JP4407345B2 - Spatial light modulator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a spatial light modulation device, and more particularly to a spatial light modulation device that is retrofitted to an existing projector.

  As an image display device, a dot matrix image display device such as a liquid crystal panel (liquid crystal display device), a CRT display device, or a plasma display device is often used. The dot matrix image display device expresses an image by a large number of pixels arranged two-dimensionally and periodically. At this time, a so-called sampling noise is generated due to the periodic arrangement structure, and a phenomenon in which the image quality is deteriorated (the image looks rough) is observed. And the method of reducing the phenomenon in which an image quality deteriorates is proposed (for example, refer patent document 1).

JP-A-8-122709

  However, in a dot matrix image display device, a region between pixels is provided with a light shielding portion called a black matrix in order to reduce unnecessary light. In recent years, as a usage mode of an image display device, a large screen is often observed from a relatively short distance. For this reason, the observer may recognize the black matrix image. As described above, the conventional dot matrix image display device has a problem that the image quality is deteriorated due to the black matrix image, such as an image with less smoothness or an image having roughness. In Patent Document 1 described above, the sampling frequency of the optical low-pass filter is determined by the fundamental frequency vector of the pixel array of the spatial light modulator. However, the refracted light cannot reach the central portion of the black matrix image. For this reason, with the configuration of Patent Document 1, it is difficult to reduce image quality degradation caused by a black matrix image.

  In particular, it is difficult for an existing dot matrix image display device, for example, a projector that does not have a configuration for reducing the recognition of a black matrix image, to later reduce the deterioration of the image quality of the projected image. Further, the observer may want to select a desired smoothness level or a seamless level according to the type of image to be projected, for example, the type of character image or moving image. In such a case, with the configuration of the conventional technology, it is not possible to select the smoothness effect of the projected image or the presence or absence of the seamless effect later, and the degree of smoothness or the degree of seamlessness is adjusted with respect to the existing projector. The problem is that you can't.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a spatial light modulation device that can reduce the recognition of a black matrix image and can obtain a smooth, seamless, good image.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, according to the present invention, there is provided a spatial light modulation device arranged in an optical path between a projector that emits projection light and a projection surface on which the projection light is projected. A refracting surface that refracts light from a modulation unit having a pixel unit and a light shielding unit of the projector, and a flat surface that transmits light from the modulation unit, and the refracting surface is a predetermined distance from the refracting surface. The direction of the refracting surface that guides the projection image of the pixel portion of the modulation unit onto the projection image of the light shielding unit, and the reference surface formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis on the projection surface that is far away It is possible to provide a spatial light modulation device characterized by having an angle formed.

  Light from one pixel portion enters a refracting surface or a flat surface. The light incident on the refracting surface is refracted by the refracting surface and the optical path is bent in a predetermined direction. At this time, the direction in which the optical path is bent and its size (refraction angle) can be controlled according to the direction of the refracting surface and the angle between the refracting surface and the reference surface. In the present invention, the projection image of the pixel portion formed by the refracted light is guided onto the projection image of the light shielding portion on the projection surface that is separated from the refracting surface by a predetermined distance. As a result, a projection image of the pixel portion is formed in a superimposed manner on the projection image region of the light shielding portion on the projection plane that is separated from the refracting portion by a predetermined distance. Therefore, on the projection surface, it is possible to observe a smooth image with a reduced feeling of roughness without the observer recognizing the light shielding portion. In particular, the spatial light modulation device is disposed in an optical path between a projector that emits projection light and a projection surface on which the projection light is projected. For this reason, by arranging this spatial light modulator for an existing dot matrix image display device, for example, a projector that does not have a configuration for reducing the recognition of a black matrix image, the smoothness of the projected image can be achieved later. It is possible to select the presence or absence of a seamless effect or a seamless effect, and to adjust the degree of smoothness or the degree of seamlessness. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a spatial light modulation device that can reduce the recognition of a black matrix image and can obtain a smooth, seamless, good image.

  Moreover, according to the preferable aspect of this invention, it is desirable that a refractive surface is a cone-shaped slope. In order to form the projected image of the pixel portion in a superimposed manner on the projected image area of the light shielding portion on the projection surface, alignment of the pixel portion and the refractive surface is necessary. The conical slope has a rotationally symmetric shape with respect to its central axis. For this reason, a projected image of the pixel portion can be formed in a predetermined direction without performing alignment on the pixel portion.

  Moreover, according to the preferable aspect of this invention, it is desirable for a refractive surface to be a polygonal-pyramidal slope. The polygonal pyramid shape may be an arbitrary shape such as a triangular pyramid, a quadrangular pyramid, a pentagonal pyramid, or a hexagonal pyramid. By controlling the direction and angle of the inclined surface of the polygonal pyramid shape, the projection image of the pixel portion is formed in a superimposed manner on the projection image area of the light shielding portion on the projection plane that is separated from the refracting portion by a predetermined distance. Therefore, on the projection surface, it is possible to observe a smooth image with a reduced feeling of roughness without the observer recognizing the light shielding portion.

  Further, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is desirable that the projector has a projection lens for projecting projection light, and the spatial light modulator has a detachable part that is detachably attached to the projection lens. By attaching the spatial light modulation device to the projection lens, it is possible to obtain the effect of smoothness of the projected image and the seamless effect later.

  Further, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is desirable that the spatial light modulator has a detachable part that is detachably attached to the main body of the projector. By attaching the spatial light modulation device to the projector main body, it is possible to obtain the smoothness effect and the seamless effect of the projected image later.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is desirable that the spatial light modulation device has an insertion / removal unit that can be removably disposed in an optical path away from the main body of the projector. By simply disposing the spatial light modulation device in the optical path of the projection light away from the main body of the projector, it is possible to obtain the smoothness effect and the seamless effect of the projected image later.

  Embodiments of a spatial light modulation device according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by this Example.

  FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a spatial light modulator 130 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a configuration when the spatial light modulator 130 is used in the projector 100. The projector 100 described later emits projection light from the projection lens 114. The emitted projection light is projected on the screen 116. The spatial light modulator 130 is fixed on the stand base 131. The spatial light modulator 130 is disposed in an optical path between the projector 100 that emits projection light and the screen 116 that is a projection surface on which the projection light is projected. Spatial light modulator 130 and screen 116 are separated by a predetermined distance L. The configuration of the spatial light modulator 130 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the projector 100 using the spatial light aerial modulation device 130. First, the description of the projector 100 will be given first, and then the spatial light modulation device 130 will be explained in relation to the projector 100.

  The ultra-high pressure mercury lamp 101 serving as the light source unit includes red light (hereinafter referred to as “R light”) as the first color light, green light (hereinafter referred to as “G light”) as the second color light, and third light. Light including blue light (hereinafter referred to as “B light”) that is colored light is supplied. The integrator 104 uniformizes the illuminance distribution of the light from the ultrahigh pressure mercury lamp 101. The light whose illuminance distribution is made uniform is converted into polarized light having a specific vibration direction, for example, s-polarized light by the polarization conversion element 105. The light converted into the s-polarized light is incident on the R light transmitting dichroic mirror 106R constituting the color separation optical system. Hereinafter, the R light will be described. The R light transmitting dichroic mirror 106R transmits R light and reflects G light and B light. The R light transmitted through the R light transmitting dichroic mirror 106R is incident on the reflection mirror 107. The reflection mirror 107 bends the optical path of the R light by 90 degrees. The R light whose optical path is bent enters the spatial light modulator for first color light 110R that modulates the R light as the first color light according to the image signal. The spatial light modulator for first color light 110R is a transmissive liquid crystal display device that modulates R light according to an image signal. Since the polarization direction of the light does not change even if it passes through the dichroic mirror, the R light incident on the first color light spatial light modulator 110R remains as s-polarized light.

  The first color light spatial light modulator 110R includes a λ / 2 phase difference plate 123R, a glass plate 124R, a first polarizing plate 121R, a liquid crystal panel 120R, and a second polarizing plate 122R. The detailed configuration of the liquid crystal panel 120R will be described later. The λ / 2 phase difference plate 123R and the first polarizing plate 121R are arranged in contact with a light-transmitting glass plate 124R that does not change the polarization direction. Thereby, the problem that the first polarizing plate 121R and the λ / 2 phase difference plate 123R are distorted by heat generation can be avoided. In FIG. 1, the second polarizing plate 122R is provided independently. However, the second polarizing plate 122R may be disposed in contact with the exit surface of the liquid crystal panel 120R or the entrance surface of the cross dichroic prism 112.

  The s-polarized light incident on the first color light spatial light modulator 110R is converted into p-polarized light by the λ / 2 phase difference plate 123R. The R light converted into p-polarized light passes through the glass plate 124R and the first polarizing plate 121R as it is and enters the liquid crystal panel 120R. The p-polarized light incident on the liquid crystal panel 120R is converted into s-polarized light by modulation according to the image signal. The R light converted into s-polarized light by the modulation of the liquid crystal panel 120R is emitted from the second polarizing plate 122R. In this way, the R light modulated by the first color light spatial light modulator 110R is incident on the cross dichroic prism 112 which is a color synthesis optical system.

  Next, the G light will be described. The light paths of the G light and the B light reflected by the R light transmitting dichroic mirror 106R are bent by 90 degrees. The G light and the B light whose optical paths are bent enter the B light transmitting dichroic mirror 106G. The B light transmitting dichroic mirror 106G reflects the G light and transmits the B light. The G light reflected by the B light transmitting dichroic mirror 106G is incident on the second color light spatial light modulator 110G that modulates the G light, which is the second color light, according to the image signal. The spatial light modulator for second color light 110G is a transmissive liquid crystal display device that modulates G light according to an image signal. The second color light spatial light modulator 110G includes a liquid crystal panel 120G, a first polarizing plate 121G, and a second polarizing plate 122G. Details of the liquid crystal panel 120G will be described later.

  The G light incident on the second color light spatial light modulator 110G is converted into s-polarized light. The s-polarized light incident on the second color light spatial light modulator 110G passes through the first polarizing plate 121G as it is and enters the liquid crystal panel 120G. The s-polarized light incident on the liquid crystal panel 120G is converted into p-polarized light by modulation according to the image signal. The G light converted into p-polarized light by the modulation of the liquid crystal panel 120G is emitted from the second polarizing plate 122G. Thus, the G light modulated by the second color light spatial light modulator 110G enters the cross dichroic prism 112, which is a color synthesis optical system.

  Next, the B light will be described. The B light transmitted through the B light transmitting dichroic mirror 106G passes through the two relay lenses 108 and the two reflection mirrors 107, and the third light that modulates the B light as the third color light in accordance with the image signal. The light enters the color light spatial light modulator 110B. The spatial light modulator for third color light 110B is a transmissive liquid crystal display device that modulates B light according to an image signal.

  The reason why the B light passes through the relay lens 108 is that the optical path length of the B light is longer than the optical path lengths of the R light and the G light. By using the relay lens 108, it is possible to guide the B light transmitted through the B light transmitting dichroic mirror 106G directly to the third color light spatial light modulator 110B. The spatial light modulator for third color light 110B includes a λ / 2 phase difference plate 123B, a glass plate 124B, a first polarizing plate 121B, a liquid crystal panel 120B, and a second polarizing plate 122B. Note that the configuration of the spatial light modulation device 110B for the third color light is the same as the configuration of the spatial light modulation device 110R for the first color light described above, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The B light incident on the spatial light modulator for third color light 110B is converted into s-polarized light. The s-polarized light incident on the third color light spatial light modulator 110B is converted into p-polarized light by the λ / 2 phase difference plate 123B. The B light converted into p-polarized light passes through the glass plate 124B and the first polarizing plate 121B as it is, and enters the liquid crystal panel 120B. The p-polarized light incident on the liquid crystal panel 120B is converted into s-polarized light by modulation according to the image signal. The B light converted into the s-polarized light by the modulation of the liquid crystal panel 120B is emitted from the second polarizing plate 122B. The B light modulated by the third color light spatial light modulator 110B is incident on the cross dichroic prism 112 which is a color synthesis optical system. As described above, the R light transmissive dichroic mirror 106R and the B light transmissive dichroic mirror 106G constituting the color separation optical system convert the light supplied from the ultrahigh pressure mercury lamp 101 to the R light that is the first color light and the second light. The light is separated into G light, which is colored light, and B light, which is third color light.

  The cross dichroic prism 112, which is a color synthesis optical system, is configured by arranging two dichroic films 112a and 112b perpendicularly to an X shape. The dichroic film 112a reflects B light and transmits R light and G light. The dichroic film 112b reflects R light and transmits B light and G light. As described above, the cross dichroic prism 112 has the R light and G light modulated by the first color light spatial light modulation device 110R, the second color light spatial light modulation device 110G, and the third color light spatial light modulation device 110B, respectively. And B light. The projection lens 114 projects the light combined by the cross dichroic prism 112 onto the screen 116. Thereby, a full color image can be obtained on the screen 116. A spatial light modulator 130 is disposed in the optical path between the screen 116 and the projector 100.

  As described above, the light incident on the cross dichroic prism 112 from the first color light spatial light modulator 110R and the third color light spatial light modulator 110B is set to be s-polarized light. The light incident on the cross dichroic prism 112 from the second color light spatial light modulator 110G is set to be p-polarized light. In this way, by changing the polarization direction of the light incident on the cross dichroic prism 112, the light emitted from the spatial light modulators for the respective color lights in the cross dichroic prism 112 can be effectively combined. The dichroic films 112a and 112b are usually excellent in the reflection characteristics of s-polarized light. For this reason, R light and B light reflected by the dichroic films 112a and 112b are s-polarized light, and G light transmitted through the dichroic films 112a and 112b is p-polarized light.

  FIG. 3A illustrates a front configuration of the spatial light modulator 130 as viewed from the screen 116 side. A plurality of conical shapes are formed on the transparent substrate 333. Each conical shape is a trapezoidal conical shape having a flat surface 331 at the top. Further, the conical slope 332 has a function of a refractive surface.

  FIG. 3-2 illustrates a perspective configuration of the spatial light modulator 130. The inclined surface 332 that is a refracting surface refracts light from the modulation unit of the liquid crystal panels 120R, 120G, and 120B. The flat surface 331 transmits light from the modulation units of the liquid crystal panels 120R, 120G, and 120B as it is.

  FIG. 4A illustrates a planar configuration of the liquid crystal panel 120R as viewed from the front. The three liquid crystal panels 120R, 120G, and 120B differ only in the wavelength region of light to be modulated, and the basic configuration is the same. Therefore, the following description will be made with the liquid crystal panel 120R as a representative example. The black matrix portion 402 that is a light shielding portion shields the R light incident from the ultrahigh pressure mercury lamp 101 and does not emit the light toward the screen 116 side. The black matrix portion 402 is formed in a lattice shape in a substantially orthogonal direction. A rectangular area surrounded by the black matrix portion 402 forms an opening 401. The opening 401 allows the R light from the extra-high pressure mercury lamp 101 to pass through. The pixel portion in the projected image is formed by light that has been modulated by being transmitted through the opening 401 and the liquid crystal layer or TFT substrate of the liquid crystal panel 120R. Since this light is light that passes through the opening 401, the position and size of the opening 401 correspond to the position and size of the pixel portion, respectively. Further, as is apparent from FIG. 4A, the opening 401 and the black matrix portion 402 are periodically and repeatedly arranged.

  FIG. 4B shows a projected image on the screen 116. The inclined surface 332 that is the refractive surface is obtained by converting the refractive aperture image 401Pa that is the projection image of the pixel portion of the modulation unit into the black matrix portion 402 on the screen 116 that is the projection surface that is separated from the inclined surface 332 by a predetermined distance L (see FIG. 1). The direction of the inclined surface 332 that leads to the projected image, and the angle θ between the inclined surface 332 and the transparent substrate 333 that is a reference surface formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis AX.

  Thereby, light incident on the flat surface 331 from the opening 401 which is one pixel portion is transmitted as it is. The transmitted light directly forms a transmission aperture image 401P directly on the screen 116. In addition, light incident on the inclined surface 332 that is a refractive surface from the opening 401 that is one pixel portion is refracted by the inclined surface 332 and the optical path is bent in a predetermined direction. At this time, the direction in which the optical path is bent and its size (refraction angle) can be controlled in accordance with the direction of the inclined surface 332 and the angle θ between the inclined surface 332 and the transparent substrate 333 serving as the reference surface.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the refraction opening image 401Pa of the opening 401 formed by the refracted light on the screen 116 that is separated from the inclined surface 332 by the predetermined distance L onto the projection image of the black matrix portion 402. It is configured to be guided. Therefore, a refraction opening image 401Pa of an opening is formed on the screen 116 that is separated from the inclined surface 332 by a predetermined distance L so as to overlap with the projected image area of the black matrix portion 402. For this reason, on the screen 116, an observer can observe a smooth image with a reduced feeling of roughness without recognizing an image of the black matrix portion 402 that is a light shielding portion.

  The spatial light modulation device 130 has a stand base 131 that is an insertion / removal unit that can be removably disposed in an optical path away from the main body of the projector 100. Therefore, by simply placing the spatial light modulator 130 in the optical path of the projection light that is away from the main body of the projector 100, it is possible to obtain the smoothness effect and the seamless effect of the projected image later.

  As described above, the spatial light modulator 130 is disposed in the optical path between the projector 100 that emits the projection light and the screen 116 on which the projection light is projected. For this reason, by arranging the spatial light modulation device 100 with respect to an existing dot matrix image display device, for example, a projector 100 that does not have a configuration for reducing the recognition of a black matrix image, the projected image can be smoothed later. It is possible to select the presence or absence of a seamless effect or a seamless effect, and to adjust the degree of smoothness or the degree of seamlessness. Therefore, the recognition of the black matrix image can be reduced, and a smooth and seamless good image can be obtained.

  Further, in order to form the projected image of the opening 401 in a superimposed manner on the projected image area of the black matrix portion 402 on the screen 116, alignment of the opening 401 and the inclined surface 332 may be necessary. The conical slope 332 has a rotationally symmetric shape with respect to the central axis C parallel to the optical axis AX. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4B, the refractive aperture image 401Pa is formed so as to spread directly around the transmission aperture image 401P. Therefore, in the present embodiment, recognition of the black matrix portion 402 image can be reduced without reducing the resolution without performing alignment between the opening 401 and the inclined surface 332.

  The area ratio between the flat surface 331 and the inclined surface 332 corresponds to the ratio of the intensity of the direct transmission opening image 401P and the intensity of the refraction opening image 401Pa on the screen 116.

  Further, the degree of seamlessness and smoothness can be adjusted by changing the position where the spatial light modulator 130 is arranged. By changing the spacing between the spatial light modulator 130 and the modulation surfaces of the liquid crystal panels 120R, 120G, and 120B in the projector 100, the arrival position of the refracted light on the screen 116 varies. Therefore, the degree of smoothness or the degree of seamlessness can be set to a desired amount by changing the position where the spatial light modulator 130 is arranged.

  Further, the spatial light modulator 130 is sufficient if it has a region where the projection light from the projection lens 114 can be refracted and directly transmitted without being excessive or insufficient. For this reason, the size of the spatial light modulator 130 does not depend on the shape of the main body of the projector 100 or the shape of the projection lens 114.

  FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic configuration of the spatial light modulation device 530 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 shows a configuration when the spatial light modulation device 530 is used in the projector 100 described above. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. Spatial light modulation device 530 includes an attachment / detachment unit 501 that is detachably attached to the main body of projector 100. The detachable portion 501 and the spatial light modulator 530 are integrally formed via the frame body 500. Further, the spatial light modulator 530 and the screen 116 are separated by a predetermined distance L. Thereby, by attaching the spatial light modulation device 530 to the main body of the projector 100, the effect of smoothness of the projected image and the seamless effect can be obtained later.

  FIG. 6A illustrates a front configuration of the spatial light modulator 530 as viewed from the screen 116 side. A plurality of quadrangular pyramid shapes are formed on the transparent substrate 533. Each quadrangular pyramid shape is a trapezoidal quadrangular pyramid shape having a flat surface 531 on the top. The quadrangular pyramid-shaped inclined surface 532 functions as a refractive surface.

  FIG. 6B shows a perspective configuration of the spatial light modulator 530. The inclined surface 532 that is a refracting surface refracts light from the modulation unit of the liquid crystal panels 120R, 120G, and 120B. The flat surface 531 transmits light from the modulation units of the liquid crystal panels 120R, 120G, and 120B as it is.

  FIG. 7 shows a projected image on the screen 116. The inclined surface 532 that is a refractive surface is obtained by converting a refractive aperture image 501Pa that is a projected image of the pixel portion of the modulation unit into a black matrix portion 402 on the screen 116 that is a projection surface that is separated from the inclined surface 532 by a predetermined distance L (see FIG. The direction of the inclined surface 532 that leads to the projected image of FIG. 5 and an angle θ (FIG. 6-2) formed between the inclined surface 532 and the transparent substrate 533 that is a reference surface formed substantially perpendicular to the optical axis AX.

  Accordingly, light incident on the flat surface 531 from the opening 401 which is one pixel portion is transmitted as it is. As it is, the transmitted light forms a transmission aperture image 501P directly on the screen 116. Further, light incident on the inclined surface 532 that is a refractive surface from the opening 401 that is one pixel portion is refracted by the inclined surface 532 and the optical path is bent in a predetermined direction. At this time, the direction in which the optical path is bent and its size (refraction angle) can be controlled in accordance with the direction of the inclined surface 532 and the angle θ between the inclined surface 532 and the transparent substrate 533 serving as the reference surface.

  In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the refraction opening image 501Pa of the opening 401 formed by the refracted light on the screen 116 that is separated from the inclined surface 532 by the predetermined distance L is the projected image of the black matrix portion 402. It is configured to be guided upward. Accordingly, a refraction opening image 501Pa of an opening is formed on the screen 116 that is separated from the inclined surface 532 by a predetermined distance L so as to overlap with the projected image area of the black matrix portion 402.

  In the first embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 4B, since the conical slope 332 is used as the refracting surface, the refractive opening portion image 401Pa extends concentrically around the direct transmission opening portion image 401P. Is formed. In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the refractive aperture image 401Pa is formed so as to be adjacent to the periphery of the rectangular direct transmission aperture image 401P. Thereby, on the screen 116, an observer can observe an image with a smooth and reduced feeling of roughness without recognizing an image of the black matrix portion 402 which is a light shielding portion.

  Further, it is desirable to perform alignment between the spatial light modulator 530 and the modulation surfaces of the liquid crystal panels 120R, 120G, and 120B. If the arrangement direction of the quadrangular pyramid and the direction of the grid-like black matrix portion 402 are matched, the most seamless and smooth effect of the projected image can be obtained. For example, let us consider a case where alignment of the main body casing made up of the casing of the projector 100 and the black matrix portion 402 of the modulation surface is performed in advance. In this case, the projector 100 is fixed so as to be sandwiched by the detachable portion 501 as shown in FIG. Thereby, the spatial light modulator 530 and the black matrix part 402 of the modulation surface can be easily aligned.

  Further, the spatial light modulator 530 may be configured to be slidable in the direction along the optical axis AX. By changing the spacing between the spatial light modulator 530 and the modulation surfaces of the liquid crystal panels 120R, 120G, and 120B in the projector 100, the arrival position of the refracted light on the screen 116 differs. Therefore, by sliding the spatial light modulator 530 along the optical axis AX, the degree of smoothness or the degree of seamlessness can be set to a desired amount.

  More preferably, it is desirable to provide the frame 500 with a screw-type fine adjustment mechanism. Then, by adjusting the screw, it is possible to finely adjust the relative alignment between the modulation surface and the spatial light modulation device 530, particularly the alignment in the rotation direction around the optical axis AX.

  In addition, although the present Example demonstrated using 4 pyramid shape, this invention is not limited to this. For example, a polygonal pyramid shape such as a triangular pyramid, a pentagonal pyramid, a hexagonal pyramid, or a trapezoidal cone shape may be used. When the trapezoidal conical slope as described in the first embodiment is used, alignment in the rotational direction around the optical axis AX is not necessary.

  Next, returning to FIG. 1, the configuration when the above-described alignment is necessary for the stand-type spatial light modulator 130 of the first embodiment using a pyramid-shaped slope will be described. Normally, the projector 100 is placed on the installation surface GND so that, for example, the horizontal and vertical directions of a horizontally long screen for the observer are parallel to the sides of the screen 116. The spatial light modulator 130 is disposed on the installation surface GND or a surface parallel to the installation surface GND. At this time, the spatial light modulation device 130 is configured so that the vertical direction can be calibrated using, for example, a weight so that the flat surface 531 (FIG. 6-2) is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis AX. Thereby, in Example 1, alignment when using a pyramid shape like Example 2 can be performed easily.

  FIG. 8 shows a modification of the spatial light modulator 530. The spatial light modulation device 530 of this modification has an L-shaped cross section. Spatial light modulation device 530 is arranged with respect to installation surface GND so that attaching / detaching portion 801 of the L-shape is inserted into the lower part of the main body of projector 100. The positional relationship among the slope 532, the flat surface 531 and the attaching / detaching portion 801 of the spatial light modulator 530 is set in advance. Further, the main body of the projector 100 is also arranged substantially horizontally with respect to the installation surface GND. Thereby, the spatial light modulator 530 and the black matrix part 402 of the modulation surface can be easily aligned.

  FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective configuration of the spatial light modulation device 930 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. The spatial light modulation device 930 of the present embodiment is detachably provided on the projection lens 114 by a claw portion 901 that is an attachment / detachment portion. FIG. 9A shows a state before the spatial light modulator 901 is attached to the projection lens 114.

  FIG. 9-2 shows a configuration of the spatial light modulator 930 viewed from the front. The claw portion 901 which is an attachment / detachment portion is formed at a position equally divided into about 1/4 of the circular mount frame 902 of the spatial light modulator 930. The four claw portions 901 engage with the inner peripheral portion of the lens barrel of the projection lens 114. Thereby, the spatial light modulation device 930 is attached and fixed to the projection lens 114. Further, as shown in FIG. 9-2, an alignment mark indicated by a black triangle mark is formed at the 12 o'clock position on the timepiece. When the spatial light modulation device 930 has a polygonal pyramid shape as in the second embodiment, the spatial light modulation device 930 is attached to the projection lens 114 so that the alignment mark and the predetermined position of the projection lens 114 coincide with each other. Thereby, relative alignment between the modulation surface of the projector main body (not shown) and the spatial light modulation device 530, particularly alignment in the rotation direction around the optical axis AX can be performed.

  For example, the spatial light modulator 930 is removed from the projection lens 114 for a projected image that does not require much smoothness or seamless effect. For a projected image that requires a smooth effect or a seamless effect, the spatial light modulator 930 is attached to the projection lens 114. Thereby, the observer can easily select the presence or absence of a smooth effect or a seamless effect. When the trapezoidal conical slope as described in the first embodiment is used, alignment in the rotational direction around the optical axis AX is not necessary.

  FIG. 10 shows a modification of this embodiment. In the spatial light modulator 1030, a claw portion 1001 that is an attachment / detachment portion is formed on a circular mount frame 1002 as in the third embodiment. The claw portion 1001 is configured to engage with the lens barrel of the projection lens 114 from the outside. Thereby, the observer can easily select the presence or absence of a smooth effect or a seamless effect. In each of the above embodiments, an example in which the present invention is applied to a projector using a liquid crystal panel as a spatial light modulation device is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to, for example, a projector using DMD (trademark) manufactured by Texas Instruments as a spatial light modulator.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a spatial light modulation device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 6 is another diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the spatial light modulation device according to the first embodiment. 1 is a front configuration diagram of a spatial light modulation device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective configuration diagram of a spatial light modulation device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. The front block diagram of a liquid crystal panel. FIG. 5 is a diagram of a projected image on the screen of Example 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a spatial light modulation device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a front configuration diagram of a spatial light modulation device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective configuration diagram of a spatial light modulation device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram of a projected image on the screen of Example 2. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a spatial light modulation device according to a modification of Example 2. FIG. 6 is a perspective configuration diagram of a spatial light modulation device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a front configuration diagram of a spatial light modulation device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective configuration diagram of a spatial light modulation device according to a modification of the third embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Projector, 114 Projection lens, 116 Screen, 131 Stand base part, AX optical axis, GND installation surface, 101 Super high pressure mercury lamp, 104 Integrator, 105 Polarization conversion element, 106RR R light transmission dichroic mirror, 107 Reflection mirror, 108 Relay Lens, 110R, 110G, 110B Spatial light modulator for each color light, 112 Cross dichroic prism, 112a, 112b Dichroic film, 121R, 121G, 121B First polarizing plate, 120R, 120G, 120B Liquid crystal panel, 122R, 122G, 122B 2 polarizing plate, 130 spatial light modulator, 331 flat surface, 332 slope, 333 transparent substrate, θ angle, C axis, 401 opening, 402 black matrix portion, 401P direct transmission opening , 401 Pa refractive aperture image, 500 frame, 501 attachment / detachment unit, 530 spatial light modulator, 531 flat surface, 532 slope, 533 transparent substrate, 501P direct transmission aperture image, 501 Pa refraction aperture image, 801 attachment / detachment unit, 930 Spatial light modulator, 901 claw part, 902 mount frame, 1001 claw part, 1002 mount frame, 1030 Spatial light modulator

Claims (10)

A spatial light modulator disposed in an optical path between a projector that emits projection light and a projection surface on which the projection light is projected,
A refracting surface that refracts light from a modulation unit having a pixel unit and a light shielding unit of the projector, and a flat surface that transmits light from the modulation unit;
The refracting surface has an orientation of the refracting surface that guides the projection image of the pixel unit of the modulation unit onto the projection image of the light shielding unit, and the refracting surface on the projection surface that is separated from the refracting surface by a predetermined distance. And a reference plane formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis. The spatial light modulator according to claim 1, wherein the refractive surface is a conical slope. The spatial light modulator according to claim 1, wherein the refractive surface is a polygonal pyramid-shaped inclined surface. The projector has a projection lens for projecting the projection light,
Claim wherein the spatial light modulator is that by the claw portion that is installed in the spatial light modulator, and wherein the benzalkonium mounted detachably by engaging the internal or external to the barrel of the projection lens The spatial light modulation device according to any one of 1 to 3. 4. The spatial light modulator according to claim 1 , further comprising an attachment / detachment unit detachably attached to the main body of the projector, wherein the main body of the projector is sandwiched and fixed by the attachment / detachment unit when attached . The spatial light modulation device according to any one of claims. The spatial light modulator, the spatial light modulating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that you are provided with a stand base portion for securing said spatial light modulator. The projector having a projection lens for projecting the projection light;
  The spatial light modulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is detachably attached to the projection lens;
  A projector system comprising: The projector;
The spatial light modulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the spatial light modulation device is detachably attached to a main body of the projector;
  A projector system comprising: The projector having a projection lens for projecting the projection light;
  The spatial light modulation according to claim 1, wherein the spatial light modulation unit is detachably attached to the lens barrel of the projection lens from the inside or the outside by a claw provided on the spatial light modulation device. Equipment,
  A projector system comprising: The projector;
The spatial light modulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the spatial light modulation device is detachably attached to the main body of the projector, and is fixed by sandwiching the main body of the projector between the attachment and detachment portions when attached.
  A projector system comprising:

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