U.S. patent application number 11/515170 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-04 for projection display apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Olympus Corporation. Invention is credited to Naoto Shimada.
Application Number | 20070002283 11/515170 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32063697 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070002283 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shimada; Naoto |
January 4, 2007 |
Projection display apparatus
Abstract
A projection display apparatus comprises luminous bodies, a
luminous body driving portion which drives to turn on each of the
luminous bodies, light leading members which optically separately
lead and project light beams exiting from the luminous bodies, a
movable portion which enables relative movement of the light
leading members and the luminous bodies, and a light selection
control portion which controls the movable portion and/or the
luminous body driving portion in such a manner that light beams
which enter the light leading members are selected. The apparatus
further comprises a light modulation element which performs light
modulation, an illumination member which illuminates the light
modulation element with light beams from the light leading members,
and a display control portion which controls the light selection
control portion and the light modulation element in such a manner
that the element suitable for light beams from the light leading
members is illuminated.
Inventors: |
Shimada; Naoto;
(Hachioji-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VOLPE AND KOENIG, P.C.
UNITED PLAZA, SUITE 1600
30 SOUTH 17TH STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Assignee: |
Olympus Corporation
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
32063697 |
Appl. No.: |
11/515170 |
Filed: |
September 1, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11318954 |
Dec 27, 2005 |
7118221 |
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11515170 |
Sep 1, 2006 |
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11092004 |
Mar 29, 2005 |
7029129 |
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11318954 |
Dec 27, 2005 |
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PCT/JP03/12027 |
Sep 19, 2003 |
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11092004 |
Mar 29, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
353/31 ;
348/E9.027 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03B 21/208 20130101;
G03B 33/12 20130101; G03B 21/2013 20130101; G03B 21/2033 20130101;
H04N 9/3111 20130101; H04N 9/315 20130101; H04N 9/3117 20130101;
H04N 9/3182 20130101; H04N 9/3105 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
353/031 |
International
Class: |
G03B 21/00 20060101
G03B021/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 1, 2002 |
JP |
JP2002-288936 |
Claims
1. A projection display apparatus comprising: a first illumination
unit configured to emit one of red light, green light and blue
light; a first light modulation element configured to modulate said
on of the red light, green and blue light, which is emitted by the
first illumination unit; a second illumination unit configured to
emit the other two of the red light, green light and blue light in
time sequence; a second light modulation element configured to
successively modulate the other two of the red light, green light
and blue light, which are emitted by the second illumination unit;
a combination section configured to combine said one of the red
light, green light and blue light, which is modulated by the first
light modulation element, and the other two of the red light, green
light and blue light, which are modulated by the second light
modulation element into light; a projection lens configured to
project the light obtained by the combination section; and a
synchronization control portion configured to control emission
timings of the other two of the red light, green light and blue
light, which are emitted in time sequence by the second
illumination unit, in synchronism with modulation of the other two
of the red light, green light and blue light, which is performed by
the second light modulation element based on color data items
included in image data for use in modulation by the second light
modulation element.
2. The projection display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said one of the red light, green light and blue light, which is
emitted from the first light illumination unit, is the green light,
and the other two of the red light, green light and blue light,
which are emitted from the second light illumination unit, are the
red light and blue light.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/318,954, filed on Dec. 27, 2005, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/092,004, filed
on Mar. 29, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,029,129, which is a
continuation of PCT Application No. PCT/JP03/12027, filed on Sep.
19, 2003, which is based upon and claims the benefit of priority
from Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-288936, filed on Oct. 1,
2002, which are incorporated by reference as if fully set
forth.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a projection display
apparatus which has a high utilization efficiency of light and
realizes high luminance and reduction in size.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In examples of a condenser illumination apparatus which
illuminates a specified portion with high efficiency have
heretofore been known such as a car headlight, stand illumination,
spot light, flashlight, and illumination unit for a data projector,
light from a light emitting source closer to a point source is
reflected by a reflection unit whose reflection shape is devised,
directivity of a light flux of the reflected light is enhanced by
an optical lens, and the reflected light is usually used to
effectively perform condenser illumination.
[0004] In the same manner as in conventional illumination, even in
these condenser illumination apparatus, there is much demand for
obtaining a brighter illumination light without excessively
enlarging a size of the apparatus. However, in order to obtain the
brighter illumination light, although the size of the condenser
illumination apparatus increase, an applied power of the light
emitting source is enlarged, thereby to increase quantity of output
light. Additionally, in order to enhance a condenser capability,
the reflection unit or optical lens is applied which is relatively
enlarged with respect to the light emitting source. Therefore, to
obtain brightness with good condenser efficiency, the size of the
illumination apparatus has to be necessarily enlarged with respect
to the light emitting source. In other words, with a small-sized
light emitting source which has a high output and which is close to
the point source, it is also possible to miniaturize the whole
illumination apparatus. From this demand, the miniaturization of
the light emitting source of a conventional system has also been
advanced, and particularly a small-sized light emitting source by a
discharge type from which the high output is possible has been
effective means at present. Additionally, even with the light
emitting source of the small-sized discharge type, the driving by a
high-voltage power source is required in which it is difficult to
reduce a circuit scale. There are other many problems with respect
to the miniaturization of the total illumination apparatus. It is
said that the miniaturization of the illumination apparatus using
the light emitting source of the small-sized discharge type has
already substantially approached limitation.
[0005] On the other hand, a light emitting diode (which will be
referred to as a LED hereinafter) is remarkably noted as a
next-generation small-sized light emitting source nowadays. The LED
has heretofore had advantages such as small size, high durability,
and long life, but has restrictions of emission efficiency and
emission output. Therefore, the LED has been mainly used as
indicator illumination for various instruments or a confirmation
lamp of a control stage because of restrictions of emission
efficiency and emission output. However, in recent years, the
emission efficiency has been rapidly improved, and it is said to be
a matter of time before the emission efficiency exceeds that of a
high-pressure mercury lamp or fluorescent lamp of the discharge
type assumed to have heretofore had highest efficiency. By
appearance of the high-efficiency high-brightness LED, the
high-output light emitting source by the LED has rapidly been
brought into a practical use. In recent years, in addition to red
and green, a blue LED has entered a practical-use stage, and this
also accelerates the application of the light emitting source. In
actual, a plurality of high-efficiency high-brightness LED are used
to start the practical use in traffic lights, large-sized
full-color displays for outdoors, various car lamps, and backlights
of liquid crystal displays in the cellular phones, which has
heretofore been impossible in brightness or efficiency.
[0006] It is thought that this high-efficiency high-brightness LED
is also applied as a promising small-sized light emitting source of
the illumination apparatus requiring a condensing property. The LED
is originally superior to the other light emitting sources in life,
durability, lighting-on speed, and simplicity of a
lighting-on/driving circuit. Above all, the blue color is added,
three primary colors are obtained as spontaneous-light emitting
sources, and an application range of a full-color image display
apparatus has therefore been enlarged. Typical examples of the
illumination apparatus whose condensing property is demanded
include a projector display apparatus in which a display image is
formed and projected from image data. The projector display
apparatus has heretofore separated desired primary colors from a
white-based light emitting source by color filters, and has
subjected the image data corresponding to each color to spatial
light modulation. When the light obtained by the spatial light
modulation is spatially or temporally synthesized, color image
display is possible. When the white-based light emitting source is
used, only the desired color is separated and used, therefore, the
colors other than the separated color are uselessly discarded by
the filter in many cases. In this respect, since the LED emits the
light of the desired color itself, a necessary quantity of light
can be emitted when necessary. As compared with the conventional
white-based light emitting source, the light is not wasted, and the
light of the light emitting source can be used with good
efficiency.
[0007] This superior application condition of the LED has been
noticed, and, For example, Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No.
11-32278, No. 11-352589, and the like disclose an example in which
the LED is applied to the illumination apparatus for the projector
display apparatus. In the technique disclosed in these
publications, a plurality of LEDs is disposed to secure a quantity
of light. Some of fluxes from the individual light emitting sources
is condensed by optical elements such as the optical lens, and the
fluxes are controlled so that an image display element as a
modulation device to be irradiated is well defined at an allowed
incidence angle. For the image display elements such as a liquid
crystal device broadly used in general, the allowed incidence angle
is small. Therefore, it is supposedly ideal to form the flux having
higher parallelism and to irradiate the elements. This is a very
important point in enhancing light use efficiency in the image
display element.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a projection display apparatus comprising:
[0009] a first illumination unit configured to emit one of red
light, green light and blue light;
[0010] a first light modulation element configured to modulate said
on of the red light, green and blue light, which is emitted by the
first illumination unit;
[0011] a second illumination unit configured to emit the other two
of the red light, green light and blue light in time sequence;
[0012] a second light modulation element configured to successively
modulate the other two of the red light, green light and blue
light, which are emitted by the second illumination unit;
[0013] a combination section configured to combine said one of the
red light, green light and blue light, which is modulated by the
first light modulation element, and the other two of the red light,
green light and blue light, which are modulated by the second light
modulation element into light;
[0014] a projection lens configured to project the light obtained
by the combination section; and
[0015] a synchronization control portion configured to control
emission timings of the other two of the red light, green light and
blue light, which are emitted in time sequence by the second
illumination unit, in synchronism with modulation of the other two
of the red light, green light and blue light, which is performed by
the second light modulation element based on color data items
included in image data for use in modulation by the second light
modulation element.
[0016] Advantages of the invention will be set forth in the
description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the
description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.
Advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means
of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out
hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention, and together with the general description given
above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below,
serve to explain the principles of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a function block diagram of an illumination unit
in a projection display apparatus according to a first embodiment
of the present invention illustrating an illumination
principle;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a view showing a configuration of a light emission
unit portion;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a view showing a relationship between an applied
current and a light emission quantity of an LED in a modeling
graph.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a view showing light emission timings of seven
LEDs depicted in FIG. 2.
[0022] FIG. 5A is a view showing another modification of the light
emission unit portion in the first embodiment as seen from a rear
surface;
[0023] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line BB'
depicted in FIG. 5A;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the projection display
apparatus according to the first embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a view showing a modification of the projection
display apparatus according to the first embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of
a rod operating type illumination unit which is used in a
projection display apparatus according to a second embodiment of
the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 8B is a right-hand side view of the rod operating type
illumination unit which is used in the projection display apparatus
according to the second embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a view showing a relationship between an
arrangement of LEDs and light leading rod members in a projection
display apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a view showing an optical configuration of the
projection display apparatus according to the third embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a view showing a relationship between positions
of the light leading rod members and driving timings of light
modulation elements;
[0031] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an electrical control system
of the projection display apparatus according to the third
embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 13 is a view showing an optical configuration of a
projection display apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of
the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 14 is a view showing driving timings of rod operating
type illumination units and optical modulation elements;
[0034] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an electrical control
system of the projection display apparatus according to the fourth
embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 16 is a view showing an optical configuration of a
projection display apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0036] FIG. 17 is a view showing another example of the optical
configuration of the projection display apparatus according to the
fifth embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 18 is a view showing still another example of the
optical configuration of the projection display apparatus according
to the fifth embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an electrical control
system of the projection display apparatus according to the fifth
embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 20 is a view showing timings of light emission of LEDs
and driving of light modulation elements;
[0040] FIG. 21 is a view showing an optical configuration of a
projection display apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0041] FIG. 22 is a view showing driving timings of rod operating
type illumination units and light modulation elements;
[0042] FIG. 23A is a view showing spectral characteristics of a DM
"1" depicted in FIG. 21;
[0043] FIG. 23B is a view showing spectral characteristics of a DM
"12" depicted in FIG. 21;
[0044] FIG. 24 is a view showing an optical configuration of a
modification of the projection display apparatus according to the
sixth embodiment;
[0045] FIG. 25 is a view showing an optical configuration of a
projection display apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of
the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 26 is a view showing driving timings of rod operating
type illumination units and light modulation elements;
[0047] FIG. 27 is a view showing spectral characteristics of a DM
depicted in FIG. 25;
[0048] FIG. 28 is a chromaticity diagram showing a chromaticity
coordinate of an LED of each color used in each rod operating type
illumination unit, a color coordinate combined for each color and
an area of a color which can be reproduced;
[0049] FIG. 29 is a view showing a configuration of an image signal
processing circuit for color information conversion;
[0050] FIG. 30 is a view showing an optical configuration of a
projection display apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of
the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 31 is a view showing an optical configuration of a
modification of the projection display apparatus according to the
eighth embodiment;
[0052] FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing an electrical control
system of the projection display apparatus according to the eighth
embodiment;
[0053] FIG. 33 is a view showing driving timings of respective rod
operating type illumination units;
[0054] FIG. 34 is a view showing an optical configuration of a
projection display apparatus according to a ninth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0055] FIG. 35 is a chromaticity diagram showing a chromaticity
coordinate of an LED of each color used in each rod operating type
illumination unit and an area of a color which can be reproduced
when the configuration of the projection display apparatus
according to the ninth embodiment is utilized and the number of
G-based colors is two;
[0056] FIG. 36 is a chromaticity diagram showing a chromaticity
coordinate of an LED of each color used in each rod operating type
illumination unit and an area of a color which can be reproduced
when the configuration of the projection display apparatus
according to the ninth embodiment is utilized and the number of
R-based colors is two;
[0057] FIG. 37 is a view showing a relationship between an
arrangement of LEDs and light leading rod members in a rod
operating type illumination unit which is used in a projection
display apparatus according to a tenth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0058] FIG. 38 is a view showing an optical configuration of a
projection display apparatus according to an eleventh embodiment of
the present invention;
[0059] FIG. 39A is a view showing a relationship between an
arrangement of LEDs and light leading rod members in a rod
operating type illumination unit used in the projection display
apparatus according to the eleventh embodiment;
[0060] FIG.39B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line BB'
depicted in FIG. 39A;
[0061] FIG. 39C is a view schematically showing a shape of an
exiting light flux taken along a line CC' depicted in FIG. 39B;
and
[0062] FIG. 39D is a view schematically showing an exiting light
flux taken along a line DD' depicted in FIG. 39B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
First Embodiment
[0063] Prior to explaining a first embodiment of a projection
display apparatus according to the present invention in detail, a
basic illumination principle of an illumination unit in a
projection display apparatus according to the first embodiment of
the present invention will first be described.
[0064] Here, explaining the illumination principle with reference
to FIGS. 1 and 2, an illumination target area is brightly
illuminated by using: a luminous body driving portion 7 as lighting
portions corresponding to lighting means, having a function which
adjusts a light emission quantity of luminous bodies, e.g.,
high-luminance LEDs; optical lenses 17 and 18 as an illumination
portion corresponding to illuminating means, which condense light
of a lighted luminous body on the illumination target area; a
luminous body movable portion 4 as a movable portion corresponding
to movable means, e.g., a voice coil motor 12 which causes a
support member 11 as a light control member to be operable; and a
light selection control portion corresponding to light selection
controlling means comprising a luminous body movable control
portion 2 which gives a control quantity for moving an LED to a
light emission reference position corresponding to the center of a
light condensing area of the optical lenses by the movable means
and a luminous body selection portion 6 which gives a control
quantity to the lighting means so that an LED placed at the
luminous body reference position emits light by supplying a
single-pulse-like large current to the LED.
[0065] An operation start command portion 1 outputs a signal which
commands start of an illumination operation by the illumination
unit. The output of this operation start command can be engaged
with a non-illustrated trigger switch which is operated by a user
in order to start illumination. Alternatively, it may be engaged
with any other non-illustrated function block which must activate
the illumination operation. A signal output from the operation
start command portion 1 is input to the luminous body movable
control portion 2.
[0066] In contrast, a plurality of luminous bodies, e.g., LEDs L1,
L2, . . . , Ln are arranged in the light emission unit portion 3.
These LEDs themselves are mechanisms capable of mechanically
moving. The luminous body movable portion 4 is configured in order
to drive and move the LEDs. The luminous body movable control
portion 2 gives a movement control quantity of each LED to this
luminous body movable portion 4. Each LED spatially moves at a high
speed by the luminous body movable portion 4 in accordance with the
supplied control quantity. As the luminous body movable portion 4,
one which can electrically control movement, e.g., an
electromagnetic motor, an electrostatic motor or the like is
realistic, and selecting appropriate means in accordance with
demanded conditions can suffice.
[0067] Further, a luminous body position detection portion 5 which
constitutes a luminous body position detection sensor which grasps
a movement quantity or a movement timing of each LED is
additionally provided in the vicinity of the LEDs. This luminous
body position detection portion 5 detects an LED which should be
caused to emit light by detecting a position of each LED, and
outputs a signal corresponding to the detected LED.
[0068] A signal output from the luminous body position detection
portion 5 is input to the luminous body selection control portion
6. This luminous body selection control portion 6 selects an LED
which should emit light based on the input signal. Then, it outputs
a control quantity which turns on/off a light emission operation or
gives a light emission quantity to the selected LED. The output
control quantity is input to a luminous body driving portion
selected from luminous body driving portions 71, 72, . . . , 7n as
lighting means respectively associated with the LEDs L1, L2, . . .
, Ln (in this example, n LEDs are provided).
[0069] It should be noted that, in regard to a distribution of
luminous colors, when the LEDs L1, L2, . . . , Ln can be
constituted of LEDs which can emit light having different colors,
the visual persistence phenomenon can be used to produce an
illumination light in which luminous colors of these LEDs are mixed
by setting a speed of movement of the LEDs L1, L2, . . . , Ln by
the luminous body movable portion 4 to, e.g., a 1/60 second or
below. This perceptible mixed color can be flexibly set by
combinations of luminous colors of the respective LEDs or each
light emission quantity of the same. Therefore, when a mixed color
of an illumination light which is obtained in the illumination
color characteristic setting portion 8 is set and information of
the set mixed color is supplied to the luminous body selection
control portion 6, the luminous body selection control portion 6
can output a control quantity corresponding to this supplied
information. As to how to set an illumination color in the
illumination color characteristic setting portion 8, it is possible
to adopt any one of mechanical means, electrical means, and
software means. Furthermore, a content of the setting may be of a
direct type such as an illumination color to be obtained or may be
of an indirect type such as setting a light emission quantity with
respect to the LEDs having different luminous colors. It is to be
noted that, as the method of setting a mixed color, a method which
controls and changes a light emission time of each LED may be used
besides the method which sets a luminous color or a light emission
quantity.
[0070] That is, according to this embodiment, a plurality of LEDs
are configured, these LEDs move at a high speed, LEDs placed at
specific positions are caused to emit light like a single pulse,
and concatenated different LEDs are continuously caused to emit
light at specific positions, thereby obtaining continuous light
emission which is apparently equivalent to one LED.
[0071] FIG. 2 is a view showing a configuration of an illumination
unit when the illumination unit is configured in the simplest
manner by using the light emission unit portion 3 described in
connection with FIG. 1 based on the illumination principle.
[0072] In this example, seven LEDs are used as luminous bodies.
That is, the LEDs L1 to L7 are mounted on a support member 11 at
equal intervals as shown in the drawing. In this example, each LED
has a turret-shaped lens. The support member 11 has a mechanism
capable of sliding at high speed in a direction indicated by an
arrow A1 in the drawing by a voice coil motor 12 corresponding to
the luminous body movable portion 4.
[0073] Moreover, seven reflection portions 13 are separately formed
on a rear surface of the support member 11 in such a manner that
each reflection portion 13 forms a pair with each of the LEDs L1 to
L7. These reflection portions 13 as well as a light emission
element 14 and a light reception element 15 constitute the luminous
body position detection portion 5. That is, these reflection
portions 13 reflect light emitted in a predetermined direction from
the light emission element 14, and fixedly arranged to be capable
of receiving light by using the light reception element 15.
Additionally, when the reflection portion 13 arrives a
predetermined light emission reference position 16 as shown in the
drawing, a reflected light is input from this position to the light
reception element 15. Therefore, it is possible to detect whether
an LED which forms a pair with the reflection portion exists at the
light emission reference position by counting the number of times
of reflection from the reflection portion on the initial stage. It
is to be noted that the light emission reference position 16 is
determined as a position where the LED L1 is placed in the
illustrated state.
[0074] An optical lens 17 which condenses an emitted light and an
optical lens 18 which controls an optical path so that the light
condensed by the optical lens 17 can be applied to a desired
irradiation target area are constituted on a light emission front
surface of an LED placed at the light emission reference position
16. That is, when the support member 11 moves and an LED passes the
light emission reference position 16, the passing LED alone emits
light and the irradiation target area is irradiated with the
emitted light. When this operation is sequentially repeated with
respect to the LEDs L1 to L7, it is possible to obtain an
illumination light in which light beams emitted from the LEDs L1 to
L7 are apparently substantially continuous in a given time although
in a time sharing manner.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 3, a quantity of light emitted from the LED
can also be increased by increasing an applied current although
there is a predetermined allowable limit. The allowable limit is of
course affected and determined by characteristics of a material
used, a composition defect, heat radiation performances, electric
conduction characteristics of peripheral electrodes and others.
However, by particularly increasing heat radiation performances in
the same LED, a current which is equal to or higher than a rated
applied current in continuous light emission can be supplied,
thereby obtaining a large light quantity.
[0076] In order to increase heat radiation properties, a method of
radiating heat in a shorter time by enhancing heat conduction
properties around the LEDs is taken for granted, and light emission
with heat generation being suppressed is enabled by assuring a long
non-light-emission time by pulse light emission in a very short
time rather than continuous light emission. That is, observing in a
light emission time only, light emission can be performed while
increasing the brightness to be higher than that in continuous
light emission by applying a larger quantity of a current in a very
short time. An intensive light which cannot be obtained in
continuous light emission can be produced by utilizing such
characteristics and using the illumination principle like this
embodiment.
[0077] It is to be noted that although the LEDs L1 to L7 move with
respect to the optical lenses 17 and 18 in this above description,
the optical lenses 17 and 18 may move relatively with respective to
the LEDs L1 to L7, and it is needless to say that the same
advantages can be obtained even if such a configuration is
adopted.
[0078] FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing light emission timings of
the LEDs L1 to L7 described in connection with FIG. 2. The
horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents
the light emission quantity. As apparent from FIG. 4, the
respective LEDs L1 to L7 are subjected to time sharing, and a light
emission control is effected in such a manner that the LEDs L1 to
L7 are continuous.
[0079] It is to be noted that the optical configuration which
obtains an illumination light can be likewise taken when one rod
lens substitutes for the optical lenses 17 and 18.
[0080] Further, the optical lenses 17 and 18 may be arranged at
positions apart from the LEDs by arranging a rod member as light
leading means (a light leading member) which leads and projects
light from each LED to the optical lens 17 in front of the optical
lens 17.
[0081] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, still another modification of
the light emission unit portion 3 in this embodiment adopts a
configuration in which a plane reflection mirror 21 as a light
control member coupled with a rotary shaft 20 is integrated. The
rotary shaft 20 is supported by a rotary shaft bearing 22 and
coupled with a driving motor 23. The plane reflection mirror 21 can
rotate at a high speed in a direction indicated by an arrow A2 in
the drawing by this driving motor 23.
[0082] In contrast, a drum-shaped drum support member 24 is fixed
and formed with the rotary shaft 20 being used as a common central
axis as shown in the drawing, and LEDs 25 as luminous bodies form
two stages and are closely arranged along a side surface on the
inner side of the drum support member 24. It is to be noted that
different luminous colors of the respective LEDs 25 are represented
by giving different hatchings in FIG. 5A (and hence, the hatchings
do not represent a cross section), and FIG. 5B shows LED sequences
26R, 26G and 26B instead of each LED 25, in which the same color is
continuously arranged, a circumference is divided in accordance
with each set color (indicated by a hatching of a different broken
line) and luminous colors are switched in the order of a red (R)
color, a green (G) color and a blue (B) color in a process of one
rotation.
[0083] Furthermore, two sets of condenser lenses 27 are supported
by a rotary support member 28 integrated with the rotary shaft 20
so that the condenser lenses 27 can rotate and move in cooperation
with the plane reflection mirror 21. It is to be noted that the
number of stages on which the LEDs 25 are arranged is basically the
same as the number of sets of the condenser lenses 27, but the
number is not restricted thereto, and setting an appropriate number
according to needs can suffice.
[0084] In such a configuration, an illumination light which can
generate field images of three primary colors which are required
for a color image of one frame can be obtained with respect to one
rotation of the plane reflection mirror 21. That is, the LEDs 25
arranged on the drum support member 24 sequentially repeat light
emission in a time sharing manner, and perform chain light emission
in such a manner that the LEDs go around on the side surface on the
inner periphery (light emission points 29 go around). In this case,
when the plane reflection mirror 21 performs a rotation operation,
light emission control is effected in such a manner that LEDs 25
which have a correspondence relationship with the plane reflection
mirror 21 emit light in synchronization with this rotation
operation. That is, there is formed a configuration relationship in
which light beams emitted from the LEDs 25 are reflected and
condensed by the plane reflection mirror 21, and then projected to
an irradiation target area through the optical lens 30.
[0085] That is, when the plane reflection mirror 21 performs the
rotation operation, there is carried out a light emission control
in such a manner that the LEDs 25 which have a correspondence
relationship with the plane reflection mirror 21 emit light in
synchronization with this rotation operation. However, the
condenser lens 27 is provided in an arrangement relationship with
which light from the light emitting LEDs 25 can be excellently
acquired. That is, there is formed a configuration relationship in
which light beams from the light emitting LEDs 25 are once
condensed by the condenser lens 27, and the condensed light is
reflected by the plane reflection mirror 21 so that its optical
path is inflected and projected to an irradiation target area
through the optical lens 30.
[0086] As the first embodiment of the present invention, the
description has been given on the basic principle that the
plurality of LEDs L1 to Ln or 25 are constituted, these LEDs move
at a high speed or the plane reflection mirror 21 and the condenser
lens 27 rotate and move at a high speed, the LEDs placed at
specific positions (the light emission reference position 16 or the
light emission points 29) are caused to emit light like single
pulses and the linked different LEDs are continuously caused to
emit light, thereby obtaining continuous light emission which is
apparently equivalent to one LED.
[0087] In particular, although the description has been given as to
the illumination unit which brightly illuminates an irradiation
target area with a condensed light or a parallel light, such an
illumination unit can be also utilized for so-called flash
illumination which is illumination of an imaging apparatus.
Moreover, the description has been given on the example of
illumination in a predetermined short time in order to simplify the
explanation in this embodiment, but the present invention is not
restricted thereto, and it can be also applied to an illumination
unit such as a torch light which performs continuous
illumination.
[0088] A projection display apparatus according to the first
embodiment of the present invention comprises one illumination unit
100, and one light modulation element 200 which performs light
modulation with respect to light from the illumination unit 100 in
accordance with image data.
[0089] The illumination unit 100 has: a plurality of luminous
bodies 101 such as LEDs; a luminous body driving portion 102 as a
lighting portion corresponding to lighting means which drives to
turn on each of the plurality of luminous bodies 101; light leading
members 103 corresponding to a plurality of light leading means
which separately optically lead and project light exiting from the
plurality of luminous bodies 101 which are turned on by the
luminous body driving means 102; a movable portion 104
corresponding to movable means which enables relative movement of
the plurality of light leading members 103 and the luminous bodies
101; a sensor 105 which detects a relative movement quantity or a
positional relationship of the plurality of light leading members
103 and the luminous bodies 101 realized by the movable portion
104; a movable means driving portion 106 which drives the movable
portion 104 in such a manner that light which enters the plurality
of light leading members 103 is selected from light from the
plurality of luminous bodies 101; and/or a light selection control
portion 107 corresponding to light selection controlling means
which controls the luminous body driving portion 102.
[0090] It is to be noted that the luminous bodies 101 in this
example correspond to the luminous bodies L1 to L7 and the LEDs 25.
The luminous body driving portion 102 corresponds to the luminous
body driving portions 71 to 7n. The light leading member 103
corresponds to the plane reflection mirror 21. Additionally, as
this light leading member 103, it is possible to utilize a solid
glass rod member, a hollow light pipe whose inner surface is a
light reflection film, or the like in accordance with an actual
mechanical configuration of the illumination unit 100. The movable
portion 104 corresponds to the luminous body movable portion 4, the
voice coil motor 12 or the driving motor 23. The sensor 105
corresponds to the luminous body position detection portion 5 or
the light emission element 14 and the light reception element 15.
The light selection control portion 107 corresponds to the light
selection controlling means comprising the luminous body control
portion 2 and the luminous body selection control portion 6.
[0091] Further, the light modulation element 200 is a transmission
type LCD or a reflection type LCD or a two-dimensional micromirror
deflection array which is known as a trademark DMD (a digital
micromirror device). Since the DMD is disclosed in, e.g., U.S. Pat.
No. 6,129,437, its detailed explanation will be eliminated.
[0092] The projection display apparatus according to this
embodiment further comprises an illumination member 300
corresponding to illuminating means, a projection optical system
400, an operation panel 500, a display control portion 600
corresponding to display controlling means, and a light modulation
element driving portion 201.
[0093] In this example, the illumination member 300 evenly
illuminates the predetermined light modulation element 200 with
light exiting from the plurality of light leading members 103, and
corresponds to the optical lenses 17, 18 and 30. Furthermore, this
may have a configuration which divides or combines a light flux by
using a dichroic mirror (which will be referred to as a DM
hereinafter) or combines light fluxes by using a polarizing beam
splitter (which will be referred to as a PBS hereinafter) in
accordance with actual mechanical structure and arrangement of each
portion in the projection display apparatus.
[0094] Moreover, the projection optical system 400 performs
expansion and projection of an image of the light modulation
element 200. That is, by displaying an image in the light
modulation element 200, e.g., a transmission type LCD, the
displayed image can be expanded and projected on a screen 700 by
using the projection optical system 400. This projection optical
system 400 may be an optical lens only or an optical system
including a device which combines light fluxes by using a DM in
accordance with actual mechanical structure and arrangement of each
portion in the projection display apparatus.
[0095] The operation panel 500 is a panel on which operation
buttons and others are arranged which instruct start/end of
operations for projection and display with respect to the display
control portion 600.
[0096] The display control portion 600 performs data conversion
(color information and a display rate) of an input video signal in
response to an operation start command from the operation panel
500. Additionally, it controls driving timings of the light
selection control portion 107 and the light modulation element
driving portion 201 which drives the light modulation element 200
in accordance with resulting image data in such a manner a color
light which can be appropriately controlled by the light modulation
element 200 can be applied.
[0097] It is to be noted that projection and display of a color
video are enabled by using a plurality of types (e.g., three types
R, G and B) of luminous bodies which emit different luminous colors
as the luminous bodies 101 and driving the light modulation element
200 based on image data having colors according to the types of the
luminous bodies 101 which emit light. That is, in this case, the
display control portion 600 controls the light selection control
portion 107 in such a manner that light beams having different
colors exit from the illumination unit 100 in time series, and
drives the light modulation element 200 by using the light
modulation element driving portion 201 at a rate which is
several-fold of a frame rate of an input color video signal,
thereby projecting and displaying each color in one frame in a time
sharing manner.
[0098] According to the projection display apparatus having such a
configuration, by causing each luminous body 101 to instantaneously
emit an intensive light for a predetermined period, it is possible
to obtain a large quantity of light while reducing a load of each
luminous body 101 itself which suppresses heat generation itself
and has excellent heat radiation properties, and obtain an
apparently continuous very bright illumination light by sequential
execution of the operation of the different luminous bodies 101 in
a chain manner by moving the luminous bodies 101 themselves or
light leading areas of the light leading members 103 at a high
speed. That is, it is possible to constitute the projection display
apparatus using the illumination unit 100 which is effectively
intended to efficiently produce a light flux having the high light
condensing properties or parallelism which cannot be realized by a
method which simply arranges many luminous bodies 101 such as LEDs
and brings in a light quantity by simultaneously lighting the
luminous bodies 101.
[0099] Further, a color projection display apparatus having a wide
color reproduction area is configured by using a plurality of types
of luminous bodies 101 which emit different luminous colors.
[0100] A modification of the projection display apparatus according
to the first embodiment has, as shown in FIG. 7, individual
illumination units 101 for each of R, G and B. That is, this
modification comprises three illumination units 100 and three light
modulation elements 200R, 200G and 200B. Even though one light
leading member is included in each illumination unit 100, the
entire projection display apparatus has a plurality of light
leading members 103R, 103G and 103B. [0101] In this modification,
an illumination unit 100 having the configuration depicted in FIG.
6, an illumination member 300, a light modulation element 200 and a
light modulation element driving portion 201 are provided in
accordance with each color as indicated by giving R, G and B to
reference numerals of the respective portions, and this
modification is the same as the projection display apparatus
according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6 except that these
constituent parts are controlled in accordance with image data of
each color (data R, data G and data B) obtained when a display
control portion 600 processes an input color video signal, thereby
eliminating the explanation of this modification.
[0101] In this case, however, the three light modulation elements
200R, 200G and 200B can perform expansion and projection of images
on a screen 700 in one projection optical system 400 by arranging a
DM 401 between each light modulation element 200 (which is shown as
an LCD in FIG. 7) and the projection optical system 400.
[0102] It is to be noted that the plurality of luminous bodies 101
and light leading members 103 may be of course provided in one
illumination unit 100. In such a case, such a timing control as
shown in FIG. 4 is executed with respect to the plurality of
luminous bodies 101 in each illumination unit 100.
Second Embodiment
[0103] A second embodiment according to the present invention will
now be described. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a rod operating type
illumination unit 800 used in the projection display apparatus
according to this second embodiment has a plurality of luminous
bodies and light leading members corresponding to light leading
means integrally configured, and comprises a plurality of
illumination units each of which outputs light exiting therefrom in
a predetermined direction.
[0104] That is, in this rod operating type illumination unit 800,
two polygonal light leading rod members 802 constituted of L-shaped
optical surfaces attached to a rod holder 801 as a holding tool
capable of swiveling are rotated by a motor 803 as a movable
portion corresponding to movable means. Further, one or two of LEDs
805 as a plurality of luminous bodies arranged on an inner
periphery of an LED substrate 804 formed into a drum-like shape are
sequentially turned on with respect to each light leading rod
member 802 in accordance with rotation of the light leading rod
members 802. It is to be noted that the light leading rod member
802 has a polygonal shape because the LED 805 has a rectangular
shape and hence the efficiency can be increased if the shape of the
light leading rod member 802 is close to the rectangular shape and
losses generated when bending into an L shape can be suppressed to
the minimum level. Furthermore, the L-shaped light leading rod
member 802 may be manufactured by integral molding, or it may be
formed by boding three components, i.e., a prismatic parallel rod
802a, a reflection prism 802b which has a reflection coat applied
thereon and used for optical path inflection and a tapered rod
802c.
[0105] Moreover, a projection end surface 802d of the light leading
rod member 802 is determined as a virtual light source, and a
Koehler illumination optical system which forms an optical pupil on
a display device 202 as a light modulation element by a
superimposition lens 301 as an illumination member corresponding to
illuminating means is constituted.
[0106] The motor 803 is driven by a motor driving circuit 806 as a
movable portion driving portion, and each LED 805 is driven by an
LED driving circuit 807 as a luminous body driving portion. The
motor driving circuit 806 and the LED driving circuit 807 are
controlled by a light emission control circuit 808 as a light
selection control portion corresponding to light selection
controlling means. In this case, the light emission control circuit
808 controls a light emission timing of each LED 805 based on
rotation position detection of the rod holder 801 by a rotation
sensor 809.
[0107] By sequentially switching the plurality of LEDs 805 for
pulse light emission and selecting and changing a relative position
relationship with the light leading rod members 802 which fetch
radiated light in accordance with light emission switching of the
LEDs 805, the LEDs which has an effectively high luminance can be
obtained, and light having a large light quantity and an improved
parallelism can be obtained from the light leading rod members
802.
[0108] It is to be noted that a relative position of each LED 805
and each light leading rod member 802 is changed by rotating the
light leading rod members 802 in this configuration, but this
change in relative position can be also realized by moving the LEDs
805. However, moving the light leading rod member 802 is more
preferable because of the reliability in view of supply of a power
to the LEDs 805. In this case, since unevenness in a light
intensity distribution in, e.g., a projection end surface 802D of
the light leading rod member 802 is small when the light leading
rod member 802 has a length to some extent, this projection end
surface 802d can be regarded as a virtual rectangular surface light
source with the high evenness. Therefore, the critical illumination
may be performed with a conjugate relationship achieved between the
display device 202 as an irradiation target and the projection end
surface 802d of the light leading rod member 802. However, in such
critical illumination, if the plurality of light leading rod
members 802 is provided like this configuration, a rim portion of
the projection end surface 802d of each light leading member 802 is
projected and illuminated by the irradiation target, which results
in illumination irregularities. Since the light leading rod members
actually rotate, an illumination area has a circular shape, and the
rim portion cannot be visually recognized depending on a rotational
speed. However, the rim portion of the rod projection end surface
802d has illumination irregularities at a given moment, the
illumination irregularities change in the area every second, and
the critical illumination cannot be applied to the display device
202 which performs gradation display in a time sharing manner. On
the contrary, like this configuration, in case of Koehler
illumination which converts an angular intensity distribution of a
light flux exiting from each light leading rod member 802 into a
positional intensity distribution in an illumination area, even if
each light leading rod member 802 is shifted, an angular intensity
distribution of a light flux exiting from each light leading rod
member 802 is not changed, thereby realizing an illumination unit
having small illumination irregularities in an illumination
area.
[0109] Therefore, since bright illumination with small illumination
irregularities is enabled by configuring the projection display
apparatus using such a rod operating type illumination unit 800, a
bright video without irregularities can be projected and
displayed.
Third Embodiment
[0110] A third embodiment according to the present invention will
now be described. The third embodiment performs projection and
display of a color video by using a rod operating type illumination
unit 800 which projects colored light beams which are different in
time series from two light leading rod members 802, and two light
modulation elements 200.
[0111] That is, in this embodiment, in the rod operating type
illumination unit 800, as the plurality of LEDs 805 arranged on the
inner periphery of the LED substrate 804 formed into a drum shape
such as shown in FIG. 8A, LEDs having a green (G) luminous color
are arranged at a part corresponding to an approximately 1/2
periphery, LEDs having a red (R) luminous color are arranged at a
part corresponding to an approximately 1/4 periphery, and LEDs
having a blue (B) luminous color are arranged at a part
corresponding to approximately 1/4 periphery. By adopting such an
arrangement of the LEDs 805, since one of the two light leading rod
members "A" 802A and "B" 802B is placed at a position of the LEDs
having the luminous color G even if these light leading rod members
"A" 802A and "B" 802B are rotated by a motor 803, light G always
exits from the rod operating type unit 800. On the contrary, light
R and light B are switched and projected every 1/4 rotation of the
light leading rod members "A" 802A and "B" 802B. Therefore, the two
colors always exit from the rod operating type unit 800.
[0112] As shown in FIG. 10, a polarizing direction of light exiting
from such a rod operating type illumination unit 800 is converted
by a polarization conversion element 302. This polarization
conversion element 302 divides a natural light into two polarizing
directions, converts polarization in such a manner that one
polarizing direction matches with the other polarizing direction,
thereby efficiently converting polarization into one polarizing
direction. It is to be noted that this polarization conversion
element 302 is required since an LCD is used as the light
modulation element 200 in this embodiment, and it is not required
when a DMD is used as the light modulation element 200.
[0113] Light whose polarizing direction has been converted by such
a polarization conversion element 302 is caused to enter a DM "1"
304 through a lens 303. As this DM "1" 304, a dichroic mirror which
transmits light having a wavelength of light R and light B
therethrough and reflects light having a wavelength of light G
thereon is used. Thus, the light R and the light B transmitted
through this DM "1" 304 are reflected by a mirror 305, and applied
to a first light modulation element (a transmission type LCD "1" in
this embodiment) 200-1. Further, the light G reflected on the DM
"1" 304 is reflected by a mirror 306, and applied to a second light
modulation element (a transmission type LCD "2" in this embodiment)
200-2.
[0114] The light beams transmitted through these light modulation
elements 200-1 and 200-2 enter a DM "2" 401. As this DM "2" 401, a
dichroic mirror which reflects light having a wavelength of the
light R and the light B thereon and transmits light having a
wavelength of the light G therethrough is used. Thus, the light R
or the light B from the first light modulation element 200-1 is
combined with the light G from the second light modulation element
200-2 by this DM "2" 401, and the combined light is led to a
projection lens 402.
[0115] A relationship between a position of each light leading rod
member and a driving timing of each light modulation element is as
shown in FIG. 11. In this example, one frame means one screen
display period of an input video signal, and one frame is composed
of two fields. The first light modulation element (the transmission
type LCD "1") 200-1 and the second light modulation element (the
transmission type LCD "2") 200-2 are both driven at double speed,
perform display of one RG image or BG image in one field, and can
effect RGB color display in one frame. In this case, as to G, the
same data is displayed twice.
[0116] A configuration of an electrical control system of the
projection display apparatus according to the third embodiment is
as shown in FIG. 12. That is, the projection display apparatus
according to this embodiment comprises an image signal processing
circuit 601 and a synchronization control circuit 602 as a display
control portion corresponding to display controlling means. In this
example, the image signal processing circuit 601 performs data
conversion (color information and a display rate) of an input video
signal. The synchronization control circuit 602 displays image data
of a result of this conversion in the light modulation elements
200-1 and 200-2 with such timings as shown in FIG. 11. In addition
to this, the synchronization control circuit 602 supplies a
synchronization signal to a light emission control circuit 808 so
that the rod operating type illumination unit 800 operates with
this display timings as shown in FIG 11.
[0117] As described above, the color projection display apparatus
compatible with the RGB color video signal can be constituted.
Fourth Embodiment
[0118] A fourth embodiment according to the present invention will
now be described. As shown in FIG. 13, a projection display
apparatus according to the fourth embodiment has two rod operating
type illumination units (a rod operating type illumination unit "1"
800-1 and a rod operating type illumination unit "2" 800-2). In
this example, the rod operating type illumination units 800-1 and
800-2 are configured to project light R, light G and light B in
time series in one frame as shown in FIG. 14.
[0119] Furthermore, polarizing directions of the light R, light G
and light B exiting from the first rod operating type illumination
unit (the rod operating type illumination unit "1") 800-1 are
equalized in a direction P by a polarization conversion element
307, whilst polarizing directions of the light R, light G and light
B exiting from the second rod operating type illumination unit (the
rod operating type illumination unit "2") 800-2 are equalized in a
direction S by a polarization conversion element 308, and the
respective light beams enter a PBS 309. As this PBS 309, a
polarizing beam splitter which transmits light having the direction
P as a polarizing direction therethrough and reflects light having
the direction S as a polarizing direction is adopted. Thus, the PBS
309 combines the light beams from the two rod operating type
illumination units 800-1 and 800-2.
[0120] Moreover, the light modulation element (the DMD in this
embodiment) 200 is irradiated with this combined light through a
lens 303, and the light modulated by this light modulation element
200 is led to a projection lens 402. It is to be noted that, when
an LCD is used as the light modulation element 200, a polarization
conversion element must be further arranged between the PBS 309 and
the lens 3023 in order to convert polarization of the combined
light.
[0121] With such a configuration, a light quantity of the light
with which the light modulation element 200 is irradiated is
increased, thereby enabling brighter projection display.
[0122] Incidentally, in this case, as shown in FIG. 14, field
sequential color display is carried out by matching rotational
speeds and phases of the two light leading rod members and further
synchronizing image data so that the two rod operating type
illumination units 800-1 and 800-2 emit light having the same
color. In order to realize this, in regard to an image signal
processing circuit 601 and a synchronization control circuit 602
shown in FIG. 15, the image signal processing circuit 601 is
provided with a function which converts an input color video signal
into a field sequential color video signal and the synchronization
control circuit 602 is provided with a function which matches
phases of the two rod operating type illumination units 800-1 and
800-2 in addition to the functions of the third embodiment.
[0123] It is to be noted that FIG. 15 does not show a configuration
of the second rod operating illumination unit (the rod operating
type illumination unit "2") 800-2, and the illustration of this
configuration is eliminated because this configuration is the same
as that of the first rod operating type illumination unit (the rod
operating type illumination unit "1") 800-1 (this is also applied
to a block diagram of an electrical control system used in the
explanation of each of the following embodiments).
Fifth Embodiment
[0124] A description will now be given as to a projection display
apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention
which comprises two rod operating type illumination units and two
light modulation elements.
[0125] FIGS. 16 to 18 are views showing an optical configuration of
the projection display apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.
Additionally, FIG. 19 is a block diagram of an electrical control
system of the projection display apparatus according to this
embodiment, and FIG. 20 shows a timing chart of light emission of
LEDs and driving of light modulation elements.
[0126] That is, in the configuration shown in FIG. 16, the first
rod operating type illumination unit (the rod operating type
illumination unit "1") 800-1 is configured to always emit light G
as shown in FIG. 20. A first light modulation element (a DMD "1")
200-1 is irradiated with the light G exiting from this first rod
operating type illumination unit 800-1 through a lens 303-1. In
contrast, a second rod operating type illumination unit (a rod
operating type illumination unit "2") 800-2 is configured to emit
light R and light B in time series as shown in FIG. 20. A second
light modulation element (a DMD "2") 200-2 is irradiated with light
R and light B exiting from this second rod operating type
illumination unit 800-2 through a lens 303-2. Further, the light
beams modulated by the first and second light modulation elements
200-1 and 200-2 are combined by a DM 401 and led to a projection
lens 402.
[0127] Furthermore, in the configuration shown in FIG. 17, light G
exiting from a first rod operating illumination unit (a rod
operating type illumination unit "1") 800-1 configured to always
emit the light G is likewise applied to a first light modulation
element (an LCD "1") 200-1 through a polarization conversion
element 302-1 and a lens 303-1. Moreover, light R and light B
exiting from a second rod operating type illumination unit (a rod
operating type illumination unit "2") 800-2 configured to emit the
light R and the light B in time series are likewise applied to a
second light modulation element (an LCD "2") 200-2 through a
polarization conversion element 302-2 and a lens 303-2. Moreover,
the light beams modulated by the first and second light modulation
elements 200-1 and 200-2 are combined by a DM 401 and led to a
projection lens 402.
[0128] Additionally, in the configuration shown in FIG. 18, a
polarizing direction of light G exiting from a first rod operating
type illumination unit (a rod operating type illumination unit "1")
800-1 configured to always emit the light G is uniformed into a
direction P by a polarization conversion element 307, then the
light G enters a PBS 309-1 through a lens 303-1, is transmitted
through the PBS 309-1 and applied to a first light modulation
element (a reflection type LCD (which will be referred to as an
LCOS hereinafter) "1") 200-1. Further, the light G which has been
modulated by this first light modulation element 200-1 and whose
polarizing direction has been converted into a direction S is
reflected by the PBS 309-1 and enters a DM 401. Furthermore,
likewise, polarizing directions of light R and light B exiting from
a second rod operating type illumination unit (a rod operating type
illumination unit "2") 800-2 configured to emit the light R and the
light B in time series are uniformed into a direction S by a
polarization conversion element 308, then these light beams enter a
PBS 309-2 through a lens 303-2, are reflected by the PBS 309-2 and
applied to a second light modulation element (an LCOS "2") 200-2.
Furthermore, the light R and the light B which have been modulated
by this second light modulation element 200-2 and whose polarizing
directions have been converted into a direction P are transmitted
through the PBS 309-2, and enter the DM 401. Thus, the light beams
modulated by the first and second light modulation elements 200-1
and 200-2 are combined by the DM 401 and led to a projection lens
402.
[0129] In the configurations shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the second
rod operating type illumination unit 800-2 which performs
time-series illumination of the light R and the light B must be
synchronized with image data. On the contrary, although it is
preferable that the first rod operating type illumination unit
800-2 for the light G is synchronized with image data, but it may
not be synchronized with it. Moreover, the light modulation
elements 200-1 and 200-2 are both driven at a double speed, but
matching driving times improves the efficiency of the circuits.
[0130] It is to be noted that each of the first and second rod
operating type illumination units 800-1 and 800-2 comprises a motor
803 in the configuration shown in FIG. 19, but each unit may not
comprise this motor. In this case, it is sufficient to provide an
interlocking mechanism such as a belt drive which rotates the both
light leading rod members to one motor, for example.
[0131] Additionally, although the LEDs for G which is a color whose
light emission quantity should be aboundingly utilized are always
turned on taking the color balance into consideration so that a
combined light in one frame period has a desired white color, LEDs
for R or B may be always turned on depending on characteristics of
LEDs used in some cases.
Sixth Embodiment
[0132] A projection display apparatus according to a sixth
embodiment of the present invention will now be described. This
embodiment obtains brighter illumination by simultaneously
illuminating one light modulation element by two illumination units
driven by luminous bodies having slightly different
wavelengths.
[0133] That is, in the projection display apparatus according to
this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, a first rod operating type
illumination unit (a rod operating type illumination unit "1")
800-1 is configured to always emit a green (G1) light having a
wavelength of, e.g., 555 nm as shown in FIG. 22. The light G1
exiting from this first rod operating type illumination unit 800-1
enters a DM "1" 304. Further, a second rod operating type
illumination unit (a rod operating type illumination unit "2")
800-2 is configured to always emit a green (G2) light having a
wavelength of, e.g., 520 nm as shown in FIG. 22. The light G2
exiting from this second rod operating type illumination unit 800-2
also enters the DM "1" 304.
[0134] In this example, spectral characteristics of the DM "1" 304
perform reflection/transmission with a wavelength of approximately
530 nm on the boundary as shown in FIG. 23A. Thus, the light G1
with the wavelength of 555 nm exiting from the first rod operating
type illumination unit 800-1 is transmitted, and the light G2 with
the wavelength of 520 nm exiting from the second rod operating type
illumination unit 800-2 is reflected, thereby combining the both
exiting light. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 22, a first light
modulation element (a DMD "1") 200-1 is irradiated with the
combined light G (G1+G2) through a lens 303-1.
[0135] Moreover, a third rod operating type illumination unit (a
rod operating type illumination unit "3") 800-3 is configured to
emit light R and light B in time series as shown in FIG. 22. The
light R and the light B exiting from the third rod operating type
illumination unit 800-3 are applied to a second light modulation
element (a DMD "2") 200-2 through a lens 303-2 as shown in FIG.
22.
[0136] Additionally, the light modulated by the first and second
light modulation elements 200-1 and 200-2 enter a DM "2" 401.
Spectral characteristics of this DM "2" 401 reflect light having a
wavelength of approximately 500 nm to approximately 590 nm, i.e.,
light in an area G as shown in FIG. 23B. Thus, the modulated light
G from the first light modulation element 200-1 is reflected, and
the modulated light R and B from the second light modulation
element 200-1 are transmitted, thereby combining these light. The
combined light is led to a projection lens 402.
[0137] In this case, like the foregoing embodiments, the three rod
operating type illumination units 800-1, 800-2 an 800-3 and the two
light modulation units 200-1 and 200-2 are of course synchronously
driven by a synchronization control circuit.
[0138] It is to be noted that the present invention is not
restricted to the example where one color alone is used in the two
illumination units as described above, and a light quantity can be
increased by using two colors or three colors in the two
illumination units.
[0139] For example, an optical configuration of a projection
display apparatus when three colors are used in the two
illumination units is as shown in FIG. 24.
Seventh Embodiment
[0140] A projection display apparatus according to a seventh
embodiment according to the present invention will now be
described. That is, as shown in FIG. 25, the projection display
apparatus according to this embodiment has two rod operating type
illumination units (a rod operating type illumination unit "1"
800-1 and a rod operating type illumination unit "2" 800-2). In
this example, each of the rod operating type illumination units
800-1 and 800-2 is configured to emit light R, light G and light B
in time series in one frame as shown in FIG. 26. In this case,
wavelengths of R, G and B are different from each other. That is, a
wavelength of the light R (R1) of the first rod operating type
illumination unit 800-1 is 610 nm a wavelength of the light G (G1)
of the same is 520 nm, and a wavelength of the light B (B1) of the
same is 470 nm. Furthermore, a wavelength of the light R (R2) of
the second rod operating type illumination unit 800-2 is 645 nm, a
wavelength of the light G (G2) of the same is 555 nm, and a
wavelength of the light B (B2) of the same is 450 nm.
[0141] Moreover, the light R, light G and light B exiting from
these first and second rod operating type illumination units 800-1
and 800-2 respectively enter a DM 304. In this example, as shown in
FIG. 27, the spectral characteristics of the DM 304 have three
reflection bands respectively corresponding to the wavelength of
the light R, light G and light B exiting from the second rod
operating type illumination unit 800-2. Thus, the DM 604 combines
the light beams from the two rod operating type illumination units
800-1 and 800-2, a light modulation element (a DMD in this
embodiment) 200 is irradiated with this combined light through a
lens 303, and the light modulated by this light modulation element
200 is led to a projection lens 402. In this case, the two rod
operating type illumination units 800-1 and 800-2 and the light
modulation element 200 operate in synchronization with each
other.
[0142] A chromaticity coordinate of an LED of each color used in
each rod operating type illumination unit, a color coordinate
combined in accordance with each color and an area of a color which
can be reproduced have such a relationship as shown in FIG. 28.
[0143] In this example, the color coordinate combined in accordance
with each color corresponds to each point (a point indicated by a
large black circle) on a line segment connecting two color
coordinates (points indicated by small black circles) of a
corresponding color, and the area of a color which can be
reproduced by a color light in which three colors are combined
corresponds to an area surrounded by a broken line connecting these
points.
[0144] When an input color video signal is an NTSC signal, it is
desirable to use an LED which can reproduce a color light
corresponding to points indicated by a square in the drawing.
However, such an LED is rare, or a bright LED hardly exists. Thus,
in this embodiment, an adjustment is carried out so that a
desirable color can be obtained by examining wavelengths of two
types of LEDs which are used for respective colors.
[0145] Additionally, a subtle error which cannot be processed by
such an adjustment for the LED to be adopted can be adjusted by
converting a video signal itself. That is, when a color of a
reference light source is different from a color of an illumination
light when forming a video signal, a reproduced color differs.
Accordingly, color information of an input video signal is
converted so that correct color reproduction can be carried out
with a color of an illumination light.
[0146] FIG. 29 is a view showing a configuration of an image signal
processing circuit 601 which performs such color information
conversion. That is, this image signal processing circuit 601
comprises a luminous color analysis circuit 601A and an image
processing circuit 601B, and the luminous color analysis circuit
601A includes a sensor 601A1, an ROM 601A2 and a data analysis
circuit 601A3.
[0147] Here, the sensor 601A1 monitors a current luminous color (a
wavelength or an intensity). The ROM 601A2 stores initial
correction data, and a conversion table of the correction data
according to a monitoring result obtained by the sensor 601A1. That
is, a luminous color of each LED varies with time, and also varies
depending on a temperature. Therefore, the initial correction data
alone is insufficient. The data analysis circuit 601A3 converts the
initial correction data stored in the ROM 601A2 in accordance with
a monitoring result obtained by the sensor 601A1 by using the
conversion table, and supplies the conversion result to the image
processing circuit 601B.
[0148] Further, the image processing circuit 601B carries out color
information conversion with respect to input color video signals
(Ri, Gi and Bi) in accordance with correction color information
from the luminous color analysis circuit 601A, and supplies
controls signals Ro, Go and Bo of respective colors according to
the conversion result to the light modulation element driving
portion 201. As a result, appropriate color reproduction can be
performed in a video to be projected even if an irradiation color
has irregularities in accordance with each projection display
apparatus.
Eighth Embodiment
[0149] A projection display apparatus according to an eighth
embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The
projection display apparatus according to this embodiment arranges
an illumination unit which applies light of a single color and a
light modulation element in accordance with each of the three
colors R, G and B.
[0150] FIGS. 30 and 31 are views showing an optical configuration
of the projection display apparatus according to the eighth
embodiment. Furthermore, FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing an
electrical control system of the projection display apparatus
according to this embodiment, and FIG. 33 is a view showing driving
timings of each rod operating type illumination unit.
[0151] That is, in the configuration depicted in FIG. 30, a first
rod operating type illumination unit (a rod operating type
illumination unit "1") 800-1 is configured to always project light
R as shown in FIG. 33. A first light modulation element (a DMD "1")
200-1 is irradiated with the light R exiting from this first rod
operating type illumination unit 800-1 through a lens 303-1.
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 33, light G exiting from a second rod
operating type illumination unit (a rod operating type illumination
unit "2") which always projects the light G is applied to a second
light modulation element (a DMD "2") 200-2 through a lens 303-2. As
shown in FIG. 33, light B exiting from a third rod operating type
illumination unit (a rod operating type illumination unit "3")
800-3 which always projects the light B is applied to a third light
modulation element (a DMD "3") 200-3 through a lens 303-3.
Additionally, the light beams modulated by the first to third light
modulation elements 200-1 to 200-3 are combined by a DM 401, and
the combined light is led to a projection lens 402.
[0152] Additionally, in the configuration shown in FIG. 31, light R
exiting from a first rod operating type illumination unit (a rod
operating type illumination unit "1") 800-1 which always projects
the light R is applied to a first light modulation element (an LCD
"1") 200-1 through a polarization conversion element 302-1 and a
lens 303-1. Light G exiting from a second rod operating type
illumination unit (a rod operating type illumination unit "2")
800-2 which always projects the light G is applied to a second
light modulation element (an LCD "2") 200-2 through a polarization
conversion element 302-2 and a lens 303-2. Light B exiting from a
third rod operating type illumination unit (a rod operating type
illumination unit "3") 800-3 which always projects the light B is
applied to a third light modulation element (an LCD "3") 200-3
through a polarization conversion element 302-3 and a lens 303-3.
Further, the light beams modulated by the first to third light
modulation elements 200-1 to 200-3 are combined by a DM 401, and
the combined light is led to a projection lens 402.
[0153] It is to be noted that synchronization of the three light
modulation elements 200-1, 200-2 and 200-3 is required in this
embodiment, the rod operating type illumination units 800-1, 800-2
and 800-3 may not be synchronized since each of these units
constantly performs irradiation of a single color. Therefore, the
configuration of the synchronization control circuit 602 becomes
simpler than those of the foregoing embodiments.
Ninth Embodiment
[0154] A projection display apparatus according to a ninth
embodiment of the present invention will now be described. As the
input color video signal, there is a signal having four or more
colors in addition to a signal having colors R, G and B.
[0155] A high-color-reproduction color projection display apparatus
compatible with a video signal having such a signal of four colors
has such an optical configuration as shown in FIG. 34. That is, a
first light in the four colors exiting from a first rod operating
type illumination unit (a rod operating type illumination unit "1")
800-1 which constantly projects the first light is applied to a
first light modulation element (an LCD "1") 200-1 through a
polarization conversion element 302-1 and a lens 303-1. A second
light in the four colors exiting from a second rod type operating
illumination unit (a rod operating type illumination unit "2")
800-2 which constantly projects the second light is applied to a
second light modulation element (an LCD "2") 200-2 through a
polarization conversion element 302-2 and a lens 303-2. Further, a
third light in the four colors exiting from a third rod operating
type illumination unit (a rod operating type illumination unit "3")
800-3 which constantly projects the third light is applied to a
third light modulation element (an LCD "3") 200-3 through a
polarization conversion element 302-3 and a lens 303-3. A fourth
light in the four colors exiting from a fourth rod operating type
illumination unit (a rod operating type illumination unit "4")
800-4 which constantly projects the fourth light is applied to a
fourth light modulation element (an LCD "4") 200-4 through a
polarization conversion element 302-4 and a lens 303-4.
Furthermore, the light beams modulated by the first to fourth light
modulation elements 200-1 to 200-4 are combined by a DM 401, and
the combined light is led to a projection lens 402.
[0156] Incidentally, according to the projection display apparatus
using the four illumination units, for example, as shown in FIG.
35, a color reproduction area can be enlarged by preparing two
G-based colors and forming a square area.
[0157] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 36, an application which
uses two R-based colors and enables subtle color reproduction of
the red color can be also considered. This application can obtain a
subtle color which can be represented by a bit number close to 16
bits with respect to a color signal represented by eight bits, for
example. The present invention becomes particularly effective as a
display apparatus for a medical use by enabling reproduction of a
subtle color in a red color area in this manner.
[0158] It is also possible to easily cope with color video signals
of five or more colors by increasing the number of the illumination
units.
Tenth Embodiment
[0159] A projection display apparatus according to a tenth
embodiment of the present invention will now be described. This
embodiment is a projection display apparatus using a rod operating
type illumination unit which subtly changes a luminous color even
in case of a monochromatic light.
[0160] That is, as shown in FIG. 37, this embodiment has three
light leading rod members 802A, 802B and 802C, and LEDs having
three types of red colors (R1, R2 and R3) whose emission
wavelengths are different from each other are arranged. In this
example, it is possible to determine that R1 has 625 nm, R2 has 630
nm and R3 has 635 nm, for example.
[0161] When the rod operating type illumination unit is driven,
light beams exiting from three light leading rod members 802A, 802B
and 802C which rotationally move become time-series R1, R2 and R3
in the respective light leading rod members. Further, a combined
light of the three light leading rod members is in a state where
R1, R2 and R3 of three colors are respectively constantly on.
Therefore, the combined light has a luminous color formed of a
plurality of wavelengths, and a luminous color of a red
illumination light can be subtly adjusted as different from a
luminous color of an LED having a single wavelength.
[0162] The luminous color of the R color of the combined light can
be changed by selecting wavelengths of the respective LEDs used,
and also adjusted by a scheme which controls a driving current in
accordance with each LED having each wavelength or a scheme which
changes a ratio of the number of R1, R2 and R3.
[0163] Furthermore, luminous colors of green and blue illumination
light can be likewise adjusted.
Eleventh Embodiment
[0164] A projection display apparatus according to an eleventh
embodiment of the present invention will now be described. As shown
in FIG. 38, the projection display apparatus according to this
embodiment uses a rod operating type illumination unit 800 which
can divide and project light fluxes of R, G and B, and light
modulation elements 200 for respective colors are irradiated with
the light fluxes of R, G and B exiting from the rod operating type
illumination unit 800 as illumination light beams by lenses 303 and
mirrors 306 as different illumination optical systems. Moreover,
the light beams modulated by these light modulation elements 200
are combined by a DM 401, and the combined light is lead to a
projection lens 402 through a mirror 403.
[0165] With such a configuration, light fluxes of the illumination
unit which emits a plurality of colors can be divided in accordance
with each color without using an expensive color separation unit,
and the different light modulation elements can be illuminated with
the separated light fluxes, thereby inexpensively constituting the
projection display apparatus with the light utilization efficiency.
It is to be noted that, as shown in FIG. 39A, the rod operating
type illumination unit 800 which can divide and project the light
fluxes of R, G and B has LEDs for R, G and B respectively
collectively arranged on parts each corresponding to an
approximately 1/3 circumference and three light leading rod members
(a light leading rod member "A" 802A, a light leading rod member
"B" 802B and a light leading rod member "C" 802C). Although the
luminous colors of the light exiting from the three rotating light
leading rod members are switched in time series, the light fluxes
from the rod operating type illumination unit exit in a state where
light flux areas of R, G and B are fixed in accordance with the
arrangement of the LEDs of R, G and B.
[0166] In this case, as shown in FIG. 39B which is a
cross-sectional line taken along a line BB' of FIG. 39A, tapered
rods 802c of the respective light leading rod members 802A, 802B
and 802C are configured to be opened toward the outside. As a
result, rough shapes of projected light fluxes seen from a line CC'
and a line DD' are as shown in FIGS. 39C and 39D. That is, the
light flux is divided as distanced from a projection end surface
802d of each light leading rod member.
[0167] Although the above has described the present invention based
on the embodiments, the present invention is not restricted to the
foregoing embodiments, and various modifications or applications
can be carried out within the scope of the present invention.
[0168] For example, although the motor as a movable portion
corresponding to movable means is included in each illumination
unit in, e.g., the fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments using the
plurality of illumination units, the light leading members of the
plurality of illumination units can be operated by using, e.g., a
gear or a belt even if the number of the movable portion (the
motor) is one.
[0169] Moreover, even if the number of the light emission control
circuit is one, control over LED driving timings of the plurality
of illumination units and control over an operation of the motor
can be executed by wire-connecting each illumination unit and a
control line.
[0170] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur
to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its
broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, and
representative devices shown and described herein. Accordingly,
various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit
or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the
appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *