Light emitting apparatus and projector

An light emitting apparatus which illuminates an illumination area has a first light source which emits a first light, a second light source which emits a second light, a wheel which is provided with a transmission filter area which transmits the first light, and a reflection area which reflects the second light, a wheel driving unit which controls a rotation of the wheel, and drives the wheel, a light emitting optical unit which leads the first light which transmits the transmission filter area, or the second light which is reflected by the reflection area to the illumination area, in which the light which is led to the illumination area by the light emitting optical unit is at least two colors of light which are successively changed over in the time series.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a light emitting apparatus for color display using a wheel and a projector which is provided with the light emitting apparatus.

Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-200267, filed Jul. 7, 2004, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

2. Description of Related Art

Although, conventionally, various types of projectors of which projecting types differ are offered, as the projectors being common at present, a liquid crystal type of liquid crystal projector or a Digital Light Processing (hereinafter, abbreviated as DLP, which is a registered trademark) type of DLP projector is mainstream.

The liquid crystal projector uses, for example, three transmission liquid crystals of red color (R), green color (G), and blue color (B), and performs magnification projection while lighting the transmission liquid crystals from the rear; therefore adjustment is easy, and miniaturization and weight saving can be attained. Moreover, in the DLP projector, a plurality of minute movable mirrors which are provided in a Digital Micromirror Device (hereinafter, which is abbreviated as DMD) are moved at the speed of not less than several ten thousands of cycles per second, and thereby the image is formed, in addition to the advantage of the liquid crystal projector, the advantage can be obtained in which the decrease of the light is low, and thereby the light contrast can be obtained, a high-precision image which is seamless can be reproduced at high-brightness, high-resolution image display in which uniformity of the brightness is excellent, and stability is high can be carried out, and defects are unlikely to occur, and the like.

Here, a general constitution of the DLP projector is shown inFIG. 21andFIG. 22.

The DLP projector100is provided with a lamp101which emits white color the light, red color (R), green color (G), and blue color (B) of color filters103a,102b, and102c, a color wheel102which is rotated and driven by a motor103, an integrator rod104which reduces the lighting unevenness of the light which passes through the color filters102a,102b, and102c, and TIR (Total Internal Reflection) prism107in which the light which passed through the integrator rod104is entered into the DMD105, and the image which is modulated by the DMD105is emitted to the projection lens106.

After the white light which is emitted from the lamp10is emitted as the red color (R), the green color (G), and the blue color (B) of light in a time series by the color wheel102, the light thereof is entered into the integrator rod104. Furthermore, each color of light which has passed through the integrator rod104(in this case, the lighting unevenness of each color of light is lost) is performed a whole reflection in the TIR prism107, and is entered into the DMD105. After the light which is entered into the DMD105is modulated by the image data according to each color, the light is successively entered into the projection lens106via the TIR prism107, again, and is projected as the color image on the screen (not shown in the figure).

Moreover, as a representational example of the lamp101which constitutes the projector100, a spectral property of a very-high-pressure mercury lamp is shown inFIG. 23, and a chromaticity diagram of each light in the case in which the light of the very-high-pressure mercury lamp passes through a predetermined color filter is shown inFIG. 24. In addition, a horizontal axis inFIG. 23shows the wavelength λ (unit is nm) of the light, and a longitudinal axis shows the relative intensity S.

As shown inFIG. 23, the very-high-pressure mercury lamp has the feature of having the strong relative intensity S near almost 450 nm (blue color) of wavelength λ, almost 550 nm (green color) of wavelength λ, and almost 590 nm (orange color) of wavelength λ, and on the other hand, not having the strong relative intensity S in the red component in the range of 600 to 700 nm of wavelength λ.

Therefore, when the very-high-pressure mercury lamp is used, in the case of designing the red color (R) of the color filter, the design is performed by using both the orange color of the wavelength component of the light of which the peak is near almost 590 nm and the width range of wavelength component which is 600 to 700 nm. As a result, a color expression range as shown by a dotted line inFIG. 24is obtained.

As mentioned above, because the red color (R) is expressed using the orange color of the wavelength component of the light, as shown inFIG. 24, the area occurs in which the color expression cannot be carried out. That is, in the projection image using the very-high-pressure mercury lamp, a disadvantage occurs in that the reproduction of a part of the reddest color, the purplish red, or the like is difficult.

On the other hand, as a light emitting diode (LED), at present, a high power LED emitting at highbrightness, and the like are developed and provided, and further, various wavelengths of single wavelength LED, and the like are provided. Then, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the hybrid type of various apparatuses are beginning to be offered in which the LED light source is added to the lamp light source such as the very-high-pressure mercury lamp, and the like.

For example, as one example, the projection type of display apparatus is known in which the light from the red color (R) of light emitting diode is entered into a liquid crystal panel for the red via the lens array, after the optical image from the liquid crystal panel for the red and the blue color (B) and the green color G) of the optical image emitted from the lamp are composited by the compositing prism, the composite image is displayed on the screen by the projection lens (Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2000-305040).

Moreover, as the other example, a head portion equipping type of display apparatus is known in which the blue color (B) of an image is displayed by the lamp light source, the red color (R) and the green color (G) of images are displayed by the light emitting diode panel, the images thereof are composited by a polarization beam splitter, and the color image is obtained (for example, Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. H6-141262).

Moreover, as the other example, an image display apparatus is known in which, after the light emitted from the lamp and the red color (R) of light emitted from the leaser light source are composited by the light composition unit such as a reflection type of hologram element, a dichroic prism, or the like, each color (the red color (R), the green color (G), and the blue color B) of light is led to the liquid crystal display panel, the image light according to each color is generated, each image light thereof is composited again, and the composite image light is displayed on the screen (Patent Document 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2002-296680).

Moreover, in the Patent Document 3, the light emitted from the lamp and the light emitted from the light emitting diode are composited by the dichroic prism, the composite light is separated into the red color (R), the green color (G), and the blue color (B) of light in the time series by the color wheel, is led to the DMD, and is displayed as the color image on the screen.

Furthermore, as the other example, the light emitting apparatus is known in which a green color (G) of beam emitted from the lamp and red color (R) and blue color (B) of beams emitted from the LED element are composited by the dichroic prism, each color of light which is composited is modulated according to each color by the liquid crystal panel, and is displayed as the image on the screen (for example, Patent Document 4: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2003-263902).

Moreover, when the green color (G) of beam is obtained by the light emitted from the lamp, the light emitting apparatus is arranged between the lamp and the dichroic mirror, and uses a disc shape, that is, a wheel shape of color filter which is provided with the green color (G) of filter portion and the shading portion which shades the light. That is, the green color (G) of the beam can be obtained during a predetermined time by rotating the color filter. Moreover, when shading the light from the lamp in the shading portion, the red color (R) and the blue color (B) of beams are lightened while shifting the timing by the LED element. Thereby, the red color (R), the green color (G), and the blue color (B) of beams can be successively entered into the liquid crystal panel via the composition prism in the time series.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an light emitting apparatus in which the light emitted from two light sources such as the lamp and the LED, and the like can be selected in the time series and be taken out, while simplification and miniaturization of the constitution can be attained, and moreover, a DLP type of projector which is provided with the light emitting apparatus.

The present invention is provided with the following units.

The present invention is a light emitting apparatus which illuminates an illumination area, has a first light source which emits a first light, a second light source which emits a second light, a wheel which is provided with a transmission filter area which transmits the first light, and a reflection area which reflects the second light, a wheel driving unit which controls a rotation of the wheel, and drives the wheel, a light emitting optical unit which leads the first light which transmits the transmission filter area, or the second light which is reflected by the reflection area to the illumination area, in which the light which is led to the illumination area by the light emitting optical unit is at least two colors of light which are successively changed over in a time series.

In the present invention, the first light source may be a lamp, and the second light source may be a light emitting diode.

In the present invention, the first light which is emitted from the lamp may be white, and the transmission filter area may have at least one color among a red color, a green color, and a blue color.

In the present invention, a central wavelength of the light which is transmitted to the transmission filter area may be the central wavelength which is not coincident with a central wavelength of the second light.

In the present invention, the light emitting diodes may be composed of two varieties of light emitting diodes which emit different color light.

In the present invention, the second light source is a light emitting diode, and a light emitting diode lighting unit which controls the second light which is emitted by lighting the light emitting diode is provided, the light emitting diode lighting unit performs pulse lighting of the light emitting diode synchronizing with rotation of the wheel, while the light emitting diode may be controlled so that quantity of light of the second light which is emitted becomes maximum at a timing in which the second light emitted from the light emitting diode is reflected in the reflection area.

In the present invention, the second light source is a light emitting diode, and a light emitting diode lighting unit which controls the second light which is emitted by lighting the light emitting diode is provided, the light emitting diode lighting unit performs lighting of the light emitting diode synchronizing with rotation of the wheel, while the light emitting diode may be controlled so that the light emitting diode is put out light at a timing in which the second light emitted from the light emitting diode is not reflected in the reflection area.

In the present invention, the wheel may be composed of the transmission filter area and the reflection area which are arranged within the same plane.

In the present invention, the wheel may be composed of the transmission filter area and the reflection area which are arranged so that the transmission filter area and the reflection area are maintained at a predetermined angle with regard to an axis which is rotated and driven.

In the present invention, an angle between a straight line connecting a central position of area in which the first light passes through the transmission filter area and a central position of the first light source and the surface of the transmission filter area may be set at 45 degrees.

In the present invention, an angle between a straight line connecting a central position of area in which the second light is reflected by the reflection area and a central position of the second light source and the surface of the transmission filter area may be set at 45 degrees.

In the present invention, a total internal reflection prism may be provided at a position in which the second light which is emitted from the second light source is entered into the reflection area, while the second light which is reflected by the reflection area passes through, and at a position at which the first light which is emitted from the first light source and passes through the transmission filter area is entered into the light emitting optical unit.

In the present invention, the second light source may be provided with a plurality of light emitting diodes which are arranged on the circumference of a circle, a light emitting diode lighting unit which makes the plurality of light emitting diodes light in order of being arranged on the circumference of the circle during different periods in a time series, a rotation optical unit which is rotatably arranged with a rotation center which is a center of the circumference of the circle, in which each light which is emitted from the plurality of light emitting diodes is entered from the light entering end while rotating, and the light is emitted from the light emitting end, in which the wheel driving unit and the rotation optical unit may be controlled so that the wheel driving unit and the rotation optical unit rotate in synchrony.

In the present invention, the reflection area may reflect the second light, while the reflection area may block light so that the first light is not led to the light emitting optical unit.

In the present invention, the light emitting optical unit may be set so that the light emitting optical unit leads two colors of light consisting of a first color and a second color to the illumination area, and the reflection area may be formed by a dichroic surface which transmits the first colored light, and reflects the second colored light.

The present invention is a projector which projects a image according to the image information which is inputted, having the above-mentioned light emitting apparatus, a space modulation unit which modulates the light led by the light emitting optical unit according to the image information, and generates the projecting light, and a projection optical unit which projects the projecting light generated by the space modulation unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Next, a first embodiment of a light emitting apparatus and a projector according to the present invention is explained with reference toFIG. 1toFIG. 11.

A projector1according to the present embodiment projects the image according to the image information which is inputted, and, as shown inFIG. 1, is provided with a light emitting apparatus2, a Digital Micromirror Device (thereinafter, which is abbreviated as DMD)(a space modulation unit)3which modulates the light led by an after-mentioned light emitting optical unit16of the light emitting apparatus2according to the image information, and generates the projecting light, and a projection lens (a projection optical unit)4which projects the projecting light generated by DMD3on a screen (not shown in the figures).

The light emitting apparatus2illuminates the DMD3which is an illumination area, and is provided with a lamp (a first light source)10which emits the first light, light emitting diodes (LEDs)(a second light source)11which emit the second light, a wheel which is composed of a transmission filter area12in which the light transmits, and a mirror (a reflection area)13by which the second light is reflected, a wheel driving unit15by which a rotation of the wheel14is controlled and the wheel14is driven, and a light emitting optical unit16by which the first light transmitting the transmission filter area12, or the second light reflected by the mirror13is led to the DMD3.

Moreover, the light led to the DMD3by the light emitting optical unit16is at least two colors of light which successively change over in the time series. In addition, in the present embodiment, it is explained that a red color (R), a green color (G), and a blue color (B) light is led to the DMD3.

For example, the lamp10is a high-pressure mercury lamp which emits the white first light, and emits the first light toward one direction (toward a right side with regard to the paper surface) by an elliptical reflector20arranged at the circumference thereof.

In addition, the lamp is not limited to the high-pressure mercury lamp, and a metal halide lamp or a xenon lamp is used as the lamp10.

As shown inFIG. 2, the wheel14is formed to a disc shape so that the transmission filter area12and the mirror13are arranged within a same plane.

Moreover, the transmission filter area12has at least one color among the red color (R), the blue color (B), and the green color (G), and has two colors of the green color (G) and the blue color B) in the present embodiment. That is, the transmission filter area12is provided with a first transmission member12awhich is a dichroic filter transmitting the light which has the green color (G) of wavelength band among the white first light emitted from the lamp10, and a second transmission member12bwhich is a dichroic filter transmitting the light which has the blue color (B) of wavelength band among the first light. The central wavelength of the light which transmits both transmission members12aand12bis set so that the wavelength which is not coincident with the central wavelength of the second light emitted from the LED11is transmitted.

In addition, a shading area which shades the first light may be provided between the first transmission member12aand the second transmission member12b. Moreover, both transmission members12aand12bare not limited to the dichroic filters, and filters which transmit a specific color may be used as the transmission members12aand12b.

The mirror13has a function in which the second light is reflected, and the first light is shaded so as not to lead the first light to the light emitting optical unit16. That is, the mirror13has a function of reflecting the first light which is emitted from the lamp10. Moreover, as shown inFIG. 1, a shading plate21which absorbs the first light reflected by the mirror13is provided between the lamp10and the wheel14.

The wheel14is rotated and driven by the motor22, and the rotating direction thereof is the direction in which the first transmission member12a, the second transmission member12b, and the mirror13is successively changed over at the position into which the first light is entered.

Furthermore, the wheel14is arranged so that an angle between a straight line connecting a central position of an area in which the first light passes through the transmission filter area12and a central position of the lamp10and the surface of the transmission filter area, that is, the plane of the wheel14is set at 45 degrees.

Moreover, the driving of the motor22is controlled by a wheel driving portion23. The wheel driving portion23and the motor22function as the wheel driving unit15.

The LED11emits the red color (R) of second light of which the wavelength is, for example, 650 nm, and an angle between a straight line connecting a central position of an area in which the second light is reflected by the mirror13and a central position of the LED11and the surface of the transmission filter area, that is the plane of the wheel14is set at 45 degrees.

The lighting timing of the LED11is controlled by the LED lighting unit24. That is, the LED lighting unit24performs pulse lighting of the LED11synchronizing with rotation of the wheel14, while the LED11is controlled so that the LED is put out light at a timing in which the second light emitted from the LED11is not reflected by the mirror13(that is, at the time in which the transmission filter area is positioned at the position into which the second light is entered).

Moreover, a light leading member25which is an inner packed rod (a glass rod) of which the shape is a quadrangle in the cross-sectional view is arranged between the LED11and the wheel14, and after the second light emitted from the LED11passes through the light leading member25, the second light is entered into the wheel14.

The light emitting optical unit16is arranged at the position being adjacent to the wheel14, and is provided with a hollow pipe26of which the shape is a quadrangle in the cross-sectional view (an integrator rod) which makes the first light transmitted in the transmission filter area12, and the second light reflected by the mirror13pass through while reflecting repeatly the first light and the second light by the inner surface thereof, a lens27which condenses the first light and the second light which passes through the hollow pipe26, and a total internal reflection (TIR) prism28which leads the first light and the second light after passing through the lens27to the DMD3.

The hollow pipe26carries out repeatly the inner reflection of the first light and the second light which are emitted from one end of the hollow pipe26by the reflection film on the inner surface thereof, and thereby the hollow pipe26has a function of emitting both light from another end of the hollow pipe26in a state in which the lack of uniformity is overcome.

Moreover, the TIR prism28is composed of two prisms between which an air layer is placed, and has a function in which a whole of the first light and the second light after passing through the lens27is reflected, and are entered into the DMD3, while the first light and the second light which is emitted from the DMD3are entered into the projection lens4.

The DMD3is a semiconductor lighting switch which has a plurality of minute movable mirrors (not shown in the figures). The angle of the minute movable mirror is changed according to the state of ON and OFF, and the light is emitted to the projection lens4in the ON state. Moreover, according to the image which is inputted, the ON and OFF states of the minute movable mirror are controlled, and thereby the modulation can be carried out. Thus, by performing the ON and OFF control, the modulation image is expanded by the projection lens4, and is displayed on the screen (not shown in the figures).

Hereinafter, the case in which the image is projected on the screen by the light emitting apparatus2and the projector1which are constituted as such is explained.

In addition, as a initial setting which is previously performed, a ratio of the display time of the image data which is decomposed to each of the red color (R), the green color (G), and the blue color (B) which is modulated by the DMD3is determined. That is, the time width of each color is set in order to adjust the white balance of the red color (R), the green color (G), and the blue color (B) of the projection image. Moreover, as coincident with the setting thereof, a square measure ratio of the first transmission member12aand the second transmission member12bof the wheel14, and the mirror13is determined.

Moreover, as mentioned above, the LED lighting unit24is controlled so that LED11is put out at the time in which the transmission filter area12reaches the entering position of the second light, and corresponding to the above, the DMD3is set so that the DMD3previously adjusts the timing of the OFF control as the non-modulation term of the minute movable mirror, based on the relation the rotation of the wheel14and the entering position of the second light, so that the minute movable mirror of the DMD3is set at the OFF state at the time in which both the first transmission member12aand the second transmission member12bare entered into the area in which the DMD3is entered into the hollow pipe26.

After the initial setting is finished, the lamp10is turned out, while the motor22is operated by the wheel driving portion23, and an the wheel14is rotated. Thereby, the mirror13, the first transmission member12a, and the second transmission member12bis successively changed over at the entering position for the wheel14of the first light and the second light in the time series.

Here, for example, when the first transmission member12ais positioned at the entering position of the first light (at the time of t1shown inFIG. 5), as shown inFIG. 3, the first light emitted from the lamp10transmits the first transmission member12a, thereby the first light becomes the green color (G) of light, and is entered into one end of the hollow pipe26. In addition, in such a case, as shown inFIG. 4, the first light is entered into the first transmission member12ain the circular shape of the light emitting area. In addition, a light emitting spot S shown inFIG. 4shows a central position of the light emitting area.

Moreover, in such a case, as shown inFIG. 3, the LED11is not turned on, and the second light is not emitted.

As shown inFIG. 3, the green color (G) of the first light which is entered into the hollow pipe26repeats the inner reflection, and is emitted from another end of the hollow pipe26. Thereby, the green color (G) of first light becomes the light without the lighting unevenness. Furthermore, the green color (G) of first light which is entered into the TIR prism28via the lens27is entirely reflected, and is entered into the DMD3. The DMD3performs the modulation of the image data according to the green color (G), and emits the green color (G) of light after modulating into the projection lens4.

Moreover, when the second transmission member12bis positioned at the light emitting area, as well as in the case of being mentioned above, the blue color (B) of light after modulating is emitted to the projection lens4.

Next, when the mirror13is positioned at the entering position of the first light (at the time of t2shown inFIG. 5), as shown inFIG. 6, the LED lighting unit24lights the LED11, and emits the red color (R) of second light of which the wavelength is 650 nm. The second light which is emitted passes through the light leading member25, and is entered into the mirror13, and after the second light is reflected by the mirror13, the second light is entered into one end of the hollow pipe26. In addition, in such a case, as shown inFIG. 7, the second light is entered into the mirror13in the quadrangle shape of light emitting area which is the shape of the light leading member25. In addition, the light emitting spot S shown inFIG. 7shows the central position of the light emitting area.

Moreover, as shown inFIG. 6, because the first light which is emitted from the lamp10is shaded by the mirror13, that is, is reflected by the mirror13, the first light is not entered into the hollow pipe26. The first light which is reflected is absorbed with the shading plate21.

The red color (R) of second light which is entered into the hollow pipe26is emitted to the projection lens4as the red color (R) of light after modulating, as well as in the case of the green color (G) of first light which is above-mentioned.

As mentioned above, according to the apparatus2and the projector1of the present embodiment, the first light and the second light which are emitted from two light sources, that is, the lamp10and the LED11, and of which colors are different, can be entered into the DMD3, while being selected in the time series, using the wheel14, and thereby the projection of the image can be carried out by the DLP system.

In particular, it is not necessary to provide the composition unit, such as the prism, or the like as in the conventional technology, the first light and the second light are surely transmitted or reflected by only the wheel14, and can be selected in the time series and be taken out, and thereby the excessive optical system for the composition unit need not be provided. Therefore, simplification and miniaturization of the constitution can be attained.

Furthermore, because the second light emitted from the LED11is the light of which the wavelength is 650 nm, the color rendering property of the red color (R) can be increased. Therefore, the area in which the color expression cannot be carried out can be decreased as much as possible. Therefore, the observation of the projection image can be performed with sufficient brightness and clear color.

Moreover, because the transmission filter area12is provided with the first transmission member12aand the second transmission member12bwhich obtain the green color (G) of light and the blue color (B) of light which are different from the wavelength band (650 nm) of the red color (R) of second light emitted from the LED11among the red color (R), the green color (G), and the blue color (B) of light, three primary colors can be obtained in which the brightness of the blue (B) and the green (B) is sufficient and the color rendering property of the red color (R) is excellent. Therefore, all colors can be output in the state in which the color rendering property of the red color (R) system is increased.

Moreover, when the transmission filter area12reaches to the entering position of the first light emitted from the lamp10(at the timing in which the second light emitted from the LED11is not reflected by the mirror13), because the LED lighting unit24put out the LED11, the second light is not mixed into the first light, and the first light is surely entered into the hollow pipe26. Furthermore, the mirror13transmits the second light, and reflects the first light, and thereby the mirror13shades the first light so that the first light is not entered into the hollow pipe26.

Therefore, the first light and the second light can be surely distinguished from each other in the time series, and the proper use of both lights can be carried out.

Moreover, because the lamp10and the LED11are arranged so that both the first light and the second light are entered into at the angle of 45 degree with regard to the plane of the wheel14, respectively, each position relation can be arranged with good balance, and the design is easy. In particular, the direction of the second light emitted from the LED11is changed (due to the reflection by the mirror13), and the second light is entered into the hollow pipe26, the efficiency is good, and the design is easy.

Moreover, because the wheel14can be formed as a disc shape, the manufacturing is easy, and reduction in the manufacturing cost can be carried out.

In addition, in the above-mentioned first embodiment, although the lamp such as the high-pressure mercury lamp, or the like is described as an example of the first light source, the first light source is not limited to the lamp10, and for example, a white LED may be used as the first light source.

Moreover, although the LED11which emits the red color (R) of second light is used as the second light source, the LED which emits the blue color (B) of light or the green color (G) of light may be used as the second lighting source, or the LED which emits other colors of light may be used, while the LED which emits two colors of the blue color (B) and the green color (G) may be used.

Moreover, in such a case, the mirror13corresponding to each LED is provided, while the rotation of the wheel14may be synchronized with the lighting of the LED.

In addition, in the above-mentioned first embodiment, as shown inFIG. 8, the pipe connection portion30which connects the light leading member25and the hollow pipe26may be provided between the light leading member25and the hollow pipe26. As shown inFIG. 9, the inner surface of the pipe connection portion30is made from the reflection file30a.

By providing the pipe connection portion30, the second light which is emitted from the light leading member25, and reflected by the mirror13can be entered into the hollow pipe26without leaking to outside, and in addition, the first light which is transmitted in the transmission filter area12can be entered into the hollow pipe26without leaking to the outside. In particular, because the hollow pipe26is used, the first light and the second light can be efficiently led without reflecting on the surface of the entering end. Therefore, the first light and the second light can be more efficiently entered into the DMD3.

In addition, the light leading member25and the hollow pipe26of which insides are filled may be used.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, although the lamp10is used as the first light source, and the LED11is used as the second light source, it is not limited to the above, as shown inFIG. 10, and the LED11which emits the red color (R) of light (the first light) may be used as the first light source, and the lamp10which emits the white color (W) of light (the second light) may be used as the second light source.

In such a case, a taper rod35may be provided between the LED11and the wheel14, and the taper rod narrows NA of the light emitted from the LED11, and makes NA of the light equalize. Moreover, the hollow pipe36which is the integrator rod is provided between the lamp10and the wheel14, and thereby the lighting unevenness of the light which emitted from the lamp10is lost, and equalization can be attained. In addition, the emitting ends of the taper rod35and the hollow pipe36are the quadrangle shapes, of which emitting ends are arranged so that the image formation by the lens27is performed on the modulation surface of the DMD3.

Moreover, as shown inFIG. 11, the wheel14has the reflection area37which is composed of a first dichroic mirror (a dichroic surface)37ain which the green color (G) (the second color) of light is reflected, while the other colors (the first color) of light is transmitted, and a second dichroic mirror (a dichroic surface)37bin which the blue color (B) (the second color) of light is reflected, while the other colors (the first color) of light is transmitted, and the wheel14has also the transmission filter area which is composed of the third dichroic mirror (which may be have a slit in which all colors are transmitted)38which transmits the red color (R) of light.

Moreover, when the third dichroic mirror38is positioned at the light emitting spot S, the LED lighting unit24controls so that the LED11is turned on, and when the third dichroic mirror38is positioned at another place, the LED lighting unit24controls so that the LED11is put out light.

Moreover, when the first dichroic mirror37aand the second dichroic mirror37bare positioned at the light emitting spot S, the white light which is emitted from the lamp10is reflected by each of the dichroic mirrors37aand37b, and illuminates the DMD3by each color of light.

By such a constitution, even if the first light source is the LED11, and the second light source is the lamp10, the light emitting of the DMD3which is the illumination area can be performed by changing over the color light in the time series according to the rotation driving of the wheel14.

Next, the second embodiment of the light emitting apparatus according to the present invention is explained with reference toFIG. 12andFIG. 13. In addition, in the second embodiment, corresponding symbols are attached to corresponding components as in the first embodiment, and explanation of the corresponding components as in the first embodiment is omitted.

The different feature between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that, in the first embodiment, both the lamp10and the LED11are arranged so that the first light and the second light are entered at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the plane of the wheel14, respectively, and in contrast to the above, in the light emitting apparatus40of the second embodiment, as shown inFIG. 12, the lamp10is arranged so that the first light is entered at right angles with respect to the plane of the wheel14, while the LED11is arranged so that the second light is emitted in parallel with respect to the plane of the wheel14.

That is, in the light emitting apparatus2of the present embodiment, TIR prism41is arranged at the position in which the second light reflected by the mirror13is passed through, and is entered into the hollow pipe26, and at the position in which the first light passing through the transmission filter area12is entered into the hollow pipe26, and the TIR prism41has the function in which the second light emitted from the LED11in parallel with respect to the plane of the wheel14is entered into the mirror13. Moreover, the lens42which makes the second light passing through the light leading member25enter into the TIR prism41is arranged between the light leading member25and the TIR prism41.

In addition, as shown inFIG. 13, the first light is entered into the wheel14in the circular shape of the light emitting area, as in the first embodiment.

According to the light emitting apparatus40which is constituted as such, the second light can be surely entered into the mirror13by using the TIR prism41, while the first light and the second light can be entered into the hollow pipe26. Therefore, the positioning relation of the lamp10, the LED11, and the wheel14can be freely arranged, relatively, and the degree of freedom in the case of designing can be improved.

Next, the third embodiment of the light emitting apparatus2according to the present invention is explained with reference toFIG. 14andFIG. 15. In addition, in the third embodiment, corresponding symbols are attached to corresponding components as in the first embodiment, and the explanation of corresponding components as in the first embodiment is omitted.

The difference feature between the third embodiment and the first embodiment is that in the first embodiment, the wheel14is formed in a disc shape by the transmission filter area12and the mirror13which is arranged within the same plane, in contrast to the above, as shown inFIG. 14andFIG. 15, in the light emitting apparatus50of the third embodiment, the wheel51is formed in an umbrella shape.

That is, the wheel51of the present embodiment is formed by the mirror13and the transmission filter area12which is arranged so that the transmission filter area12is maintained at the predetermined angle θ with regard to the axis which is rotated and driven. Moreover, the wheel14is arranged so that the second light is entered into the side of the inner circumference surface.

Thus, in the light emitting apparatus50which is constituted as such, because it is not necessary for the setting space of the wheel51which spreads toward one plane to be secured, compaction can be attained. Moreover, because the second light is entered into the side of the inner circumference surface of the wheel51, the wheel51performs the function of a recess mirror, and the wheel51reflects the second light in the direction in which the second light is converged, the efficiency is good, and NA can be also narrowed.

In addition, the wheel51may be arranged so that the second light is entered into the side of the outer circumference surface.

Next, the fourth embodiment of the light emitting apparatus2according to the present invention is explained with reference toFIG. 16toFIG. 20. In addition, in the fourth embodiment, corresponding symbols are attached to corresponding components as in the first embodiment, and the explanation of the corresponding components as in the first embodiment is omitted.

A difference between the fourth embodiment and the first embodiment is that, in the first embodiment, one LED11which emits the red color (R) of second light is provided, and in contrast to the above, in the light emitting apparatus60of the fourth embodiment, two varieties of LEDs61are provided, in which a plurality of each LED61are provided, and the LEDs61illuminate the different color light at each other, that is, the red color (R) and the blue color (B).

That is, as shown inFIG. 16toFIG. 19, the light emitting apparatus60of the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of LEDs (the second light source)61which are arranged and fixed on the circumference of a circle, a rotation optical unit62which is rotatably arranged with a rotation center which is a center of the circumference of the circle, and is composed of the motor63and the light leading unit64in which each second light which is emitted from the plurality of light emitting diodes61is entered from the light entering end while rotating, and the second light is emitted from the light emitting end, and the taper rod65in which the light emitted from the rotation optical unit62is led to the taper rod65.

Moreover, as shown inFIG. 18, the wheel14of the present embodiment is formed by the mirror13and the transmission filter area12which is composed of only the first transmission member12a.

As shown inFIG. 19, the plurality of LEDs6are arranged on the circumference of a circle, and emit the blue color (B) of light and the red color (R) of light toward the center of the circumference of the circle. Moreover, the rate at which the plurality of LEDs61are arranged with regard to the circumference of the circle is the same as the rate at which the mirror13occupies with regard to the wheel14. Furthermore, among the plurality of LEDs61, the number of the LEDs61which emits the green color (G) of first light is a little larger than the number of LEDs61which emits the red color (R) or the green color (B) of second light. In addition, as shown inFIG. 18andFIG. 19, the period in which the red color (R) of second light is emitted is shown as R phase, the period in which the blue color (B) of second light is emitted is shown as B phase, and the period in which the green color (G) of first light is emitted is shown as G phase.

Moreover, the LED lighting unit24of the present embodiment is set so that the LED lighting unit24makes the plurality of LEDs61light in order of being arranged during each different period in the time series. That is, as shown inFIG. 20, at the timing in which the mirror13reaches the position into which the first light emitted from the lamp10is entered, the lighting timing of the plurality of LEDs61is controlled so that the blue color (B) and the red color (R) of second light is emitted in the time series.

As shown inFIG. 16andFIG. 17, the rotation optical unit62is provided with the light leading unit64which is rotated by the motor63. The light leading unit64is formed by a parallel rod64ain which the second light can be entered from the entering end, and a prism64bin which the direction of the second light which passes through the parallel rod64ais polarized at the angle of 90 degrees toward the mirror13, and makes the second light be emitted from the emitting end.

Moreover, after the second light emitted from the prism64bis entered into the taper rod65, the reflection by the inner surface thereof is repeated, and the second light passes through the prism64b, the second light is entered into the mirror13of the wheel14. In such a case, NA of the second light is narrowed by the taper rod65, and is equalized.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the wheel driving unit15and the rotation optical unit62are controlled so that the wheel driving unit15and the rotation optical unit62are rotated synchronized with each other. That is, the light leading unit64is rotated synchronized with the lighting timing of the LEDs61. Thereby, the light leading unit64can surely emit the second light which is emitted from the LEDs61in the time series toward the mirror13.

The case in which the light emitting of the light for the DMD3is performed by the light emitting apparatus60which is constituted as such is explained below.

First, as shown inFIG. 16, at the timing in which the first transmission member12areaches to the entering position of the wheel14, the white first light emitted from the lamp10is transmitted to the first transmission member12a, becomes the green color (G) of first light, and is entered into the hollow pipe26.

Moreover, as shown inFIG. 20, at the timing in which the mirror13reaches the entering position of the wheel14, the LED lighting unit24makes the plurality of LEDs61light in the time series, and makes the blue color (B) and the red color (R) of second light emit in order. The second light is emitted into the mirror via the light leading unit64, and after the second light is reflected by the mirror13, the second light is entered into the hollow pipe26. Then, as in the first embodiment, each color of light is modulated by the DMD3, and the image is projected on the screen.

According to the light emitting apparatus60of the present embodiment, because the plurality of LEDs61are provided, even if one of the LEDs61is broken, another LED61can compensate, and thereby the improvement of the reliability can be attained. In particular, because all the plurality of LEDs61need not be lightened at the same time, and if each LED61is lightened in the time series according to the rotation of the wheel14, the light leading unit64surely emits the light to the mirror13, the LEDs61can be efficiently used on a line.

Furthermore, because all of the LEDs61are not lightened at the same time, the radiation of heat can be performed during putting out light, for one LED61, it is possible for the electric current beyond the stationary electric current to be flowed. Therefore, each LED61can be lightened more brightly, and as a result, the DMD3can be brightly illuminated, as compared with the light emitting apparatus having a constitution in which one LED61is always lightened.

In each above-mentioned embodiment, although the light in which the light emitting optical unit leads to the DMD is the red color (R), the green color (G), and the blue color (B) of light which are changed over in the time series, the light is not limited to the above color light, and at least two colors of light may be adopted.

Moreover, although the LED lighting unit is controlled so that the LED lighting unit timely puts out or turns on the LEDs synchronizing the rotation of the wheel, the LEDs may be not put out light, and for example, the strength of the electric current which drives the LED may be controlled so that the quantity of the second light which is emitted becomes the maximum at the timing in which the second light is reflected in the reflection area.

According to the light emitting apparatus in the present invention, either of the first light emitted from the first light source and the second light emitted from the second light source can be selected in the time series using the wheel, and can be taken out, and thereby the lighting of the illumination area can be performed. Therefore, the different colors of light which are emitted from two light sources can be surely taken out in the time series, and the lighting of the illumination area can be successively performed by each light. Moreover, the light thereof can be applied to the DLP type of projector, or the like.

In particular, the composition unit such as the prism, or the like, need not to be provided as in the case of the conventional technology, and the excessive optical system which is accompanied with the composition unit need not be provided. Therefore, simplification of the constitution can be attained, while miniaturization of he overall constitution can be attained.

Moreover, according to the projector in the present invention, at least two colors of light which is emitted from two light sources, respectively, and is taken out in the state of being distinguished from each other in the time series is modulated, the projecting light is generated, and the observation of the projection image can be performed by projecting the projecting light thereof on the screen, or the like, using the projection optical unit. Moreover, for example, the lamp is used as either one part of a light source, and the LED is used as the other part of the light source, and thereby the observation of the projection image can be performed by DLP system using the light of which the brightness is sufficient, and the color rendering property is excellent, without the area in which the color expression cannot be carried out, and with the clear color.

In the light emitting apparatus according to the present invention, when the wheel is rotated and driven at the predetermined rotation rate by the wheel driving unit, the first light emitted from the first light source is entered into the wheel which is rotated, and when the transmission filter area reaches to the entering position, the first light transmits the transmission filter area and is entered into the light emitting optical unit. Then, the first light is led to the light emitting optical unit, and the lighting of the illumination area is performed by the first light.

On the other hand, the second light emitted from the second light source is entered into the wheel which is rotated as the same, and when the reflection area reaches to the entering position, the second light is reflected by the reflection area, and is entered into the light emitting optical unit. Then, the second light is led to the light emitting optical unit, and performs the lighting of the illumination area.

Thus, either of the first light emitted from the first light source and the second light emitted from the second light source can be selected in the time series using the wheel, and can be taken out, and thereby the lighting of the illumination area can be performed. Moreover, in such a case, because the light in which the light emitting optical unit leads to the illumination area is at least two colors of light which is successively changed over in the time series, for example, the red (R) first light and the blue color (B) of second light can be used for the lighting of the illumination area, respectively.

Therefore, the different colors of light which is emitted from two light sources can be surely taken out in the time series, and the lighting of the illumination area can be successively performed by each light. Moreover, the light thereof can be applied to the DLP type of projector, or the like.

In particular, it is not necessary to provide the composition unit, such as the prism, or the like as the conventional technology, the first light and the second light are surely transmitted or reflected by only the wheel, and can be selected in the time series and be taken out, and thereby the excessive optical system which is accompanied with the composition unit need not be provided. Therefore, simplification of the constitution can be attained, while miniaturization of the overall constitution can be attained.

In the present invention, the first light source is a lamp, and the second light source is an LED.

In the light emitting apparatus according to the present invention, the first light emitted from the lamp and the second light emitted from the LED are selected in the time series, and is taken out, and thereby the lighting of the illumination area can be carried out. Moreover, because only the second light which is emitted from the LED is selected, and the lighting of the illumination area can be carried out, the lighting by the light of which color rendering property is high can be carried out. Thereby, for example, the lighting of the illumination area, or the like can be performed in the state in which the color rendering property of the red color (R) is increased.

Thus, the lighting of the illumination area can be performed by the light of which brightness is sufficient, and color rendering property is excellent, using the lamp and the LED. Moreover, the area in which the color expression cannot be carried out is able to be decreased as much as possible.

In the present invention, the first light which is emitted from the lamp is white, and the transmission filter area have at least one color among a red color (R), a green color (G), and a blue color (B).

In the light emitting apparatus according to the present invention, when the white first light which is emitted from the lamp passes through the transmission filter area, the white first light thereof becomes at least one color among the red color (R), the green color (G), and the blue color (B) of light, and is entered into the light emitting optical unit. For example, the blue color (B) of light is entered, or each color of red color (R), green color (G), and blue color (B) is entered in the time series.

Thereby, the illumination area can be lightened so that at least one color among three primary colors is the light of which brightness is sufficient.

In the present invention, a central wavelength of the light which transmits the transmission filter area is the central wavelength which is not coincident with a central wavelength of the second light.

In the light emitting apparatus according to the present invention, because the central wavelength of the transmission filter area is the central wavelength which is not coincident with the central wavelength of the second light, for example, when the LED emits the red color (R) of second light, the transmission filter area is set to the green (G), the blue (B), or the green (G) and the blue (B).

Therefore, the illumination area can be lightened while being distinctly distinguished with the light from the lamp so that at least one color among three primary colors is the light of which color rendering property is excellent.

In the present invention, the LED is composed of two varieties of LED which emit different color light.

In the light emitting apparatus according to the present invention, because the LED is composed of two varieties of LEDs which emit different color light, the illumination area can be lightened so that at least one color among the three primary colors is the light of which brightness is sufficient, while the illumination area can be illuminated by the different two colors of light of which color rendering property is excellent.

In the present invention, the second light source is the LED, the LED lighting unit which controls the second light which is emitted from lighting the LED is provided, the LED lighting unit performs pulse lighting of the LED synchronizing with rotation of the wheel, while the LED is controlled so that quantity of light of the second light which is emitted becomes maximum at a timing in which the second light emitted from the LED is reflected in the reflection area.

In the light emitting apparatus according to the present invention, when the reflection area reaches to the entering position of the first light emitted from the lamp (at the timing in which the second light emitted from the LED is reflected by the reflection area), because the LED lighting unit is controlled so that the quantity of light of the second light becomes maximum, the second light can be surely entered into the light emitting optical unit while being distinguished with the first light.

Therefore, the first light and the second light which are emitted from the LED can be distinguished from each other more surely, and proper use between the light of which brightness is sufficient and the light of which color rendering property is excellent can be performed.

In the present invention, the second light source is an LED, an LED lighting unit which controls the second light which is emitted from the LED is provided, the LED lighting unit performs lighting of the LED synchronizing with rotation of the wheel, while the LED is controlled so that the LED is put out light at a timing in which the second light emitted from the LED is not reflected in the reflection area.

In the light emitting apparatus according to the present invention, when the transmission filter area reaches the entering position of the first light emitted from the lamp (at the timing in which the second light which is emitted from the LED is not reflected in the reflection area), because the LED lighting unit turns off the LED, the first light is surely entered into the light emitting optical unit without mixing any other light. Therefore, the first light and the second light which is emitted from the LED can be distinguished from each other more surely, and proper use between the light of which brightness is sufficient and the light of which color rendering property is excellent can be performed.

In the present invention, the wheel is composed of the transmission filter area and the reflection area which are arranged within the same plane.

In the light emitting apparatus according to the present invention, because the transmission filter area and the reflection area are arranged within the same plane, the wheel can be formed as a disc shape. Therefore, the wheel can be easily manufactured, and reduction of the manufacturing cost can be obtained.

In the present invention, the wheel is composed of the transmission filter area and the reflection area which are arranged so that the transmission filter area and the reflection area is maintained at a predetermined angle with regard to an axis which is rotated and driven.

In the light emitting apparatus according to the present invention, because the transmission filter area and the reflection area are maintained at a predetermined angle with regard to an axis which is rotated and driven, the wheel can be formed in an umbrella shape. Therefore, because it is not necessary for the setting space of the wheel which spreads toward one plane to be secured, compaction reduction in size can be attained.

In the present invention, an angle between a straight line connecting a central position of area in which the first light passes through the transmission filter area and a central position of the first light source and the surface of the transmission filter area is set at 45 degrees.

In the light emitting apparatus according to the present invention, the first light emitted from the first light source can be entered into the surface of the transmission filter area at the angle of 45 degrees. In particular, the position relation between the first light source and the wheel can be made smaller, and the design becomes easy.

In the present invention, an angle between a straight line connecting a central position of area in which the second light is reflected by the reflection area and a central position of the second light source and the surface of the transmission filter area is set at 45 degrees.

In the light emitting apparatus according to the present invention, the second light emitted from the second light source can be entered into the surface of the transmission filter area, that is, the reflection area at the angle of 45 degrees. Thereby, the position relation of the first light source, the second light source, and the wheel can be made smaller, and the design becomes easy.

In the present invention, a total internal reflection (TIR) prism is provided at a position in which the second light which is emitted from the second light source is entered into the reflection area, while the second light which is reflected by the reflection area is passed through, and at a position in which the first light which is emitted from the first light source and passes through the transmission filter area is entered into the light emitting optical unit.

In the light emitting apparatus according to the present invention, the second light emitted from the second light source is entered into the reflection area via the TIR prism, while the second light is entered into the light emitting optical unit via the VIR prism, again, after reflecting. Moreover, after the first light emitted from the first light source is transmitted to the transmission filter area, the first light is entered into the light emitting optical unit via the TIR prism. Thus, using the TIR prism, the second light can be entered into the reflection area, while the first light and the second light can be entered into the light emitting optical unit.

In the present invention, the second light source is provided with a plurality of LEDs which are arranged on the circumference of a circle, a LED lighting unit which makes the plurality of LEDs light in order of being arranged on the circumference of the circle during different period in a time series, a rotation optical unit which is rotatably arranged with a rotation center which is a center of the circumference of the circle, in which each light which is emitted from the plurality of LEDs is entered from the light entering end while rotating, and the light is emitted from the light emitting end, in which the wheel driving unit and the rotation optical unit are controlled so that the wheel driving unit and the rotation optical unit rotate while synchronizing.

In the light emitting apparatus according to the present invention, the LED lighting unit makes the plurality of LEDs light in order of being arranged on the circumference of the circle during a different period in a time series. Moreover, the wheel driving unit rotates the rotation optical unit synchronizing with the lighting timing of the LED. Thereby, the second light emitted from the LED is entered from the light entering end of the rotation optical unit, is emitted from the light emitting end of the rotation optical unit, and is led to the reflection area.

Thus, the second light which is emitted from the lighting LED among the plurality of LEDs is led to the reflection area via the rotation optical unit. Therefore, the second light emitted from the LED can be efficiently obtained, and can be utilizably used. Moreover, because the plurality of LEDs is provided, even if one of the LEDs is broken, the other LED can compensate, and thereby the improvement in the reliability can be attained.

In the present invention, the reflection area transmits the second light, while the reflection area shades the first light so that the first light is not led to the light emitting optical unit.

In the light emitting apparatus according to the present invention, because the reflection area shades the first light emitted from the first light source so that the first light is not led to the light emitting optical unit, no other light is mixed in the second light emitted from the second light source. Therefore, the first light and the second light can be distinguished with each other more surely, and proper use between the light of which brightness is sufficient and the light of which color rendering property is excellent can be performed.

In the present invention, the light emitting optical unit is set so that the light emitting optical unit leads two colors of light consisting of a first color and a second color to the illumination area, and the reflection area is formed by a dichroic surface which transmits the first colored light, and reflects the second colored light.

In the light emitting apparatus according to the present invention, because the reflection area transmits the first colored light, and reflects the second colored light, both the first light and the second light which are emitted from the first light source and the second light source, respectively, can be used for each color. That is, the first color among the first light which is emitted from the first light source is transmitted in the reflection area, and the second color among the second light which is emitted from the second light source is reflected by the reflection area. Thus, proper use between the first light and the second light can be performed according to the colors.

The present invention is a projector which projects the image according to the image information which is inputted, has the above-mentioned light emitting apparatus, a space modulation unit which modulates the light led by the light emitting optical unit according to the image information, and generates the projecting light, and a projection optical unit which projects the projecting light generated by the space modulation unit.

In the projector according to the present invention, the space modulation unit modulates the light led by the light emitting optical unit according to the image information, that is, at least two colors of light which are emitted from two light sources, and is taken out in the state of being distinguished in the time series, and generates the projecting light, and the projecting light thereof is projected on the screen, or the like by the projection optical unit, and there by the observation of the projection image can be performed.

Moreover, for example, the lamp is used as either one part of a light source, and the LED is used as the other part of light source, and thereby the observation of the projection image can be performed by DLP system using the light of which brightness is sufficient, and color rendering property is excellent, without the area in which the color expression cannot be carried out, and with the clear color.