Lens Support Patents (Class 353/100)
  • Patent number: 7731372
    Abstract: A projector comprises a light source unit, a light guide element, a first focus element, a second focus element, a micromirror element and an image unit. The light source unit provides a light beam. The first focus element comprises a first focal length f1. The second focus element comprises a second focal length f2, wherein 2.0 < f 2 f 1 < 3.6 . The light beam travels from the light source unit, passing the light guide element, the first focus element, the second focus element and the micromirror element to the image unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Qisda Corporation
    Inventor: Ming-Kuen Lin
  • Publication number: 20100118283
    Abstract: An object is to provide a light source unit that focuses a laser beam, having different divergence angles in longitudinal direction and lateral direction, so as not to allow longitudinally and laterally deviating from an incident end-face of an optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Jyunichi AIZAWA, Yukio Sato, Mitoru Yabe, Hiroshi Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20100053572
    Abstract: A projection display apparatus and an actuation control method thereof are provided. A projection display apparatus includes an apparatus body that forms an optical image projected on a screen, a projection lens that projects the optical image formed by the apparatus body on the screen, a lens actuator that allows the projection lens to be shifted in a vertical direction or in a horizontal direction relative to the apparatus body, and a shift controller that limits a range of shift movement by the lens actuator such that a center position of the projection lens does not go outside of a quadrangle region of which the intersection point of diagonals is located coaxially with the position of the optical axis of the apparatus body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyohiro Oka, Kenichiro Kuroda
  • Patent number: 7658499
    Abstract: A projector has a case, a zoom lens, a zoom ring, a control plate, a lodging element, a control rod, and a handle. The case has an opening, and the zoom ring is disposed within the case and nearby the opening, the zoom ring is moved back and forth to drive the zoom rod. The control plate is mounted on the case and laid over the opening movably, the lodging element is movably contacted with the control rod, wherein the handle accepts the force along the extending direction of the rectangular opening so as to let the control plate move the lodging element along the extending direction of the rectangular opening and further to move the control rod for continuously regulating the focal length of the zoom lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: Chi-Yu Meng, Jung-Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 7635190
    Abstract: A projector includes a light source, an optical modulation device to form an optical image, a projection optical device, and a projection position adjusting device to adjust the projection position. The projection position adjusting device includes a fixed member, a moving member a dial knob, a drive mechanism that transmit rotation of the dial knob, and a reference position detecting mechanism. The reference position detecting mechanism includes a spiral rail guiding section having a groove shape provided to a side face of the dial knob adjacent to the fixed member, along the rotational direction of the dial knob, a sliding section that slides in the guiding section with the rotation of the dial knob, and an engaging section provided to the guiding section, and engages with the sliding section upon the projection position of the projection optical device reaching the projection reference position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kunihisa Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20090237629
    Abstract: Disclosed are an optical system for infinite image formation and a method for fabricating a camera module using the optical system. The optical system includes a first lens unit including at least one lens; a projection chart capable of partially allowing light to pass therethrough; a backlight unit capable of emitting light; and a first holder coupled with the first lens unit, the projection chart and the backlight unit. The first lens unit is exposed through an opening of the first holder. The method includes coupling the optical system with a camera module including a first lens unit, an image sensor and a printed circuit board, where the optical system is coupled to the first lens unit; and adjusting an effective focal length between the first lens unit and the image sensor by rotating the optical system and the first lens unit of the camera module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: SUK YEONG KOO
  • Publication number: 20090161079
    Abstract: A projector, comprising a housing, a light source, a reflecting mirror, a supporter, a film, a first lens, a second lens, and a lens carrier. The reflecting mirror and the supporter are disposed at the back of the housing. The first lens is disposed in the front of the housing. The light source and the reflecting mirror are disposed on the supporter. The film is disposed between the light source and the first lens. The lens carrier is fit on the head of the housing. The second lens is disposed on the lens carrier. The projector features clear projected images at large projection distances and can accurately adjust positions of the projected images for merging into one large projected image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Heng FANG
  • Patent number: 7535436
    Abstract: A device for projecting images from a video generating device such as a computer, television receiver, or similar device onto a screen or other surface is described in this invention. The device uses a rotating disk containing numerous lenses to direct a light beam from a laser or other light source towards the screen. In one embodiment, a pulsed laser light from red, green, and blue lasers are combined into a single light pulse that is transmitted through the rotating disk that transmit each light pulse to a specific location on the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventors: David James Baker, Richard A. Baker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7532407
    Abstract: A projection type image display apparatus is provided which includes a housing to hold an optical system including multi-lenses, a polarized-light conversion element and the color separation portion. The housing operates to provide an optical path between a light source, located outside the housing, and penetration-type image display elements and an optical synthesizing portion also located outside of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Hirata, Masahiko Yatsu
  • Patent number: 7517088
    Abstract: A light projector, including an elongate housing assembly and a tubular light chamber assembly that comprises a plurality of tubular components and is coaxially enclosed by the housing assembly, with optical devices positioned within the light chamber assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas E. Kretzschmar, John T. Petrick, Richard A. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 7494229
    Abstract: A projector of the invention includes: a projection lens that is movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to an optical axis to project and display an image on a projection object; an imaging structure that photographs an area including at least the projected image on the projection object to take a photographed image; a shift level detection unit that detects a shift level of the projection lens; a control module that specifies a reference line to be processed in the photographed image; and a storage unit that stores a map of positional information to each shift level, where the positional information represents an expected relative line position to the projected image included in the photographed image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Noriaki Miyasaka
  • Publication number: 20080304024
    Abstract: An optical engine for a projection display device includes a housing, a light source module, an imaging unit, and a projecting mechanism. The housing includes a base wall and a surrounding wall cooperating with the base wall for defining a receiving space with an opening. The light source module is disposed at a side of the housing for providing an illuminating light beam into the receiving space. The imaging unit is disposed in the receiving space, and includes a display element and an optical lens set. The projecting mechanism includes a lens barrel having first and second barrel ends, a projecting lens disposed at the second barrel end, and a coupling element formed on an outer surface of the lens barrel adjacent to the first barrel end. The coupling element is configured to have a size and shape corresponding to those of the opening, and is disposed to cover the opening and to seal the receiving space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: YOUNG OPTICS INC.
    Inventors: Wan-Chiang Wang, Chia-Chang Lee
  • Patent number: 7460287
    Abstract: A lightweight, compact image projection module, especially for mounting in a housing having a light-transmissive window, is operative for causing selected pixels in a raster pattern to be illuminated to produce an image of high resolution of VGA quality in color. The pixels are rendered symmetrical in cross-section by aligning a narrow dimension of a beam spot of a laser beam along scan lines of the raster pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chinh Tan, Dmitriy Yavid, Miklos Stern, Carl Wittenberg
  • Publication number: 20080266530
    Abstract: With a simple structure, the light focusing convergence point for the Maxwellian view and the position of the pupil can be easily and quickly matched to each other in a steady manner and thus it is possible to obtain a sharp image by the Maxwellian view. When the position of the point light source 11 is automatically adjusted by the light source driving apparatus 14 using the parallel light as shown in Portion (a) of FIG. 1 as the display image light incident on the convex lens 13 (or HOE) or using the spherical wave light instead of the parallel light as shown in Portion (b) of FIG. 1, the position of the light focusing convergence point A for the Maxwellian view with respect to the position of the pupil is easily and quickly adjusted in a steady manner. Further, as with an optical path length L of the entire optical system, as shown in Portion (b) of FIG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicants: JAPAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AGENCY, WEAR VISION, INC.
    Inventors: Hideya Takahashi, Eiji Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7441909
    Abstract: An optical assembly for a projection system includes an objective lens and a retro-focus lens. Then objective lens and retro-focus lens share one or more lens elements. A method of projecting an image comprises directing light from a light source to one or more modulators and projecting a modulated light beam using an optical assembly that includes an objective lens and a retro-focus lens that share one or more lens elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Scott Lerner, James W. Ring, Brett E. Dahlgren
  • Publication number: 20080204674
    Abstract: A holding apparatus adapted to hold an optical element above a base includes at least two held members provided at different positions on an outer periphery of the optical element; and holding members provided above the base for respective held members, the holding members being supported above the base by flexure members. Each held member is held by the corresponding holding member in a kinematic coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kouhei Imoto
  • Publication number: 20080198340
    Abstract: An imaging module includes a first housing, a projection lens, elastic members and lock members. The first housing has a first combination part having first lock holes. The projection lens has a lens barrel and at least one lens disposed inside the lens barrel. The lens barrel has a plurality of connection parts extending outward. Each connection part has a second lock hole. The elastic members are disposed between each connection part and the first combination part. Each elastic member has a first surface leant against the corresponding connection part and a second surface leant against the first combination part. The first surfaces form a first datum plane. The connection parts lean against the first datum plane. Each lock member is inserted into the corresponding second lock hole, the corresponding first lock hole and the elastic member between the corresponding second lock hole and first lock hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: CORETRONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wen-Wei Tsai, Cheng-Kuei Chen
  • Patent number: 7399090
    Abstract: A projector includes a main body, a lens unit and a lens cover. The main body includes a housing and a groove formed on a bottom face of the housing. The lens unit is provided to the main body. The lens cover is configured to cover the lens unit. The lens cover is further configured to be fitted to the groove so that the lens cover rotatably supports the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiro Oda
  • Patent number: 7367682
    Abstract: A lightweight, compact image projection module, especially for mounting in a housing having a light-transmissive window, is operative for causing selected pixels in a raster pattern to be illuminated to produce an image of high resolution of VGA quality in color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Dvorkis, Ron Goldman, Chinh Tan, Dmitriy Yavid, Miklos Stern, Carl Wittenberg, Frederick F. Wood, Askold Strat, Michael Slutsky, Narayan Nambudiri, Richard Rizza, Thomas Mazz, Lisa Fan
  • Patent number: 7359130
    Abstract: An improved lens mount and related alignment methods are provided. In one example, a lens mount includes a ring member and a base member connected with the ring member. The base member has a bottom surface. First and second coplanar mounting pads are provided on the bottom surface of the base member. In another example, a method of aligning a lens mount relative to a stage includes providing a lens mount comprising: a ring member and a base member connected with the ring member. A stage having a top surface is provided. A plurality of alignment members on a bottom surface of the base member are aligned with a corresponding plurality of apertures in the stage. The alignment members are inserted into the apertures, and first, second, and third mounting pads on the bottom surface of the base member are contacted with the top surface of the stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Siimpel Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Calvet
  • Patent number: 7354161
    Abstract: A projection position adjuster (8) of a projector includes a fixing plate (81), a first moving plate (82) that can move in a Y-axis direction and an X-axis direction orthogonal to each other in a plane orthogonal to a projection direction, a first adjusting driver (86) that moves the first moving plate (82) in the Y-axis direction, a second moving plate (83) that can move in the X-axis direction and moves the first moving plate (82) in the X-axis direction by engaging with the first moving plate (82), and a second adjusting driver (87) that moves the second moving plate (83) in the X-axis direction. The first moving plate (82) and the second moving plate (83) are superposed onto the fixing plate (81) in a projection direction. The first moving plate (82) is movably abutted on the fixing plate (81) and supports and fixes the projection lens (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Akitoshi Kuroda
  • Patent number: 7347569
    Abstract: The present invention provides a correcting apparatus for correcting images projected from a projection system. The correcting apparatus includes a correcting module and a projection lens. The correcting module shields a light signal for producing a corrected light signal. The projection lens receives the corrected light signal for producing an image light signal. The correcting module is disposed on a first outer circumference at one end of the projection lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Coretronic Corp.
    Inventors: Shou-Chih Chen, Hung-Chieh Huang, Chuan-Te Cheng, Sze-Ke Wang, Sea-Huang Lee
  • Patent number: 7347566
    Abstract: An inexpensive projection lens unit in a rear projection type image display system, having a short focal distance (wide angle of viewing field), high focus and high contrast, and as well, including a power lens made of a glass material having a high refractive index in a range from 1.63 to 1.70 and an Abbe's number of not less than 50 with an optimized incident and emergent configuration in order to satisfactorily correct aberration with a enhanced focusing performance even with a shortened focal distance. Further, the power lens having a high refractive index can exhibit a high power, and accordingly, can carry out satisfactory aberration correction by optimizing the aspheric degree of a plastic lens even though the length of back focus is increased for enhancing the contrast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidehiro Ikeda, Shuji Kato, Koji Hirata, Naoyuki Ogura
  • Publication number: 20080068565
    Abstract: Provided is a micro display device. The device includes a controller for controlling a whole operation; an interface for receiving an image signal; a micro display for receiving the image signal from the interface; and an optical system for receiving the image signal from the micro display, and magnifying the received image signal. The micro display is provided in a position not consistent with an optical axis, at an upper side or a lower side of the optical axis of the optical system. The optical system includes a lens only partially provided by half or more with respect to the optical axis, in front of the micro display; and a mirror only partially provided by half or more corresponding to an opposite side of the lens with respect to the optical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Deok Yong Ko
  • Patent number: 7312936
    Abstract: A digital image-capturing device includes an outer lens barrel, an image sensor disposed in the outer lens barrel, an inner lens barrel mounted in the outer lens barrel, and a lens module mounted in the inner lens barrel. The outer lens barrel has a barrel coupling segment formed with an internal screw thread, and a barrel guiding segment. The inner lens barrel has a barrel engaging segment formed with an external screw thread to engage threadedly the internal screw thread of the barrel coupling segment, and a barrel sliding segment in sliding and rotatable contact with the barrel guiding segment. When the inner lens barrel is inserted into the outer lens barrel, the barrel guiding segment can guide the barrel sliding segment to prevent the inner lens barrel from wobbling and to maintain optical axis alignment, thereby ensuring image-capturing quality of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Jung-Chun Yen, Chun-Hsiung Lin
  • Publication number: 20070291237
    Abstract: A projector includes a main body, a lens unit and a lens cover. The main body includes a housing and a groove formed on a bottom face of the housing. The lens unit is provided to the main body. The lens cover is configured to cover the lens unit. The lens cover is further configured to be fitted to the groove so that the lens cover rotatably supports the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiro ODA
  • Patent number: 7303290
    Abstract: A lightweight, compact image projection module, especially for mounting in a housing having a light-transmissive window, is operative for causing selected pixels in a raster pattern to be illuminated to produce an image of high resolution of VGA quality or higher in color. A laser beam focusing arrangement aligns a mechanical axis of a focusing lens with an optical axis along which a laser beam is directed to reduce pointing errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Wittenberg, Chinh Tan, Lisa Fan
  • Publication number: 20070273844
    Abstract: A exemplary system embodiment for supporting a cantilevered lens assembly positioned in a projection display device includes a first support member and a second support member. The first support member is configured to be coupled to the projection display device and is shaped to receive a portion of the cantilevered lens assembly. The second support member is configured for coupling the cantilevered lens assembly to the projection display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Stephan R. Clark, Lawrence J. Gianola, Franz Jurva, Jon A. Bartman, P. Guy Howard
  • Publication number: 20070258059
    Abstract: An image offset adjustment apparatus for an LCD projector which is constructed to enable the adjustment of an image offset. The LCD projector includes a light source for emitting light, mirrors, and an LCD installed in front of the mirrors so that an image generated in the LCD is enlarged and projected on a screen. The image offset adjustment apparatus includes a projection lens section including a plurality of projection lenses having their respective LCDs at different circumferential positions to have different image offsets; a lens housing for housing the respective projection lenses adjacent to one another in a circumferential direction; rotation means for rotating the lens housing; and a controller for controlling the rotation means so that the lens housing can be controllably rotated to select one of the projection lenses and one of the image offsets as desired by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventors: Sang-Chan Park, Hyun-Soo Kim, Ki-Tae Lee, Kang-Hoon Lee, Cheong-Sun Lee, Dae-Hyun Sim
  • Patent number: 7273287
    Abstract: An optical device body (440A) includes an electro-optic device (440B), a projection lens (445), and a supporting structure (446). The supporting structure (446) includes a supporting structure body (4461) attached on a base end of the projection lens (445), an upper mount (4462) and a lower mount (4463) respectively fixed on an upper surface and a lower surface of a cross dichroic prism (444), and spacers (4464) interposed between: the supporting structure (4461); and the upper mount (4462) and the lower mount (4463). The spacers (4464) are respectively disposed near four corners of a planar rectangular light irradiation surface of the cross dichroic prism (444).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Masashi Kitabayashi
  • Patent number: 7268935
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a mirror array to form a projected image that includes pixels. The apparatus also includes a circuit to, for each pixel, control the mirror array to selectively combine reflected light from at least two mirrors of the array to regulate an intensity of the pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Ben D. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7259923
    Abstract: A lens barrel, including, a moving frame (2) to hold a lens (8), a direct-advance ring (4) provided on an outer periphery of the moving frame and movable relative to the moving frame in an optical direction, a resilient member (6) provided between the moving frame and the direct-advance ring, and a control part (10) provided on the moving frame to control an amount of movement of the direct-advance ring in the optical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Nuno, Ikuya Tsurukawa, Kaoru Ito, Junichi Shinohara, Akihiro Etoh
  • Patent number: 7258452
    Abstract: There is disclosed a projection optical system which is capable of moving a projected image within a predetermined region (effective projection region). The projection optical system, which projects an image of an object surface in the effective projection region of a predetermined image surface comprises two or more optical systems, among which a first optical system on the object surface side comprises a zoom portion which zooms the projected image. The projection optical system further comprises one or more rotatable members which rotate around the position of an exit pupil of the first optical system or its vicinity. In addition, by rotating the one or more rotatable members, the projected image is moved within the effective projection region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koshi Hatakeyama, Tsunefumi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7182473
    Abstract: A lens cover set, used with a lens disposed on an electronic product, includes a lens cover and a lens jacket. The lens cover is disposed on a housing of the electronic product and is used for containing the lens. The lens jacket is installed on the lens cover adjustably and hoops the lens by leaving a gap. By way of adjusting a relative position between the lens jacket and the lens cover so that the gap can be modulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: BenQ Corporation
    Inventors: Chien-Ming Li, Ko-Hsien Lee, Shu-Mei Chien
  • Patent number: 7178924
    Abstract: A lens cap of a projector has a front portion covering a lens and a cylindrical side portion. The front portion has an opening to which a prescribed string holding member is attached. The string holding member is formed to have a pair of engaging portions, a string inserting portion, a cover portion and a guide groove. The pair of engaging portions are engaged with the opening formed in the lens cap. A string is inserted through the string inserting portion, and the string is retained as a knot of the string prevents the string from being pulled out. The cover portion covers the opening with the string holding member engaged in the opening. The guide groove is formed on the back side of the cover portion, and guides the string from the back side to the front side of the front portion of the lens cap. Thus, the lens cap can easily be put on the focus ring without any interference with the front panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shingo Hamada
  • Patent number: 7180557
    Abstract: A projection unit comprises a light source unit and an image forming unit. The light source unit includes a light source section and an illuminating optical system which condenses the illuminating light and forms the illuminating light to approximately parallel rays. The image forming unit includes an image forming optical system which decomposes the illuminating light into three-primary-colors lights, radiates the three-primary-colors lights to liquid-crystal displays corresponding to each color, and composes the three-primary-colors image lights into full-color image light, and a projection lens which projects the full-color image light to a screen. The light source unit is contained in a light source unit case which is formed with a material excellent in heat resistance. The image forming unit is contained in an image forming unit case which is formed with a material which is not excellent in heat resistance. The light source unit case is attached to the image forming unit case in detachable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventor: Hitoshi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7172292
    Abstract: An inexpensive projection lens unit in a rear projection type image display system, having a short focal distance (wide angle of viewing field), high focus and high contrast, and as well, including a power lens made of a glass material having a high refractive index in a range from 1.63 to 1.70 and an Abbe's number of not less than 50 with an optimized incident and emergent configuration in order to satisfactorily correct aberration with a enhanced focusing performance even with a shortened focal distance. Further, the power lens having a high refractive index can exhibit a high power, and accordingly, can carry out satisfactory aberration correction by optimizing the aspheric degree of a plastic lens even though the length of back focus is increased for enhancing the contrast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidehiro Ikeda, Shuji Kato, Koji Hirata, Naoyuki Ogura
  • Patent number: 7118229
    Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for readily changing the design of a projector. A projector comprises: an illumination optical system; a light modulation device; a projection optical system; and a base frame for mounting a plurality of optical components disposed on a light path from the optical illumination system to the projection optical system. The illumination optical system 300 comprises: a light source 20; a lens array 320; and a superimposing lens system 370. The base frame includes a positioning section for positioning the superimposing lens system 370. The superimposing lens system 370 includes at least two lenses 371 and 372. The first lens 371 is provided at a position nearest to the light source and mainly determines an F-number of the illumination optical system. The second lens 372 is provided at a position furthest from the light source and mainly determines a magnification of the illumination optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hisashi Iechika, Takeshi Takizawa
  • Patent number: 7114814
    Abstract: The invention provides a projector having a light source, a display device to modulate light emitted from the light source, a lens device to project light emitted from the light source via the display device, wherein the lens device has a diaphragm mechanism formed having an aperture, an ambient light illuminance detector to measure illuminance of ambient light, a projected image illuminance detector to measure illuminance of an image projected on the screen, an illuminance comparator to compare an illuminance detected by the ambient light illuminance detector and an illuminance detected by the projected image illuminance detector, and a diaphragm mechanism/image signal controller to control an intensity of image signals input into the display device and to control a size of an opening of the aperture of the diaphragm mechanism in accordance with a result of comparison by the illuminance comparator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignees: Chinontec Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroki Abe, Tomoo Fujimori, Motoo Takahashi, Kenji Samejima
  • Patent number: 7086737
    Abstract: To provide an optical apparatus, and a projector which can avoid the mutual positional deviations of a plurality of optical modulation devices and can form a good optical image free from pixel deviations. An optical apparatus includes three optical modulation devices which modulate respective color lights in accordance with image information, a cross dichroic prism which synthesizes the color lights modulated by the respective optical modulation devices, and pin spacers. Each of the optical modulation devices is fixed to the cross dichroic prism through the pin spacers. Each of the pin spacers is constructed of two pin-like protrusions, and a coupler which couples the two pin-like protrusions to each other at the parts of these pin-like protrusions as are remote from the end parts thereof on the side of the cross dichroic prism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Masashi Kitabayashi
  • Patent number: 7061699
    Abstract: A projection lens (46) comprises: a cylindrical exterior case (621) having a lens-shifting through-hole (625) on a side thereof and an inner circumferential step or inner flange (623); a lens (610) of which outer periphery (611) on a first side is abutted to the inner circumferential step or inner flange (623); a flexible or elastic spacer (660) abutted to an outer periphery (612) of a second side of the lens (610); and a retainer (670) holding the spacer (660), where the lens (610) is fixed on the exterior case (621).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuo Watanabe, Shuji Narimatsu, Tomonobu Machida, Shunji Umemura, Shohei Fujisawa
  • Patent number: 7055970
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention can provide an optical apparatus having a supporting portion of an enclosure for optical components that is formed with a groove which is reduced in width in the opposite direction from the extending direction of the supporting portion, that is, toward a curved portion. A flange of a projection lens to be installed on the supporting portion can be formed with a notch. Postural adjustment of the projection lens can be performed according to a projecting image which is projected on rear screens from the projecting lens. When a flat-head screwdriver is inserted into the notch and the groove and is turned, the flat-head screwdriver can come into abutment with the peripheral edge of the notch of the flange of the projection lens and the peripheral edge of the groove of the supporting portion. Accordingly, the flange of the projection lens can move on the supporting portion and the postural adjustment of the projection lens can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Masashi Kitabayashi
  • Patent number: 7054073
    Abstract: A lens holding barrel is fitted in a fixed barrel in a manner that the lens holding barrel is slidable in optical axis direction. A cam ring is rotatably fitted on outer periphery of the fixed lens. Front regulating members are formed on front end of the fixed barrel, and rear regulating member are formed on rear end of the fixed barrel. Three cutouts are formed on inner surface of the cam ring at even intervals, and cams are formed between these cutouts. Vertical walls are formed at both ends of each cam. The cam ring is fitted onto the fixed barrel after the each front regulating member is faced to the each cutout. After that, the cam ring is positioned between the front regulating member and the rear regulating member by rotation of the cam ring. When the cam ring is rotated in a predetermined range, each cam pushes a cam projection against the biasing of the biasing ring, to move the lens holding barrel in the optical axis direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Shirie
  • Patent number: 7045936
    Abstract: An improved coupler with contrast ribs for use in a projection system. The coupler supports a projection lens in alignment with a projection optical signal generation device (e.g., a Cathode Ray Tube). The contrast ribs minimize contrast distortion that occurs in the coupler. The coupler defines a cooling chamber between said projection lens and said projection signal generating device and is filled with liquid in order to transport the optical signal between the projection optical signal generation device and projection lens. The contrast ribs change the angle of reflection of stray light rays generated by the projection optical signal generation device and direct a portion of those stray light rays to other contrast ribs. The ribs are preferably coated with a chemical composition that helps allow the ribs to absorb a portion of each ray incident on the rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi Electronic Devices (USA), Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Howland Baker
  • Patent number: 7029132
    Abstract: Adjustment of the illumination range to a liquid crystal panel of a liquid crystal projector requires time in fixing upon adjustment and accordingly it is an object to make the adjustment effectively. In an adjustment mechanism of the illumination range of illumination means to the liquid crystal panel in an optical engine unit of the liquid projector, the spring property is provided in a lens holder for holding a lens and the lens is temporarily held by friction of the spring portion to the optical engine case after adjustment. Then, the adhesion processing is made to complete the adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Fusamitsu Tsubata, Kazumasa Ueoka, Mikio Shiraishi, Hiroto Miura, Nobuyuki Honda
  • Patent number: 7004589
    Abstract: A liquid crystal projector of three-color type has three liquid crystal elements for modulating three primary color light bundles into three color optical images respectively. A recombination prism combines modulated three color optical images, and a projection lens system projects the combined full-color image on a screen. The projection lens system is constituted of the front lens group and the first and second rear lens groups. The front lens group and the rear lens groups are mounted to frames that are formed integrally on a prism base plate to which the recombination prism is fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventor: Hitoshi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6999249
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lens, which has a convex surface, a concave surface and a flange that is formed around the lens to be projected in a radial direction perpendicular to an optical axis and to be continued from the convex surface. The flange is provided with a groove formed on the side of the convex surface that extends from the outer edge of the convex surface toward the outer edge of the flange. When the lens is pulled up from a solution of coating material, the unnecessary solution that collects at a lower area of the convex surface drips from the lens through the groove. This prevents a formation of a puddle on the convex surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventors: Atsuo Kabeta, Kazuhiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 6982841
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mirror holding system by which aberration resulting from deformation or positional deviation of an optical member, causing degradation of imaging performance, can be reduced whereby a desired optical performance is assured. Also disclosed is an exposure apparatus and a device manufacturing method based on such mirror holding system. The holding system includes a supporting member for supporting the optical element at a plurality of supports which are movable along an approximately radial direction about a predetermined point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiki Kino, Yoshinori Miwa, Masanori Honda
  • Patent number: 6961165
    Abstract: The invention provides a panel fixing plate as an optical modulation device retainer having a substantially c-shaped fixing section body viewed from the top, an arm section formed at a tip side of the fixing section body, a pin protruding from the arm section, and a spring member biasing an emission-side polarization plate as an optical conversion element with respect to the fixing section body. Liquid crystal panels, each as light modulators, are securely fixed to a panel fixing plate with the pin inserted into each corresponding hole. The emission-side polarization plate can be inserted into the substantially c-shaped fixing section body when viewed from the top so as to be biased and fixed to the fixing section body by the spring member. An optical modulation device retainer, an optical device, and a projector of this invention, light modulators and/or optical conversion elements can be exchanged with ease, and the reworkability can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Taisuke Uehara
  • Patent number: RE39911
    Abstract: A projection lens for use with LCD panels is provided. The lens has a first lens unit which includes a strong negative lens element having an aspherical surface which provides distortion correction, and a second lens unit which includes a first lens subunit separated by an airspace from a second lens subunit, wherein the first lens subunit has a strong positive power and the second lens subunit has a weaker power. The second lens subunit can include a negative lens element, followed by a positive lens element, followed by a plastic lens element having an aspherical surface. The projection lens has a field of view of at least 35° so that the overall projection lens system has a compact size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Jacob Moskovich