Reflection type projector

• US 6,299,312 B1
• Filed: 02/29/2000
• Issued: 10/09/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 02/29/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Inventors: Choi, Soon-cheol, Ko, Han-il
• Primary Examiner(s): DOWLING, WILLIAM C
• Application Number:
  US09/515,850
• Time in Patent Office: 588 Days
• Field of Search: 353/31, 353/33, 353/34, 353/37, 353/81, 353/69, 349/5, 349/8, 359/831, 359/832
• US Class Current: 353/31
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/1026 for use with reflective spatial light modulators
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/145 having sequential partially reflecting surfaces
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/149 using crossed beamsplitting surfaces, e.g. cross-dichroic cubes or X-cubes
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 5/04 Prisms
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/3105 for displaying all colours simultaneously, e.g. by using two or more electronic spatial light modulators simultaneous projection in colour photography G03B33/10; beam splitting or combining systems per se G02B27/10
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/317 Convergence or focusing systems electronic adjustment of convergence H04N9/3185; convergence or focusing arrangements for cathode ray tubes H04N9/28; means for automatic focusing of projectors not peculiar to the presence of an electronic spatial light modulator G03B21/53

Abstract

A reflection type projector in which the brightness of light projected onto a screen increases by simultaneously overlapping three colors used for representation of a color image. The reflection type projector includes a light source, first and second dichromatic mirrors arranged on an optical path for transmitting and reflecting input light according to the wavelength thereof, first, second and third image forming devices for generating an image corresponding to each color from input light, a first prism arranged on an optical path between the first dichromatic mirror and the first image forming device, a second prism arranged on an optical path between the second dichromatic mirror and the second image forming device, and a third prism arranged on an optical path between the second dichromatic mirror and the third image forming device. A dichromatic beam splitter is provided having first and second mirror surfaces for selectively transmitting or reflecting light according to the wavelength thereof so that the light input passing the first, second and third prisms is output in one direction. A correction prism is installed on an exit surface of the dichromatic beam splitter for allowing an optical axis of the light input to the dichromatic beam splitter passing each of the first, second and third prisms to be input approximately perpendicular to each of three incident surfaces of the dichromatic beam splitter. A projection lens unit is provided for magnifying and projecting light input from the dichromatic beam splitter toward a screen.

Claims

1. A reflection type projector comprising:

a light source for generating and projecting light;

a first dichromatic mirror arranged on an optical path for selectively transmitting or reflecting input light according to a wavelength thereof;

first, second and third image forming devices for generating an image corresponding to each color from input light;

a first prism arranged on an optical path between the first dichromatic mirror and the first image forming device, and having a first transmission/reflection surface for transmitting input light transmitting the first dichromatic mirror and total-reflecting light reflected by the first image forming device;

a second dichromatic mirror for selectively transmitting or reflecting the light reflected by the first dichromatic mirror according to a wavelength thereof;

a second prism arranged on an optical path between the second dichromatic mirror and the second image forming device, and having a second transmission/reflection surface for transmitting light reflected by the second dichromatic mirror and total-reflecting light reflected by the second image forming device;

a third prism arranged on an optical path between the second dichromatic mirror and the third image forming device, and having a third transmission/reflection surface for transmitting light transmitting the second dichromatic mirror and total-reflecting light reflected by the third image forming device;

a dichromatic beam splitter having first and second mirror surfaces for selectively transmitting or reflecting light according to a wavelength thereof so that the light input passing the first, second and third prisms is output in one direction;

a correction prism installed on an exit surface of the dichromatic beam splitter for allowing an optical axis of the light input to the dichromatic beam splitter passing each of the first, second and third prisms to be input approximately perpendicular to each of three incident surfaces of the dichromatic beam splitter; and

a projection lens unit for magnifying and projecting light input from the dichromatic beam splitter toward a screen.

2. The reflection type projector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the correction prism is wedge-shaped and one surface thereof is coupled to the exit surface of the dichromatic beam splitter.

3. The reflection type projector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the correction prism is integrally formed with the dichromatic beam splitter.