JP2006064872A - Filter element, filter unit, and projector - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a filter element and a filter unit capable of switching colors at high speed and securing silence, and a projector using such filter elements to display images. <P>SOLUTION: Each liquid vessel contains both a conductive liquid and an insulation liquid, either one of which is colored. This filter element has several liquid vessels and 1st electrodes in contact with the conductive liquids and 2nd electrodes all insulated from the conductive liquids. The colors of the liquids in each liquid vessel are different, and those liquid vessels passing the light in the predetermined axial directions are arranged in the axial direction. Further, the 2nd electrodes are light transmissive. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a filter element that transmits light of a predetermined color, a filter unit, and a projector that displays an image using such a filter element.

  Conventionally, about 500,000 to 1.3 million micro mirrors (hereinafter, each such mirror is referred to as a micro mirror), each of which is independently angle-controlled, are matrixed on a semiconductor. Known is a DLP (Digital Light Processing: registered trademark) type projector in which an optical semiconductor called DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) is installed (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

The projector disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a single-plate projector using one DMD, and R (Red: red), which is disposed on the optical path of light emitted from a light source, is provided in this projector. One disk-shaped color wheel in which three color filters of G (Green: green) and B (Blue: blue) are arranged radially is provided. The color wheel is rotated at a high speed, and light emitted from the light source is transmitted through the color wheel to become light that periodically changes to each color of R, G, and B. The light of each color of R, G, and B that changes periodically is sequentially incident on the DMD. Here, each micromirror provided in the DMD corresponds to each pixel in the image projected by the projector. Each micromirror is tilted to +12 degrees (hereinafter, this state is referred to as “on state”) and tilted to −12 degrees (hereinafter, such state is referred to as “off state”). Can be switched to any angle at a high speed of several thousand times per second independently for each micromirror. When the image data is input to the DMD, the micro light corresponding to each pixel in the image represented by the image data is set so that the light amount of the image projected by the projector becomes a light amount corresponding to the input image data. The ratio between the on state and the off state in each mirror is controlled. When light of each color of R, G, and B is incident on the DMD controlled in this way, the reflected light reflected by the on-state micromirrors of each micromirror is enlarged and projected via the projection lens. And projected onto the image projection plane. On the other hand, the reflected light reflected by the off-state micromirror is absorbed by the light absorbing plate. As a result, the image represented by the image data is displayed in full color on the image projection plane. The gradation of the image projected on the image projection plane is expressed by controlling the ratio between the on state and the off state of each micromirror described above. For example, pixels corresponding to micromirrors controlled to increase the on-state ratio are displayed brightly, and pixels corresponding to micromirrors controlled to increase the off-state ratio are displayed darkly.
JP 2003-307705 A

  However, in the single-plate projector disclosed in Patent Document 1, as described above, a color wheel is used as means for switching the light emitted from the light source to the light of each of R, G, and B that changes periodically. As a result, the projection time of each of the R, G, and B colors constituting one screen of the image projected on the image projection plane is increased. As a result, depending on the viewer, the projection is performed on the image projection plane. A so-called “color breaking” phenomenon occurs in which an image is perceived as being separated into three colors of R, G, and B, or an afterimage that is burned into the eyes when the line of sight is moved greatly. As a result, there is a problem that viewing comfort is impaired.

  In order to deal with such problems, there has been known a coping method that suppresses the occurrence of the color braking phenomenon by switching the color at a high speed by increasing the rotation speed of the color wheel. For example, the rotation speed of one color wheel in which three color filters of R, G, and B are arranged radially is set to double the conventional rotation speed, or six of R, G, B, R, G, and B A method for suppressing the occurrence of the color braking phenomenon has been put into practical use by making the rotation speed of one color wheel in which color filters are radially arranged twice the conventional rotation speed, thereby substantially increasing the rotation speed to 4 times. . However, increasing the rotation speed of the color wheel increases the drive sound in the drive unit that rotates the color wheel. For example, the drive sound may interfere with viewing in a quiet theater room. . In addition, there is a concern that deterioration due to aging of the drive unit is accelerated by increasing the rotation speed of the color wheel.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a filter element, a filter unit, and a projector that displays an image using such a filter element, which can achieve both high-speed color switching and ensuring quietness. It is what.

The filter element of the present invention that achieves the above object is as follows.
Immiscible with each other, each having light transparency, either one of which is a colored conductive liquid and an insulating liquid are contained in each interior, and the colors of the liquids contained in each are different, at least A plurality of liquid containers arranged in the optical axis direction, each transmitting light for a predetermined optical axis direction,
A plurality of first electrodes attached to each of the plurality of liquid containers, and in contact with the conductive liquid stored in each of the plurality of liquid containers;
Each of the plurality of liquid containers is provided with light transmissivity, which is insulated from the conductive liquid stored in each of the plurality of liquid containers, which is attached at a position intersecting with the optical axis direction. The second electrode is provided.

  The filter element of the present invention includes a liquid container in which either one of a colored conductive liquid and an insulating liquid is stored, a first electrode in contact with the conductive liquid, and the conductive liquid. In this case, when a voltage is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode, the colored liquid moves at high speed in the liquid collection container. Color can be switched at high speed. In addition, since the filter element of the present invention does not require a drive unit for color switching, quietness is also ensured. In addition, each liquid container constituting the filter element of the present invention is arranged in the optical axis direction in which each transmits light in a predetermined optical axis direction, and the second electrode is light transmissive. Therefore, this filter element can be used as a transmission type filter element. Moreover, since the color of the liquid accommodated in each liquid container constituting the filter element of the present invention is different, the color of the transmission filter can be switched.

Here, the filter element of the present invention is
“The inner surface of each of the plurality of liquid containers covers a portion along the second electrode, has light permeability, and has a lower wettability with respect to the conductive liquid than the wettability with respect to the insulating liquid. With a membrane,
The conductive liquid is a colorless and transparent liquid, and the insulating liquid is a colored and transparent liquid.
It is preferable.

  According to the filter element having such a coating film, when a voltage is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode, a charge is released from the first electrode into the conductive aqueous solution. A phenomenon occurs in which the released charge accumulates at the interface portion with the insulating oil in the conductive aqueous solution, and the charge accumulated at the interface portion and the charge collected at the second electrode having the opposite polarity to the charge. Are attracted by the Coulomb force, and the electric charge in the conductive aqueous solution is attracted to the vicinity of the coating film. As a result, the conductive aqueous solution begins to wet the coating film, and the color is switched at a high speed by the insulating liquid moving at high speed in the liquid collection container.

The filter unit of the present invention that achieves the above object is
Immiscible with each other, each having light transparency, either one of which is a colored conductive liquid and an insulating liquid are contained in each interior, and the colors of the liquids contained in each are different, at least A plurality of liquid containers arranged in the optical axis direction, each transmitting light in a predetermined optical axis direction;
A plurality of first electrodes attached to each of the plurality of liquid containers, and in contact with the conductive liquid stored in each of the plurality of liquid containers;
A plurality of optically transparent units, which are insulated from the conductive liquids accommodated in each of the plurality of liquid containers, attached to the plurality of liquid containers, respectively, at positions intersecting with the optical axis direction. A second electrode of
The color changes depending on a voltage applied between the first electrode and the second electrode.

  According to the filter unit of the present invention, similarly to the filter element of the present invention, the colored liquid moves in the liquid collection container at high speed, and the color is switched at high speed.

  The filter unit referred to in the present invention is only shown in its basic form here, but this is merely for avoiding duplication, and the filter unit referred to in the present invention is not limited to the above basic form. A form corresponding to the form of the filter element described above is included.

Further, the projector of the present invention that achieves the above object is
A light source that emits light, a filter that is disposed on an optical path of the light emitted from the light source, and that transmits light of a predetermined color; a light amount that corresponds to the input image data; In a projector having a modulation element that modulates and a projection unit that displays an image represented by the image data by projecting light modulated by the modulation element,
The above filter
Immiscible with each other, each having light transparency, either one of which is a colored conductive liquid and an insulating liquid are contained in each interior, and the colors of the liquids contained in each are different, at least A plurality of liquid containers arranged in the optical axis direction, each transmitting light for a predetermined optical axis direction,
A plurality of first electrodes attached to each of the plurality of liquid containers, and in contact with the conductive liquid stored in each of the plurality of liquid containers;
Each of the plurality of liquid containers is provided with light transmissivity, which is insulated from the conductive liquid stored in each of the plurality of liquid containers, which is attached at a position intersecting with the optical axis direction. A filter element provided with a second electrode of
A voltage control unit is provided that changes the color of the filter element by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode of the filter element.

  The projector according to the present invention has a liquid container in which either one of the colored conductive liquid and the insulating liquid is stored, the first electrode in contact with the conductive liquid, and the conductive liquid. Since the filter element includes a plurality of sets of the insulated second electrodes, when a voltage is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode, the colored liquid is allowed to flow through the liquid collection container. The color is switched at high speed by moving at high speed. In addition, the projector according to the present invention does not require a drive unit for switching the color in the filter element, so that quietness is also ensured. Moreover, since the color of the liquid accommodated in each liquid container which comprises the said filter element differs, the color of the filter element can be switched.

Here, the projector of the present invention is
“This projector has a color mode for displaying a color image and a monochrome mode for displaying a monochrome image,
In the monochrome mode, the voltage application system applies a voltage higher than the voltage applied in the color mode. ''
It is preferable.

  Thus, when a voltage higher than the voltage applied in the color mode is applied, the colored liquid moves more reliably in the liquid collection container, and the image quality of the monochrome image displayed in the monochrome mode is improved.

The projector of the present invention is
“This projector has a color mode for displaying a color image and a monochrome mode for displaying a monochrome image,
In the monochrome mode, a filter retracting mechanism for retracting the filter from the optical path is provided.
This is also a preferred form.

  According to the projector provided with such a filter retracting mechanism, unintentional light coloring due to light passing through the filter element is avoided, so that the image quality of the monochrome image displayed in the monochrome mode is further improved.

The projector of the present invention is
“A voltage value setting unit that sets a voltage value to be applied in the voltage application system according to an operation,
The voltage application system applies a voltage according to the voltage value set by the voltage value setting unit. ''
It is preferable.

  Here, even if the same voltage as the voltage initially applied to the first electrode and the second electrode is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode due to the aging of the filter element according to the present invention, the filter element has a liquid collection container. There is a possibility that some of the stored colored liquids stagnate and color switching may be incomplete. For example, even if such a secular change occurs, according to the projector provided with the voltage value setting unit, the voltage value can be increased and set to such an extent that the color is switched appropriately. A voltage having a set voltage value can be applied.

The projector of the present invention is
“A gain parameter setting unit that sets a gain parameter for input image data according to an operation;
A signal processing unit that performs color correction on the image data according to the gain parameter set by the gain parameter setting unit. ''
This form is also preferable.

  Here, since the filter element referred to in the present invention is arranged on the optical path of the light emitted from the light source, the colored liquid accommodated in the liquid collection container of this filter element is faded due to secular change. There is a risk. For example, even if such a fading phenomenon occurs, according to the projector including the gain parameter setting unit and the signal processing unit, the gain of the image data is increased by the gain parameter so that a darker image is displayed. A gain parameter can be set, and color correction according to the gain parameter thus set can be performed on the input image data.

Furthermore, the projector of the present invention described above is
“This projector has a display mode for displaying an image and a refresh mode for restoring the function of the filter element,
In the refresh mode, the voltage application system alternately applies a lower voltage and a higher voltage than the voltage in the display mode. ''
More preferably.

  Here, due to the aging of the filter element according to the present invention, even when the voltage initially applied to the first electrode and the second electrode is applied, the filter element is accommodated in the liquid collection container of the filter element. There is a possibility that some of the colored liquids stagnate and the color switching becomes incomplete. For example, even when such aging occurs, according to the projector having the refresh mode, the performance of the filter element is restored by alternately applying a voltage lower than a voltage in the display mode and a voltage higher than the voltage in the display mode. Can be made.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the projector which displays an image using the filter element, filter unit, and such a filter element which can change a high-speed color and ensuring quietness simultaneously is provided.

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

  Here, the present invention relates to about 500,000 to 1.3 million minute mirrors (hereinafter, each of these mirrors is referred to as a micromirror), each of which is independently angle-controlled. Projector of DLP (Digital Light Processing: registered trademark) system incorporating an optical semiconductor called DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) laid in a matrix on a semiconductor An embodiment applied to is described.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a projector corresponding to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the projector 100 includes a discharge lamp 10 as a light source, an elliptical mirror 20, a light tunnel 30, a filter 40, a condenser lens 50, a pair of reflecting mirrors 61 and 62, a DMD 70, and a projection optical system 80. Is provided.

  The discharge lamp 10 of the projector 100 is integrally attached to the elliptical mirror 20, and a xenon arc short lamp that emits visible light is used here. As the light source of the projector 100, a light source such as a metal halide lamp or an ultrahigh pressure mercury lamp can be used instead of the discharge lamp 10. However, the description will be continued below assuming that the discharge lamp 10 is employed as a light source.

  The elliptical mirror 20 is a dichroic mirror that reflects visible light emitted from the discharge lamp 10 and transmits infrared light. The elliptical mirror 20 shields visible light leaking from the elliptical mirror 20 and transmits through the elliptical mirror 20. In order to absorb the infrared light, the outer surface of the elliptical mirror 20 is coated with a black inorganic pigment.

  The light tunnel 30 is a light transmission medium having a certain length and a rectangular cross section, and emits light having a uniform light intensity distribution. A convergent ray of visible light reflected by the elliptical mirror 20 is incident at a predetermined incident angle from the entrance of the light tunnel 30, and the incident visible light is subjected to multiple reflection on the inner wall having a high refractive index in the light tunnel 30. Propagated to the exit. Moreover, the exit diameter of the visible light emitted from the light tunnel 30 is such that the ratio of the long side to the short side is 4: 3.

  The filter 40 is arranged on an optical path such that visible light emitted from the light tunnel 30 is incident substantially perpendicularly to the surface of the filter 40. Further, the filter 40 has filter elements corresponding to an example of a filter element according to the present invention having a side of 500 μm on one side where visible light is incident, and is laid in a matrix of 100 × 100 on the surface. Configured. When visible light incident on the filter 40 passes through the filter 40, it becomes light of each color of R (Red: red), G (Green: green), and B (Blue: blue). Although the detailed description of the filter elements constituting the filter 40 will be described later, the color of the filter 40 is periodically switched to R, G, and B, and the light transmitted through the filter 40 is R, It changes periodically to each color of G and B.

  The condenser lens 50 converts light of each color of R, G, and B, which is obtained by passing through the filter 40, and which changes periodically, into parallel rays. The light of each color of R, G, and B converted into parallel rays by the condenser lens 50 is guided to the DMD 70 by a pair of reflecting mirrors 61 and 62.

  In addition, as described above, the DMD 70 includes about 500,000 to 1,300,000 micromirrors laid in a matrix on a semiconductor. This corresponds to each pixel in the image projected by the projector 100. Each micromirror is tilted to +12 degrees (hereinafter, this state is referred to as “on state”) and tilted to −12 degrees (hereinafter, such state is referred to as “off state”). Can be switched to any angle at a high speed of several thousand times per second independently for each micromirror. When image data is input to the DMD 70, the light amount of the image projected by the projector 100 corresponds to each pixel in the image represented by the image data so that the light amount corresponds to the input image data. The ratio between the on state and the off state in each micromirror is controlled. When light of each color of R, G, and B is incident on the DMD 70 controlled in this way, the reflected light reflected by the on-state micromirrors of each micromirror is enlarged via the projection optical system 80. Projected and projected onto an image projection surface (not shown). On the other hand, the reflected light reflected by the off-state micromirror is absorbed by a light absorption plate (not shown). As a result, the image represented by the image data is displayed in full color on the image projection plane. The gradation of the image projected on the image projection plane is expressed by controlling the ratio between the on state and the off state of each micromirror described above. For example, pixels corresponding to micromirrors controlled to increase the on-state ratio are displayed brightly, and pixels corresponding to micromirrors controlled to increase the off-state ratio are displayed darkly.

  Here, the feature of the projector shown in FIG. 1 as an embodiment of the present invention is related to the filter 40 provided in the projector 100. First, the filter 40 will be described below.

  2 is a schematic diagram of a filter element constituting a filter provided in the projector shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a state after a voltage is applied to the filter element shown in FIG. is there. 2 and 3, light enters from the left side in the direction of arrow O, the light incident side (left side in FIGS. 2 and 3) is the front side, and the light exit side (right side in FIGS. 2 and 3). ) Will be referred to as the rear side.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the filter element 400, both ends of the tubes 411a, 421a, and 431a having a rectangular cross section are closed with light-transmitting transparent end caps 411b, 411c, 421b, 421c, 431b, and 431c. The three liquid containers 411, 421, and 431 are arranged in the direction of the optical axis of the visible light emitted from the light tunnel 30 (see FIG. 1). It is configured. Each of these liquid containers 411, 421, 431 is made of transparent glass, and corresponds to an example of the liquid container referred to in the present invention.

  Within the first liquid container 411 of the three liquid containers 411, 421, 431, a colorless and transparent conductive liquid 90 and an R-color oil-soluble dye that is immiscible with the conductive liquid 90 are provided. Both the colored transparent insulating liquid 91 to which is added are accommodated. Further, in the second liquid container 421, a colorless transparent conductive liquid 90 and a colored transparent insulating liquid 92 added with a G-color oil-soluble dye that is immiscible with the conductive liquid 90 are provided. And both are housed. Further, a colorless transparent conductive liquid 90 and a colored transparent insulating liquid 93 to which a B-color oil-soluble dye that is immiscible with the conductive liquid 90 is added are provided in the third liquid container 431. And both are housed. In the present embodiment, a conductive liquid 90 in which a supporting electrolyte (tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate) is added to water is applied, and an organic solvent (Isopar: Exxon Corporation) is used as a solvent for the insulating liquids 91, 92, 93. Applied). The conductive liquid 90 is an example of the conductive liquid referred to in the present invention, and each of the insulating liquids 91, 92, and 93 corresponds to an example of the insulating liquid referred to in the present invention.

  The surfaces (inner surfaces) of the end caps 411c, 421c, and 431c that close the rear sides of the three tubes 411a, 421a, and 431a are in contact with the liquid. It is covered with insulating films 412, 422, and 432 having a so-called water repellency that is lower than the wettability with respect to 93. Further, each of these insulating films 412, 422, and 432 has optical transparency, and in this embodiment, Cytop (manufactured by Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.) is applied as the insulating films 412, 422, and 432. Each of these insulating films 412, 422, and 432 corresponds to an example of a coating film according to the present invention.

  Each of the liquid containers 411, 421, 431 includes first electrodes 413, 423, 433 that are in contact with the liquid and are embedded in the surfaces (inner surfaces) of the tubes 411a, 421a, 431a that are in contact with the liquid. Yes. Further, the second electrodes 414, 424, 434 having light transmissivity, which are sandwiched between the end caps 411c, 421c, 431c and the insulating films 412, 422, 432 and insulated from the liquid by the insulating films 412, 422, 432. Is also provided. Each of these first electrodes 413, 423, 433, and each of the second electrodes 414, 424, 434 is connected to a filter control unit described later, and a voltage is applied between these electrodes by the filter control unit. Each of these first electrodes 413, 423, 433 corresponds to an example of the first electrode referred to in the present invention, and each of the second electrodes 414, 424, 434 corresponds to an example of the second electrode referred to in the present invention. . The filter control unit corresponds to an example of the voltage control unit referred to in the present invention.

  When no voltage is applied between the first electrodes 413, 423, 433 and the second electrodes 414, 424, 434, the conductive liquid 90 repels the insulating films 412, 422, 432 having water repellency. As a result, the insulating films 412, 422, 432 and the insulating liquids 91, 92, 93 come into contact with each other.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a state when a voltage is applied to the filter element shown in FIG. 2 will be described.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, the liquid container 421 in which the G-color insulating liquid 92 is stored and the liquid container in which the B-color insulating liquid 93 are stored in the filter element 400 shown in FIG. 2. The filter element in a state after voltage is applied to the first electrodes 423 and 433 and the second electrodes 424 and 434 respectively provided in 431 is shown.

  When a voltage is applied between the first electrodes 423 and 433 and the second electrodes 424 and 434 provided in the liquid containers 421 and 431 in which the insulating liquids 92 and 93 are stored, the first electrode 423 Charges are released from the conductive liquid 90 to the conductive liquid 90, and charges having a polarity opposite to the charge discharged to the conductive liquid 90 are collected at the second electrodes 424 and 434. The charges discharged to the conductive liquid 90 and the charges of the second electrodes 424 and 434 are attracted by Coulomb force, and the charges in the conductive liquid 90 are attracted to the vicinity of the insulating films 422 and 432 having water repellency. As a result, the conductive liquid 90 begins to wet the insulating films 422 and 432, and the insulating liquids 92 and 93 move at high speed in the liquid collection containers 421 and 431 and are driven to one corner of the liquid containers 421 and 431. As a result, the G-color and B-color insulating liquids 92 and 93 are in a state of hardly acting on light.

  Accordingly, when visible light emitted from the light tunnel 30 shown in FIG. 1 enters and passes through the filter element in the state shown in FIG. 3, light of R color is emitted.

  As described above, the filter element applied to the present embodiment does not require a drive unit for color switching, and thus quietness is ensured.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the projector shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the projector 100 includes a gain parameter setting unit 1, a signal processing unit 2, a mode changeover switch 3, a voltage value setting unit 4, and a control unit 5. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the projector 100 includes a discharge lamp 10, a filter 40, a condenser lens 50, a DMD 70, and a projection optical system 80, and a discharge lamp driving circuit that drives the discharge lamp 10. 6. A filter control unit 7 for controlling driving of the filter 40 is also provided.

  The gain parameter setting unit 1 sets a gain parameter for input image data according to an operation, and the gain parameter setting unit 1 corresponds to an example of the gain parameter setting unit according to the present invention. is there.

  The signal processing unit 2 receives image data from a personal computer (not shown) or the like, and converts the image data into RGB image data having the same number of pixels as the DMD 70 micromirror shown in FIG. is there. The signal processing unit 2 also performs color correction on the input image data in accordance with the gain parameter set by the gain parameter setting unit 1, and the signal processing unit 2 includes the present invention. This corresponds to an example of the signal processing unit.

  Here, the color correction procedure in the signal processing unit 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of color correction in the signal processing unit shown in FIG.

  When image data is input to the signal processing unit 2 from a personal computer (not shown) or the like, the RGB signals of the input image data are converted into YC signals by the image signal processing unit 11. If necessary, the noise reduction unit 12 performs noise reduction processing on the image data converted into the YC signal, and the edge enhancement unit 13 performs edge enhancement processing. Thereafter, the color enhancement unit 14 performs color enhancement processing on the image data, and the YC signal of the subsequent image data is converted into an RGB signal by the image signal processing unit 15. The image data converted into the RGB signal is subjected to color correction processing by the linear matrix 16, and then color correction according to the gain parameter set by the gain parameter setting unit 1 is performed by the gain adjustment unit 17. And output from the signal processing unit 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the filter 40 is disposed on the optical path of the light emitted from the discharge lamp 10, and therefore, in the liquid collection containers 411, 421, 431 of the filter element 400 constituting the filter 40. The colored insulating liquids 91, 92, and 93 stored in the container may be faded due to aging. Even if such a fading phenomenon occurs, according to the projector 100 of the present embodiment including the gain parameter setting unit 1 and the signal processing unit 2, the gain of the image data is increased by the gain parameter so that a darker image can be obtained. The gain parameter can be set so as to be displayed, and color correction according to the gain parameter set in such a manner can be performed on the input image data.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the description will be continued.

  The mode change-over switch 3 selects one of a color mode for displaying a color image, a monochrome mode for displaying a monochrome image, and a refresh mode for restoring the function of the filter 40 also shown in FIGS. is there.

  Moreover, the voltage value setting part 4 sets the voltage value applied with respect to the filter 40 also shown in FIGS. 1-3 according to operation, and this voltage value setting part 4 says to this invention. This corresponds to an example of a voltage value setting unit.

  Even if the same voltage as the voltage initially applied between the first electrodes 413, 423, 433 and the second electrodes 414, 424, 434 is applied due to aging of the filter element 400 constituting the filter 40, Some of the colored insulating liquids 91, 92, 93 stored in the liquid collection containers 411, 421, 431 of the filter element 400 stagnate, resulting in incomplete color switching. There is a risk that. Even if such a secular change occurs, according to the projector 100 of this embodiment provided with the voltage value setting unit 4, the voltage value can be increased and set to such an extent that the color is switched appropriately. A voltage having a voltage value set in such a manner is applied.

  Further, the control unit 5 controls the driving of the DMD 70 based on the RGB image data having the same number of pixels as the micromirrors of the DMD 70 shown in FIG. The circuit 6 is also controlled. The control unit 5 also controls a filter control unit 7 to be described later according to the mode selected by the mode switch 3 and the voltage value set by the voltage value setting unit 4.

  The discharge lamp drive circuit 6 controls activation of the discharge lamp 10 and AC drive of the discharge lamp 10 after activation in accordance with a signal from the control unit.

  The filter control unit 7 controls the voltage applied to the filter 40 in accordance with the signal from the control unit 5. The filter control unit 7 corresponds to an example of the voltage control unit referred to in the present invention. When the color mode is selected by the mode selector switch 3, the filter control unit 7 causes the first electrodes 413, 423, 433 and the second electrodes 414, 424, 434 of the filter element 400 constituting the filter 40 to The voltage applied during the period is controlled, and the voltage is periodically applied to two of the three sets of electrodes 413, 414; 423, 424; 433, 434. As a result, the visible light that has entered the filter 40 passes through the filter 40 and becomes light that periodically changes to each color of R, G, and B. Further, when the monochrome mode is selected by the mode switch 3, the voltage is controlled by the filter control unit 7, and the first electrodes 413, 423, 433 and the second electrodes of the filter element 400 constituting the filter 40 are controlled. A voltage higher than the voltage applied in the color mode is applied between the electrodes 414, 424, and 434. As described above, when a high voltage is applied to the filter 40, the colored insulating liquids 91, 92, 93 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 move more reliably in the liquid collection containers 411, 421, 431. Therefore, the image quality of the monochrome image displayed in the monochrome mode is improved. When the refresh mode is selected by the mode changeover switch 3, the voltage is controlled for the refresh mode by the filter control unit 7, and the first electrodes 413, 423, of the filter element 400 constituting the filter 40 are controlled. A voltage lower than and higher than a voltage applied in the color mode or the monochrome mode is alternately applied between the second electrode 413 and the second electrode 414, 424, 434.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 6, the control of the applied voltage in the filter control unit 7 when the refresh mode is selected by the mode changeover switch 3 will be described.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the voltage applied to the filter and time when the refresh mode is selected by the mode switch. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the voltage applied to the filter 40. Further, V ₀ is an applied voltage to the filter 40 when the color mode is selected by the mode changeover switch 3, and V ₁ is an applied voltage to the filter 40 when the monochrome mode is selected by the mode changeover switch 3. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the refresh mode is selected by the mode changeover switch 3, a voltage is not applied to the filter 40 and a voltage higher than the voltage applied in the color mode or the monochrome mode is present. The applied state is executed alternately.

  Even if the same voltage as the voltage initially applied between the first electrodes 413, 423, 433 and the second electrodes 414, 424, 434 is applied due to aging of the filter element 400 constituting the filter 40, Some of the colored insulating liquids 91, 92, 93 stored in the liquid collection containers 411, 421, 431 of the filter element 400 stagnate, resulting in incomplete color switching. There is a risk that. Even if such a secular change occurs, according to the projector 100 of the present embodiment having the refresh mode, the low voltage and the high voltage as shown in FIG. 400 performance can be restored.

  Above, description of 1st Embodiment of this invention is complete | finished.

  Next, in the second embodiment, a projector that performs an operation different from the operation of the filter 40 described in the first embodiment when the monochrome mode is selected by the mode switch 3 will be described.

  In the second embodiment described below, since the apparatus configuration is substantially the same as the apparatus configuration described in the first embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment is noted, and the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. The description is omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the projector according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the projector 200 includes a filter retraction control unit 8 and a drive circuit 9 in addition to the components included in the projector 100 of the first embodiment described above. The filter 41 is provided with a rack 42.

  When the monochrome switch mode is selected with the mode changeover switch 3, the drive circuit 9 is driven by the filter retraction control unit 8 so that the filter 41 is controlled to be retreated from the optical path.

  Here, the mechanism by which the filter 41 is retracted from the optical path will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a mechanism for retracting the filter from the optical path.

  In FIG. 8A, the light tunnel 30 shown in FIG. 1 and the visible light emitted from the light tunnel 30 are arranged on the optical path so as to be incident substantially perpendicular to the surface of the filter 40. A filter 41 is shown. The filter 41 is provided with a rack 42. 8A shows a motor 300 connected to the drive circuit 9 shown in FIG. 7 and gears 310 and 320 that transmit the rotation of the motor to the rack.

  When the monochrome mode is selected by the mode changeover switch 3 and the drive circuit 9 is driven by the filter evacuation control unit 8, the motor connected to the drive circuit 9 rotates and power is supplied to the rack 42 via the gears 310 and 320. Is transmitted. When power is transmitted to the rack 42, the filter 41 is retracted from the optical path, as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C. According to the projector 200 of the second embodiment having such a filter retracting mechanism, unintentional light coloring due to light passing through the filter elements constituting the filter 41 is avoided, so that it is displayed in the monochrome mode. The image quality of monochrome images is further improved.

Subsequently, various forms that can be adopted in each component constituting the present invention will be additionally described.
<Liquid>
The conductive liquid and the insulating liquid referred to in the present invention only have to be light-transmitting and not mixed with each other as long as either one is colored.

  Any combination of these liquids may be used, but a combination of water and an organic solvent is preferable. Organic solvents include hydrocarbons (hexane, heptane, pentane, octane, isoper (exxon), etc.), hydrocarbon aromatic compounds (benzene, toluene, xylene, mesitylene, etc.), halogenated hydrocarbons (difluoropropane, Dichloroethane, chloroethane, bromoethane, etc.), halogenated hydrocarbon aromatic compounds (chlorobenzene, etc.), ether compounds (dibutyl ether, anisole, diphenyl ether, etc.). Preferably, it is a hydrocarbon, a hydrocarbon-based aromatic compound, or an ether-based compound, such as tetralin and diffnon.

  Moreover, it is preferable to add a supporting electrolyte to water for the purpose of increasing electrical conductivity. As the supporting electrolyte, a tetraalkylammonium salt is preferably used. Specific examples include tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate.

  Here, the basic embodiment for realizing the concept of the present invention has been described above. However, when the filter element employed in the present invention is put into practical use, dust, water droplets, or the like adhere to the optical path. It is preferable to devise measures for preventing a problem that the filter performance deteriorates.

  For example, it is preferable to provide a water-repellent film on the outer surface (hereinafter, this surface is referred to as a light transmission surface) that intersects with the optical path of the container containing the liquid. By imparting water repellency to the light transmitting surface, dust and water droplets can be prevented from being attached, and the high light transmittance of the filter element can be maintained. The material constituting the water-repellent film is preferably a silicone resin, an organopolysiloxane block copolymer, a fluorine-based polymer, or polytetrafluoroethane.

  It is also preferable to attach a hydrophilic film to the light transmitting surface of the container constituting the filter element. By imparting hydrophilic oil repellency to the light transmitting surface, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering. As this hydrophilic film, a film composed of an acrylate polymer, or a film coated with a surfactant such as a nonionic organosilicone surfactant is preferable. Monomer plasma polymerization, ion beam treatment, and the like can be applied.

  It is also preferable to attach a photocatalyst such as titanium oxide to the light transmitting surface of the container constituting the filter element. Dirt is decomposed by the photocatalyst that reacts with light, and the light transmission surface can be kept clean.

  It is also preferable to provide an antistatic film on the light transmission surface of the container constituting the filter element. If static electricity accumulates on the light transmission surface of the container or is charged by an electrode, dust or dust may stick to the light transmission surface. By attaching an antistatic film to the light transmission surface, it is possible to prevent such unnecessary substances from being attached and maintain the light transmittance of the filter element. The antistatic film is preferably composed of a polymer alloy material, and the polymer alloy system may be a polyether type, a polyether ester amide type, those having a cationic group, Name, Daiichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.). The antistatic film is preferably produced by a mist method.

  Further, an antifouling material may be applied to the container constituting the filter element. As the antifouling material, a fluororesin is preferable, but specifically, a fluorine-containing alkylalkoxysilane compound, a fluorine-containing alkyl group-containing polymer, an oligomer, or the like is preferable, and has a functional group capable of crosslinking with the curable resin. Is particularly preferred. Moreover, it is preferable that the addition amount of antifouling | stain-proof material is a required minimum amount which expresses antifouling property.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a projector corresponding to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram of the filter element which comprises the filter with which the projector shown in FIG. 1 was equipped. It is a schematic diagram of the state after a voltage is applied with respect to the filter element shown in FIG. It is a functional block diagram of the projector shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of color correction in the signal processing unit shown in FIG. 4. It is the figure which showed the relationship between the voltage applied with respect to a filter, and time when the refresh mode is selected with the mode switch. It is a functional block diagram of the projector of 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the mechanism in which a filter is evacuated from the optical path.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Gain parameter setting part 2 Signal processing part 3 Mode change switch 4 Voltage value setting part 5 Control part 6 Discharge lamp drive circuit 7 Filter control part 8 Filter evacuation control part 9 Drive circuit 11 Image signal processing part 12 Noise reduction part 13 Edge emphasis Section 14 Color enhancement section 15 Image signal processing section 16 Linear matrix 17 Gain adjustment section 10 Discharge lamp 20 Elliptical mirror 30 Light tunnel 40 Filter 41 Filter 42 Rack 50 Condenser lens 61, 62 Reflector 70 DMD
80 Projection optical system 100 Projector 200 Projector 300 Motor 310, 320 Gear 400 Filter element 411, 421, 431 Liquid container 411a, 421a, 431a Tube 411b, 411c, 421b, 421c, 431b, 431c End cap 412, 422, 432 Insulation Membranes 413, 423, 433 First electrode 414, 424, 434 Second electrode 90 Conductive liquid 91, 92, 93 Insulating liquid

Claims (9)

Immiscible with each other, each having light transparency, either one of which is a colored conductive liquid and an insulating liquid are contained in each interior, and the colors of the liquids contained in each are different, at least A plurality of liquid containers arranged in the optical axis direction, each transmitting light in a predetermined optical axis direction;
A plurality of first electrodes attached to each of the plurality of liquid containers, and in contact with the conductive liquid stored in each of the plurality of liquid containers;
A plurality of light-transmitting materials insulated from conductive liquids housed inside each of the plurality of liquid containers attached to the plurality of liquid containers, respectively, at positions intersecting with the optical axis direction. And a second electrode. Covering the inner surface of each of the plurality of liquid containers along the second electrode, having light transmittance, and having a wettability with respect to the conductive liquid lower than the wettability with respect to the insulating liquid With
The filter element according to claim 1, wherein the conductive liquid is a colorless and transparent liquid, and the insulating liquid is a colored and transparent liquid. Immiscible with each other, each having light transparency, either one of which is a colored conductive liquid and an insulating liquid are contained in each interior, and the colors of the liquids contained in each are different, at least A plurality of liquid containers arranged in the optical axis direction, each transmitting light in a predetermined optical axis direction;
A plurality of first electrodes attached to each of the plurality of liquid containers, and in contact with the conductive liquid stored in each of the plurality of liquid containers;
A plurality of light-transmitting materials insulated from conductive liquids housed inside each of the plurality of liquid containers attached to the plurality of liquid containers, respectively, at positions intersecting with the optical axis direction. A second electrode of
The filter unit, wherein the color changes according to a voltage applied between the first electrode and the second electrode. A light source that emits light, a filter that is disposed on an optical path of the light emitted from the light source, transmits light of a predetermined color, and a light amount that corresponds to the input image data is transmitted through the filter. In a projector having a modulation element that modulates and a projection unit that displays an image represented by the image data by projecting light modulated by the modulation element,
The filter is
Immiscible with each other, each having light transparency, either one of which is a colored conductive liquid and an insulating liquid are contained in each interior, and the colors of the liquids contained in each are different, at least A plurality of liquid containers arranged in the optical axis direction, each transmitting light in a predetermined optical axis direction;
A plurality of first electrodes attached to each of the plurality of liquid containers, and in contact with the conductive liquid stored in each of the plurality of liquid containers;
A plurality of light-transmitting materials insulated from conductive liquids housed inside each of the plurality of liquid containers attached to the plurality of liquid containers, respectively, at positions intersecting with the optical axis direction. A filter element provided with a second electrode of
A projector comprising a voltage control unit that applies a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode of the filter element to change the color of the filter element. The projector has a color mode for displaying a color image and a monochrome mode for displaying a monochrome image,
5. The projector according to claim 4, wherein the voltage application system applies a voltage higher than a voltage applied in the color mode in the monochrome mode. The projector has a color mode for displaying a color image and a monochrome mode for displaying a monochrome image,
The projector according to claim 4, further comprising a filter retracting mechanism for retracting the filter from the optical path in the monochrome mode. A voltage value setting unit for setting a voltage value to be applied in the voltage application system according to an operation;
The projector according to claim 4, wherein the voltage application system applies a voltage corresponding to a voltage value set by the voltage value setting unit. A gain parameter setting unit for setting a gain parameter for input image data according to an operation;
The projector according to claim 4, further comprising: a signal processing unit that performs color correction on the image data in accordance with a gain parameter set by the gain parameter setting unit. The projector has a display mode for displaying an image and a refresh mode for restoring the function of the filter element,
5. The projector according to claim 4, wherein the voltage application system alternately applies a lower voltage and a higher voltage than the voltage in the display mode in the refresh mode.

Images