Color synthesis optical element, projection-type display device using same, and method for controlling display thereof

A first dichroic mirror (2a) and a second dichroic mirror (2b) are formed on the bonding surfaces between four right angle prisms (1a-1d) so as to intersect. The first dichroic mirror (2a) transmits, of visible light of P-polarization, at least the light of a specific wavelength band and reflects, of visible light of S-polarization, at least the light of the specific wavelength band. The second dichroic mirror (2b) transmits, of visible light of P-polarization, at least light of the specific wavelength band and transmits, of visible light of S-polarization, at least light of the specific wavelength band. The cutoff wavelengths with respect to S-polarized light of both dichroic mirrors (2a and 2b) are set within ranges of bands other than those of the three primary colors of light.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a National Stage of International Application No. PCT/JP2010/065469, filed on Sep. 9, 2010, claiming priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-222355, filed Sep. 28, 2009, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a projection-type display device in which a projector is representative, and more particularly relates to a technique for synthesizing light of a plurality of colors.

BACKGROUND ART

In a projection-type display device that enlarges and projects a displayed image on display elements, the performance that is demanded varies depending on the purpose of use. For example, high color reproducibility is sought when displaying a full-color picture such as a movie. On the other hand, high luminance is demanded to enable visibility even in a bright room when used for a presentation such as in a conference.

In a projection-type display device, a white-light source, which is a discharge lamp such as a metal-halide lamp or high-pressure mercury lamp, is typically used as a light source.

When importance is placed on the color reproducibility of a projected image, light of the three primary colors red (R), green (G), and blue (B) having a narrow spectrum width is extracted from the white light of the light source. In this case, the light utilization efficiency of the illumination optics falls, and the projected image becomes darker.

On the other hand, when seeking higher luminance, the spectrum width of the three primary colors is set wider and the light from the white light source is used at its maximum. In this case, the color purity of the three primary colors drops, and high color reproducibility cannot be obtained.

The achievement of both brightness and color reproducibility is thus problematic in a projection-type display device.

When light of the three primary colors having good color purity for use in a color display is extracted from white light having a broad band spectrum of wavelengths from about 400 nm to 700 nm, yellow light having wavelength in the vicinity of 580 nm is not used. This is because when yellow light is added to green light, green becomes yellow-green and color purity deteriorates. In addition, when yellow light is added to red light, red becomes orange and color purity again deteriorates. When yellow light is used in this way, the color purity of the three primary colors deteriorates and high color reproducibility cannot be obtained.

However, the human eye is more visually sensitive to yellow light than red or blue light, and yellow light can therefore be effectively used to obtain a brighter picture.

Accordingly, a display device is disclosed in Patent Document 1 that allows switching between a display mode that, by inserting a color selection element in an optical path, implements display of a color image that prioritizes color reproducibility and a display mode that, by removing the color selection element from the optical path, implements display of a color image that prioritizes brightness.

According to Patent Document 1, a color selection element is used that is composed of a dichroic filter and that eliminates yellow light. Switching is carried out between a state in which the color selection element is inserted into the optical path of red (or green) light and a state in which the color selection element is removed from the optical path, and the video signal that is displayed on display element is controlled in accordance with the color purity of the illumination light, whereby switching is enabled between a color image display that prioritizes color reproducibility and a color image display that prioritizes brightness.

In a display device, white balance also figures as a factor deserving consideration in addition to brightness and color reproducibility. The color of white light (W) that is obtained by synthesizing the three primary colors of red, green and blue must be kept within a determined color range.

In order to achieve white balance, the ratio of the quantities of light is set when color-mixing the light of each of red, green, and blue. If the light of one of the three primary colors is weak, the quantity of light of the other two colors must be reduced to achieve balance. As a result of this constraint, the luminance of white light that is obtained is reduced.

Patent Documents 2 and 3 disclose display devices that provide improvements in not only brightness and color reproducibility but also white balance by replacing light of a specific wavelength band of the light from the white light source with light from another light source such as a semiconductor light source such as a light-emitting diode (LED) or laser diode (LD) or a light source referred to as a solid-state light source.

According to Patent Document 2, the quantity of light of the red wavelength component is small in a high-pressure mercury lamp that is used as a white light source. Accordingly, an LED array light source that emits red light is used for the red illumination light.

According to Patent Document 3, the light of the red wavelength component that has a smaller quantity of light within the white light from a white light source is partially replaced by using a hologram element for the light from a semiconductor laser light source that emits red light.

This use of a main illumination light and auxiliary illumination light obtains a display device with superior brightness, color reproducibility, as well as white balance.

The width of the spectrum of light of the three primary colors realized by solid-state light sources such as the above-described LEDs is narrower than light of a white light source which is a discharge lamp such as an existing high-pressure mercury lamp. As a result, a sol id-state light source has the advantage of allowing high color reproducibility to be obtained even without the use of color filters.

In addition, a solid-state light source has longer life than a discharge lamp and, because mercury is not used, is advantageous from the standpoint of environment concerns.

The installation of a dimmer function that controls the amount of current of an LED according to whether the viewing condition in which a display device is viewed is bright or dark or the displayed picture is bright or dark enables precise economizing of power according to the conditions.

In contrast to a discharge lamp that takes time after being lit until brightness reaches a steady state, a solid-state light source obtains a bright picture immediately after being lit. A solid-state light source further enhances convenience for users by, for example, eliminating the need for a waiting time for cooling before being relighted.

Due to the many advantages of a solid-state light source as described hereinabove, a solid-state light source is used as the light source of a projection-type display device.

However, emitted light having sufficient brightness cannot currently be obtained by a single LED. Accordingly, to achieve higher luminance, various techniques of synthesizing a plurality of colors have been proposed. For example, Patent Documents 4-6 disclose light source devices that synthesize luminous flux from a plurality of LEDs having different peak wavelengths by means of dichroic mirrors or dichroic prisms. The devices disclosed by these Patent Documents 4-6 use differences in wavelength to synthesize colored light by dichroic mirrors.

On the other hand, Patent Documents 7 and 8 disclose light source devices in which, in a light source device that synthesizes colored light from three light sources by means of a dichroic prism, at least one of the three light sources is a light source in which a plurality of light sources having different peak wavelengths is arranged in an array. These light source devices synthesize colored light spatially.

Another mode of synthesizing colored light is a technique that employs polarized light. For example, Patent Document 9 discloses an illumination device that, after first converting light from two light sources that emit light of random polarization directions to linearly polarized light having orthogonal directions of polarization, synthesizes the light by means of a polarization beam splitter.

As a related invention, Patent Document 10 discloses a light source device that arranges light of each color in a specific polarization direction in advance and then synthesizes the light by means of a dichroic prism. In addition, Patent Document 11 discloses a projection-type display device that selects the polarization direction of the incident light while taking into consideration the dependence on the angle of incidence when synthesizing colors by a dichroic prism.

The color synthesis optical element that is used in the light source device described in Patent Document 11 includes a blue-reflecting multilayer film and a red-reflecting multilayer film.FIG. 1Ashows the spectral reflectance characteristic of the blue-reflecting multilayer film andFIG. 1Bshows the spectral reflectance characteristic of the red-reflecting multilayer film.

As shown inFIG. 1A, the cutoff wavelength of the S-polarized light of the blue-reflecting multilayer film is at least 510 nm but no greater than 540 nm. In contrast, the cutoff wavelength of the S-polarized light of the red-reflecting multilayer film is at least 540 nm but no greater than 560 nm.

Light (P-polarized light) from a green light valve (display element) is entered into the blue-reflecting multilayer film and the red-reflecting multilayer film, and light (S-polarized light) from red and blue light valves (display elements) is entered into the blue-reflecting multilayer film and the red-reflecting multilayer film.

LITERATURE OF THE PRIOR ART

Patent Documents

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a display device that uses LEDs as the light sources of each of the colors red, green, and blue, a color synthesis optical element is used that synthesizes the colored light from the LEDs of each color to obtain white light, but this color synthesis optical element has problems as described hereinbelow.

A dichroic mirror is used as a means for separating and synthesizing colored light. Such a dichroic mirror is formed by a dielectric multilayer film, and therefore, while having the advantage that the absorption of light is small, also entails the disadvantages of incident angle dependence and polarization dependence.

The incident angle dependence means that the cutoff wavelength is shifted from the set value in the direction of shorter wavelengths or the direction of longer wavelengths according to the angle of incidence to the dichroic mirror. The polarization dependence means that the cutoff wavelength differs for P-polarized light and S-polarized light. Although incident angle dependence and polarization dependence do not occur in the case of perpendicular incidence (the incident angle is 0°), increase of the incident angle results in an increase of the amount of shift and an increase in the divergence of the cutoff wavelength from the designed value.

In the projection optics, there is also the constraint of etendue that is determined by the area of the light source and the angle of divergence. If the value that is the product of the area of the light source and the angle of divergence is not made less than or equal to the value of the product of the area of a display element and the acceptance angle (solid angle) that is determined by the f-number of the projection lens, the light from the light source will not be used as projection light. In other words, in the projection optics, there are constraints regarding the area of a semiconductor chip of an LED or the number of LEDs, and moreover, there is a constraint regarding the angular spread of the illumination light. Even if a multiplicity of LEDs is aligned in an array, brightness cannot be improved beyond the limits of etendue.

Still further, because the optical output characteristic of LEDs differ for each of the colors of red, green, and blue, the optical output of the LEDs of other colors must be restrained to match the optical output of the LEDs of the color having the lowest performance. As a result, the LEDs of other colors cannot be allowed to display maximum optical output performance.

A color synthesis optical element that enables display of the maximum optical output performance of the LEDs of each color and that can improve the optical utilization efficiency with mixed colors is difficult to obtain even with the combined use of the techniques of Patent Documents 1-11.

For example, even if the technique disclosed in Patent Document 11 in which the polarization dependence of a dichroic mirror is taken into consideration in selecting the polarization direction of incident light is used in a device that, taking the incident angle dependency and polarization dependency into consideration, uses polarization to synthesize light (Patent Document 9) or in a device that aligns the light of each color in a specific polarization direction in advance and then irradiates the light into a dichroic mirror (Patent Document 10), the light of a color that is inadequate at the LED light source cannot be compensated, and consequently, the constraints of etendue cannot be canceled and the optical output efficiency of all LEDs cannot be displayed at the maximum.

In a case in which an auxiliary illumination light is used to compensate brightness as in Patent Document 2 or Patent Document 3, the light utilization efficiency is not necessarily improved because the basic light that was replaced cannot be used, and further, because optical loss occurs during replacement.

When attempting to obtain a brighter luminous flux by synthesizing the light of four colors or six colors within the band of white light as shown in Patent Documents 5-8, light other than parallel luminous flux is produced, whereby the efficiency of synthesis of light falls due to incident angle dependency or polarization dependency.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a color synthesis optical element, a projection-type display device that is provided with this color synthesis optical element, and a display control method that can provide a solution to the above-described problems, enable the display of maximum optical output performance of LEDs, and improve optical utilization efficiency during color mixing.

To achieve the above-described object, the color synthesis optical element of the present invention includes:an exit surface;first to third incident surfaces; andfirst and second films that are provided such that the film surfaces intersect each other and that selectively reflect or transmit incident light according to wavelength;wherein:the first film transmits, of visible light of a first polarization, at least light of a specific wavelength band and reflects, of visible light of a second polarization whose polarization state differs from that of the first polarization, at least light of the specific wavelength band;the second film transmits, of visible light of the first polarization, at least light of the specific wavelength band and transmits, of visible light of the second polarization, at least light of the specific wavelength band;the cutoff wavelengths of the first and second films with respect to the second polarization are set within a range of bands outside the wavelength bands of red, green and blue that are the three primary colors of light; andlight of the specific wavelength band of the first polarization and light of the specific wavelength of the second polarization are entered from different incident surfaces of the first to third incident surfaces and are exited by way of the first and second films from the exit surface.

The projection-type display device of the present invention includes:first to third light sources;first to third display elements that have a one-to-one correspondence with the first to third light sources and into each of which colored light is entered from the corresponding light source;the above-described color synthesis optical element in which colored light of a first polarization that is entered to the second incident surface from the second display element and colored light of a second polarization whose polarization state differs from that of the first polarization that is entered to the first and third incident surfaces from the first and third display elements, respectively, are exited from the exit surface; andprojection optics that are provided in the direction of progression of light that is entered from the color synthesis optical element and that project an image that is displayed by the first to third display elements;wherein:the first light source includes a solid-state light source of a first color;the second light source includes a solid-state light source of a second color that differs from the first color;the third light source includes a solid-state light source of a third color that differs from the first and second colors; andone of the first to third light sources further includes a solid-state light source of at least one specific color having a peak wavelength in a wavelength band that corresponds to the color of the solid-state light source that is used for one of the other two light sources.

The display control method of the present invention is a display control method of a projection-type display device that irradiates luminous flux from a first light source that is composed of a solid-state light source of a first color and a solid-state light source of a second color that differs from the first color to a first display element, irradiates luminous flux from a second light source that is composed of another solid-state light source of the second color to a second display element, irradiates luminous flux from a third light source composed of a solid-state light source of a third color that differs from the first and second colors to a third display element, and projects, by projection optics and by way of the above-described color synthesis optical element, images that are formed in the first to third display elements; the display control method including:

when a first display mode for implementing a display that prioritizes color reproducibility is set, controlling, in accordance with the emitted luminous flux of the light source having the smallest optical output among the first to third light sources, the optical output of the other two light sources in a state in which the solid-state light source of the second color in the first light source is not lighted; and

when a second display mode for implementing a display that prioritizes brightness is set, lighting all solid-state light sources of the first to third light sources and controlling the optical output of the solid-state light sources of the first to third colors in accordance with luminous flux obtained by adding together the emitted luminous flux from the solid-state light source of the second color and the luminous flux from the other solid-state light source of the second color.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are next described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Details regarding the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying figures.

First Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 2is a perspective view showing the configuration of the color synthesis optical element that is the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 2, color synthesis optical element1is a cross dichroic prism made up from four right angle prisms1a-1dthat are joined together at surfaces that form right angles. A uniform first plane is formed by the bonding surfaces of right angle prisms1aand1dand the bonding surfaces of right angle prisms1band1c, and first dichroic mirror2athat is composed of a dielectric multilayer film is formed on this first plane. A uniform second plane that intersects the first plane is formed by the bonding surfaces of right angle prisms1aand1band the bonding surfaces of right angle prisms1cand1d, and second dichroic mirror2bcomposed of a dielectric multilayer film is formed on this second plane. In other words, first dichroic mirror2aand second dichroic mirror2bare formed such that their film surfaces cross each other.

Light is entered from three surfaces (surfaces of each of right angle prisms1a,1c, and1d) among the four side surfaces of color synthesis optical element1and the colors are synthesized. S-polarized light (green+blue) is entered to the surface (side surface) of right angle prism1a, and S-polarized light (red) is entered to the surface (side surface) of right angle prism1cthat is opposite this surface. P-polarized light (green) is entered to the surface (side surface) of right angle prism1d. The remaining side surface (the surface of right angle prism1bthat is opposite the surface of right angle prism1d) is the exit surface from which light resulting from the synthesis of the light entered from the three side surfaces is exited.

FIG. 3Ais a graph showing the spectral transmittance characteristic with respect to the P-polarized light and S-polarized light of first dichroic mirror2a.FIG. 3Bis a graph showing the spectral reflectance characteristic with respect to P-polarized light and S-polarized light of first dichroic mirror2a.

The cutoff wavelength is defined as the wavelength at which transmittance, or reflectance, becomes 50%. The cutoff wavelength of first dichroic mirror2awith respect to incident P-polarized light is 400 nm. In this case, first dichroic mirror2amainly transmits and does not reflect light of P-polarized light having a wavelength of 400 nm or more. On the other hand, the cutoff wavelength of first dichroic mirror2awith respect to incident S-polarized light is 580 nm. In this case, first dichroic mirror2alargely transmits and does not reflect S-polarized light having a wavelength of 580 nm or more. First dichroic mirror2alargely reflects and does not transmit light of S-polarized light having a wavelength shorter than 580 nm.

If the characteristics of first dichroic mirror2aare expressed as action with respect to colored light, regarding blue and green light, first dichroic mirror2atransmits P-polarized light and reflects S-polarized light. In other words, first dichroic mirror2aacts as a polarization beam splitter for blue and green light. In addition, first dichroic mirror2adoes not act in any way upon red light and transmits both P-polarized light and S-polarized light.

FIG. 4Ais a graph showing the spectral transmittance characteristic with respect to P-polarized light and S-polarized light of second dichroic mirror2b.FIG. 4Bis a graph showing the spectral reflectance characteristic with respect to P-polarized light and S-polarized light of second dichroic mirror2b.

The cutoff wavelength of second dichroic mirror2bfor incident P-polarized light is 700 nm. In this case, second dichroic mirror2blargely transmits and does not reflect P-polarized light having a wavelength of 700 nm or less. On the other hand, the cutoff wavelength of second dichroic mirror2bwith respect to incident S-polarized light is 580 nm. In this case, second dichroic mirror2blargely reflects and does not transmit S-polarized light having a wavelength of 580 nm or more. In addition, second dichroic mirror2blargely transmits and does not reflect S-polarized light having a wavelength shorter than 580 nm.

If the characteristics of second dichroic mirror2bare expressed as action with respect to colored light, second dichroic mirror2bdoes not act in any way upon blue and green light and transmits both P-polarized light and S-polarized light. With respect to red light, second dichroic mirror2btransmits P-polarized light and reflects S-polarized light. In other words, with respect to red light, second dichroic mirror2bacts as a polarization beam splitter.

The setting of the cutoff wavelength with respect to S-polarized light of first dichroic mirror2aand second dichroic mirror2bto the yellow band of 580 nm differs greatly from the spectral characteristics of the dichroic prism that is disclosed in Patent Document 11 (refer toFIGS. 1A and 1B). Due to this difference, it is possible to compensate light of color that is inadequate within the constraints of etendue to obtain good white balance, and the optical output characteristic of the LED light source can be displayed to its maximum. This feature is described in detail hereinbelow.

FIG. 5is a plan view for describing the optical paths when colored light is synthesized using color synthesis optical element1shown inFIG. 2.

Three of the four side surfaces of color synthesis optical element1are incident surfaces, and the colored light that is entered from these incident surfaces is synthesized by first dichroic mirror2aand second dichroic mirror2b. The remaining surface is the exit surface, and the synthesized colored light is exited from this exit surface.

InFIG. 5, although the lines indicated by solid lines with arrows show representative directions of progression of the incident luminous flux, this does not mean that only the lines shown by these solid lines with arrows are the incident rays. The incident light is luminous flux having a cross section that is no greater than the incident surfaces of color synthesis optical element1and includes rays having positions other than the lines shown by the solid lines with arrows as well as rays having angular components.

S-polarized light is used as red light. The red S-polarized light is entered into color synthesis optical element1from the incident surface of right angle prism1c(inFIG. 5, the surface located on the lower side of the figure). First dichroic mirror2adoes not act in any way upon red S-polarized light and the red S-polarized light is therefore transmitted through first dichroic mirror2awithout alteration. On the other hand, second dichroic mirror2breflects all red S-polarized light. As a result, as shown inFIG. 5, the luminous flux of red S-polarized light is bent 90 degrees by second dichroic mirror2band then exited from the exit surface of right angle prism1b.

P-polarized light and S-polarized light are used as green light. The green P-polarized light is entered into color synthesis optical element1from the incident surface of right angle prism1d(inFIG. 5, the surface that is located on the left side of the figure). Neither first dichroic mirror2anor second dichroic mirror2bact in any way upon green P-polarized light, and the green P-polarized light is therefore transmitted through first dichroic mirror2aand second dichroic mirror2b. The green P-polarized light that has been transmitted through first dichroic mirror2aand second dichroic mirror2bis exited from the exit surface of right angle prism1b.

S-polarized light is used as blue light. The blue S-polarized light is entered into color synthesis optical element1from the incident surface of right angle prism1a(inFIG. 5, the surface located on the upper side of the figure). Green S-polarized light and blue S-polarized light are both entered to this incident surface of right angle prism1afrom the same direction.

Second dichroic mirror2bacts in no way upon blue and green S-polarized light, and the blue and green S-polarized light are therefore transmitted through second dichroic mirror2bwithout alteration. However, first dichroic mirror2areflects all of the blue and green S-polarized light. As a result, the luminous flux of blue and green S-polarized light is bent 90 degrees by first dichroic mirror2aand exited from the exit surface of right angle prism1b.

As described hereinabove, white light can be obtained in color synthesis optical element1of the present exemplary embodiment by the synthesis in first dichroic mirror2aand second dichroic mirror2bof green and blue S-polarized light that is entered from the incident surface of right angle prism1a, red S-polarized light that is entered from the incident surface of right angle prism1c, and green P-polarized light that is entered from the incident surface of right angle prism1d.

FIG. 6Ais a graph showing the relation of the emission spectrum of the green LED light source and the spectral transmittance characteristic with respect to P-polarized light of first dichroic mirror2a.FIG. 6Bis a graph showing the relation of the emission spectrums of each of the red, green, and blue LED light sources and the spectral reflectance characteristic with respect to S-polarized light of first dichroic mirror2a. The peak wavelength of the red LED light source is 630 nm, the peak wavelength of the green LED light source is 520 nm, and the peak wavelength of the blue LED light source is 460 nm.

FIG. 7Ais a graph showing the relation of the emission spectrum of the green LED light source and the spectral transmittance characteristic with respect to P-polarized light of second dichroic mirror2b.FIG. 7Bis a graph showing the relation of the emission spectrums of each of the red, green, and blue LED light sources and the spectral reflectance characteristic with respect to S-polarized light of second dichroic mirror2b. The peak wavelength of the red LED light source is 630 nm, the peak wavelength of the green LED light source is 520 nm, and the peak wavelength of the blue LED light source is 460 nm.

As can be clearly seen fromFIGS. 6A and 7A, the cutoff wavelengths of first dichroic mirror2aand second dichroic mirror2bwith respect to green P-polarized light are sufficiently separated. Accordingly, even if the cutoff wavelengths should shift due to incident angle dependency, green P-polarized light will not be reflected by these dichroic mirrors2aand2b. As a result, loss due to incident angle dependency will not occur.

Further, as can be clearly seen fromFIGS. 6B and 7B, the cutoff wavelengths of first dichroic mirror2aand second dichroic mirror2bwith respect to green S-polarized light and red S-polarized light are sufficiently separated. Accordingly, red and green S-polarized light can be synthesized by these dichroic mirrors2aand2bwith virtually no loss despite shift of the cutoff wavelengths due to incident angle dependency.

In this way, the cutoff wavelengths of first dichroic mirror2aand second dichroic mirror2bare set to a yellow band that is not used in color synthesis, whereby colored light can be synthesized efficiently for light that is incident at an angle that differs from parallel light.

Regarding the mixing ratios of the red, green, and blue light, when semiconductor light sources such as LEDs are used as each of red, green, and blue light sources and the red, green, and blue light from each semiconductor light source is synthesized to obtain white light with superior white balance, the blue optical output is typically greater than the other colors and the green optical output is smaller than the other colors. In this case, the optical output of the blue and red semiconductor light sources is limited to accord with the green semiconductor light source for which the optical output is relatively small, whereby the optical output of the white light that is obtained is inevitably also small.

According to the color synthesis optical element of the present exemplary embodiment, green light can be synthesized from two different directions. Still further, a configuration is adopted in which the quantity of blue light, for which optical output is relatively great, is reduced and green light is added. Accordingly, the three primary colors can be synthesized at optimum color-mixing ratios, and white light having a superior white balance can be obtained. In addition, the optical output of the LEDs of three colors can be displayed at their maximum without limitation.

The color synthesis optical element of the present exemplary embodiment is not limited to the configuration in which only green light is synthesized from two different directions. For example, as shown inFIG. 8, green and red P-polarized light may also be entered to color synthesis optical element1from the incident surface of right angle prism1d. Similar to the configuration shown inFIG. 5, green and blue S-polarized light is entered to the incident surface of right angle prism1a, and red S-polarized light is entered to the incident surface of right angle prism1c.

FIG. 9Ais a graph showing the relation of the emission spectrums of each of green and red LED light sources and the spectral transmittance characteristic with respect to P-polarized light of first dichroic mirror2ain the color synthesis optical element shown inFIG. 8.FIG. 9Bis a graph showing the relation between the emission spectrums of each of red, green, and blue LED light sources and the spectral reflectance characteristic with respect to S-polarized light of first dichroic mirror2ain the color synthesis optical element shown inFIG. 8. The peak wavelength of the red LED light source is 630 nm, the peak wavelength of the green LED light source is 520 nm, and the peak wavelength of the blue LED light source is 460 nm.

FIG. 10Ais a graph showing the relation between the emission spectrum of the red and green LED light sources and the spectral transmittance characteristic with respect to P-polarized light of second dichroic mirror2bin the color synthesis optical element shown inFIG. 8.FIG. 10Bis a graph showing the relation between the emission spectrums of each of red, green, and blue LED light sources and the spectral reflectance characteristic with respect to S-polarized light of second dichroic mirror2bin the color synthesis optical element shown inFIG. 8. The peak wavelength of the red LED light source is 630 nm, the peak wavelength of the green LED light source is 520 nm, and the peak wavelength of the blue LED light source is 460 nm.

As shown inFIGS. 9A and 10A, neither first dichroic mirror2anor second dichroic mirror2bact in any way upon green and red P-polarized light. As a result, the green and red P-polarized light that are entered from the incident surface of right angle prism1dare transmitted through each of dichroic mirrors2aand2bwithout alteration and then exited from the exit surface of right angle prism1b. In addition, the action of each of dichroic mirrors2aand2bupon red, green, and blue S-polarized light is identical to the configuration shown inFIG. 5.

In addition, the cutoff wavelengths of first dichroic mirror2aand second dichroic mirror2bwith respect to green and red P-polarized light are sufficiently separated. Accordingly, green and red P-polarized light will not be reflected by these dichroic mirrors2aand2bdespite shift of the cutoff wavelengths resulting from incident angle dependency. As a result, loss due to incident angle dependency will not occur.

As can be clearly seen fromFIGS. 9B and 10B, the cutoff wavelengths of first dichroic mirror2aand second dichroic mirror2bwith respect to green S-polarized light and red S-polarized light are sufficiently separated. Accordingly, red and green S-polarized light can be synthesized in these dichroic mirrors2aand2bwith virtually no loss despite shifts of the cutoff wavelengths due to incident angle dependency.

According to the color synthesis optical element shown inFIG. 8, not only can green light be entered and synthesized from two different directions, but red light can also be entered from two different directions and synthesized.

In the color synthesis optical element shown inFIG. 5orFIG. 8, a configuration may be adopted in which blue P-polarized light is further entered into the incident surface of right angle prism1d. In this case, the blue light can be entered from two different directions and synthesized.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 11is a perspective view showing the configuration of the color synthesis optical element that is the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 11, color synthesis optical element11is a cross dichroic prism composed of four right angle prisms11a-din which surfaces that form right angles are joined together, as in the first exemplary embodiment. First dichroic mirror12aand second dichroic mirror12bcomposed of dielectric multilayer films are formed on the joined surfaces of right angle prisms11a-1dso as to intersect.

Of the four side surfaces of color synthesis optical element11, light is entered from three surfaces (the surfaces of each of right angle prisms11a,11c, and11d) and colors are synthesized. S-polarized light (blue) is entered to the surface of right angle prism11a, and S-polarized light (red +green) is entered to the surface of right angle prism11cthat is opposite this incident surface. P-polarized light (green) is entered to the surface of right angle prism11d. Light realized by synthesizing the light entered from the three side surfaces is exited from the one remaining side surface (the surface of right angle prism11bthat is opposite the surface of right angle prism11d).

In color synthesis optical element1of the first exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 2, green and blue S-polarized light are entered to color synthesis optical element1from the incident surface of right angle prism1a. In color synthesis optical element11of the present exemplary embodiment, in contrast, green S-polarized light is entered to color synthesis optical element11together with red S-polarized light not from the incident surface of right angle prism11abut from the incident surface of right angle prism11cthat is opposite this incident surface. Color synthesis optical element11of the present exemplary embodiment differs from color synthesis optical element1of the first exemplary embodiment with regard to this point.

FIG. 12Ais a graph showing the spectral transmittance characteristic with respect to P-polarized light and S-polarized light of first dichroic mirror12a.FIG. 12Bis a graph showing the spectral reflectance characteristic with respect to P-polarized light and S-polarized light of first dichroic mirror12a.

The cutoff wavelength of first dichroic mirror12awith respect to light that is entered as P-polarized light is 400 nm. In this case, first dichroic mirror12alargely transmits and does not reflect P-polarized light having a wavelength of 400 nm or more. On the other hand, the cutoff wavelength of first dichroic mirror12awith respect to light that is entered as S-polarized light is 490 nm. In this case, first dichroic mirror12alargely transmits and does not reflect S-polarized light having a wavelength of 490 nm or more. In addition, first dichroic mirror12alargely reflects and does not transmit S-polarized light having a wavelength shorter than 490 nm.

If the characteristics of first dichroic mirror12aare represented by first dichroic mirror12aacting upon colored light, regarding blue light, first dichroic mirror12atransmits P-polarized light and reflects S-polarized light. In other words, first dichroic mirror12aalso acts as a polarization beam splitter with respect to blue light. On the other hand, first dichroic mirror12adoes not act in any way upon green light and red light and transmits both P-polarized light and S-polarized light.

FIG. 13Ais a graph showing the spectral transmittance characteristic with respect to P-polarized light and S-polarized light of second dichroic mirror12b.FIG. 13Bis a graph showing the spectral reflectance characteristic with respect to P-polarized light and S-polarized light of second dichroic mirror12b.

The cutoff wavelength of second dichroic mirror12bwith respect to light entered as P-polarized light is 700 nm. In this case, second dichroic mirror12blargely transmits and does not reflect P-polarized light having a wavelength of 700 nm or less. On the other hand, the cutoff wavelength of second dichroic mirror12bwith respect to light entered as S-polarized light is 490 nm. In this case, second dichroic mirror12blargely reflects and does not transmit S-polarized light having a wavelength of 490 or more. In addition, second dichroic mirror12blargely transmits and does not reflect S-polarized light having a wavelength shorter than 490 nm.

If the characteristics of second dichroic mirror12bare represented by second dichroic mirror12bacting upon colored light, second dichroic mirror12bdoes not act in any way upon blue light and transmits both P-polarized light and S-polarized light. However, with respect to green light and red light, second dichroic mirror12btransmits P-polarized light but reflects S-polarized light. In other words, second dichroic mirror12bacts as a polarization beam splitter for green light and red light.

Color synthesis optical element11of the present exemplary embodiment differs from the dichroic prism that is disclosed in Patent Document 11 in that the cutoff wavelength of first dichroic mirror12aand second dichroic mirror12bwith respect to S-polarized light is set to 490 nm, the band of blue-green (cyan). Due to this point of difference, colored light that is insufficient can be compensated within the limits of etendue to obtain good white balance and the optical output characteristics of the LED light sources can be displayed at their maximum. This feature is next explained in greater detail.

FIG. 14is a plan view for describing the optical paths when color synthesis optical element11shown inFIG. 11is used to synthesize colored light.

Of the four side surfaces of color synthesis optical element11, three surfaces are incident surfaces, and colored light that is entered from these incident surfaces is synthesized by first dichroic mirror12aand second dichroic mirror12b. The remaining surface is an exit surface and colored light that has been synthesized is exited from this surface.

InFIG. 14, the lines that are shown as solid lines with arrows each indicate representative directions of the progression of incident luminous flux, but this representation does not mean that only the lines shown as these solid lines with arrows represent the incident rays. The incident light is luminous flux having a cross section no greater than the incident surfaces of color synthesis optical element11and includes rays having positions other than the lines represented as solid lines with arrows as well as rays having an angular component.

S-polarized light is used as blue light. The blue S-polarized light is entered to color synthesis optical element11from the incident surface of right angle prism11a(inFIG. 14, the surface located on the upper side of the figure). Second dichroic mirror12bdoes not act in any way upon the blue S-polarized light and the blue S-polarized light is therefore transmitted through second dichroic mirror12bwithout alteration. On the other hand, first dichroic mirror12areflects all of blue S-polarized light. As a result, blue S-polarized luminous flux is bent 90 degrees by first dichroic mirror12aand then exited from the exit surface of right angle prism11b.

P-polarized light and S-polarized light are used as green light. The green P-polarized light is entered to color synthesis optical element11from the incident surface of right angle prism11d(inFIG. 14, the surface located on the left side of the figure). Neither first dichroic mirror12anor second dichroic mirror12bact in any way upon green P-polarized light, and the green P-polarized light is therefore transmitted through dichroic mirrors12aand12bwithout alteration and then exited from the exit surface of right angle prism11b.

S-polarized light is used as red light. Green and red S-polarized light are entered to color synthesis optical element11from the incident surface of right angle prism11c(inFIG. 14, the surface located on the lower side of the figure). First dichroic mirror12adoes not act in any way upon green and red S-polarized light, and the green and red S-polarized light is therefore transmitted through first dichroic mirror12awithout alteration. On the other hand, second dichroic mirror12breflects all green and red S-polarized light. As a result, the green and red S-polarized luminous flux is bent 90 degrees at second dichroic mirror12band then exited from the exit surface of right angle prism11bas shown inFIG. 14.

Thus, according to color synthesis optical element11of the present exemplary embodiment, blue S-polarized light, green P-polarized light and S-polarized light, and red S-polarized light can be synthesized to obtain white light.

FIG. 15Ais a graph showing the relation between the emission spectrum of a green LED light source and the spectral transmittance characteristic with respect to P-polarized light of first dichroic mirror12a.FIG. 15Bis a graph showing the relation between emission spectrums of each of red, green and blue LED light sources and the spectral reflectance characteristic with respect to S-polarized light of first dichroic mirror12a. The peak wavelength of the red LED light source is 630 nm, the peak wavelength of the green LED light source is 530 nm, and the peak wavelength of the blue LED light source is 450 nm.

FIG. 16Ais a graph showing the relation between the emission spectrum of the green LED light source and the spectral transmittance characteristic with respect to P-polarized light of second dichroic mirror12b.FIG. 16Bis a graph showing the relation between the emission spectrums of each of the red, green, and blue LED light sources and the spectral reflectance characteristic with respect to S-polarized light of second dichroic mirror12b. The peak wavelength of the red LED light source is 630 nm, the peak wavelength of the green LED light source is 530 nm, and the peak wavelength of the blue LED light source is 450 nm.

As can be clearly seen fromFIG. 15AandFIG. 16A, the cutoff wavelengths of first dichroic mirror12aand second dichroic mirror12bwith respect to green P-polarized light are sufficiently separated. Accordingly, green P-polarized light is not reflected by these dichroic mirrors12aand12bdespite shifts of the cutoff wavelengths due to incident angle dependency. As a result, no loss occurs due to incident angle dependency.

As can be clearly seen fromFIGS. 15B and 16B, the cutoff wavelengths of first dichroic mirror12aand second dichroic mirror12bwith respect to blue S-polarized light and green S-polarized light are sufficiently separated. Accordingly, blue and green S-polarized light can be synthesized with virtually no loss in these dichroic mirrors12aand12bdespite shifts of the cutoff wavelengths due to incident angle dependency.

Thus, because the cutoff wavelengths of first dichroic mirror12aand second dichroic mirror12bare set to the blue-green (cyan) band that is not used in color synthesis, colored light can be synthesized efficiently even for light that is incident at angles that differ from parallel light.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, green light can be synthesized from two different directions, as in the first exemplary embodiment. Moreover, a configuration is adopted that decreases the quantity of red light for which the optical output is relatively great and adds green light. Accordingly, the three primary colors can be synthesized at optimum color mixing ratios and white light having superior white balance can be obtained. In addition, the LEDs of three colors can be caused to be displayed at their maximum without limiting the optical output.

Color synthesis optical element11of the present exemplary embodiment is not limited to the configuration that synthesizes only green light from two different directions. For example, in color synthesis optical element11shown inFIG. 11, blue or red P-polarized light or even red and blue P-polarized light may be further entered to the incident surface of right angle prism11dto which green P-polarized light is entered. The colors that are mixed can be set from among a combination of these forms.

It is known that, due to problems arising in the fabrication of LEDs, the peak wavelength of an LED may vary within a range of approximately ±10-20 nm. In the first exemplary embodiment, the cutoff wavelength of the dichroic mirrors is set to the yellow wavelength band (at least 560 nm but no greater than 600 nm), whereby loss during color synthesis can be further suppressed through the use of LEDs in which variations in the peak wavelength of green LEDs occur on the side of shorter wavelengths. In the second exemplary embodiment, the cutoff wavelength of the dichroic mirrors is set to the blue-green (cyan) wavelength band (at least 480 nm but no greater than 500 nm), whereby loss during color synthesis can be still further decreased through the use of LEDs in which the peak wavelength of green LEDs varies toward longer wavelengths and the peak wavelength of blue LEDs varies toward shorter wavelengths. The color synthesis optical element may therefore be selected according to the variation in the peak wavelengths of LEDs.

In addition, the optical output characteristics of LEDs are subject to even greater variation due to problems in fabrication. When the optical output of blue LEDs is relatively great, blue is decreased and green is added, as in the first exemplary embodiment. On the other hand, when the optical output of red LEDs is relatively great, red is decreased and green is added as in the second exemplary embodiment. Still further, the arrangement or combination of light sources of each color can be selected by adding red or blue P-polarized light to the optical path of green P-polarized light.

Thus, the color synthesis optical element of each exemplary embodiment is useful for enabling the utilization of LEDs having a large variation in peak wavelength or optical output.

Third Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 17is a perspective view showing the configuration of the color synthesis optical element that is the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 17, similar to the first exemplary embodiment, color synthesis optical element111is a cross dichroic prism composed of four right angle prisms111a-111dthat are joined together at surfaces that form right angles. First dichroic mirror112aand second dichroic mirror112bcomposed of dielectric multilayer films are formed on the bonding surfaces of right angle prisms111a-111dso as to intersect.

Of the four side surfaces of color synthesis optical element111, light is entered from three surfaces (surfaces of each of right angle prisms111a,111c, and111d) and colors are synthesized. S-polarized light (green) is entered to the surface of right angle prism111a, and S-polarized light (red) is entered to the surface of right angle prism111cthat is opposite this incident surface. P-polarized light (blue+green) is entered to the surface of right angle prism111d. Light that results from synthesizing the light entered from the three side surfaces is exited from the one remaining side surface (the surface of right angle prism111bthat is opposite the surface of right angle prism111d).

In color synthesis optical element1of the first exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 2, green and blue S-polarized light is entered to the incident surface of right angle prism1a, red S-polarized light is entered to the incident surface of right angle prism1c, and green P-polarized light is entered to the incident surface of right angle prism1d. In contrast, in color synthesis optical element111of the present exemplary embodiment, green S-polarized light is entered to the incident surface of right angle prism111a, red S-polarized light is entered to the incident surface of right angle prism111c, and blue and green P-polarized light is entered to the incident surface of right angle prism111d. In other words, color synthesis optical element111of the present exemplary embodiment differs from the color synthesis optical element of the first exemplary embodiment in that blue P-polarized light and green P-polarized light are entered to the transmission optical path of P-polarized light and green S-polarized light and red S-polarized light are each entered to the reflection optical path of S-polarized light.

FIG. 18Ais a graph showing the spectral transmittance characteristic with respect to P-polarized light and S-polarized light of first dichroic mirror112a.FIG. 18Bis a graph showing the spectral reflectance characteristic with respect to P-polarized light and S-polarized light of first dichroic mirror112a.

First dichroic mirror112alargely transmits and does not reflect light of the visible band of light that is entered as P-polarized light. The cutoff wavelengths of first dichroic mirror112awith respect to light that is entered as S-polarized light are 490 nm and 580 nm. In this case, first dichroic mirror112alargely transmits and does not reflect S-polarized light having a wavelength no greater than 490 nm and S-polarized light having a wavelength of at least 580 nm. In addition, first dichroic mirror112alargely reflects and does not transmit S-polarized light having a wavelength that is greater than 490 nm and S-polarized light having a wavelength less than 580 nm.

If the characteristics of first dichroic mirror112aare represented by first dichroic mirror112aacting upon colored light, regarding green light, first dichroic mirror112atransmits P-polarized light and reflects S-polarized light. In other words, first dichroic mirror112aalso acts as a polarization beam splitter with respect to green light. On the other hand, first dichroic mirror112adoes not act in any way upon blue and red light, and transmits both P-polarized light and S-polarized light.

FIG. 19Ais a graph showing the spectral transmittance characteristic with respect to P-polarized light and S-polarized light of second dichroic mirror112b.FIG. 19Bis a graph showing the spectral reflectance characteristic with respect to P-polarized light and S-polarized light of second dichroic mirror112b.

The cutoff wavelength of second dichroic mirror112bwith respect to light that is entered as P-polarized light is 700 nm. In this case, second dichroic mirror112blargely transmits and does not reflect P-polarized light having a wavelength of 700 nm or less. On the other hand, the cutoff wavelength of second dichroic mirror112bwith respect to light that is entered as S-polarized light is 580 nm. In this case, second dichroic mirror112blargely reflects and does not transmit S-polarized light having a wavelength of 580 nm or more. Conversely, second dichroic mirror112blargely transmits and does not reflect S-polarized light having a wavelength shorter than 580 nm.

If the characteristics of second dichroic mirror112bare represented by second dichroic mirror112bacting upon colored light, second dichroic mirror112bdoes not act in any way upon blue and green light and transmits both P-polarized light and S-polarized light. With respect to red light, second dichroic mirror112btransmits P-polarized light and reflects S-polarized light. In other words, second dichroic mirror112balso acts as a polarization beam splitter with respect to red light.

A major point of difference from the spectral characteristics of the dichroic prism disclosed in Patent Document 11 (seeFIGS. 1A and 1B) is the setting of the cutoff wavelengths with respect to S-polarized light of first dichroic mirror112aand second dichroic mirror112bto the blue-green (cyan) band of 490 nm and the yellow band of 580 nm. Due to this point of difference, light of a color that is insufficient can be compensated within the limits of etendue to obtain good white balance and the optical output characteristic of LED light sources can therefore be displayed to the maximum. This feature is next described in greater detail.

FIG. 20is a plan view for describing the optical paths when colors are synthesized using color synthesis optical element111shown inFIG. 17. As previously described, of the four side surfaces of color synthesis optical element111, three surfaces are incident surfaces, and light is entered from the incident surfaces to synthesize colored light by first dichroic mirror112aand second dichroic mirror112b. The one remaining surface is the exit surface, and light that has been synthesized at first dichroic mirror112aand second dichroic mirror112bis exited from the exit surface.

InFIG. 20, the lines represented by solid lines with arrows are for describing the representative directions of progression of the incident luminous flux, but these lines do not mean that only the lines represented by solid lines with arrows represent the incident rays themselves. The incident light is luminous flux having a cross sectional area no greater than the incident surfaces of color synthesis optical element111and includes rays having positions other than the lines represented as solid lines with arrows as well as light rays having an angular component.

S-polarized light is used as green light. The green S-polarized light is entered to color synthesis optical element111from the incident surface of right angle prism111a(inFIG. 20, the surface that is located on the upper side of the figure). Second dichroic mirror112bdoes not act in any way upon green S-polarized light and the green S-polarized light is therefore transmitted through second dichroic mirror112bwithout alteration. In contrast, first dichroic mirror112areflects all green S-polarized light. As a result, the optical path of green S-polarized light is bent 90 degrees at first dichroic mirror112aas shown inFIG. 20and the green S-polarized light that was reflected by first dichroic mirror112ais exited from the exit surface.

S-polarized light is used as red light. Red S-polarized light is entered to color synthesis optical element111from the incident surface of right angle prism111c(inFIG. 20, the surface located on the lower side of the figure). First dichroic mirror112adoes not act in any way upon red S-polarized light, and the red S-polarized light is therefore transmitted through first dichroic mirror112awithout alteration. In contrast, second dichroic mirror112breflects all red S-polarized light. As a result, the optical path of red S-polarized light is bent 90 degrees at second dichroic mirror112bas shown inFIG. 20and the red S-polarized light that was reflected at second dichroic mirror112bis exited from the exit surface.

P-polarized light is used as blue light, and P-polarized light is further used as green light. The blue and green P-polarized light is entered to color synthesis optical element111from the incident surface of right angle prism111d(inFIG. 20, the surface located on the left side of the figure). Neither first dichroic mirror112aand second dichroic mirror112bact in any way upon blue and green P-polarized light, and the blue and green P-polarized light is therefore transmitted through first dichroic mirror112aand second dichroic mirror112bwithout alteration and exited from the exit surface.

As described hereinabove, in color synthesis optical element111of the present exemplary embodiment, white light can be obtained by synthesizing blue P-polarized light, green P-polarized light and S-polarized light, and red S-polarized light.

FIG. 21Ais a graph showing the relation between the emission spectrums of each of blue and green LED light sources and the spectral transmittance characteristic with respect to P-polarized light of first dichroic mirror112a.FIG. 21Bis a graph showing the relation between the emission spectrums of each of green and red LED light sources and the spectral reflectance characteristic with respect to S-polarized light of first dichroic mirror112a. The peak wavelength of a red LED light source is 630 nm, the peak wavelength of a green LED light source is 530 nm, and the peak wavelength of a blue LED light source is 450 nm.

FIG. 22Ais a graph showing the relation between the emission spectrums of each of blue and green LED light sources and the spectral transmittance characteristic with respect to P-polarized light of second dichroic mirror112b.FIG. 22Bis a graph showing the relation between the emission spectrums of each of red and green LED light sources and the spectral reflectance characteristic with respect to S-polarized light of second dichroic mirror112b. The peak wavelength of a red LED light source is 630 nm, the peak wavelength of a green LED light source is 530 nm, and the peak wavelength of a blue LED light source is 450 nm.

As can be clearly seen fromFIGS. 21A and 22A, the cutoff wavelengths of first dichroic mirror112aand second dichroic mirror112bwith respect to blue and green P-polarized light are sufficiently separated. Accordingly, blue and green P-polarized light is not reflected by dichroic mirrors112aand112bdespite shifts of the cutoff wavelengths due to incident angle dependency. As a result, loss due to incident angle dependency will not occur.

Further, as can be clearly seen fromFIGS. 21B and 22B, the cutoff wavelengths of first dichroic mirror112aand second dichroic mirror112bwith respect to red S-polarized light and green S-polarized light are sufficiently separated. Accordingly, red and green S-polarized light can be synthesized by these dichroic mirrors112aand112bwith virtually no loss despite shifts of the cutoff wavelengths due to incident angle dependency.

By thus setting the cutoff wavelengths of first dichroic mirror112aand second dichroic mirror112bto the wavelength bands of yellow and blue-green (cyan) that are not used in color synthesis, colored light can be synthesized efficiently for light that is entered at angles that differ from parallel light.

As with the first exemplary embodiment, the present exemplary embodiment enables synthesis of green light from two different directions. Moreover, a configuration is adopted that decreases the quantity of blue light for which optical output is relatively great and that adds green light. Accordingly, the three primary colors can be synthesized at preferable color mixing ratios and white light with superior white balance can be obtained. In addition, the optical output of the LEDs of three colors can be displayed at a maximum without limitation.

Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 23is a perspective view showing the configuration of the color synthesis optical element that is the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 23, similar to the first exemplary embodiment, color synthesis optical element121is a cross dichroic prism composed of four right angle prisms121a-121din which surfaces that form right angles are joined together. First dichroic mirror122aand second dichroic mirror122bcomposed of dielectric multilayer films are formed on the bonding surfaces of right angle prisms121a-121dso as to intersect.

Of the four side surfaces of color synthesis optical element121, light is entered from three surfaces (the surfaces of each of right angle prisms121a,121c, and121d) and the colors are synthesized. S-polarized light (green) is entered to the surface of right angle prism121a, and S-polarized light (blue) is entered to the surface of right angle prism121cthat is opposite this incident surface. P-polarized light (red+green) is entered to the surface of right angle prism121d. Light that is obtained by synthesizing the light that was entered from the three side surfaces is exited from the one remaining side surface (the surface of right angle prism121bthat is opposite the surface of right angle prism121d).

In color synthesis optical element1of the first exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 2, green and blue S-polarized light is entered to the incident surface of right angle prism1a, red S-polarized light is entered to the incident surface of right angle prism1c, and green P-polarized light is entered to the incident surface of right angle prism1d. In contrast, in color synthesis optical element121of the present exemplary embodiment, green S-polarized light is entered to the incident surface of right angle prism121a, blue S-polarized light is entered to the incident surface of right angle prism121c, and red and green P-polarized light is entered to the incident surface of right angle prism121d. In other words, color synthesis optical element121of the present exemplary embodiment differs from the color synthesis optical element of the first exemplary embodiment in that red P-polarized light and green P-polarized light are entered to the transmission optical path of P-polarized light and green S-polarized light and blue S-polarized light are each entered to the reflection optical path of S-polarized light.

FIG. 24Ais a graph showing the spectral transmittance characteristic with respect to P-polarized light and S-polarized light of first dichroic mirror122a.FIG. 24Bis a graph showing the spectral reflectance characteristic with respect to P-polarized light and S-polarized light of first dichroic mirror122a.

First dichroic mirror122alargely transmits and does not reflect light of the visible band of light that is entered as P-polarized light. The cutoff wavelengths of first dichroic mirror122awith respect to light that is entered as S-polarized light are 490 nm and 580 nm. In this case, first dichroic mirror122alargely transmits and does not reflect S-polarized light having a wavelength no greater than 490 nm or a wavelength of at least 580 nm. In addition, first dichroic mirror122alargely reflects and does not transmit S-polarized light having a wavelength greater than 490 nm but that falls below 580 nm.

If the characteristics of first dichroic mirror122aare represented by first dichroic mirror122aacting upon colored light, with regard to green light, first dichroic mirror122atransmits P-polarized light and reflects S-polarized light. In other words, first dichroic mirror122aalso acts as a polarization beam splitter with respect to green light. First dichroic mirror122adoes not act in any way upon blue and red light and transmits both P-polarized light and S-polarized light.

FIG. 25Ais a graph showing the spectral transmittance characteristic with respect to P-polarized light and S-polarized light of second dichroic mirror122b.FIG. 25Bis a graph showing the spectral reflectance characteristic with respect to P-polarized light and S-polarized light of second dichroic mirror122b.

The cutoff wavelength of second dichroic mirror122bwith respect to light that is entered as P-polarized light is 400 nm. In this case, second dichroic mirror122blargely transmits and does not reflect P-polarized light having a wavelength of 400 nm or more. The cutoff wavelength of second dichroic mirror122bwith respect to light that is entered as S-polarized light is 490 nm. In this case, second dichroic mirror122blargely reflects and does not transmit S-polarized light having a wavelength of 490 nm or less. In addition, second dichroic mirror122blargely transmits and does not reflect S-polarized light having a wavelength longer than 490 nm.

If the characteristics of second dichroic mirror122bare represented as second dichroic mirror122bacting upon colored light, with regard to red and green light, second dichroic mirror122bdoes not act in any way upon either P-polarized light or S-polarized light and transmits both. With respect to blue light, second dichroic mirror122btransmits P-polarized light and reflects S-polarized light. In other words, second dichroic mirror122balso acts as a polarization beam splitter with respect to blue light.

The present exemplary embodiment differs greatly from the dichroic prism disclosed in Patent Document 11 (seeFIGS. 1A and 1B) in that the cutoff wavelengths for S-polarized light of first dichroic mirror122aand second dichroic mirror122bare set to bands of blue-green (cyan) of 490 nm and yellow of 580 nm. Due to this difference, light of a color that is insufficient can be compensated within the limits of etendue to obtain good white balance and the optical output characteristic of LED light sources can be caused to be displayed at a maximum. This feature will next be described in greater detail.

FIG. 26is a plan view for describing the optical paths when colors are synthesized using color synthesis optical element121shown inFIG. 23. As previously described, of the four side surfaces of color synthesis optical element121, three surfaces are incident surfaces, and light is entered from the incident surfaces to synthesize colored light by first dichroic mirror122aand second dichroic mirror122b. The one remaining surface is the exit surface and light that has been synthesized at first dichroic mirror122aand second dichroic mirror122bis exited from this exit surface.

InFIG. 26, lines that are represented as solid lines with arrows are for describing representative directions of the progression of incident luminous flux but do not mean that the incident rays represent only these lines represented as solid lines with arrows. The incident light is luminous flux having a cross-sectional area no greater than the incident surfaces of color synthesis optical element121and includes rays having positions other than the lines represented as solid lines with arrows as well as rays having an angular component.

S-polarized light is used as green light. The green S-polarized light is entered to color synthesis optical element121from the incident surface of right angle prism121a(inFIG. 26, the surface located on the upper side of the figure). Second dichroic mirror122bdoes not act in any way upon green S-polarized light and the green S-polarized light is therefore transmitted through second dichroic mirror122bwithout alteration. In contrast, first dichroic mirror122areflects all green S-polarized light. Accordingly, the optical path of the green S-polarized light is bent 90 degrees at first dichroic mirror122aas shown inFIG. 26and the green S-polarized light that was reflected at first dichroic mirror122ais exited from the exit surface.

S-polarized light is used as blue light. The blue S-polarized light is entered to color synthesis optical element121from the incident surface of right angle prism121c(inFIG. 26, the surface located on the lower side of the figure). First dichroic mirror122adoes not act in any way upon the blue S-polarized light, and the blue S-polarized light is therefore transmitted through first dichroic mirror122awithout alteration. In contrast, second dichroic mirror122breflects all blue S-polarized light. As a result, the optical path of the blue S-polarized light is bent 90 degrees at second dichroic mirror122bas shown inFIG. 26and the blue S-polarized light that was reflected at second dichroic mirror122bis exited from the exit surface.

P-polarized light is used as red light, and further, P-polarized light is used as green light. The red and green P-polarized light are entered to color synthesis optical element121from the incident surface of right angle prism121d(inFIG. 26, the surface located on the left side of the figure). Neither first dichroic mirror122anor second dichroic mirror122bact in any way upon red and green P-polarized light, and the red and green P-polarized light are therefore transmitted through first dichroic mirror122aand second dichroic mirror122bwithout alteration and are exited from the exit surface.

As previously described, white light can be obtained in color synthesis optical element121of the present exemplary embodiment by the synthesis of red P-polarized light, green P-polarized light and S-polarized light, and blue S-polarized light.

FIG. 27Ais a graph showing the relation between the emission spectrums of each of green and red LED light sources and the spectral transmittance characteristic with respect to P-polarized light of first dichroic mirror122a.FIG. 27Bis a graph showing the relation between the emission spectrums of each of blue and green LED light sources and the spectral reflectance characteristic with respect to S-polarized light of first dichroic mirror122a. The peak wavelength of a red LED light source is 630 nm, the peak wavelength of a green LED light source is 530 nm, and the peak wavelength of a blue LED light source is 450 nm.

FIG. 28Ais a graph showing the relation between the emission spectrums of each of red and green LED light sources and the spectral transmittance characteristic with respect to P-polarized light of second dichroic mirror122b.FIG. 28Bis a graph showing the relation between the emission spectrums of each of blue and green LED light sources and the spectral reflectance characteristic with respect to S-polarized light of second dichroic mirror122b. The peak wavelength of a red LED light source is 630 nm, the peak wavelength of a green LED light source is 530 nm, and the peak wavelength of a blue LED light source is 450 nm.

As can be clearly seen fromFIGS. 27A and 28A, the cutoff wavelengths of first dichroic mirror122aand second dichroic mirror122bwith respect to red and green P-polarized light are sufficiently separated. Accordingly, red and green P-polarized light is not reflected by these dichroic mirrors122aand122bdespite shifts of the cutoff wavelengths due to incident angle dependency. As a result, loss due to incident angle dependency does not occur.

In addition, as can be clearly seen fromFIGS. 27B and 28B, the cutoff wavelengths of first dichroic mirror122aand second dichroic mirror122bwith respect to blue S-polarized light and green S-polarized light are sufficiently separated. Accordingly, the blue and green S-polarized light can be synthesized in these dichroic mirrors122aand122bwith virtually no loss despite shifts of the cutoff wavelengths due to incident angle dependency.

Because the cutoff wavelengths of first dichroic mirror122aand second dichroic mirror122bare thus set to the wavelength bands of blue-green (cyan) and yellow that are not used in color synthesis, colored light can be synthesized efficiently even for light that is incident at angles that differ from parallel light.

As with the first exemplary embodiment, the present exemplary embodiment enables synthesis of green light from two different directions. Moreover, a configuration is adopted that decreases the quantity of red light for which optical output is relatively great and that adds green light. Accordingly, the three primary colors can be synthesized at preferable color mixing ratios and white light having superior white balance can be obtained. In addition, the optical output of LEDs of three colors can be caused to be displayed at their maximum without limitations.

Fifth Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 29is a block diagram showing the configuration of the projection-type display device that is the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The projection-type display device of the present exemplary embodiment includes three light sources20a-20c, color synthesis optical element21, red display element22a, green display element22b, blue display element22c, and projection lens23.

Color synthesis optical element21is a cross dichroic prism similar to the first exemplary embodiment, and includes four right angle prisms21a-21din which the surfaces that form right angles are joined together. First dichroic mirror24aand second dichroic mirror24bthat are composed of dielectric multilayer films are formed on the bonded surfaces of right angle prisms21a-21dso as to intersect.

Light source20asupplies red light. Light source20bsupplies green light. Light source20csupplies green light and blue light. Red, green, and blue here correspond to the three primary colors of light.

Red display element22ais provided in the direction of progression of the luminous flux (red) from light source20a. The luminous flux (red) from light source20ais irradiated to red display element22a. Red display element22agenerates image light (red) of S-polarized light. Right angle prism21cof color synthesis optical element21is arranged in the direction of progression of the image light (red) of S-polarized light from red display element22a.

Green display element22bis provided in the direction of progression of the luminous flux (green) from light source20b. The luminous flux (green) from light source20bis irradiated to green display element22b. Green display element22bgenerates image light (green) of P-polarized light. Right angle prism21dof color synthesis optical element21is arranged in the direction of progression of image light (green) of P-polarized light from green display element22b.

Blue display element22cis provided in the direction of progression of the luminous flux (green+blue) from light source20c. The luminous flux (green+blue) from light source20cis irradiated to blue display element22c. Blue display element22cgenerates image light (green+blue) of S-polarized light. Right angle prism21aof color synthesis optical element21is arranged in the direction of progression of image light (green+blue) of S-polarized light from blue display element22c.

Of the four side surfaces of color synthesis optical element21, the surfaces of right angle prisms21a,21c, and21dare incident surfaces, and the surface of right angle prism21bis the exit surface. An anti-reflection film composed of a dielectric multilayer film may be provided on these incident and exit surfaces.

Image light (red) of S-polarized light from red display element22ais entered to color synthesis optical element21from the incident surface on the side of right angle prism21c. Image light (green) of P-polarized light from green display element22bis entered to color synthesis optical element21from the incident surface on the side of right angle prism21d. Image light (green+blue) of S-polarized light from blue display element22cis entered to color synthesis optical element21from the incident surface of the side of right angle prism21a.

The spectral transmittance characteristic and spectral reflectance characteristic of first dichroic mirror24awith respect to P-polarized light and S-polarized light are as shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B.

The spectral transmittance characteristic and spectral reflectance characteristic of second dichroic mirror24bwith respect to P-polarized light and S-polarized light are as shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B.

In color synthesis optical element21, image light (red) of S-polarized light, image light (green) of P-polarized light, and image light (green+blue) of S-polarized light that are entered from the incident surfaces of each of right angle prisms21a,21c, and21dare color-synthesized by first dichroic mirror24aand second dichroic mirror24b. This image light that has undergone color synthesis is exited from the exit surface of right angle prism21b.

Projection lens23is provided in the direction of progression of the luminous flux (image light) that is exited from the exit surface of color synthesis optical element21. The image (or picture) that is displayed on each of display elements22a-22cis projected onto a screen (not shown) by projection lens23.

The configuration of red display element22a, green display element22b, and blue display element22cis next described more concretely.

FIG. 30is a block diagram showing the configuration of the display elements that are used as red display element22a, green display element22b, and blue display element22c.

Referring toFIG. 30, a display element includes liquid crystal light valve40. Polarizer41is attached to the incident surface side (light source side) of liquid crystal light valve40, and analyzer42is attached to the exit surface side (color synthesis optical element side) of liquid crystal light valve40.

Liquid crystal light valve40is provided with two glass substrates on which are formed transparent electrode films that form pixels, liquid crystal being filled between these glass substrates. As the liquid crystal, for example, twisted nematic (TN) liquid crystal is used. As the liquid crystal drive method, an active matrix (AM) method is employed that controls thin-film transistors (TFT) that are the switching elements provided for each pixel.

An input video signal is supplied to video signal processing circuit44. Video signal processing circuit44carries out video signal processing such as brightness correction or color correction. A signal that has undergone video signal processing is supplied to drive circuit43from video signal processing circuit44.

Drive circuit43subjects the signal from video signal processing circuit44to processing such as D/A conversion or polarity conversion for driving liquid crystal light valve40and supplies the drive signal to TFT that are provided in each pixel.

In liquid crystal light valve40, the state of the liquid crystal is changed by the voltage that is applied to each pixel in accordance with the drive signal from drive circuit43, and the polarization state of illumination light that passes through polarizer41changes according to the changes of the state of the liquid crystal. As a result, illumination light that has passed through analyzer42undergoes intensity modulation in accordance with an image that is based on the input video signal.

The liquid crystal mode is not limited to the TN type, and the drive mode is not limited to the AM method. However, the polarization direction of light that is exited from analyzer42is prescribed as the polarization direction that is used in the color synthesis optical element shown inFIG. 29. The polarization direction of light that passes through polarizer41according to the liquid crystal mode is prescribed by taking this point into consideration. The direction of polarization axis of polarizer41and analyzer42is determined based on this stipulation.

Each of color display elements22a-22cshown inFIG. 29is formed using the display element shown inFIG. 30. The length of the optical path from the liquid crystal light valve of each color to projection lens23and the position within a plane that is perpendicular to the optical axis of the liquid crystal light valve of each color are adjusted using a fine adjustment mechanism such that the displayed images of each color coincide on screen. The parts of the liquid crystal light valve of each color are fixed such that the positions relative to color synthesis optical element21do not shift.

An actual configuration of light sources20a-20cshown inFIG. 29is next described.

FIG. 31is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of a light source used as light sources20a-20c. Referring toFIG. 31, the light source includes LED module50in which an LED that is light-emitting unit51is mounted on a substrate. The substrate additionally serves the purpose of radiator plate and a heat sink (not shown) is also attached. A forced cooling device is further provided on LED module50and implements temperature control to stabilize the light-emission characteristic of the LED.

When the power supply switch of the projection-type display device is turned on, drive circuit53supplies drive current to light-emitting unit (LED)51. When current flows to light-emitting unit (LED)51, light-emitting unit (LED)51emits light. The light from light-emitting unit (LED)51is condensed by condensing optics52. The luminous flux from condensing optics52is irradiated to the display element.

As the condensing optics, a lens-shaped optical element is used inFIG. 31, but a reflective optical unit such as a reflector may also be used. In addition, a fly-eye lens or glass rod may also be used as an integrator for causing the light to be irradiated to the display element uniformly. Still further, to prevent loss of one polarization component at the polarizer of a display element, optics may also be used for re-using one polarization component such as polarization conversion optics that employ a polarization beam splitter and half-wave plate. Of course, light-emitting unit51of LED module50may be the light source that produces polarized light, or a polarization conversion function may be provided in light-emitting unit51to generate polarized light from light-emitting unit51. In either form, the light source can be constructed by means of any combination of known technology.

The actual configuration of an LED module of light sources20a-20cis next described.

FIG. 32Ais a schematic view showing the configuration of red LED module60that is used in light source20a. Referring toFIG. 32A, red LED module60includes light-emitting unit61composed of four LED chips61a-61d. All of LED chips61a-61dare composed of red LEDs in which the peak wavelength is 630 nm, the chip area of these components being substantially identical.

FIG. 32Bis a schematic view showing the configuration of green LED module70that is used in light source20b. Referring toFIG. 32B, green LED module70includes light-emitting unit71composed of four LED chips71a-71d. All of LED chips71a-71dare composed of green LEDs in which the peak wavelength is 520 nm, the chip area of these LEDs being substantially identical.

FIG. 32Cis a schematic view showing the configuration of blue LED module80that is used in light source20c. Referring toFIG. 32C, blue LED module80includes light-emitting unit81composed of four LED chips81a-81d. All of LED chips81a-81care composed of blue LEDs in which the peak wavelength is 460 nm. LED chip81dis composed of a green LED in which the peak wavelength is 520 nm. The chip areas of LED chips81a-81dare substantially identical.

The emission spectrums of the red, green and blue LED that make up above-described LED chips61a-61d,71a-71d, and81a-81dare similar to the examples shown inFIG. 6B.

The area of each of light-emitting units61,71, and81is basically determined by the area of the display element and the f-number of the projection lens based on the previously described limits of etendue, but in determining this area, the positioning margins in fabrication and uniformity of the illumination distribution of the illumination light are taken into consideration.

In red LED module60, green LED module70, and blue LED module80, the LED chips that make up the light-emitting units have different light emission characteristics with respect to current, and the amount of current to light-emitting units51(LED chips) is therefore controlled by means of drive circuit53shown inFIG. 31according to these light-emission characteristics.

In addition, the characteristics of the LEDs of each color at the time of rated drive are as next described. The chromaticity of a red LED is given as (0.700, 0.300) on xy chromaticity coordinates, and the emitted luminous flux is 455 lm per chip. The chromaticity of a green LED is given as (0.195, 0.700) on xy chromaticity coordinates, and the emitted luminous flux is 1000 lm per chip. The chromaticity of a blue LED is given as (0.140, 0.046) on xy chromaticity coordinates, and the emitted luminous flux is 133 lm per chip.

The operation of the projection-type display device of the present exemplary embodiment that is made up from the above-described constituent elements is next described with reference toFIG. 29.

Light source20ais made up from red LED module60shown inFIG. 32A, and the light emitted from this red LED module60has the emission spectrum of a red LED such as shown inFIG. 6B. The light (red) from light source20ais irradiated to red display element22a.

The light (red) from light source20a, after undergoing intensity modulation that accords with the image (for red) that is based on the input video signal in red display element22a, is entered to color synthesis optical element21as image light (red) of S-polarized light from red display element22a.

First dichroic mirror24ahas reflection characteristics with respect to S-polarized light such as shown inFIG. 6B, and image light (red) of S-polarized light from red display element22ais therefore transmitted through first dichroic mirror24a. Second dichroic mirror24bhas reflection characteristics with respect to S-polarized light as shown inFIG. 7B, and image light (red) of S-polarized light from red display element22ais therefore reflected such that the optical path is bent 90 degrees by second dichroic mirror24b. The image light (red) of S-polarized light that was reflected at second dichroic mirror24bis exited from light exit surface of color synthesis optical element21.

Light source20bis made up of green LED module70shown inFIG. 32B, and the light emitted from this green LED module70has an exit spectrum of a green LED such as shown inFIG. 6B. The light (green) from light source20bis irradiated to green display element22b.

The light (green) from light source20b, after having undergone intensity modulation according to an image (for green) that is based on the input video signal in green display element22b, is entered to color synthesis optical element21as image light (green) of P-polarized light from green display element22b.

First dichroic mirror24ahas the transmission characteristics with respect to P-polarized light such as shown inFIG. 6Aand the image light (green) of P-polarized light from green display element22bis therefore transmitted through first dichroic mirror24awithout alteration. Second dichroic mirror24bhas the transmission characteristics with respect to P-polarized light such as shown inFIG. 7A, and image light (green) of P-polarized light from green display element22bis therefore transmitted through second dichroic mirror24bwithout alteration. The image light (green) of P-polarized light that is transmitted by both dichroic mirrors24aand24bis exited from the exit surface of color synthesis optical element21without alteration.

Light source20cis made up by blue LED module80shown inFIG. 32c, and the light emitted from this blue LED module80has the emission spectrum of blue and green LEDs such as shown inFIG. 6B. The light (green+blue) from light source20cis irradiated to blue display element22c.

Light (green+blue) from light source20c, after having undergone intensity modulation according to an image (for blue) that is based on the input video signal in blue display element22c, is entered to color synthesis optical element21as image light of S-polarized light from blue display element22c.

Second dichroic mirror24bhas reflection characteristics with respect to S-polarized light such as shown inFIG. 7Band image light (green +blue) of S-polarized light from blue display element22cis therefore transmitted through second dichroic mirror24b. First dichroic mirror24ahas reflection characteristics with respect to S-polarized light such as shown inFIG. 6B, and image light (green +blue) of S-polarized light from blue display element22cis therefore reflected such that its optical path is bent 90 degrees by first dichroic mirror24a. The image light (green +blue) of S-polarized light that was reflected at first dichroic mirror24ais exited from the exit surface of color synthesis optical element21.

The light emitted from light source20aand irradiated to red display element22ahas an angular spread in the order of ±15 degrees. Similarly, light that is emitted from light source20band irradiated to green display element22band light that is emitted from light source20cand irradiated to blue display element22chave an angular spread in the order of ±15 degrees. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the cutoff wavelengths of first dichroic mirror24aand second dichroic mirror24bwith respect to green P-polarized light are sufficiently separated. Accordingly, green P-polarized light is not reflected by these dichroic mirrors24aand24bdespite shifts in cutoff wavelengths due to incident angle dependency. As a result, light loss does not occur due to incident angle dependency.

Similarly, the cutoff wavelengths of first dichroic mirror24aand second dichroic mirror24bwith respect to blue and green S-polarized light and red S-polarized light are sufficiently separated. Accordingly, blue, green, and red S-polarized light can be synthesized by these dichroic mirrors24aand24bwith virtually no light loss despite shifts of cutoff wavelengths due to incident angle dependency.

As described hereinabove, color synthesis optical element21synthesizes light of red display element22a, green display element22band blue display element22cthat is entered from three directions to a single luminous flux. The light that is synthesized by color synthesis optical element21is entered to projection lens23. The image (picture), that is displayed on these red display element22a, green display element22b, and blue display element22c, is projected onto a screen (not shown) by means of projection lens23.

The effect of the projection-type display device of the present exemplary embodiment is next described.

As an example, the light-emitting unit of the blue LED module is made up of four blue LED chips, the light-emitting unit of the green LED module is made up of four green LED chips, and the light-emitting unit of the red LED module is made up of four red LED chips. When the luminous flux from these blue, green, and red LED modules is synthesized, the entire synthesized light beam is of 6352 lm (=(455+1000+133)×4).

However, the chromaticity of the above-described white color that was synthesized is (0.299, 0.271) and therefore diverges markedly in the direction of blue-violet from white chromaticity (0.313, 0.329) of standard illuminant D65. This divergence occurs because the optical output of green LED with respect to the light quantity ratio for obtaining good white color is relatively weak and the optical output of blue LED is relatively strong.

To obtain white balance, the emitted luminous flux of green must be increased. If within the rated range, the emitted luminous flux can be increased by increasing the amount of current that flows to the LED. However, increasing the amount of current in a state in which the emitted luminous flux from a green LED is 1000 lm will result in driving the LED at a level that exceeds the rating, and in this case, the luminous flux cannot be expected to increase in line with the increase in the amount of current. In addition, driving an LED in excess of the rating not only shortens the life expectancy of the LED but may also destroy the LED.

Based on the foregoing, the emitted luminous flux of the blue LED chip is controlled to from 133 lm to 80 lm and the emitted luminous flux of the red LED chip is controlled to from 455 lm to 364 lm in accordance with the emitted luminous flux of the green LED chip. In this case, the entire luminous flux is 5776 lm and the brightness is decreased by 9%.

In the projection-type display device of the present exemplary embodiment, in contrast, blue LED module80is made up of three LED chips81a-81cthat emit blue light and a single LED chip81dthat emits green light, as shown inFIG. 32C. In other words, compared to the above-described blue LED module that is made up of four blue LED chips, in this blue LED module80, the number of blue LED chips is reduced by one and an LED chip that emits green light is arranged in its place.

In addition, in the projection-type display device of the present exemplary embodiment, red LED module60is made up of four LED chips61a-61dthat emit red light as shown inFIG. 32A, and green LED module70is made up of four LED chips71a-71dthat emit green light as shown inFIG. 32B. Accordingly, the number of green LED chips is the four LED chips71a-71dthat are provided in green LED module70and the single LED chip81dthat is used in blue LED module80for a total of five. In addition, the number of blue LED chips is three, and the number of red LED chips is four. When these red, green, and blue LEDs are all driven at rating, the white chromaticity obtained is the white chromaticity (0.313, 0.329) of standard illuminant D65. In addition, the total luminous flux is 7219 lm, enabling a 25% improvement over the 5776 lm described above.

The chromaticity of colored light that is emitted from light source20cthat is provided with the blue LED module shown inFIG. 32Cis given as xy chromaticity coordinates (0.148, 0.139). This value indicates a shift toward a slightly brighter blue from the primary color blue. However, in a bright viewing environment, the effect of this shift in chromaticity does not raise concerns. In addition, at the time of video processing, color correction can reduce the effect of change in the chromaticity of intermediate colors.

As described hereinabove, according to the present exemplary embodiment, a projection-type display device is obtained that can display a bright projected image by using a color synthesis optical element that can bring about display of the optical output performance of LEDs at a maximum and obtain white light having superior white balance and further, having high optical utilization efficiency when mixing colors.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a cross dichroic prism shown in the first exemplary embodiment was used as the color synthesis optical element, but when the optical output characteristic of red LEDs surpasses that of blue LEDs, the cross dichroic prism shown in the second exemplary embodiment may also be used. In this case, four LED chips that emit green light are mounted on the green LED module, four LED chips that emit blue light are mounted on the blue LED module, and three LED chips that emit red light and one LED chip that emits green light are mounted on a red LED module.

As other examples, the number of green LEDs may be decreased and the red or blue LEDs may be added to the green LED module.

The blue LED module shown inFIG. 32Cwas assumed to have three blue LED chips81a-81cand one green LED chip81d mounted on a substrate, but the module is not limited to this configuration. Four green LED of one-quarter the chip area may be used and these may be arranged in symmetrical form, for example, in the four corners of the light-emitting unit, whereby the color mixing of the emitted light is improved.

All of the LED modules of each color shown inFIGS. 32A-32Chave four LED chips mounted on a substrate, but the modules are not limited to this form. The LED chip that is mounted in an LED module that emits light of a single color may be a single LED chip having four times the area. The number of LED chips that are mounted in an LED module that emits light of two colors may be two or more. The important point is not the number of LED chips, but rather, the chip area. The chip area of LED chips that are mounted in an LED module is preferably set in combination with the color-mixing ratio. Using LED chips having small area enables setting of the chip area at a more precise color-mixing ratio.

Of course, if the optical output characteristic of a blue LED is higher, two blue LED chips in the blue LED module shown inFIG. 32Cmay be replaced by two green LED chips. An LED module is therefore preferably designed as appropriate according to the optical output characteristic of the LEDs that are used.

Alternatively, rather than mounting a plurality of LED chips on a single substrate, a plurality of components each having one LED chip mounted may be used and synthesis realized using an optical means such as a light guide plate.

Still further, to increase the absolute quantity of light, means may be used in combination that use a hologram or dichroic mirror of the background art to synthesize light of a plurality of colors having different peak wavelengths.

In the interest of simplifying the foregoing explanation, the display elements of each color, the color synthesis optical element, and the projection lens are assumed to be components that do not generate loss that depends on wavelength, and ratios of the quantity of light of luminous flux emitted from each light source were used. In actuality, there are also constituent parts in which the transmission characteristics vary due to color, and when displaying an all-white screen, the area ratios of LED chips are preferably set by the light-quantity ratios of luminous flux of each color exited from the projection lens.

Sixth Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 33is a block diagram showing the configuration of the projection-type display device that is the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The projection-type display device of the present exemplary embodiment is of a configuration in which control means90is added to the projection-type display device of the fifth exemplary embodiment. The constituent elements relating to the optics are entirely the same as the fifth exemplary embodiment.

The projection-type display device of the present exemplary embodiment is able to switch between a first display mode that implements color image display that prioritizes color reproducibility and a second display mode that implements color image display that prioritizes brightness. Control means90executes color image display according to the set display mode of the first and second display modes.

In the first display mode (color image display that prioritizes color reproducibility), control means90causes lighting of LED chips81a-81camong LED chips81a-81c(blue LED chips) and LED chip81d(green LED chip) that are mounted in blue LED module80but does not cause lighting of LED chip81d. Control means90causes lighting of LED chips71a-71dthat are mounted in green LED module70and LED chips61a-61dthat are mounted in red LED module60and obtains white balance by controlling the optical output of each of LED chips81a-81cthat are mounted in blue LED module80and LED chips61a-61dthat are mounted in red LED module60in accordance with the emitted luminous flux of LED chips71a-71cthat are mounted in green LED module70. In this state, control means90implements picture display that uses the emitted luminous flux from the LED modules of each color.

The chromaticity and luminous flux of each of red green and blue in the first display mode are, for example, the following values. The chromaticity of red is (0.700, 0.300), and the emitted luminous flux from red LED module60is 1456 lm for all of LED chips61a-61dthat are mounted in the module. The chromaticity of green is (0.195, 0.700), and the emitted luminous flux from green LED module70is 4000 lm for all of LED chips71a-71dthat are mounted in the module. The chromaticity of blue is (0.140, 0.046), and the emitted luminous flux from blue LED module80is 320 lm for all of LED chips81a-81cthat are mounted in the module. When white is displayed under these conditions, a chromaticity of (0.313, 0.329) is obtained, and the total luminous flux from the LED modules of each color is 5776 lm. Thus, according to the first display mode, the color of the three primary colors is superior, but the brightness is low.

In the second display mode (color image display that prioritizes brightness), in contrast, control means90brings about lighting of all LED chips81a-81c(blue LED chips) and LED chip81d(green LED chip) that are mounted in blue LED module80, LED chips71a-71dthat are mounted in green LED module70, and LED chips61a-61dthat are mounted in red LED module60. In addition, control means90implements control in accordance with all green luminous flux that includes the emitted luminous flux from each of LED chips71a-71dmounted in green LED module70and the emitted luminous flux from LED chip81dmounted in blue LED module80such that the optical output of each of LED chips81a-81cmounted in blue LED module80and each of LED chips61a-61dmounted in red LED module60is the maximum output that can obtain white balance. In this state, control means90implements image display that uses the emitted luminous flux from the LED modules of each color.

The chromaticity and luminous flux of each of red, green, and blue in the second display mode are, for example, the following values. The chromaticity of red is (0.700, 0.300), and the emitted luminous flux from red LED module60is a total of 1820 lm from all of LED chips61a-61dthat are mounted in the module. The chromaticity of green is (0.195, 0.700), and the emitted luminous flux from green LED module70is a total of 4000 lm by all LED chips71a-71dthat are mounted on the module. The chromaticity of blue is (0.148, 0.139), and the emitted luminous flux from blue LED module80is 1399 lm obtained by adding 399 lm obtained from all of LED chips81a-81cthat are mounted on the module and 1000 lm obtained by LED chip81dthat is mounted on the module. When white is displayed under these conditions, a chromaticity of (0.313, 0.329) is obtained and the total luminous flux from the LED modules of each color is 7219 lm. The blue primary color obtained in the second display mode is therefore somewhat degraded, but a bright image is obtained.

The actual configuration of control means90is next described.

FIG. 34is a block diagram showing the configuration of control means90. InFIG. 34, for the sake of convenience, light source100and display element200are shown in addition to control means90. Light source100is a component used as light sources20a-20cthat were shown inFIG. 33, and display element200is a component that was used as display elements22a-22cshown inFIG. 33.

Light source100includes LED module101and light-condensing optics102. The light from light-emitting unit101aof LED module101is condensed in light-condensing optics102and display element200is then illuminated by this condensed luminous flux. The configuration of this light source100is similar to the light source shown inFIG. 31.

Display element200includes liquid crystal light valve202, polarizer201provided on the incident surface side (light source side) of liquid crystal light valve202, and analyzer203provided on the exit surface side (color synthesis optical element side) of liquid crystal light valve202. The configuration of this display element200is similar to that of the display element shown inFIG. 30.

Control means90includes display mode determination circuit91, detection means92, input means93, video signal processing circuit94, and drive circuits95and96.

An input video signal is supplied to video signal processing circuit94. Video signal processing circuit94implements video signal processing such as brightness correction and color correction. The signal that has undergone video signal processing is supplied to drive circuit96from video signal processing circuit94.

Drive circuit96subjects the signal from video signal processing circuit94to processing such as D/A conversion and polarity conversion for driving liquid crystal light valve202and supplies a drive signal to TFT provided in each pixel.

Display mode determination circuit91carries out a display mode determination process based on signals from detection means92, input means93, and video signal processing circuit94. Drive circuit95drives LED module101in accordance with the display mode that was determined in display mode determination circuit91.

There are three determination processes in the display mode determination process realized by display mode determination circuit91: a display mode determination process that is based on manual input, an installation environment-adaptive display mode determination process, and an image content-adaptive display mode determination process.

(1) Manual Input

Input means93includes a plurality of operation buttons. In the projection-type display device of the present exemplary embodiment, mode selection screen information for selecting display modes is stored in a memory device (not shown), and after the power supply is turned on or when a predetermined operation button is pressed in input means93, control means90carries out display control for projecting onto the screen a screen that is based on mode selection screen information that is stored in the memory device. Through input means93, the operator is able to select the first or the second display mode on the mode selection screen that is projected on the screen.

When the input operation is carried out for selecting the display mode in input means93, a mode selection signal that accords with the input operation is supplied to display mode determination circuit91from input means93. Display mode determination circuit91determines the display mode from among the first and second display modes based on the mode selection signal from input means93.

Detection means92includes either a first sensor (optical sensor) that detects the brightness of the room or a second sensor that detects the brightness of a white raster pattern or black raster pattern that is displayed on the screen or the brightness of both screens.

Display mode determination circuit91compares the detected value of the first sensor with a reference value. If the detected value of the first sensor is smaller than the reference value, display mode determination circuit91judges that the room is dark and determines the first display mode in which color image display is carried out that prioritizes color reproducibility. If the detected value of the first sensor is equal to or greater than the reference value, display mode determination circuit91judges that the room is bright and determines the second display mode in which color image display is carried out that prioritizes brightness.

Alternatively, display mode determination circuit91judges brightness of the projected screen based on the detected value of the second sensor. More specifically, display mode determination circuit91compares the detected value of the second sensor (brightness of a white raster pattern or black raster pattern) with a reference value.

In the first display mode in which color image display is carried out that prioritizes color reproducibility, a white raster pattern and a black raster pattern are displayed on the screen. When the value detected in measuring the brightness of a black raster pattern by the second sensor is smaller than the reference value, the room is judged to be dark and the first display mode is determined in which color image display is carried out that prioritizes color reproducibility. When the value detected in measuring the brightness of the black raster pattern is greater than the reference value, the room is bright, and in this case, the value detected in measuring the white raster pattern is also referred to. When the degree of enlargement of the projected image is small, the projected screen is brighter. In other words, if the difference or the ratio between the value detected when measuring the brightness of the white raster pattern and the value detected in measuring the brightness of the black raster pattern is greater than a reference value, the projected screen is judged to be sufficiently bright, and the first display mode, in which color image display is carried out that prioritizes color reproducibility, is determined. However, if the difference, or the ratio between the value detected in measuring the brightness of the white raster pattern and the value detected when measuring the brightness of the black raster pattern is smaller than the reference value, the projected screen is judged to be dark and the second display mode is determined in which color image display is carried out that prioritizes brightness.

Typically, when the degree of enlargement on a screen is great in a projection-type display device, the projected screen becomes darker, and conversely, when the degree of enlargement is small, the projected screen becomes brighter. Accordingly, the display mode may be determined based on the degree of enlargement. More specifically, means is provided for detecting the degree of enlargement (zoom magnification) of the projection lens, and display mode determination circuit91compares the degree of enlargement that was detected with a reference value. When the degree of enlargement is greater than the reference value, display mode determination circuit91judges that the projected screen is dark and determines the second display mode in which color image display is carried out that prioritizes brightness. When the degree of enlargement is equal to or less than the reference value, display mode determination circuit91judges that the projected screen is bright and determines the first display mode in which color image display is carried out that prioritizes color reproducibility.

Although the brightness of a black raster pattern is equivalent to the brightness of the room, there are cases in which the room is dark only in the vicinity of the screen, and it is therefore preferable to determine the display mode by the brightness of the screen surface.

In addition, means for detecting the zoom magnification and focus point (i.e., the projection distance) of the projection lens may be provided, and display mode determination circuit91may then estimate the projected screen size based on these detection results and use this estimated value to identify the brightness of the screen.

(3) Image Content-Adaptive Type Alternatively, video signal processing circuit94takes a histogram of image data from the input video signal, and based on this histogram, judges whether dark screens are frequent or bright screens are frequent, and then supplies the judgment result to display mode determination circuit91. The judgment of whether the screen is dark or bright is carried out, for example, as next described. The judgment of whether a screen is dark or bright is carried out by dividing a histogram between portions that are lower than a reference luminance level and portions that are higher than the reference luminance level based on a reference luminance level (for example, a luminance level between a maximum luminance level and a minimum luminance brightness level) of the horizontal axis (luminance level) of the histogram and then by examining which portions are more numerous.

Upon receiving a signal from video signal processing circuit94indicating that dark screens are more numerous, display mode determination circuit91judges that the screen is a screen in which full color pictures are requested such as a movie and determines the first display mode in which color image display is carried out that prioritizes color reproducibility. Alternatively, upon receiving from video signal processing circuit94a signal indicating that bright screens are numerous, display mode determination circuit91judges that the screen is a presentation screen in a conference and therefore determines the second display mode in which color image display is carried out that prioritizes brightness.

Alternatively, video signal processing circuit94may judge whether the input video signal is a moving picture or a still picture and then supply the judgment result to display mode determination circuit91. In this case, upon receiving a judgment result (signal) from video signal processing circuit94indicating that the input video signal is a moving picture, display mode determination circuit91determines the first display mode in which color image display is carried out that prioritizes color reproducibility. Upon receiving a judgment result (signal) from video signal processing circuit94indicating that the input video signal is a still picture, display mode determination circuit91determines the second display mode in which color image display is carried out that prioritizes brightness.

Alternatively, video signal processing circuit94examines whether an image that is based on the input video signal is an image having a preponderance of a specific primary color (for example, blue) among the primary colors red, green and blue and supplies the result to display mode determination circuit91. The judgment of whether or not the image contains a preponderance of a specific color from among of the primary colors (for example, the primary color blue) can be realized by comparing a histogram of the specific color with the histograms of other colors. More specifically, video signal processing circuit94extracts histograms of image data from the input video signal for each of red, green and blue, and judges that the image based on the image data contains a preponderance of a specific color when the luminance level of the histogram of the specific color is higher than the luminance level of the histograms of the other colors.

Upon receiving a signal from video signal processing circuit94indicating that the image contains a preponderance of a specific primary color (for example, the primary color blue), display mode determination circuit91determines the first display mode in which color image display is carried out that prioritizes color reproducibility. Upon receiving a signal from video signal processing circuit94indicating that the image does not contain a preponderance of a specific primary color (for example, the primary color blue), display mode determination circuit91determines the second display mode in which color image display is carried out that prioritizes brightness.

The above-described judgment of screens based on the histograms (the judgment of screen brightness or primary colors) is carried out when a displayed scene changes, i.e., when the histogram of image data undergoes a major change.

The above-described method of determining a display mode is an example and can be set as appropriate.

When the display mode has been determined, display mode determination circuit91sends a control signal that is based on the display mode that was determined to drive circuit95and video signal processing circuit94. Drive circuit95changes the current value that drives LED module101in accordance with the control signal from display mode determination circuit91. At the same time, video signal processing circuit94changes video processing such as color correction processing in accordance with the control signal from display mode determination circuit91.

In the configuration shown inFIG. 34, three each of light source100, display element200, and drive circuits95and96are provided for each of the colors red, green, and blue. In this case, display mode determination circuit91supplies a control signal based on the display mode that was determined to drive circuits95of each color. Video signal processing circuit94changes the image processing such as color correction processing in accordance with the control signal from display mode determination circuit91and supplies a drive signal in accordance with the image processing after the change to drive circuits96of each color.

In the foregoing explanation, the display modes were two modes: color image display that prioritizes color reproducibility and color image display that prioritizes brightness, but a plurality of middle modes between these two modes may also be provided.

The present invention as realized by each of the above-described exemplary embodiments exhibits the following actions and effects. The actions and effects of the present invention together with the problems of the technology in the previously described Patent Documents 1-11 are next described.

In the display device described in Patent Document 1 that enables switching between a color image display mode that prioritizes color reproducibility and a color image display mode that prioritizes brightness, the use of a solid-state light source such as an LED as the light source rather than a white light source of a discharge lamp such as a high-pressure mercury lamp gives rise to the problems described below.

There are two types of white LED light source that emits white light: a type in which a fluorescent material that emits yellow light is excited by blue light to obtain white light by blue and yellow light, and a type in which a fluorescent material that emits red, green, and blue light is excited by ultraviolet to obtain white light.

When a white light source of the former type is used, the quantity of green and red light is relatively small compared to blue or yellow, and the projected image is therefore extremely dark at the time of the color image display mode that prioritizes color reproducibility.

When a white light source of the latter type is used, the amount of yellow light is low, and the effect of improving brightness therefore cannot be obtained in the mode that prioritizes brightness.

Still further, the necessity to move the color selection element mechanically leads to an increase in the constituent parts, resulting not only in a complex construction but also in an increase in costs.

When an auxiliary illumination light is used to compensate brightness, as in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3, the basic light that is replaced is not used, and in addition, light is lost during the replacement whereby the light utilization efficiency is not necessarily improved.

When, instead of a white LED light source, three types of LED light sources are used that emit light of the three primary colors red, green and blue, respectively, superior color reproducibility is obtained in the mode that prioritizes color reproducibility, but in the mode that prioritizes brightness, an LED that emits yellow light that should be added must be separately disposed.

In addition, as shown in Patent Documents 5-8, in a case in which light of four colors or six colors within the band of white light are synthesized, because light other than parallel luminous flux is emitted when similarly attempting to obtain luminous flux, the efficiency of light synthesis falls due to incident angle dependency or polarization dependency. Still further, when there are differences in the ratios at which the plurality of colors is synthesized due to angular components, color irregularities will appear in the projected screen.

In particular, when light from LEDs of two colors is supplied from the same direction as in Patent Document 5 or Patent Documents 7 and 8, the colored light will not mix in a state of parallel luminous flux and an angular spread must be given to bring about uniform mixing of each of the colors. On the other hand, when angular spread is given, light loss occurs when mixing colors of light that is irradiated from other directions due to the incident angle dependency of the dichroic mirrors. Thus, there is the tradeoff that while angular spread must be given in order to mix each of the colors uniformly, the giving of angular spread gives rise to light loss due to incident angle dependency.

The color synthesis optical element according to one aspect of the present invention includes:an exit surface;first to third incident surfaces; andfirst and second films that selectively reflect or transmit incident light according to wavelength and that are provided such that the film surfaces intersect;wherein:the first film transmits at least light of a specific wavelength band among visible light of a first polarization and reflects at least light of the specific wavelength band of visible light of a second polarization whose polarized state differs from that of the first polarization;the second film transmits at least light of the specific wavelength band of visible light of the first polarization and transmits at least light of the specific wavelength band of visible light of the second polarization;the cutoff wavelengths with respect to the second polarization of the first and second films are set within band ranges other than the wavelength bands of red, green and blue that are the three primary colors of light; andlight of the specific wavelength band of the first polarization and light of the specific wavelength of the second polarization are entered from different incident surfaces of the first to third incident surfaces and exited by way of the first and second films from the exit surface.

According to the above-described configuration, a construction can be provided in which the cutoff wavelengths with respect to green P-polarized light of the first film (for example, a dichroic mirror) and second film (for example, a dichroic mirror) are sufficiently separated. Accordingly, green P-polarized light is not reflected by the films despite shift of the cutoff wavelength due to incident angle dependency, and light loss due to incident angle dependency therefore does not occur.

In addition, a construction can be provided in which, for example, the cutoff wavelengths with respect to green S-polarized light and red S-polarized light of the first film and second film are sufficiently separated. Accordingly, red and green S-polarized light can be synthesized in these films with virtually no light loss even if shifting should occur in the cutoff wavelengths due to incident angle dependency.

Accordingly, efficient colored light synthesis can be realized even for light that is irradiated at angles that differ from parallel light.

Typically, when semiconductor light sources such as LEDs are used as the light sources of each of red, green and blue and the red, green, and blue light from each semiconductor light source is synthesized to obtain white light having superior white balance, regarding the color mixing ratios of the red, green and blue light, the optical output of blue light is greater than that for the other colors and the optical output of green light is smaller than that for the other colors. In such cases, the optical output of the blue and red semiconductor light sources is limited to match that of the green semiconductor light source for which the optical output is relatively low, whereby the optical output of the white light that is obtained is reduced.

According to the color synthesis optical element of the present invention, green light can be synthesized from two different directions. Moreover, a configuration is adopted that decreases the quantity of blue light for which the optical output is relatively large and that adds green light. Accordingly, the three primary colors can be synthesized at optimum color mixing ratios and white light having superior white balance can be obtained. In addition, the optical output of the LEDs of three colors can be operated at a maximum without limitation.

Thus, according to the present invention, not only can the optical output performance of LEDs be displayed at their maximum and the light utilization efficiency raised during color mixing, but white light having superior white balance can also be obtained.

In addition, the use of the color synthesis optical element of the present invention enables the provision of a projection-type display device in which a bright projected image is obtained.

Still further, the use of the color synthesis optical element of the present invention enables the provision of a projection-type display device of enhanced usefulness that allows switching between a color image display that prioritizes color reproducibility and a color image display that prioritizes brightness.

The color synthesis optical element and the projection-type display device that uses the optical element of each of the above-described exemplary embodiments are only examples of the present invention, and the construction and operation are open to various modifications that do not depart from the scope of the present invention that will be clear to anyone of ordinary skill in the art.

For example, the color synthesis optical element of the third and fourth exemplary embodiments may be applied to the projection-type display device of the fifth or sixth exemplary embodiments.

In the first to sixth exemplary embodiments, the relation of P-polarized light and S-polarized light may be taken as the opposite relation (taking the description of P-polarized light as the description of S-polarized light and taking the description of S-polarized light as the description of P-polarized light).

The first dichroic mirror and the second dichroic mirror are not limited to dielectric multilayer films and may also be optical films having wavelength selectivity or polarization selectivity such as holograms.

In addition, the angle of intersection between the first dichroic mirror and the second dichroic mirror is not limited to 90 degrees. Still further, the first and second dichroic mirrors, rather than being in the form of a prism, may be realized by forming films on glass in plate form.

In the first to sixth exemplary embodiments, another solid-state light source such as a semiconductor laser may be used in place of an LED.

Still further, in the first to sixth exemplary embodiments, the display elements may be display elements that use a device other than a liquid crystal light valve, such as a digital mirror device.

The color synthesis optical element of the first to fourth exemplary embodiments can be applied not only to a three-panel projector such as in the fifth and sixth exemplary embodiments, but can also be applied to a single-panel projector.

This application claims the benefits of priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-222355 for which application was submitted on Sep. 28, 2009 and incorporates by citation all of the disclosures of that application.