JPWO2014115236A1 - Light source module, projection apparatus, light source module control method, projection apparatus control method and program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

The light source module emits a set amount of light. Specifically, the light source module includes a laser element that emits light, an ND filter that is arranged with an incident surface perpendicular to the optical axis of the light emitted from the laser element, and the light is incident thereon, Drive means for driving the ND filter without changing the orientation of the surface and changing the part of the ND filter on which light is incident, and control means for controlling the drive means in accordance with the set light quantity are provided. Further, the ND filter has a gradually different transmittance depending on the part.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technical field of a light source module including a laser element.

  Usually, in a display device using a laser element, the amount of light emitted from the laser element is changed according to the image to be displayed. Specifically, the light amount of the laser element is changed by controlling the drive current of the laser element. By the way, depending on the display device, it may be used in such a way as to greatly reduce the light quantity of the laser element. For example, in a display device (in one example, an in-vehicle head-up display) used in an environment where the illuminance changes greatly, the light intensity tends to be set to be much lower during nighttime use than during daytime use. is there. If the drive current of the laser element is lowered in order to realize such a low light quantity, there is a kink that causes the output of the laser element to become unstable (a phenomenon in which the relationship between the drive current and the optical output becomes nonlinear). May occur. When a kink occurs, it becomes difficult to control the low luminance gradation and the image may flicker.

  Such a kink can be suppressed by changing the amount of light by a method different from the method for controlling the drive current and the like. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that the same polarization beam splitter having a different transmission amount according to the polarization component is symmetrical to a plane orthogonal to the rotation axis of the inner barrel arranged rotatably in the outer barrel and the plane. And the linearly polarized light from the laser light source is made incident so that the optical axis coincides with the rotation axis of the inner lens barrel, and the inner lens barrel is rotated to a desired position, whereby the outgoing optical axis And a technique for adjusting the amount of outgoing light while matching the incident optical axis.

JP 11-258526 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above, since the internal lens barrel that accommodates the two polarization beam splitters is rotated, the number of parts increases, and the apparatus tends to be large. In addition, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to accurately arrange the polarization beam splitter so that the optical axis of the emitted light does not change in conjunction with the rotation of the inner barrel.

  Examples of the problem to be solved by the present invention are as described above. It is an object of the present invention to provide a light source module that can appropriately control the amount of light with a simple configuration.

  In the invention described in claim, the light source module that emits the set amount of light is arranged with a laser element that emits light and an incident surface perpendicular to the optical axis of the light emitted from the laser element, Depending on the ND filter on which the light is incident, driving means for driving the ND filter without changing the direction of the incident surface, and changing the part of the ND filter on which the light is incident, and the set light quantity Control means for controlling the drive means, and the ND filter has a gradually different transmittance depending on a part.

  In the invention described in the claims, the projection device that projects the light constituting the image includes a plurality of laser elements that emit light of different wavelengths, and light of combined light emitted from the plurality of laser elements. An ND filter that is disposed perpendicularly to the axis and that receives the combined light, and the ND filter that drives the ND filter without changing the direction of the incident surface and receives the combined light. A light source module having a driving unit that changes a part of the filter and a control unit that controls the driving unit according to the luminance of an image to be projected, and the ND filter has a gradually different transmittance depending on the part. It is characterized by having.

  In the invention described in the claims, the light source module control method includes: a laser element that emits light; and an incident surface that is perpendicular to the optical axis of the light emitted from the laser element. And a driving means for driving the ND filter without changing the direction of the incident surface and changing the part of the ND filter on which the light is incident, and emitting a set amount of light. A control method executed by the light source module, comprising a control step of controlling the driving means according to the set light amount, wherein the ND filter has a gradually different transmittance depending on a part. Features.

  In the invention described in the claims, the control method of the projection apparatus includes: a plurality of laser elements that emit light of different wavelengths; and a vertical axis with respect to the optical axis of the combined light of the light emitted from the plurality of laser elements. The ND filter is arranged with the incident surface facing the ND filter and the combined light is incident thereon, and the ND filter is driven without changing the direction of the incident surface, and the portion of the ND filter into which the synthetic light is incident is changed. A control method executed by a projection device that projects light constituting an image, and includes a control step of controlling the drive unit according to the luminance of the image to be projected. The ND filter has a gradually different transmittance depending on a part.

  Further, in the invention described in the claims, a plurality of laser elements that emit light of different wavelengths, and an incident surface is arranged perpendicularly to the optical axis of the combined light of the light emitted from the plurality of laser elements A light source comprising: an ND filter that receives the combined light; and a driving unit that drives the ND filter without changing the direction of the incident surface and changes a part of the ND filter that receives the combined light. A program that includes a module and a computer and that is executed by a projection device that projects light constituting an image causes the computer to function as a control unit that controls the driving unit according to the luminance of the image to be projected, and the ND The filter is characterized by having gradually different transmittances depending on the part.

  In the invention described in claims, the recording medium records the program.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the light source module which concerns on 1st Example. The figure for demonstrating the specific operation | movement of ND filter is shown. The figure for demonstrating the effect by 1st Example is shown. The schematic block diagram of the light source module which concerns on 2nd Example is shown. The schematic block diagram of the light source module which concerns on 3rd Example is shown. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a projector according to application example 1; FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a projector according to application example 2;

  In one aspect of the present invention, a light source module that emits a set amount of light is disposed with a laser element that emits light and an incident surface perpendicular to the optical axis of the light emitted from the laser element, Depending on the ND filter on which the light is incident, driving means for driving the ND filter without changing the direction of the incident surface, and changing the part of the ND filter on which the light is incident, and the set light quantity Control means for controlling the drive means, and the ND filter has a gradually different transmittance depending on the part.

  In the above light source module, an ND filter having gradually different transmittances depending on the part is used, and the part of the ND filter on which the light of the laser element is incident is changed by the driving means and the control means. Controls the amount of emitted light. In a preferred example, the ND filter is configured such that the transmittance gradually changes along a predetermined direction on the incident surface, and the driving unit moves the ND filter along the predetermined direction. .

  According to the light source module, it is possible to control the amount of light with a simple configuration as compared with the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above. Specifically, according to the light source module, compared to the technique described in Patent Document 1, the number of parts can be reduced, and the apparatus can be downsized. In addition, unlike the technique described in Patent Document 1, it is not necessary to accurately arrange components so that the optical axis of the emitted light does not change. That is, according to the light source module, the optical axis of the emitted light does not change during dimming even if the component placement accuracy is low.

  In the above light source module, the configuration in which the light from the laser element is directly incident on the ND filter is not limited, and a predetermined optical element (lens, mirror, prism, or the like) is provided between the laser element and the ND filter. The light from the laser element may be incident on the ND filter via the predetermined optical element. Therefore, the above-mentioned “optical axis of light emitted from the laser element” includes not only the optical axis of light emitted from the laser element in a strict sense but also the optical axis of light emitted from a predetermined optical element. Shall also be included.

  In one aspect of the light source module, the driving unit moves the ND filter in a direction parallel to the incident surface. For example, the ND filter is configured such that the transmittance gradually changes along a predetermined linear direction on the incident surface, and the driving unit can move the ND filter along the linear direction. .

  In another aspect of the light source module, the driving unit rotates the ND filter. For example, the ND filter is configured such that the transmittance gradually changes along the circumferential direction of a predetermined circle on the incident surface, and the driving unit is configured to center the ND filter on the center point of the circle. Can be rotated.

  In another aspect of the light source module, the control unit controls the driving unit according to the set light amount, and controls a current or a voltage input to the laser element. According to this aspect, the light is emitted from the light source module by performing control on the driving means (that is, control for changing the part of the ND filter on which light is incident) and control of the current or voltage input to the laser element. It is possible to control the amount of light over a wide range.

  Preferably, in the above light source module, the control means holds the current or voltage input to the laser element at a current value or voltage value that does not cause a kink in the laser element. Thereby, it becomes possible to suppress the influence of a kink appropriately.

  In another aspect of the present invention, a projection device that projects light constituting an image includes a plurality of laser elements that emit light of different wavelengths, and an optical axis of a combined light of light emitted from the plurality of laser elements. An ND filter that is disposed perpendicularly to the incident surface and receives the combined light, and an ND filter that drives the ND filter without changing the direction of the incident surface and receives the combined light. The light source module includes a driving unit that changes a part and a control unit that controls the driving unit according to the luminance of an image to be projected, and the ND filter has gradually different transmittances depending on the part.

  In another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a light source module includes: a laser element that emits light; and an incident surface that is perpendicular to the optical axis of the light emitted from the laser element. And a driving means for driving the ND filter without changing the direction of the incident surface and changing the part of the ND filter on which the light is incident, and emitting a set amount of light. The control method is executed by the light source module, and includes a control step of controlling the driving unit according to the set light amount, and the ND filter has gradually different transmittances depending on a part.

  In another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a projection apparatus includes: a plurality of laser elements that emit light of different wavelengths; and a vertical axis with respect to an optical axis of combined light emitted from the plurality of laser elements. The ND filter is arranged with the incident surface facing the ND filter and the combined light is incident thereon, and the ND filter is driven without changing the direction of the incident surface, and the portion of the ND filter into which the synthetic light is incident is changed. A control method executed by a projection device that projects light constituting an image, and includes a control step of controlling the drive unit according to the luminance of the image to be projected. The ND filter has a gradually different transmittance depending on the part.

  Further, in another aspect of the present invention, a plurality of laser elements that emit light of different wavelengths, and an incident surface that is perpendicular to the optical axis of the combined light emitted from the plurality of laser elements A light source comprising: an ND filter that receives the combined light; and a driving unit that drives the ND filter without changing the direction of the incident surface and changes a part of the ND filter that receives the combined light. A program that includes a module and a computer and that is executed by a projection device that projects light constituting an image causes the computer to function as a control unit that controls the driving unit according to the luminance of the image to be projected, and the ND The filter has gradually different transmittances depending on the part.

  The above program can be suitably handled in a state recorded on a recording medium.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First embodiment]
First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a light source module 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the light source module 10 mainly includes a laser element 1, an ND filter 2, an actuator 3, and a control unit 4. For example, the light source module 10 is applied to a projection device (projector), a head-up display, a head-mounted display, an optical pickup, and the like. In FIG. 1, light is represented by broken-line arrows.

  The laser element 1 is a laser diode (LD) that emits laser light (hereinafter, the laser light is also simply referred to as “light”). The laser element 1 emits light toward the ND filter 2.

  The ND (Neutral Density) filter 2 is composed of one rectangular neutral density filter (a filter that transmits all wavelengths of visible light with a predetermined transmittance). Specifically, the ND film 2 has an ND film pattern formed on the incident surface so that the transmittance (optical density) gradually varies depending on the part. The ND filter 2 is disposed with its incident surface perpendicular to the optical axis of the light emitted from the laser element 1, and the light from the laser element 1 is incident thereon. The light thus incident on the ND filter 2 is transmitted through the ND filter 2 and emitted.

  The actuator 3 drives the ND filter 2 without changing the direction of the incident surface, and changes the part of the ND filter on which light is incident. The actuator 3 is an example of the “driving means” in the present invention.

  The control unit 4 controls the actuator 3 according to the set light amount (light amount to be emitted from the light source module 10). The control unit 4 controls the current or voltage input to the laser element 1. In this case, the control unit 4 sets the current or voltage input to the laser element 1 to a current value that does not affect the kink in the laser element 1 (a phenomenon in which the relationship between the current or voltage and the optical output becomes nonlinear) or Hold above voltage. Specifically, a threshold value for a current or voltage that causes the kink in the laser element 1 is obtained in advance, and the control unit 4 performs control so that a current or voltage that is equal to or greater than the threshold value is input to the laser element 1. The control unit 4 is an example of the “control unit” in the present invention.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a specific operation of the ND filter 2 by driving the actuator 3. FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating a state in which light from the laser element 1 is incident on the ND filter 2, and FIG. 2B is a plan view illustrating an incident surface of the ND filter 2.

  As shown in FIG. 2 (a), the ND filter 2 is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape, and is arranged with its incident surface perpendicular to the optical axis of the light emitted from the laser element 1. The Further, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the ND filter 2 is configured by a gradation filter whose transmittance continuously changes on the same incident surface. Specifically, the ND filter 2 is configured such that the transmittance continuously changes along a predetermined linear direction (X direction) on the incident surface (a direction perpendicular to the X direction ( The transmittance does not change in the Y direction). Specifically, the ND filter 2 is configured such that the transmittance gradually increases from left to right in FIG. In other words, the ND filter 2 is configured such that the transmittance gradually decreases from the right to the left in FIG. For example, the ND filter 2 is configured so that the transmittance changes within a range of 100% to 0.1%.

  As shown by an arrow A1 in FIG. 2A, the actuator 3 is in a direction parallel to the incident surface, specifically in a direction along the X direction (that is, a direction along a direction in which the transmittance continuously changes). The ND filter 2 is moved. The control unit 4 controls the actuator 3 so as to move the ND filter 2 to a desired position based on the amount of light to be emitted from the light source module 10. Specifically, the control unit 4 controls the actuator 3 so that the light on the ND filter 2 where the desired transmittance corresponding to the amount of light to be emitted from the light source module 10 is obtained is irradiated with the light from the laser element 1. Through which the ND filter 2 is moved. For example, the control unit 4 controls the amount of control of the actuator 3 (for example, drive voltage or drive current, corresponding to the amount or direction of movement of the ND filter 2 by the actuator 3) and the transmittance of the ND filter 2 (actuator 3 The relationship between the position of the ND filter 2 arranged by driving and the transmittance corresponding to the location on the ND filter 2 where the light of the laser element 1 enters is stored in advance, and the relationship and the light source module 10 The actuator 3 is controlled based on the amount of light to be emitted.

  1 and 2 show a configuration in which the light of the laser element 1 is directly incident on the ND filter 2, a predetermined optical element (a lens, a mirror, or a prism) is interposed between the laser element 1 and the ND filter 2. Etc.) and the light from the laser element 1 may be incident on the ND filter 2 via the predetermined optical element.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operational effects of the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, on the horizontal axis, the transmittance set by the ND filter 2 (that is, at a position on the ND filter 2 where the light of the laser element 1 is incident at the position where the ND filter 2 is arranged by driving the actuator 3). And the vertical axis represents the amount of light emitted from the ND filter 2.

  A hatching region R1 in FIG. 3 is a range of the amount of light emitted from the ND filter 2 (in other words, a gradation range realized by the first example in the configuration according to the first example. (Corresponding to arrow A21). Specifically, the hatching region R1 has a control in which the control unit 4 inputs, to the laser element 1, a current or voltage in a range equal to or higher than the threshold value that causes the above-described kink, and the maximum transmittance of the ND filter 2 The range of the amount of light emitted from the ND filter 2 when the actuator 3 is controlled to move the ND filter 2 so that the transmittance within the range from the minimum to the minimum transmittance is realized is shown. Yes. In one example, the ND filter 2 is configured such that the transmittance continuously changes from 100% to 0.1%, and the laser element 1 can be controlled without being affected by kink in the range of 100 mW to 10 mW. Therefore, the light quantity control of 10000: 1 is possible by such a combination of the two controls.

  On the other hand, an arrow A22 in FIG. 3 indicates the light amount range when the ND filter 2 is not used, that is, the light amount range of the light emitted from the laser element 1 (hereinafter, the ND filter 2 is used). The configuration that does not exist is appropriately referred to as “comparative example”). Specifically, the arrow A22 indicates the range of the amount of light emitted from the laser element 1 when only the control of inputting a current or voltage within a range equal to or greater than the threshold at which the influence of kink occurs to the laser element 1 is performed. (In other words, the gradation range realized by the comparative example). Comparing the arrows A21 and A22, it can be seen that according to the first embodiment, the amount of light emitted from the light source module 10 can be controlled in a wider range than the comparative example.

  From the above, according to the first embodiment, the amount of light emitted from the light source module 10 can be appropriately controlled over a wide range. In addition, according to the first embodiment, since the light amount is controlled by moving the ND filter 2 by the actuator 3, the light amount can be reduced with a simple configuration as compared with the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above. Can be controlled. Specifically, according to the first embodiment, compared with the technique described in Patent Document 1, the number of parts can be reduced and the apparatus can be downsized. In addition, according to the first embodiment, unlike the technique described in Patent Document 1, it is not necessary to accurately arrange components so that the optical axis of the emitted light does not change. That is, according to the first embodiment, the optical axis of the emitted light does not change during the light control even if the component placement accuracy is low.

  Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, since the light amount is controlled by moving the ND filter 2 whose transmittance changes continuously on the incident surface, display is performed using light emitted from the light source module 10. The brightness of the displayed image also changes gradually (that is, the brightness does not change abruptly). Therefore, it is possible to appropriately suppress the sense of discomfort given to the user when controlling the amount of light.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a light source module 10a according to the second embodiment.

  The light source module 10a according to the second embodiment also includes the actuator 3 and the control unit 4 (see FIG. 1), but these are not shown in FIG. Basically, also in the second embodiment, the actuator 3 and the control unit 4 have the same functions as in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, only the configuration and control different from the first embodiment will be described, and description of the same configuration and control as in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. That is, the configuration and control not particularly described below are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the light source module 10 a according to the second embodiment is different from the light source module 10 according to the first embodiment in that it includes an ND filter 2 a instead of the ND filter 2. The ND filter 2a according to the second embodiment is different from the ND filter 2 according to the first embodiment in that the ND filter 2a is configured in a disk shape including a circle centered on the center point C1. Further, the ND filter 2a according to the second embodiment is configured by a gradation filter whose transmittance continuously changes along the circumferential direction cd of a circle centered on the center point C1 on the incident surface. (The transmittance does not change in the radial direction rd of the circle centered on the center point C1). This is different from the ND filter 2 according to the first embodiment.

  Note that the ND filter 2a is not limited to being configured in a disc shape, and the ND filter 2a may be configured in a flat plate shape. In that case, an ND film pattern similar to that shown in FIG. 4 may be formed on the incident surface in a flat plate shape.

  In the second embodiment using such an ND filter 2a, the actuator 3 rotates the ND filter 2a around the center point C1, as indicated by an arrow A3 in FIG. Further, the control unit 4 controls the actuator 3 based on the amount of light to be emitted from the light source module 10a so that the ND filter 2a has a desired rotation angle. Specifically, the control unit 4 controls the actuator 3 so that the light on the ND filter 2a from which a desired transmittance corresponding to the amount of light to be emitted from the light source module 10a is obtained is irradiated with the light from the laser element 1. Via which the ND filter 2a is rotated. For example, the control unit 4 controls the amount of control of the actuator 3 (for example, drive voltage or drive current, which corresponds to the angle or direction of rotation of the ND filter 2a by the actuator 3) and the transmittance of the ND filter 2a (actuator 3 The relationship between the rotation angle of the ND filter 2a set by the driving of the ND filter 2a and the transmittance corresponding to the location on the ND filter 2a on which the light of the laser element 1 enters is stored in advance, and the relationship and the light source module 10a are stored. The actuator 3 is controlled based on the amount of light to be emitted from the actuator.

  According to the second embodiment described above, the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above can be obtained.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a light source module 10b according to the third embodiment.

  The light source module 10b according to the third embodiment also includes the actuator 3 and the control unit 4 (see FIG. 1), but these are not shown in FIG. Basically, also in the third embodiment, the actuator 3 and the control unit 4 have the same functions as in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, only the configuration and control different from the first embodiment will be described, and description of the same configuration and control as in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. That is, the configuration and control not particularly described below are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the light source module 10 b according to the third example is different from the light source module 10 according to the first example in that it includes an ND filter 2 b instead of the ND filter 2. The ND filter 2b according to the third embodiment is configured by a step filter whose transmittance changes stepwise (for example, three or more steps) on the same incident surface, and thus the ND filter 2 according to the first embodiment. And different. Specifically, the ND filter 2b according to the third embodiment is configured such that the transmittance varies stepwise at equal intervals along the X direction on the incident surface (the X direction and The transmittance does not change in the vertical Y direction).

  Similar to the first embodiment, such an ND filter 2b also has a direction parallel to the incident surface, specifically along the X direction (that is, the transmittance is stepwise), as indicated by an arrow A4 in FIG. In a direction along the direction in which the actuator 3 changes). In the first embodiment, the amount of light is continuously changed by the movement of the ND filter 2 by the actuator 3, but in the third embodiment, the amount of light is changed stepwise by the movement of the ND filter 2b by the actuator 3.

  According to the third embodiment described above, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Note that the step filter as shown in the third embodiment may be applied to the ND filter 2a shown in the second embodiment.

[Application example]
Hereinafter, application examples of the present invention will be described.

(Application example 1)
FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of the projector 101 according to Application Example 1. In application example 1, the present invention is applied to a projector (projection apparatus) 101 that projects light constituting an image.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the projector 101 includes at least a light source module 10c. The light source module 10c includes laser elements 1R, 1G, and 1B, a dichroic prism 5, and an ND filter 2. In addition to the light source module 10c, the projector 101 scans various components (in one example, an image signal input unit to which an image signal corresponding to an image to be displayed is input and light from the light source module 10c. These are omitted in FIG. 6.

  The laser element 1R emits red laser light, the laser element 1G emits green laser light, and the laser element 1B emits blue laser light. In FIG. 6, the red laser light is represented by a solid line, the green laser light is represented by a broken line, and the blue laser light is represented by a one-dot chain line.

  The dichroic prism 5 is provided with reflecting surfaces 5a and 5b. The reflecting surface 5a reflects red laser light and transmits green laser light. The reflecting surface 5b reflects red laser light and green laser light and transmits blue laser light. Thereby, each color laser beam is guided by the dichroic prism 5 so that all of the red laser beam, the green laser beam, and the blue laser beam emitted from the laser elements 1R, 1G, and 1B are incident on the ND filter 2. Become. That is, the combined light obtained by combining the red laser light, the green laser light, and the blue laser light is incident on the ND filter 2.

  The ND filter 2 is the same as that shown in the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Further, the ND filter 2 is controlled by the actuator 3 and the control unit 4 as in the first embodiment (note that the actuator 3 and the control unit 4 are not shown in FIG. 6). Also in the application example 1, the actuator 3 and the control unit 4 function in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Specifically, the control unit 4 controls the movement of the ND filter 2 by the actuator 3 based on the brightness of the image to be projected by the projector 101, and supplies current or voltage to each of the laser elements 1R, 1G, and 1B. Perform input control. Thereby, for example, the ND filter 2 is configured such that the transmittance continuously changes from 100% to 0.1%, and is not affected by the kink in the range of 100 mW to 10 mW, and the laser elements 1R, 1G, 1B. Can be controlled within a range of 10,000: 1.

  In addition, although the example which applied ND filter 2 which concerns on 1st Example to the projector 101 was shown above, instead of ND filter 2 which concerns on 1st Example, ND filter 2a which concerns on 2nd Example, or 3rd The ND filter 2b according to the embodiment may be applied to the projector 101.

(Application example 2)
FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of the projector 102 according to Application Example 2. In application example 2, the present invention is applied to a projector (projection apparatus) 102 that projects light constituting an image.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the projector 102 includes at least a light source module 10d. The light source module 10d includes laser elements 1R, 1G, and 1B, a dichroic prism 5, and ND filters 2R, 2G, and 2B. In addition to the light source module 10d, the projector 102 scans various components (in one example, an image signal input unit to which an image signal corresponding to an image to be displayed is input or light from the light source module 10d. 7 are omitted in FIG. 7.

  The laser elements 1R, 1G, and 1B and the dichroic prism 5 are the same as in Application Example 1 (see FIG. 6). In Application Example 1, by providing the ND filter 2 at the subsequent stage of the dichroic prism 5, the combined light of the red laser light, the green laser light, and the blue laser light is incident on the ND filter 2. On the other hand, in the application example 2, the ND filters 2R and 2G are disposed between the laser element 1R and the dichroic prism 5, between the laser element 1G and the dichroic prism 5, and between the laser element 1B and the dichroic prism 5. 2B are provided. That is, the ND filters 2R, 2G, and 2B are provided in the subsequent stages of the laser elements 1R, 1G, and 1B, respectively. As a result, the red laser light, the green laser light, and the blue laser light are incident on the ND filters 2R, 2G, and 2B, respectively. That is, in Application Example 2, monochromatic laser light before being combined by the dichroic prism 5 is incident on each of the ND filters 2R, 2G, and 2B.

  The ND filters 2R, 2G, and 2B are the same as the ND filter 2 shown in the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Further, the ND filters 2R, 2G, and 2B are controlled by the actuator 3 and the controller 4 as in the first embodiment (note that the actuator 3 and the controller 4 are not shown in FIG. 7). Also in the application example 2, the actuator 3 and the control unit 4 function in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In Application Example 2, it is preferable to provide the actuator 3 for each of the ND filters 2R, 2G, and 2B (that is, to provide the three actuators 3) and move each of the ND filters 2R, 2G, and 2B independently.

  In Application Example 2, the control unit 4 controls the actuator 3 to move each of the ND filters 2R, 2G, and 2B based on the brightness of an image to be projected by the projector 102, and the laser elements 1R, 1G, and 1B. Control is performed to input current or voltage to each. Accordingly, for example, the ND filters 2R, 2G, and 2B are configured so that the transmittance continuously changes from 100% to 0.1%, and the laser element 1R is not affected by the kink in the range of 100 mW to 10 mW. When 1G and 1B can be controlled, dimming can be performed within a range of 10,000: 1. Therefore, according to the application example 2, it is possible to project an image with higher contrast than the application example 1.

  In addition, although the example which applies ND filter 2 which concerns on 1st Example to the projector 102 was shown above, instead of ND filter 2 which concerns on 1st Example, ND filter 2a which concerns on 2nd Example, or 3rd The ND filter 2b according to the embodiment may be applied to the projector 102.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Laser element 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d ND filter 3 Actuator 4 Control part 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d Light source module 101, 102 Projector

In the invention described in claim, the light source module that emits the set amount of light is arranged with a laser element that emits light and an incident surface perpendicular to the optical axis of the light emitted from the laser element, An ND filter to which the light is incident, the ND filter having a transmittance that continuously changes in accordance with a portion of the incident surface; and driving the ND filter without changing the direction of the incident surface; to a driving means for changing a portion of the ND filter in which light is incident, and control means for controlling said drive means in accordance with the set amount of light, characterized in that Ru comprising a.

In the invention described in the claims, the projection device that projects the light constituting the image includes a plurality of laser elements that emit light of different wavelengths, and light of combined light emitted from the plurality of laser elements. An ND filter that is disposed perpendicularly to the axis and that is incident on the incident surface and receives the combined light, the ND filter having a transmittance that continuously changes in accordance with a portion of the incident surface; Driving means for driving the ND filter without changing the direction of the surface and changing the part of the ND filter on which the combined light is incident; and control means for controlling the driving means in accordance with the luminance of the image to be projected; , wherein the Ru includes a light source module having a.

In the invention described in the claims, the light source module control method includes: a laser element that emits light; and an incident surface that is perpendicular to the optical axis of the light emitted from the laser element. Is incident on the ND filter , the ND filter having a transmittance that varies continuously according to the site of the incident surface, and driving the ND filter without changing the direction of the incident surface. Drive means for changing the part of the ND filter that is incident, and is a control method executed by a light source module that emits a set light amount, and controls the drive means according to the set light amount wherein the Ru comprising a control step.

In the invention described in the claims, the control method of the projection apparatus includes: a plurality of laser elements that emit light of different wavelengths; and a vertical axis with respect to the optical axis of the combined light of the light emitted from the plurality of laser elements. The ND filter is arranged with the incident surface facing the ND filter , and the combined light is incident on the ND filter. The ND filter has a transmittance that varies continuously according to the portion of the incident surface, and changes the direction of the incident surface. And a drive unit that drives the ND filter and changes a part of the ND filter on which the combined light is incident, and a control method that is executed by a projection device that projects light constituting an image a is characterized by Ru comprising a control step of controlling said drive means in accordance with the luminance of the image to be projected.

Further, in the invention described in the claims, a plurality of laser elements that emit light of different wavelengths, and an incident surface is arranged perpendicularly to the optical axis of the combined light of the light emitted from the plurality of laser elements An ND filter to which the combined light is incident, the ND filter having a transmittance that continuously changes in accordance with a portion of the incident surface, and driving the ND filter without changing the direction of the incident surface. And a program executed by a projection device that projects light constituting the image, and a light source module having a drive unit that changes a part of the ND filter to which the combined light is incident, and a computer. wherein the Ru makes the computer function as control means for controlling the drive means in accordance with the luminance of the image.

Claims (10)

A light source module that emits a set amount of light,
A laser element that emits light;
An ND filter that is disposed with its incident surface perpendicular to the optical axis of the light emitted from the laser element, and the light is incident thereon;
Driving means for driving the ND filter without changing the direction of the incident surface, and changing a portion of the ND filter on which the light is incident;
Control means for controlling the driving means in accordance with the set light amount;
With
The light source module, wherein the ND filter has a gradually different transmittance depending on a part.   The light source module according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit moves the ND filter in a direction parallel to the incident surface.   The light source module according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit rotates the ND filter.   4. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the driving unit according to the set light amount, and controls a current or a voltage input to the laser element. 5. Light source module.   5. The light source module according to claim 4, wherein the control unit holds a current or a voltage input to the laser element at a current value or a voltage value that does not cause a kink in the laser element. A projection device that projects light constituting an image,
A plurality of laser elements emitting light of different wavelengths,
An ND filter that is arranged with its incident surface directed perpendicular to the optical axis of the combined light of the light emitted from the plurality of laser elements, and on which the combined light is incident;
Driving means for driving the ND filter without changing the direction of the incident surface, and changing a portion of the ND filter on which the combined light is incident;
Control means for controlling the drive means according to the brightness of the image to be projected;
A light source module having
The projection device, wherein the ND filter has a gradually different transmittance depending on a part. A laser element that emits light, an ND filter that is disposed with a light incident surface perpendicular to the optical axis of the light emitted from the laser element, and the light incident on the laser element without changing the direction of the light incident surface Driving means for driving the ND filter and changing a part of the ND filter on which the light is incident, and a control method executed by a light source module that emits a set amount of light,
A control step of controlling the driving means in accordance with the set light amount;
The method of controlling a light source module, wherein the ND filter has gradually different transmittance depending on a part. A plurality of laser elements that emit light of different wavelengths, and an ND that is arranged with its incident surface perpendicular to the optical axis of the combined light of the light emitted from the plurality of laser elements, and on which the combined light is incident A light source module comprising: a filter; and a driving unit that drives the ND filter without changing the direction of the incident surface and changes the portion of the ND filter on which the combined light is incident. A control method executed by a projection device for projecting, comprising:
A control step of controlling the driving means according to the brightness of the image to be projected;
The method of controlling a projection apparatus, wherein the ND filter has a gradually different transmittance depending on a part. A plurality of laser elements that emit light of different wavelengths, and an ND that is arranged with its incident surface perpendicular to the optical axis of the combined light of the light emitted from the plurality of laser elements, and on which the combined light is incident A light source module having a filter, a driving unit that drives the ND filter without changing the direction of the incident surface, and changes a part of the ND filter on which the combined light is incident, and a computer, and constitutes an image A program executed by a projection device that projects light,
Causing the computer to function as control means for controlling the drive means in accordance with the brightness of the image to be projected;
The ND filter has a transmittance that gradually varies depending on a part.   A recording medium on which the program according to claim 9 is recorded.

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