decrease in the contrast of the image.

  The light scattering layer 1101 has an angle characteristic such that light incident in an angle range other than a predetermined angle range is transmitted. With such an angle characteristic, the light scattering layer 1101 can transmit the external light L10 having an angle range different from the angle range in which the projection light L9 is incident, and can propagate the light into the housing 1108. The screen 1105 can prevent the external light L10 from being reflected by the screen 1105 by transmitting the external light L10 into the housing 1108. In this way, a reduction in image contrast can be reduced. The configuration and manufacturing method of the light scattering layer 1101 are the same as those of the light scattering layer 201 of the screen 100 of the first embodiment.

  External light L10 that has passed through the light scattering layer 1101 and traveled in the direction of the light absorption layer 1103 is absorbed by the light absorption layer 1103. By absorbing the external light L10 transmitted through the light scattering layer 1101 with the light absorption layer 1103, stray light can be prevented from being generated. The light absorption layer 1103 is provided on the inner surface of the housing 1108. In addition, the light absorption layer 1103 is also provided at a position covering the projection unit 1120 so as to open an optical path for supplying the incident light L9 from the projection unit 1120. Thus, by covering the projection part 1120 with the light absorption layer 1103, the irregular reflection of the external light L10 in the projection part 1120 can be prevented, and the generation of stray light can be reduced.

  Here, the angle characteristic of the light scattering layer 1101 will be described in detail. FIG. 12 shows angular characteristics of the light scattering layer 1101 shown in FIG. The X axis, Y axis, and Z axis shown in FIG. 12 correspond to the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis shown in FIG. 11, respectively. The angle of light incident on the screen 1105 is expressed as an angle formed by the normal line on the observation side of the light scattering layer 1101, that is, the Z axis on the first surface S1 side, and the light beam of incident light.

  The light scattering layer 1101 transmits and scatters light incident in an angle range θ4 from 120 degrees to 240 degrees, and rotating clockwise from 300 degrees through 0 degrees to an angle range θ6 from 60 degrees. . The light scattering layer 1101 transmits light incident in an angle range θ3 from 60 degrees to 120 degrees and an angle range θ5 from 240 degrees to 300 degrees. The light scattering layer 1101 has such angular characteristics. Therefore, the light scattering layer 1101 can transmit and scatter the projection light L9 incident on the predetermined angle range θ4. In addition, the light scattering layer 1101 can transmit outside light L10 incident in an angle range of 60 degrees to 90 degrees and an angle range of 270 degrees to 300 degrees from the outside of the housing 1108 to the inside of the housing 1108.

  The smaller the angle range θ4 that can transmit and scatter light, the larger the angle range of the external light L10 that can be transmitted into the housing 1108. Therefore, in order to effectively prevent the reflection of the external light L10 on the screen 1105, it is desirable that the angle range θ4 is a small range. By increasing the spatial distance between the reflection mirror 1107 and the screen 1105, the angle range θ4 can be reduced. On the other hand, when the spatial distance between the reflection mirror 1107 and the screen 1105 is increased, the housing 1108 of the projector 1100 needs to be enlarged. In this case, the projector 1100 becomes large although the angle range θ4 can be reduced.

  Therefore, in consideration of the size of the housing 1108 suitable for the projector 1100 and the contrast of the image, the angle range θ4 in which the light scattering layer 1101 can transmit and scatter light is 120 to 240 as described above. It is desirable to be up to degrees. More preferably, the angle range θ4 is desirably 145 degrees to 225 degrees. Due to the angular characteristics of the light scattering layer 1101, a high-contrast image can be obtained in the projector 1100. The angle characteristics of the light scattering layer 1101 can be determined according to the F value of the projection lens 1122 and the positional relationship between the screen 1100 and the projector 1120, as in the description of the first embodiment.

  The light scattering layer 1101 is uniformly provided on the plane of the screen 1100. For this reason, the light scattering layer 1101 can scatter the projection light L9 incident in a predetermined angle range regardless of the incident position on the screen 1100. Since the projection light L9 can be scattered regardless of the incident position on the screen 1100, the loss of the projection light L9 can be reduced and the projection light L9 can be efficiently scattered toward the observer. Further, the light scattering layer 1101 can efficiently transmit the external light L10 incident in an angle range other than the predetermined angle range regardless of the incident position with respect to the screen 100.

  Since the screen 1105 does not need to have a minute lens structure or a light-shielding layer with a minute interval, the screen 1105 can be easily manufactured and can have a low-cost configuration. As a result, it is possible to reduce the progression of external light in the direction of the observer and to easily obtain a high-contrast image. Furthermore, the external light L10 transmitted through the light scattering layer 1101 is absorbed by the light absorption layer 1103, whereby the external light L10 transmitted through the light scattering layer 1101 can be prevented from being emitted as stray light. By preventing the generation of stray light in this way, there is an effect that a high-contrast image can be obtained.

  Next, a modification of the projector 1100 according to the third embodiment will be described. The same parts as those of the projector 1100 of the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic configuration of a projector 1300 that is a modification of the projector 1100 according to the third embodiment. The projector 1300 is a laser projector that displays an image by scanning with laser light. The light source unit 1321 housed in the housing 1108 modulates and supplies the laser light L9 according to the image signal.

  The laser light L9 from the light source unit 1321 is incident on the galvanometer mirror 1322. The laser light L9 incident on the galvanometer mirror 1322 is reflected in the direction of the reflection mirror 1107. The galvanometer mirror 1322 scans the laser light L9 in a two-dimensional direction by rotating about two predetermined axes orthogonal to each other. The screen 1105 displays an image by transmitting and scattering the laser beam L9 scanned by the galvanometer mirror 1322.

  In the first embodiment, the predetermined angle range for scattering the projection light in the light scattering layer is determined according to the F value of the projection lens. On the other hand, the projector 1300 of this modification can be determined according to the angle range in which the galvano mirror 1322 rotates. By determining the angular characteristics of the light scattering layer 1101 according to the angular range in which the galvano mirror 1322 rotates, the laser light L9 from the galvano mirror 1322 can be taken in efficiently, and an image can be displayed efficiently. . Moreover, the external light L10 that travels in the direction of the observer can be reduced by transmitting the external light L10 that enters the angular range other than the predetermined angular range. In this way, a high contrast image can be obtained.

  Also in the projector 1300 of this modification, as in the projector 1100 of the third embodiment, the external light L10 traveling in the direction of the observer can be reduced, and a high-contrast image can be easily obtained. Note that the screens 1105 of the projectors 1100 and 1300 may have an array shape in which the light scattering layer 1101 has a convex surface on the first surface S1 side of the screen 1105, as in the screen of the second embodiment.

  As described above, the screen according to the present invention is useful when displaying a presentation or a moving image, and is particularly suitable when displaying a projected image from a projector.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state where incident light is incident on the screen according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows schematic structure of a screen, and the advancing direction of incident light. The figure which shows the angle characteristic of a light-scattering layer. Sectional drawing of a light-scattering layer. The schematic block diagram of a projector system. The schematic block diagram of a projector system. FIG. 6 is a perspective configuration diagram of a screen according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective configuration diagram of a first modification of the screen according to the second embodiment. Sectional drawing of the modification 2 of the screen of Example 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is a plan view of a second modification of the screen according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a projector according to a third embodiment. The figure which shows the angle characteristic of a light-scattering layer. FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a modification of the projector according to the third embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

100 screen, 120 projector, 122 projection lens, 201 light scattering layer, 203 light absorption layer, 230 lighting fixture, 404 interface, 500 screen, 510 projector system, 600 glass plate, 604 screen, 610 projector system, 700 screen, 701 light Scattering layer, 705 curved surface, 800 screen, 801 light scattering layer, 805 curved surface, 900 screen, 901 light scattering layer, 905 curved surface, 1100 projector, 1101 light scattering layer, 1103 light absorption layer, 1105 screen, 1106 glass substrate, 1107 reflection Mirror, 1108 housing, 1120 projection unit, 1122 projection lens, 1300 projector, 1321 light source unit, 1322 galvanometer mirror, L1, L3, L6, 7, L9 projected light, L2, L8, L10 outside light, L4 reflected light, L5 transmitted light, S1 first face, S2 second surface, θ1, θ2, θ3, θ4, θ5, θ6 angle range

Claims (10)

Projected light from the projection optical system of the projector is projected,
The projection light incident in a predetermined angle range determined according to the F value of the projection optical system is scattered and is different from the projection light, and other than the predetermined angle range A screen having a light scattering layer having an angle characteristic of transmitting incident light in an angle range of.   The screen according to claim 1, wherein the light scattering layer has an array shape having a convex surface or a concave surface on the side where the projection light is scattered.   The screen according to claim 1, wherein the light scattering layer transmits and scatters the projection light incident in the predetermined angle range to an observation side.   The predetermined angle is an angle formed between a normal line on the observation side of the light scattering layer and a light beam of the projection light incident on the light scattering layer, and transmits the projection light to the observer side. The predetermined angle range for scattering is from 120 degrees to 240 degrees with respect to the normal line, and the other angle ranges for transmitting the other light are from 60 degrees to 120 degrees, and from 240 degrees The screen according to claim 3, wherein the screen is up to 300 degrees.   The screen according to claim 1, wherein the light scattering layer reflects and scatters the projection light incident in the predetermined angle range to an observation side.   The predetermined angle is an angle formed between a normal line on the observation side of the light scattering layer and a light beam of the projection light incident on the light scattering layer, and transmits the projection light to the observer side. The predetermined angle range for scattering is 270 to 360 degrees with respect to the normal line, and the other angle range for transmitting the other light is 0 to 90 degrees. The screen according to claim 5.   The screen according to claim 5, further comprising a light absorption layer that absorbs light transmitted through the light scattering layer. A light source for supplying light;
A spatial light modulator that modulates light from the light source in accordance with an image signal;
A projection optical system for projecting light from the spatial light modulator;
A screen on which projection light from the projection optical system is projected;
A housing in which the light source, the spatial light modulator, and the projection optical system are housed, and the screen is provided on the surface on the observation side;
The projector according to claim 1, wherein the screen is a screen according to claim 1.   The projector according to claim 8, further comprising a light absorption layer that is provided inside the casing and absorbs light transmitted through the screen from the observation side. A light source for supplying light;
A spatial light modulator that modulates light from the light source in accordance with an image signal;
A projection optical system for projecting light from the spatial light modulator;
A screen on which projection light from the projection optical system is projected,
The projector system according to claim 1, wherein the screen is a screen according to claim 1.

Images