JP2006133641A - Projector - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a projector having the function of altering the aspect ratio of a projection image by an electronic zoom function, the projector being designed to facilitate the introduction of a light intercepting device and restrict image quality degradation resulting from the introduction of the light intercepting device. <P>SOLUTION: The projector 1002 includes an illuminating device 100, liquid crystal devices 400R, 400G, and 400B with the aspect ratio alteration function, and a projecting optical system 600. The illuminating device 100 has a light intercepting device 160 disposed on the side of the light emission face of a first lens array 120 so as to be detachable relative to the optical path of an illuminating light flux. The light intercepting device 160 has the function in which light of each partial luminous flux emitted from each first small lens of the first lens array 120 is partially intercepted so that light is not emitted to the image non-formation area of the liquid crystal devices, and thus altering the aspect ratio of the illuminating luminous flux. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a projector.

  A projector that changes the aspect ratio of a projected image using an electronic zoom function is known. In this projector, the aspect ratio of the projected image is changed by always minimizing the transmittance of the non-image forming area in the optical modulation area of the liquid crystal device. However, this projector has a problem in that light leaks a little from the non-image forming area of the liquid crystal device, which is obstructive.

  For this reason, there has been proposed a projector having a function of blocking an illumination light beam irradiated to a non-image forming area of a liquid crystal device when using an electronic zoom function (see, for example, Patent Document 1). FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a conventional projector 1000 having such a function. FIG. 11A is a diagram showing an optical system of a conventional projector 1000, FIG. 11B is a diagram showing a light shielding device 1410 used in the conventional projector 1000, and FIG. 11C is a conventional projector. It is a figure which shows another light-shielding device 1420 which can be used for 1000.

  In the conventional projector 1000, by disposing the light shielding device 1410 or the light shielding device 1420 as described above immediately before the liquid crystal devices 1400R, 1400G, and 1400B, from the non-image forming regions of the liquid crystal devices 1400R, 1400G, and 1400B. The light that leaks is blocked. For this reason, according to the conventional projector 1000, the non-image forming areas of the liquid crystal devices 1400R, 1400G, and 1400B are not irradiated with light, which is obstructive due to changing the aspect ratio of the projected image. Disappears.

JP 2002-365720 A (FIGS. 1, 7 and 8)

  However, near the liquid crystal devices 1400R, 1400G, and 1400B inside the projector, various optical components and electrical / mechanical components (for example, the liquid crystal devices 1400R, 1400G, and 1400B, field lenses 1430R, 1430G, and 1430B, a cross dichroic prism 1500, Since cooling mechanisms (not shown) for cooling the liquid crystal device and the like are arranged at high density, there is a problem that it is not easy to arrange the light shielding devices 1410 and 1420. Further, since the light shielding devices 1410 and 1420 need to be disposed in the very vicinity of the liquid crystal devices 1400R, 1400G, and 1400B, the light shielded by the light shielding devices 1410 and 1420 becomes stray light and becomes the liquid crystal devices 1400R, 1400G, and 1400B. As a result, there is a problem that the image quality may be deteriorated.

  Such a problem is also the same problem in the case of a projector including an electro-optic modulation device different from the liquid crystal device.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and is a projector having a function of changing an aspect ratio of a projected image using an electronic zoom function, and is provided in a non-image forming region of an electro-optic modulation device. An object of the present invention is to provide a projector in which it is easy to introduce a light shielding device that blocks irradiated light, and image quality is prevented from being deteriorated due to the introduction of the light shielding device.

  The projector according to the present invention includes a light source device that emits a substantially parallel illumination light beam toward the illuminated region side, and a plurality of first small lenses that divide the illumination light beam emitted from the light source device into a plurality of partial light beams. 1 lens array, a second lens array having a plurality of second small lenses corresponding to the plurality of first small lenses of the first lens array, and each partial light beam emitted from the second lens array to be illuminated An illuminating device having a superimposing lens for superimposing at the same time, and an electro-optic modulation device that modulates an illumination light beam emitted from the illuminating device in accordance with image information, wherein an image in an optical modulation region is in accordance with the image information An electro-optic modulation device having an aspect ratio changing function capable of changing a range between a formation region and a non-image formation region, and an illumination light beam modulated by the electro-optic modulation device In the projector including the projection optical system, the illumination device is a light shielding device that is detachably disposed on the light incident surface side or the light emission surface side of the first lens array with respect to the optical path of the illumination light beam. The aspect of the illumination light beam is obtained by partially blocking the light for each partial light beam emitted from each first small lens in the first lens array so as not to irradiate the non-image forming region of the electro-optic modulator. A light-shielding device having a function of changing the ratio is provided.

  Therefore, according to the projector of the present invention, the illumination device changes the aspect ratio of the illumination light beam by partially blocking light for each partial light beam emitted from each first small lens in the first lens array. Since the light-shielding device having the function is provided, the non-image forming area of the electro-optic modulation device is not irradiated with light as in the case of the conventional projector 1000, so that the aspect ratio of the projected image is changed. As a result, it is no longer obtrusive.

  By the way, in general, in a projector, optical components, electrical / mechanical components, and the like are arranged at a lower density near the first lens array than near the electro-optic modulator. For this reason, in the projector of the present invention, since the light shielding device is located in the vicinity of the light incident surface or the light emitting surface of the first lens array, the light shielding device is introduced as compared with the case of the conventional projector 1000. It becomes easy. This also places the light shielding device at a position separated from the electro-optic modulation device, so that the image quality is prevented from being deteriorated due to the introduction of the light shielding device.

In the projector according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the relationship of 0.1 mm <T ₁ <2 mm is satisfied, where T ₁ is an interval between the light shielding device and the first lens array.

This is because, in a lens integrator optical system that converts a light beam emitted from a light source device into a more uniform light beam, each first small lens in the first lens array and the electro-optic modulation device are positioned at conjugate positions, and therefore light shielding is performed. This is because the apparatus is preferably in the vicinity of the first lens array. From this viewpoint, it is more preferable to satisfy the relationship of T ₁ <1 mm.
On the other hand, if the interval is too narrow, it is difficult to smoothly attach and detach the light shielding device with respect to the optical path of the illumination light beam. From this viewpoint, it is more preferable to satisfy the relationship of T ₁ > 0.2 mm.

  In the projector according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the light-shielding device is a light-shielding device formed by providing a light non-transmissive member having a predetermined pattern of openings on a transparent substrate.

With this configuration, the light shielding device can be manufactured by a relatively simple method.
In this case, the light non-transmissive member is preferably made of a metal film or a dielectric multilayer film. With this configuration, the light transmittance in the light non-transmissive region can be made extremely low and the light resistance can be made high.

  In the projector according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that a light-reflecting member of the light-shielding device is formed with a reduced reflection film.

  With this configuration, the light transmittance in the light transmission region of the light shielding device is improved, so that it is possible to suppress a decrease in light utilization efficiency and to reduce the stray light level and improve the contrast.

  In the projector according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the light shielding device is a light shielding device formed by providing an opening of a predetermined pattern in an opaque base material.

  Also with this configuration, the light shielding device can be manufactured by a relatively simple method. In this case, when the light passes through the light transmission region, it passes through the air layer, so that the light transmittance can be improved and the decrease in light utilization efficiency can be further suppressed, and the stray light level can be further reduced. Contrast is improved.

  In the projector according to the aspect of the invention, the optical modulation region of the electro-optic modulation device has an aspect ratio of 9:16, and the plurality of first small lenses in the first lens array are included in the electro-optic modulation device. It is preferable that four columns are arranged along a first direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction, and seven rows are arranged along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

  With this configuration, the first small lens (and the corresponding second small lens) does not have to be so small, so that the partial light beam emitted from each first small lens is reflected by each second small lens. In this case, it is possible to prevent the light utilization efficiency from being lowered and to reduce the stray light level and improve the contrast. Further, there is an effect that the first lens array (and the second lens array) can be easily manufactured.

  In the projector according to the aspect of the invention, the optical modulation area of the electro-optic modulation device has an aspect ratio of 3: 4, and the plurality of first small lenses in the first lens array are included in the electro-optic modulation device. It is preferable that four columns are arranged along a first direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction, and six rows are arranged along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

  With this configuration, the first small lens (and the corresponding second small lens) does not have to be so small, so that the partial light beam emitted from each first small lens is reflected by each second small lens. In this case, it is possible to prevent the light utilization efficiency from being lowered and to reduce the stray light level and improve the contrast. Further, there is an effect that the first lens array (and the second lens array) can be easily manufactured.

  In the projector according to the aspect of the invention, the first lens array has a light incident surface closer to the ellipsoidal reflector than the second focal point of the ellipsoidal reflector, and the illumination light beam emitted from the light source device on the light incident surface. It is preferable that the light quantity is arranged at a position where the light quantity is distributed throughout.

  With this configuration, the uniformity of the in-plane light intensity distribution on the light incident surface of the first lens array is not greatly reduced, so that the in-plane light intensity distribution on the image forming region of the electro-optic modulation device is eliminated. The characteristic is not deteriorated.

  In the projector of the present invention, the light source device includes an ellipsoidal reflector, an arc tube having a light emission center near the first focal point of the ellipsoidal reflector, and parallel light that converts light emitted from the ellipsoidal reflector into substantially parallel light. It is also possible to use a light source device having a parabolic lens, or a light source device having a parabolic reflector and an arc tube having an emission center near the focal point of the parabolic reflector.

  In that case, it is preferable that the arc tube is provided with an auxiliary mirror that reflects light emitted from the arc tube toward the illuminated area toward the elliptical reflector or the parabolic reflector.

  By comprising in this way, the light radiated | emitted from the arc tube to the to-be-illuminated area side is reflected toward an ellipsoidal reflector or a parabolic reflector. For this reason, it is not necessary to set the size of the ellipsoidal reflector or the parabolic reflector to a size that covers the illuminated region side end of the arc tube, and the ellipsoidal reflector or the parabolic reflector can be downsized. Can be achieved.

  In the projector according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the illumination device further includes a polarization conversion element that emits an illumination light beam having a non-uniform polarization direction emitted from the light source device so as to be aligned with one type of linearly polarized light. .

  With this configuration, the projector according to the present invention is particularly suitable for an electro-optic modulation device of a type that modulates polarized light, for example, a projector including a liquid crystal device.

  In the projector according to the aspect of the invention, the projector may further include a color separation light guide optical system for separating the illumination light beam emitted from the illumination device into a plurality of color lights between the illumination device and the electro-optic modulation device, It is preferable that a plurality of electro-optic modulators that modulate a plurality of color lights emitted from the color separation light guide optical system according to image information corresponding to each color light are provided as the electro-optic modulator.

  Thus, in the case of a projector having a plurality of electro-optic modulation devices, the conventional projector 1000 requires three light shielding devices, whereas the projector of the present invention requires only one light shielding device. And not. For this reason, the operation | work which positions a light-shielding device correctly with respect to the optical path of an illumination light beam becomes very easy.

  The projector of the present invention has an elliptical reflector, a light emitting tube having a light emission center near the first focal point of the elliptical reflector, and a light incident surface near the second focal point of the elliptical reflector, and the light from the elliptical reflector. A lighting device including an integrator rod that changes light into a light having a more uniform intensity distribution, a relay optical system that guides light from the lighting device to an illuminated area, and light from the relay optical system according to image information An electro-optic modulation device having an aspect ratio changing function capable of changing a range of an image forming region and a non-image forming region in an optical modulation region in accordance with the image information, and the electric A projector including a projection optical system that projects light modulated by the optical modulation device, wherein the illumination device includes a light exit surface side of the integrator rod; A light-shielding device arranged detachably with respect to the optical path of the illumination light beam, by blocking light that irradiates a non-image forming region of the electro-optic modulation device from the illumination light beam emitted from the integrator rod A light-shielding device having a function of changing the aspect ratio of the illumination light beam is provided.

  Therefore, according to the projector of the present invention, the illuminating device changes the aspect ratio of the illuminating light beam by blocking the light that irradiates the non-image forming area of the electro-optic modulation device from the illuminating light beam emitted from the integrator rod. Since the non-image forming area of the electro-optic modulator is not irradiated with light as in the case of the conventional projector 1000, the aspect ratio of the projected image can be changed. It will no longer be annoying due to.

  By the way, in general, in a projector, optical components, electrical / mechanical components, and the like are arranged at a lower density near the first lens array than near the electro-optic modulator. For this reason, in the projector of the present invention, since the light shielding device is located on the light exit surface side of the integrator rod, it is easier to introduce the light shielding device than in the case of the conventional projector 1000. This also places the light shielding device at a position separated from the electro-optic modulation device, so that the image quality is prevented from being deteriorated due to the introduction of the light shielding device.

In the projector according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that a relationship of 0.1 mm <T ₂ <2 mm is satisfied, where T ₂ is an interval between the light shielding device and the light exit surface of the integrator rod.

This is because in the rod integrator optical system that converts the light beam emitted from the light source device into a more uniform light beam, the light exit surface of the integrator rod and the electro-optic modulation device are located at a conjugate position. This is because it is preferably in the vicinity of the light exit surface. From this viewpoint, it is more preferable to satisfy the relationship of T ₂ <1 mm.
On the other hand, if the interval is too narrow, it is difficult to smoothly attach and detach the light shielding device with respect to the optical path of the illumination light beam. From this viewpoint, it is more preferable to satisfy the relationship of T ₂ > 0.2 mm.

  In the projector according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the light-shielding device is a light-shielding device formed by providing a light non-transmissive member having a predetermined pattern of openings on a transparent substrate.

With this configuration, the light shielding device can be manufactured by a relatively simple method.
In this case, the light non-transmissive member is preferably made of a metal film or a dielectric multilayer film. With this configuration, the light transmittance in the light non-transmissive region can be made extremely low and the light resistance can be made high.

  In the projector according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that a light-reflecting member of the light-shielding device is formed with a reduced reflection film.

  With this configuration, the light transmittance in the light transmission region of the light shielding device is improved, so that it is possible to suppress a decrease in light utilization efficiency and to reduce the stray light level and improve the contrast.

  In the projector according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the light shielding device is a light shielding device formed by providing an opening of a predetermined pattern in an opaque base material.

  Also with this configuration, the light shielding device can be manufactured by a relatively simple method. In this case, when light passes through the light transmission region, it passes through the air layer, so that the light transmittance can be improved and the decrease in light utilization efficiency can be further suppressed, and the stray light level can be further reduced to further increase the contrast. Will improve.

  The projector of the present invention will be described below based on the embodiments shown in the drawings.

Embodiment 1
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a projector 1002 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1A is a view of the optical system of the projector 1002 as viewed from above, and FIG. 1B is a view of the optical system of the projector 1002 as viewed from side.
In the following description, the three directions orthogonal to each other are defined as the z-axis direction (illumination optical axis 100ax direction in FIG. 1A) and the x-axis direction (parallel to the paper surface in FIG. And a direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 1A and perpendicular to the z-axis.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment includes a lighting device 100 and color separation light-guiding optics that separates and guides the illumination light flux from the lighting device 100 into three color lights of red, green, and blue. System 200, three liquid crystal devices 400R, 400G, and 400B as electro-optic modulation devices that modulate each of the three color lights separated by color separation light guide optical system 200 according to image information, and these three liquid crystal devices The projector includes a cross dichroic prism 500 that combines color lights modulated by 400R, 400G, and 400B, and a projection optical system 600 that projects the light combined by the cross dichroic prism 500 onto a projection surface such as a screen SCR. Although not shown, the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment has an aspect ratio changing function (that is, an electronic zoom function) that can change the range of the image forming area and the non-image forming area in accordance with image information. It further has an apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the illumination device 100 includes a light source device 110 that emits an illumination light beam that is substantially parallel to the illuminated region side, and a plurality of light sources that are used to divide the illumination light beam emitted from the light source device 110 into a plurality of partial light beams. The first lens array 120 having a first small lens 121 (see FIG. 2) and a plurality of second small lenses 131 (not shown) corresponding to the plurality of first small lenses 121 of the first lens array 120. The second lens array 130, the polarization conversion element 140 that emits an illumination light beam that is emitted from the light source device 110 and whose polarization direction is not aligned to one type of linearly polarized light, and each of the light emitted from the polarization conversion element 140. And a superimposing lens 150 for superimposing the partial light flux in the illuminated region.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the light source device 110 includes an ellipsoidal reflector 114, an arc tube 112 having a light emission center near the first focal point of the ellipsoidal reflector 114, and focused light reflected by the ellipsoidal reflector 114. And a collimating lens 118 that converts the light into simple light. The arc tube 112 is provided with an auxiliary mirror 116 that reflects light emitted from the arc tube 112 toward the illuminated area toward the ellipsoidal reflector 114. The central axis of light emitted from the light source device 110 coincides with the illumination optical axis 100ax.

  The color separation light guide optical system 200 separates the illumination light beam emitted from the illumination device 100 into a plurality of color lights, and guides each color light to the liquid crystal devices 400R, 400G, and 400B.

The liquid crystal devices 400 </ b> R, 400 </ b> G, and 400 </ b> B modulate the incident illumination light beam according to image information, and are the illumination target of the illumination device 100. Although not shown, an incident-side polarizing plate is interposed between the color separation light guide optical system 200 and the liquid crystal devices 400R, 400G, and 400B, and the liquid crystal devices 400R, 400G, and 400B and the cross dichroic prism are disposed. An emission side polarizing plate is interposed between 500 and 500, and light of each color light incident thereon is modulated by the incident side polarizing plate, the liquid crystal devices 400R, 400G, and 400B, and the emission side polarizing plate.
The liquid crystal devices 400R, 400G, and 400B are a pair of transparent glass substrates in which a liquid crystal that is an electro-optical material is hermetically sealed. For example, a polysilicon TFT is used as a switching element and incident according to given image information. Modulates the polarization direction of one kind of linearly polarized light emitted from the side polarizing plate.
The liquid crystal devices 400R, 400G, and 400B have an image forming area of “vertical dimension along the y-axis direction: horizontal dimension along the x-axis direction = 9: 16 rectangle” and an aspect ratio of 9:16. A wide-vision liquid crystal device is used.

  The cross dichroic prism 500 is an optical element that forms a color image by synthesizing an optical image modulated for each color light emitted from the exit side polarizing plate. The cross dichroic prism 500 has a substantially square shape in plan view in which four right angle prisms are bonded together, and a dielectric multilayer film is formed in a substantially X shape at the interface where the right angle prisms are bonded together. One of the approximately X-shaped dielectric multilayer films reflects red light, and the other dielectric multilayer film reflects blue light. These dielectric multilayer films cause red light and blue light to be reflected. The light is reflected and aligned with the traveling direction of the green light, so that the three color lights are synthesized.

  The color image emitted from the cross dichroic prism 500 is enlarged and projected by the projection optical system 600 to form a large screen image on a screen (not shown).

  The electronic zoom device modulates an image projected in the image forming region in the effective panel region as the optical modulation region of the liquid crystal devices 400R, 400G, and 400B, and displays the non-image forming region outside the image forming region in black. Even when the aspect ratio of the projected image is different from the aspect ratio of the optical modulation area of the liquid crystal devices 400R, 400G, and 400B, the range of the image forming area and the non-image forming area is changed by using an electronic circuit. The image size is adjusted so that all of the image is projected.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the first lens array 120. 2 (a) is a front view of the first lens array 120, FIG. 2 (b) is a top view of FIG. 2 (a), and FIG. 2 (c) is a side view of FIG. 2 (a). .

  The first lens array 120 has a function as a light beam splitting optical element that splits the light beam emitted from the light source device 110 into a plurality of partial light beams, and a plurality of first lens arrays 120 arranged in a plane orthogonal to the illumination optical axis 100ax. A small lens 121 is provided. The contour shape of each first small lens 121 is set to be substantially similar to the shape of the optical modulation area of the liquid crystal devices 400R, 400G, and 400B. That is, since the aspect ratio of the optical modulation region of the liquid crystal devices 400R, 400G, and 400B according to Embodiment 1 is 9:16, the aspect ratio of the first small lens 121 is also 9:16.

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the light shielding device 160. 3A is a front view of the light shielding device 160 and the first lens array 120, FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line A ₁ -A _{1 of} FIG. 3A, and FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along line A ₂ -A ₂ , and FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view taken along line A ₃ -A _{3 in} FIG.

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the light shielding device 160 in the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment. 4A is a view of the first lens array 120 viewed from the second lens array 130 side when the light shielding device 160 is separated from the optical path of the illumination light beam, and FIG. 4B is an optical diagram of the liquid crystal device 400R. is a diagram showing an irradiation region L ₀ of the illumination light beam in the modulator region 402R, and FIG. 4 (c) second lens array shading device 160 and the first lens array 120 upon insertion of the shading device 160 in the optical path of the illumination light beam is a view from 130 side, FIG. 4 (d) is a diagram showing an irradiation area _{L 1} of the illumination light beam in the optical modulation region 402R of the liquid crystal device 400R. 4 illustrates the optical modulation region 402R of the liquid crystal device 400R among the liquid crystal devices 400R, 400G, and 400B, the liquid crystal device 400G and the liquid crystal device 400B are similar to the liquid crystal device 400R and are not illustrated. .

  In the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the illumination device 100 is provided on the light exit surface side of the first lens array 120 and in the non-image forming areas of the liquid crystal devices 400R, 400G, and 400B. A light shielding device 160 having a function of changing the aspect ratio of the illumination light beam by partially blocking light for each partial light beam emitted from each first small lens 121 in the first lens array 120 so as not to irradiate light. Furthermore, it is characterized by having. The light shielding device 160 is detachably disposed on the optical path of the illumination light beam.

When a projection image with an aspect ratio of 9:16 is displayed using the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the light shielding device 160 is connected to the optical path of the illumination light beam. To leave. Then, an illumination light beam (L ₀ ) having an aspect ratio of 9:16 is irradiated to an image forming area having an aspect ratio of 9:16 in the liquid crystal devices 400R, 400G, and 400B having an optical modulation area having an aspect ratio of 9:16. become.
On the other hand, when the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment is used to display a projected image with an aspect ratio of 3: 4, as shown in FIGS. Insert into the optical path. Then, the illumination light beam (L ₁ ) having an aspect ratio of 3: 4 is applied to an image forming area having an aspect ratio of 3: 4 in the liquid crystal devices 400R, 400G, and 400B having an optical modulation area having an aspect ratio of 9:16. It will be.

  For this reason, according to the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment, the illuminating device 100 partially blocks the light for each partial light beam emitted from each first small lens 121 in the first lens array 120, thereby illuminating the light beam. Since the light shielding device 160 having the function of changing the aspect ratio of the liquid crystal devices 400R, 400G, and 400B is not irradiated with light as in the case of the conventional projector 1000, light is not irradiated. There is no obstruction caused by changing the aspect ratio of the projected image.

  By the way, in general, in a projector, optical components, electrical / mechanical components, and the like are arranged at a lower density near the first lens array than near the electro-optic modulator. For this reason, in the projector of the present invention, since the light shielding device is located in the vicinity of the light incident surface or the light emitting surface of the first lens array, the light shielding device is introduced as compared with the case of the conventional projector 1000. It becomes easy. This also places the light shielding device at a position separated from the electro-optic modulation device, so that the image quality is prevented from being deteriorated due to the introduction of the light shielding device.

  Further, according to the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment, the light shielding device 160 is positioned in the vicinity of the light exit surface of the first lens array 120 as shown in FIG. Compared to the above, it becomes easier to introduce the light shielding device 160. Further, as a result, since the light shielding device 160 is located at a position separated from the liquid crystal devices 400R, 400G, and 400B, it is suppressed that the image quality is deteriorated due to the introduction of the light shielding device 160. Is done.

In the projector 1002 of embodiment 1, when the shading device 160 the distance between the first lens array 120 has a _{T 1,} is set to satisfy the 0.1 mm _<T 1 <2 mm the relationship.

This is because, in a lens integrator optical system that converts a light beam emitted from the light source device 110 into a more uniform light beam, each first small lens 121 in the first lens array 120 and image forming regions of the liquid crystal devices 400R, 400G, and 400B This is because the light shielding device 160 is preferably in the vicinity of the first lens array 120. From this viewpoint, it is more preferable to satisfy the relationship of T ₁ <1 mm.
On the other hand, if the interval is too narrow, it is difficult to smoothly attach and detach the light shielding device 160 with respect to the optical path of the illumination light beam. From this viewpoint, it is more preferable to satisfy the relationship of T ₁ > 0.2 mm.

  In the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the light shielding device 160 is a light shielding device formed by providing a light non-transmissive member having a predetermined pattern of openings on a transparent base material.

For this reason, in the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment, the light shielding device 160 can be manufactured by a relatively simple method.
In this case, the light non-transmissive member is made of a metal film or a dielectric multilayer film. As a result, the light transmittance in the light non-transmissive region can be made extremely low and the light resistance can be made high.

  In the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment, a light reflection member of the light shielding device 160 is formed with a reduced reflection film.

  For this reason, since the light transmittance in the light transmissive area | region of the light-shielding apparatus 160 comes to be improved, the fall of light utilization efficiency can be suppressed and a stray light level reduces and contrast improves.

  In the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment, the plurality of first small lenses 121 in the first lens array 120 are the first corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal devices 400R, 400G, and 400B, as shown in FIG. Are arranged in four columns along the direction (x-axis direction) and in seven rows along the second direction (y-axis direction) orthogonal to the first direction.

  For this reason, according to the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment, the first small lens 121 (and the second small lens 131 corresponding to the first small lens 121) does not have to be so small, and thus is emitted from each first small lens 121. Thus, the partial light flux efficiently enters each of the second small lenses 131, so that a decrease in light use efficiency can be suppressed, and the stray light level is reduced and the contrast is improved. In addition, there is an effect that the first lens array 120 (and the second lens array 130) can be easily manufactured.

  In the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment, the first lens array 120 has a light incident surface closer to the ellipsoidal reflector 114 than the second focal point of the ellipsoidal reflector 114, and is emitted from the light source device 110 on the light incident surface. It arrange | positions in the position where the light quantity of the illumination light beam to distribute is distributed over the whole.

  For this reason, according to the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment, the uniformity of the in-plane light intensity distribution on the light incident surface of the first lens array 120 is not greatly reduced, and thus the images of the liquid crystal devices 400R, 400G, and 400B. In-plane light intensity distribution characteristics on the formation region are not degraded.

  In the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment, as described above, the arc tube 112 has an auxiliary as a reflection optical system that reflects the light emitted from the arc tube 112 toward the illuminated area toward the ellipsoidal reflector 114. A mirror is provided.

  For this reason, in the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment, the light emitted from the arc tube 112 toward the illuminated area is reflected by the ellipsoidal reflector 114 so that the illuminated area side end of the arc tube 112 is covered. It is not necessary to set the size of the ellipsoidal reflector 114 to a large size, and the ellipsoidal reflector 114 can be downsized.

  In the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment, the illuminating device 100 further includes a polarization conversion element 140 that emits an illuminating light beam having a non-uniform polarization direction emitted from the light source device 110 so as to be aligned with one type of linearly polarized light. Yes.

  Therefore, the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment is particularly suitable for a projector including the liquid crystal devices 400R, 400G, and 400B.

  In the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment, as described above, the illumination light flux emitted from the illumination device 110 is emitted between the illumination device 110 and the liquid crystal devices 400R, 400G, and 400B with three color lights (red light, green light). And a color separation light guide optical system 200 for separating the light into blue light). In addition, as the electro-optic modulation device, three liquid crystal devices 400R, 400G, and 400B that modulate the three color lights emitted from the color separation light guide optical system 200 according to image information corresponding to the respective color lights are provided. .

  Therefore, according to the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment, the projector 100 includes the three liquid crystal devices 400R, 400G, and 400B. However, unlike the conventional projector 1000, the aspect ratio of the illumination light flux is changed. Since only one light-shielding device 160 is required as the light-shielding device, it is extremely easy to accurately position the light-shielding device 160 with respect to the optical path of the illumination light beam as compared with the conventional projector 1000. Can also be obtained.

  In the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment, instead of the light shielding device 160, a light shielding device formed by providing a predetermined pattern of openings in an opaque base material may be used. Such a light shielding device will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a light shielding device 160a as a first modification of the first embodiment. 5A is a front view of the light shielding device 160a inserted in the optical path of the illumination light beam, and FIG. 5B is a top view of the light shielding device 160a inserted in the optical path of the illumination light beam. FIG. 5C is a front view of the light shielding device 160a in a state where it is separated from the optical path of the illumination light beam, and FIG. 5D is a light shielding device in a state of being separated from the optical path of the illumination light beam. It is the figure which looked at 160a from the upper surface.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the light shielding device 160b according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 6A is a front view of the light shielding device 160b inserted in the optical path of the illumination light beam, and FIG. 6B is a top view of the light shielding device 160b inserted in the optical path of the illumination light beam. 6C is a view of the light shielding device 160b in a state where it is separated from the optical path of the illumination light beam, and FIG. 6D is a light shielding device in a state where it is separated from the optical path of the illumination light beam. It is the figure which looked at 160b from the upper surface.

  In the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, instead of the light shielding device 160, the light shielding devices 160 a and 160 b formed by providing openings of a predetermined pattern on an opaque base material. It can also be used.

  According to this configuration, the light shielding device can be manufactured by a relatively simple method. In this case, when light passes through the light transmission region, it passes through the air layer, so that the light transmittance can be improved and the decrease in light utilization efficiency can be further suppressed, and the stray light level can be further reduced to further increase the contrast. Will improve.

  Further, since the light shielding devices 160a and 160b according to the first and second modifications are separated from the optical path of the illumination light beam by folding, the light shielding devices 160a and 160b suppress the increase of the projector volume as much as possible. be able to.

[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 7 is a view for explaining the light shielding device 162 in the projector 1004 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7A is a view of the first lens array 122 viewed from the second lens array side when the light blocking device 162 is separated from the optical path of the illumination light beam, and FIG. 7B is an optical modulation of the liquid crystal device 410R. it is a diagram showing an irradiation region _{L 0} of the illumination light beam in the region 412R. FIG. 7C is a view of the light shielding device 162 and the first lens array 122 viewed from the second lens array side when the light shielding device 162 is inserted in the optical path of the illumination light beam, and FIG. 7D is a liquid crystal device 410R. it is a diagram showing an irradiation area L ₁ of the illumination light beam in the optical modulation region 412R. 7 shows the optical modulation region 412R of the liquid crystal device 410R among the liquid crystal devices 410R, 410G, and 410B, the liquid crystal devices 410G and 410B are similar to the liquid crystal device 410R, and are not shown.

When a projected image with an aspect ratio of 3: 4 is displayed using the projector 1004 according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the light shielding device 162 is connected to the optical path of the illumination light beam. To leave. Then, an illumination light beam (L ₀ ) having an aspect ratio of 3: 4 is irradiated to an image forming area having an aspect ratio of 9:16 in the liquid crystal devices 410R, 410G, and 410B having an optical modulation area having an aspect ratio of 3: 4. become.
On the other hand, when displaying a projected image with an aspect ratio of 9:16 using the projector 1004 according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. Insert into the optical path. Then, the illumination light beam (L ₁ ) having an aspect ratio of 9:16 is applied to an image forming area having an aspect ratio of 9:16 in the liquid crystal devices 410R, 410G, and 410B having an optical modulation area having an aspect ratio of 3: 4. Will be.

  As described above, the projector 1004 according to the second embodiment uses the liquid crystal devices 410R, 410G, and 410B having the optical modulation area having the aspect ratio of 3: 4 as the electro-optic modulation device (and, accordingly, 3: 4). The point that the first lens array 122 and the second lens array having the light exit surface of the aspect ratio are different from the case of the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment, but the illumination device is a non-image forming region of the liquid crystal device. The light shielding device 162 has a function of changing the aspect ratio of the illumination light beam by partially blocking the light for each partial light beam emitted from each first small lens 123 in the first lens array 122 so as not to irradiate the light. Therefore, as in the case of the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment, the non-image forming area of the liquid crystal device is not irradiated with light. Becomes therefore, it is unnecessary to be unsightly due to changing the aspect ratio of the projected image.

  By the way, in general, in a projector, optical components, electrical / mechanical components, and the like are arranged at a lower density near the first lens array than near the electro-optic modulator. For this reason, in the projector of the present invention, since the light shielding device is located in the vicinity of the light incident surface or the light emitting surface of the first lens array, the light shielding device is introduced as compared with the case of the conventional projector 1000. It becomes easy. This also places the light shielding device at a position separated from the electro-optic modulation device, so that the image quality is prevented from being deteriorated due to the introduction of the light shielding device. Further, as a result, the light shielding device 162 is located at a position separated from the liquid crystal devices 410R, 410G, 410B (not shown), so that the image quality is reduced due to the introduction of the light shielding device 162. It is suppressed that it falls.

  In the projector 1004 according to the second embodiment, as described above, the liquid crystal devices 410R, 410G, and 410B are liquid crystal devices having an optical modulation area with an aspect ratio of 3: 4. As shown in FIG. 7A, the plurality of first small lenses 123 in the first lens array 122 are along a first direction (x-axis direction) corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal devices 410R, 410G, 410B. The four columns are arranged in six rows along a second direction (y-axis direction) orthogonal to the first direction.

  For this reason, also in the projector 1004 according to the second embodiment, as in the case of the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment, the first small lens 123 (and the corresponding second small lens in the second lens array) is made so small. Therefore, the partial light beam emitted from each first small lens 123 is efficiently incident on each second small lens, so that it is possible to suppress a decrease in light utilization efficiency and reduce the stray light level. And contrast is improved. In addition, there is an effect that the first lens array 122 (and the second lens array) can be easily manufactured.

[Embodiment 3]
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a projector 1006 according to the third embodiment. 8A is a view of the optical system of the projector 1006 as viewed from above, FIG. 8B is a view of the optical system of the projector 1006 as viewed from the side, and FIG. 8C is a view of the integrator rod 170. FIG. 8D is a view of the light exit surface, and FIG. 8D is a view of the light shielding device 180 viewed from the relay lens 192 side.
In the following description, the three directions orthogonal to each other are the z-axis direction (illumination optical axis 100Aax direction in FIG. 8A) and the x-axis direction (parallel to the paper surface in FIG. 8A and on the z-axis). And a direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 8A and a direction perpendicular to the z-axis.

  As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the projector 1006 according to the third embodiment converts light from the light source device 110A that emits focused light and the light source device 110A into light having a more uniform intensity distribution. Illumination device 100A including integrator rod 170 for conversion, relay optical system 190 that guides light from illumination device 100A to an illuminated area, and micromirror modulation that modulates light from relay optical system 190 according to image information An apparatus 420 and a projection optical system 610 that projects light modulated by the micromirror type modulation apparatus 420 are provided. Although not shown, the projector 1006 according to the third embodiment has an aspect ratio changing function (that is, an electronic zoom function) that can change the range of the image forming area and the non-image forming area according to image information. It further has an apparatus.

  As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the light source device 110A includes an ellipsoidal reflector 114A and an arc tube 112 having a light emission center near the first focal point of the ellipsoidal reflector 114A. . The arc tube 112 is attached with an auxiliary mirror 116A as a reflection optical system that reflects light emitted from the arc tube 112 toward the illuminated region side toward the ellipsoidal reflector 114A via the arc tube 112. . The light source device 110 </ b> A emits focused light that is focused near the light incident surface of the integrator rod 170. A straight line connecting the first focal point and the second focal point of the ellipsoidal reflector 114A of the light source device 110A coincides with the illumination optical axis 100Aax.

  The shape of the light exit surface of the integrator rod 170 is similar to that of the optical modulation region 422 of the micromirror type modulation device 420 (see FIGS. 9A and 9B). That is, the optical modulation of “the vertical dimension along the y-axis direction: the horizontal dimension along the x-axis direction = 9: 16 rectangle (the aspect ratio is 9:16)” is performed by the micromirror-type modulation device 420 according to the second embodiment. Since it is for wide vision having the region 422, the aspect ratio of the light exit surface of the integrator rod 170 is also 9:16.

The light incident on the integrator rod 170 passes through the integrator rod 170 while being repeatedly reflected on the inner surface of the integrator rod 170. As a result, the integrator rod 170 has a function of making the illuminance distribution uniform in the image forming region with light emitted from the light source device 110A having a non-uniform illuminance distribution.
A color wheel (not shown) is provided on the light incident surface side of the integrator rod 170. This color wheel has a structure in which red, green and blue color filters are arranged in a spiral shape. Note that the color wheel can be omitted, and the image projected in this case is a monochrome image.

  The relay optical system 190 has a function of forming an image of the light exit surface of the integrator rod 170 on the optical modulation region 422 of the micromirror type modulation device 420. Although the relay optical system 190 shown in FIG. 8 is composed of one lens, it may be composed of a compound lens in which a plurality of lenses are combined. The region of the image formed by the relay optical system 190 becomes the illumination region of the optical modulation region 422 of the micromirror type modulation device 420 illuminated by the illumination device 100A.

  The micromirror type modulation device 420 reflects image light representing an image toward the projection optical system 610 by reflecting illumination light applied to the optical modulation region 422 with a micromirror corresponding to each pixel according to image information. This is a reflection direction control type light modulation device having a function of emitting light. The image light emitted from the micromirror type modulation device 420 is projected through the projection optical system 610. Thereby, the image represented by the image light is projected and displayed.

  The micromirror type modulation device 420 and the projection optical system 610 are arranged so that their central axes coincide. In the case of a projector having a tilt projection configuration, the optical axis of the projection optical system 610 is shifted in the tilt direction with respect to the center axis of the micromirror type modulation device 420.

  The electronic zoom device modulates an image projected in the image forming region in the optical modulation region 422 of the micromirror type modulation device 420, displays a non-image forming region outside the image forming region in black, and projects the aspect of the projected image. Even if the ratio is different from the aspect ratio of the optical modulation area of the micromirror-type modulation device 420, the range of the image formation area and the non-image formation area is changed using an electronic circuit, and the entire image is projected. Adjust the image size as follows.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the light shielding device 180 in the projector 1006 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9A is a view of the integrator rod 170 viewed from the relay lens 192 side when the light shielding device 180 is separated from the optical path of the illumination light beam, and FIG. 9B is an optical modulation of the micromirror type modulation device 420. is a diagram showing an irradiation region L ₀ of the illumination light beam in the region 422, FIG. 9 (c) viewed shading device 180 and integrator rod 170 upon insertion of the shading device 180 in the optical path of the illumination light beam from the relay lens 192 side FIG. 9D is a diagram showing an illumination light beam irradiation region L ₁ in the optical modulation region 422 of the micromirror type modulation device 420.

When using the projector 1006 according to the third embodiment to display a projection image with an aspect ratio of 9:16, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the light shielding device 180 is used as an optical path of an illumination light beam. To leave. Then, the illumination light beam (L ₀ ) having an aspect ratio of 9:16 is irradiated onto an image forming area having an aspect ratio of 9:16 in the micromirror type modulation device 420 having an optical modulation area having an aspect ratio of 9:16. Become.
On the other hand, when the projector 1006 according to the third embodiment is used to display a projected image with an aspect ratio of 3: 4, as shown in FIGS. Insert into the optical path. Then, the illumination light beam (L ₁ ) having an aspect ratio of 3: 4 is applied to an image forming area having an aspect ratio of 3: 4 in the micromirror type modulation device 420 having an optical modulation area having an aspect ratio of 9:16. Become.

  As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the projector 1006 according to the third embodiment uses a rod integrator optical system as an integrator optical system instead of the lens integrator optical system. This is very different from the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment.

  As described above, the projector 1006 according to the third embodiment is different from the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment in that the rod integrator optical system is used as the integrator optical system. Since the light shielding device 180 has a function of changing the aspect ratio of the illumination light beam by blocking the light that irradiates the non-image forming region of the micromirror type modulation device 420 among the illumination light beams emitted from the The non-image forming area of the mirror type modulation device 420 is no longer irradiated with light, and as in the case of the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment, there is no obstruction caused by changing the aspect ratio of the projected image. . Further, since the light shielding device 180 is a light shielding device that is detachably disposed on the light exit surface side of the integrator rod 170 with respect to the optical path of the illumination light beam, the light shielding device 180 is shielded similarly to the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment. It becomes easy to introduce the device 180. Further, since the light shielding device 180 is located at a position separated from the micromirror type modulation device 420, the light shielding device 180 is introduced as in the case of the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment. It is also suppressed that the image quality is deteriorated due to this.

Also in the projector 1006 according to embodiment 3, similarly to the case of the projector 1002 of embodiment 1, when the distance between the light exit surface of the light-shielding device 180 and the integrator rod 170 and _{T 2,} 0.1mm _{<T 2} <2 mm is satisfied.

This is because in the lens integrator optical system that converts the light beam emitted from the light source device 110A into a more uniform light beam, the light exit surface of the integrator rod 170 and the image forming area of the micromirror type modulation device 420 are positioned at a conjugate position. Therefore, the light shielding device 180 is preferably in the vicinity of the integrator rod 170. From this viewpoint, it is more preferable to satisfy the relationship of T ₂ <1 mm.
On the other hand, if this interval is too narrow, it is difficult to smoothly attach and detach the light shielding device 180 with respect to the optical path of the illumination light beam. From this viewpoint, it is more preferable to satisfy the relationship of T ₂ > 0.2 mm.

  In the projector 1006 according to the third embodiment, the light shielding device 180 is a light shielding device that is formed by providing a predetermined pattern of openings in an opaque base material, as shown in FIG.

  For this reason, according to the projector 1006 according to the third embodiment, the light shielding device can be manufactured by a relatively simple method. In this case, when light passes through the light transmission region, it passes through the air layer, so that the light transmittance can be improved and the decrease in light utilization efficiency can be further suppressed, and the stray light level can be further reduced to further increase the contrast. Will improve.

  Also in the projector 1006 according to the third embodiment, the arc tube 112 is provided with an auxiliary mirror 116A as a reflection optical system that reflects the light emitted from the arc tube 112 toward the illuminated area toward the ellipsoidal reflector 114A. ing.

  For this reason, according to the projector 1006 according to the third embodiment, the light emitted from the arc tube 112 toward the illuminated area is reflected by the ellipsoidal reflector 114A, and thus covers the illuminated area side end of the arc tube 112. It is not necessary to set the size of the ellipsoidal reflector 114A to such a size, and the ellipsoidal reflector 114A can be downsized.

[Embodiment 4]
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the light shielding device 182 in the projector 1008 according to the fourth embodiment. 10A is a view of the integrator rod 172 viewed from the relay lens side when the light shielding device 182 is separated from the optical path of the illumination light beam, and FIG. 10B is an optical modulation region of the micromirror type modulation device 430. FIG. 10C is a diagram showing the illumination light beam irradiation region L ₀ at 432, and FIG. 10C is a diagram of the light shielding device 182 and the integrator rod 172 viewed from the relay lens side when the light shielding device 182 is inserted into the optical path of the illumination light beam. FIG. 10 (d) is a diagram showing the illumination light beam irradiation region L ₁ in the optical modulation region 432 of the micromirror type modulation device 430.

When a projection image with an aspect ratio of 3: 4 is displayed using the projector 1008 according to the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the light shielding device 182 is connected to the optical path of the illumination light beam. To leave. Then, the illumination light beam (L ₀ ) having an aspect ratio of 3: 4 is irradiated onto an image forming area having an aspect ratio of 3: 4 in the micromirror type modulation device 430 having an optical modulation area having an aspect ratio of 3: 4. Become.
On the other hand, when a projection image with an aspect ratio of 9:16 is displayed using the projector 1008 according to the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. Insert into the optical path. Then, the illumination light beam (L ₁ ) having an aspect ratio of 9:16 is irradiated on an image forming area having an aspect ratio of 9:16 in the micromirror type modulation device 430 having an optical modulation area having an aspect ratio of 3: 4. Become.

  A projector 1008 according to the fourth embodiment basically has the same configuration as that of the projector 1006 according to the third embodiment, but a micromirror type modulation device having an aspect ratio of 3: 4 as an electro-optic modulation device. The point using 430 (and the point using the integrator rod 172 having the light exit surface with an aspect ratio of 3: 4) is different from the projector 1006 according to the third embodiment.

  As described above, the projector 1008 according to the fourth embodiment uses the micromirror type modulation device 430 having the aspect ratio of 3: 4 as the electro-optic modulation device (and the light having the aspect ratio of 3: 4 accordingly). The point that the integrator rod 172 having the exit surface is used is different from that of the projector 1006 according to the third embodiment, but the illumination device emits light from the integrator rod 172. Since the light shielding device 182 has a function of changing the aspect ratio of the illumination light beam by blocking the light irradiating the image forming region, the non-image forming region of the micromirror type modulation device 420 is irradiated with light. As in the case of the projector 1006 according to the third embodiment, the aspect ratio of the projected image is changed. It is not necessary to become unsightly due to be. Further, since the light shielding device 182 is a light shielding device that is detachably disposed on the light exit surface side of the integrator rod 172 with respect to the optical path of the illumination light beam, the light shielding device 182 is shielded similarly to the projector 1006 according to the third embodiment. It becomes easy to introduce the device 182. In addition, since the light shielding device 182 is located at a position separated from the micromirror type modulation device 430, the light shielding device 182 is introduced as in the case of the projector 1006 according to the third embodiment. It is also suppressed that the image quality is deteriorated due to this.

  The projector of the present invention has been described based on each of the above embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to each of the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the following modifications are possible.

(1) The projectors 1002 and 1004 according to the first and second embodiments serve as the light source device 110, the ellipsoidal reflector 114, the arc tube 112 having the emission center near the first focal point of the ellipsoidal reflector 114, and the collimating lens 118. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As the light source device, a light source device having a parabolic reflector and an arc tube having a light emission center in the vicinity of the focal point of the parabolic reflector can also be preferably used.
(2) The projectors 1002 and 1004 according to the first or second embodiment are transmissive projectors using a transmissive electro-optic modulation device, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to a reflection type projector using a reflection type electro-optic modulation device.
(3) The projectors 1002 and 1004 according to the first and second embodiments use a liquid crystal device as the electro-optic modulation device, but the present invention is not limited to this. In general, the electro-optic modulation device may be any device that modulates incident light in accordance with image information, and a micromirror type modulation device or the like may be used. As the micromirror type modulation device, for example, DMD (digital micromirror device) (trademark of TI) can be used.
(4) Although the projectors 1006 and 1008 according to the third or fourth embodiment use a micromirror type modulation device as an electro-optic modulation device, the present invention is not limited to this. The electro-optic modulation device may be any device that modulates incident light according to image information, and the liquid crystal device according to the first or second embodiment may be used.
(5) Although the projectors 1002 and 1004 according to the first or second embodiment are only examples of projectors using three liquid crystal devices, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to a projector using only one liquid crystal device, a projector using two liquid crystal devices, or a projector using four or more liquid crystal devices.
(6) In each of the above embodiments, only an example of a front type projector that performs projection from the direction of observing the screen has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to a rear-type projector that performs projection from the side opposite to the direction in which the screen is observed.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a projector 1002 according to the first embodiment. The figure shown in order to demonstrate the 1st lens array 120. FIG. The figure shown in order to demonstrate the light-shielding device 160. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a light shielding device 160 in the projector 1002 according to the first embodiment. The figure shown in order to demonstrate the light-shielding device 160a as the modification 1 of Embodiment 1. FIG. The figure shown in order to demonstrate the light-shielding device 160b as the modification 2 of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a light shielding device 162 in a projector 1004 according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a projector 1006 according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a light shielding device 180 in a projector 1006 according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a light shielding device 182 in a projector 1008 according to a fourth embodiment. The figure shown in order to demonstrate another conventional projector.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100,100A ... Illumination device, 100ax, 100Aax ... Illumination optical axis, 110, 110A ... Light source device, 112, 1112 ... Arc tube, 114, 114A ... Ellipsoidal reflector, 116, 116A ... Auxiliary mirror, 118 ... Parallelizing lens, 120, 122, 1120 ... first lens array, 121, 123 ... first small lens, 130, 1130 ... second lens array, 140, 1140 ... polarization conversion element, 150, 1150 ... superimposing lens, 160, 160a, 160b, 162, 180, 182, 1410, 1420 ... light shielding device, 170, 172 ... integrator rod, 190 ... relay optical system, 192 ... relay lens, 194 ... reflection mirror, 200, 1200 ... color separation light guide optical system, 240, 1430R , 1430G, 1430B ... field lens, 400 , 400G, 400B, 410R, 1400R, 1400G, 1400B ... liquid crystal device, 402R, 412R, 422, 432 ... optical modulation region, 420, 430 ... micromirror type modulation device, 420ax ... projection optical axis, 500, 1500 ... cross dichroic Prism, 600, 610, 1600 ... projection optical system, 1000, 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008 ... projector, 1114 ... reflector, 1404 ... case, 1406 ... signal cable, 1412 ... rack, 1414 ... spur gear, 1422 ... rotating shaft , SCR ... screen

Claims (12)

A light source device that emits a substantially parallel illumination light beam toward the illuminated region, a first lens array having a plurality of first small lenses for dividing the illumination light beam emitted from the light source device into a plurality of partial light beams, A second lens array having a plurality of second small lenses corresponding to the plurality of first small lenses of one lens array, and a superimposition for superimposing the partial light beams emitted from the second lens array in the illuminated area An illumination device having a lens;
An electro-optic modulation device that modulates an illumination light beam emitted from the illumination device according to image information, wherein the range of an image forming region and a non-image forming region within the optical modulation region can be changed according to the image information An electro-optic modulator having an aspect ratio changing function;
In a projector comprising a projection optical system that projects an illumination light beam modulated by the electro-optic modulation device,
The illumination device is a light-shielding device that is detachably disposed on the light incident surface side or the light exit surface side of the first lens array with respect to the optical path of the illumination light beam, and the non-image formation of the electro-optic modulation device A light shielding device having a function of changing an aspect ratio of an illumination light beam by partially blocking light for each partial light beam emitted from each first small lens in the first lens array so as not to irradiate the region with light; A projector comprising: The projector according to claim 1, wherein
A projector satisfying a relationship of 0.1 mm <T ₁ <2 mm, where T ₁ is an interval between the light shielding device and the first lens array. The projector according to claim 1 or 2,
The projector is characterized in that the light shielding device is a light shielding device formed by providing a light non-transmissive member having openings of a predetermined pattern on a transparent substrate. The projector according to claim 3, wherein
A projector, wherein a light-reflecting member of the light-shielding device is formed with a reduced reflection film. The projector according to claim 1 or 2,
The projector is characterized in that the light shielding device is a light shielding device formed by providing an opening of a predetermined pattern in an opaque base material. In the projector according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The optical modulation region of the electro-optic modulator has an aspect ratio of 9:16;
The plurality of first small lenses in the first lens array have four rows along a first direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the electro-optic modulation device, and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The projector is arranged in 7 rows along the line. In the projector according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The optical modulation region of the electro-optic modulator has an aspect ratio of 3: 4;
The plurality of first small lenses in the first lens array are arranged in four rows along a first direction corresponding to a longitudinal direction of the electro-optic modulation device, and in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The projector is arranged in six rows along the line. An elliptical reflector, an arc tube having a light emission center near the first focal point of the elliptical reflector, and a light incident surface near the second focal point of the elliptical reflector, and a more uniform intensity distribution of light from the elliptical reflector A lighting device comprising an integrator rod for changing to light having
A relay optical system for guiding light from the illumination device to an illuminated area;
An electro-optic modulation device that modulates light from the relay optical system according to image information, wherein an aspect ratio that can change a range of an image forming area and a non-image forming area in the optical modulation area according to the image information An electro-optic modulator having a change function;
In a projector comprising a projection optical system that projects light modulated by the electro-optic modulation device,
The illumination device is a light shielding device that is detachably disposed on the light exit surface side of the integrator rod with respect to the optical path of the illumination light beam, and the electro-optic modulation device among the illumination light beams emitted from the integrator rod A projector having a light shielding device having a function of changing an aspect ratio of an illumination light beam by blocking light that irradiates the non-image forming area. The projector according to claim 8, wherein
A projector satisfying a relationship of 0.1 mm <T ₂ <2 mm, where T ₂ is an interval between the light shielding device and the light exit surface of the integrator rod. The projector according to claim 8 or 9,
The projector is characterized in that the light shielding device is a light shielding device formed by providing a light non-transmissive member having openings of a predetermined pattern on a transparent substrate. The projector according to claim 10, wherein
A projector, wherein a light-reflecting member of the light-shielding device is formed with a reduced reflection film. The projector according to claim 8 or 9,
The projector is characterized in that the light shielding device is a light shielding device formed by providing an opening of a predetermined pattern in an opaque base material.