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We claim:
1. A video projector with a monitor screen, comprising:
a casing on which said monitor screen is disposed;
a projection lens, transmission-type display means for displaying an image
on the basis of a video signal, and a projector light source, all of which
are disposed in the interior of said casing;
a lens cover disposed movably relative to said casing so as to open and
close a surface in front of said projection lens; and
an optical system including a reflecting mirror capable of, in an
interlocked relationship with the movement of said lens cover, advancing
into and retracting from the optical axis of said projection lens, at
least said reflecting mirror guiding image light to said monitor Screen.
2. A video projector with a monitor screen, comprising:
a casing, wherein said casing has a shape substantially like a rectangular
parallelepiped, on a side surface of which said monitor screen is fixedly
disposed such that said monitor screen is substantially flush with said
side surface of said casing;
a projection lens, transmission-type display means for displaying an image
on the basis of a video signal, and a projector light source, all of which
are disposed in the interior of said casing; and
an optical system including a reflecting mirror capable of advancing into
and retracting from the optical axis of said projection lens, at least
said reflecting mirror guiding image light to the back surface of said
monitor screen.
3. A video projector with a monitor screen, according to claim 2, wherein
said projection lens, said transmission-type display means, and said
projector light source are all disposed at a one-sided location close to a
side surface of said casing which opposes said monitor screen, and wherein
said optical system comprises a first reflecting mirror, capable of
advancing to and retracting from a position in front of said projection
lens, for reflecting image light from said projection lens toward said
monitor screen, and second and third reflecting mirrors, disposed at fixed
positions of said casing, for reflecting the image light reflected from
said first reflecting mirror in a substantially S-shaped or Z-shaped path
to said monitor screen.
4. A video projector with a monitor screen, comprising:
a casing on a side surface of which said monitor screen is disposed;
a projection lens, transmission-type display means for displaying an image
on the basis of a video signal, and a projector light source, all of which
are disposed in the interior of said casing;
an optical system including a reflecting mirror capable of advancing into
and retracting from the optical axis of said projection lens, at least
said reflecting mirror guiding image light to the back surface of said
monitor screen; and
first and second stereo speakers disposed at frontward and rearward
positions on either side of said monitor screen, and a third stereo
speaker, disposed on a side surface of said casing which opposes said
monitor screen, for being paired with one of said first and second stereo
speakers.
5. A video projector with a monitor screen, according to claim 2, further
comprising a pair of height-adjustment members disposed at a one-sided
location of the bottom of said casing which is close to said monitor
screen, said height-adjustment members being arranged with a certain
interval therebetween along the space between the front end and the rear
end of said video projector.
6. A video projector with a monitor screen, according to claim 2, further
comprising:
a supporting member for supporting one side of said transmission-type
display means in such a manner that said transmission-type display means
is tiltable within a display plane thereof;
an engagement portion on the other side of said transmission-type display
means; and
an adjustment member engaging with said engagement portion in such a manner
as to allow adjustment of the vertical position of said engagement
portion.
7. A video projector with a monitor screen, according to claim 6, wherein
said adjustment member has an adjustment control knob which is rotatably
disposed on and projecting from an upper surface of said casing, and a
screw portion kept in threaded engagement with said engagement portion.
8. A video projector with a monitor screen, comprising:
a casing on an upper surface of which said monitor screen is disposed;
a first projection lens for use in projector mode, transmission-type
display means for displaying an image on the basis of a video signal, and
a projector light source, all of which are disposed in the interior of
said casing;
a second projection lens for use in monitor mode which is capable of
advancing into and retracting from the optical path between said first
projection lens and said transmission-type display means; and
a reflecting mirror capable of advancing into and retracting from said
optical path together with said second projection lens so that light
emitted from said second projection lens can be guided to the back surface
of said monitor screen.
9. A video projector with a monitor screen, comprising:
a casing body on an upper surface of which said monitor screen is disposed;
a bottom case disposed rotatable relative to said casing body, said bottom
case being capable of rotating in such a manner as to close onto said
casing body so as to be received in said casing body, and capable of
rotating in such a manner as to open away from said casing body so as to
expand an internal space at the front of said casing body;
a projection lens, transmission-type display means for displaying an image
on the basis of a video signal, and a projector light source, all of which
are disposed in the interior of said casing body; and
first and second reflecting mirrors disposed in the interior of said bottom
case,
wherein when said bottom case is closed, said first and second reflecting
mirrors are retracted to positions above and below the optical path of
image light emitted from said projection lens, and when said bottom case
is opened, said first reflecting mirror is inserted in said optical path
while said second reflecting mirror is so positioned as to guide the image
light reflected from said first reflecting mirror to the back surface of
said monitor screen.
10. A video projector with a monitor screen, according to claim 9, further
comprising a lens cover, disposed between said first and second reflecting
mirrors, for opening and closing a front surface of said bottom case.
11. A video projector with a monitor screen, according to claim 9, wherein
said transmission-type display means displays a vertically inverted image
when an image is to be projected to said monitor screen.
12. A video projector with a monitor screen comprising:
a casing on a rear surface of which said monitor screen is disposed;
a projection block disposed rotatably upward and downward relative to said
casing, and normally projecting an image in a first direction normal to a
front surface of said casing, said projection block comprising a
projection lens, transmission-type display means for displaying an image
on the basis of a video signal, and a projector light source; and
a reflecting mirror disposed at a frontward position in the interior of
said casing, said reflecting mirror guiding image light emitted from said
projection lens to the back surface of said monitor screen in a direction
opposite said first direction, when said projection block is rotated by a
prescribed angle.
13. A video projector with a monitor screen, comprising:
a casing having an opening formed therein, said opening extending from a
part of a front surface of said casing to a part of an upper surface
thereof;
said monitor screen rotatably supported at a rearward position of said
casing, said monitor screen being capable of rotating to a first position
at which said monitor screen covers said upper surface of said casing, and
a second position at which said monitor screen forms a certain angle from
said upper surface of said casing;
a projection lens, transmission-type display means for displaying an image
on the basis of a video signal, and a projector light source, all of which
are disposed in the interior of said casing; and
a lens cover rotatably supported at a frontward position of said casing,
said lens cover having an inner surface on which a reflecting mirror is
disposed,
wherein said reflecting mirror guides image light emitted from said
projection lens to the back surface of said monitor screen when said lens
cover is rotated to a position at which said reflecting mirror is
positioned in front of said projection lens while said monitor screen is
simultaneously rotated to said second position.
14. A video projector with a monitor screen, according to claim 13, wherein
when said lens cover is rotated beyond said position at which Said
reflecting mirror is positioned in front of said projection lens, said
lens cover is able to serve as an adjustment leg for adjusting the
inclination of said casing.
15. A video projector with a monitor screen, comprising:
a casing;.
a projection lens, transmission-type display means for displaying an image
on the basis of a video signal, and a projector light source, all of which
are disposed in the interior of said casing;
a supporting member for supporting one side of said transmission-type
display means in such a manner that said transmission-type display means
is tiltable within a display plane thereof;
an engagement portion on the other side of said transmission-type display
means; and
an adjustment member engaging with said engagement portion in such a manner
as to allow adjustment of the vertical position of said engagement
portion.
16. A video projector with a monitor screen, according to claim 15, wherein
said adjustment member has an adjustment control portion which is
rotatably disposed on and projecting from an upper surface of said casing,
and a portion kept in threaded engagement with said engagement portion.
17. A video projector with a monitor screen, comprising:
a casing on a side surface of which said monitor screen is disposed;
a projection lens, transmission-type display means for displaying an image
on the basis of a video signal, and a projector light source, all of which
are disposed in the interior of said casing;
a lens cover disposed movably relative to said casing so as to open and
close a surface in front of said projection lens; and
an optical system including a reflecting mirror capable of, in an
interlocked relationship with the movement of said lens cover, advancing
into and retracting from the optical axis of said projection lens, at
least said reflecting mirror guiding image light to the back surface said
monitor screen.
18. The video projector of claim 1 wherein whenever said lens cover is
moved so as to close said surface in front of said projection lens, the
casing is sealed to environmental external light.
19. The video projector of claim 2 further comprising means operable in an
interlocked relationship with said reflecting mirror to seal said casing
from environmental external light whenever said reflecting mirror is
advanced into the optical axis of said projection lens.
20. The video projector of claim 17 whereby whenever said lens cover is
moved so as to close said surface in front of said projection lens, the
casing is sealed to environmental external light. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a video projector and, more particularly,
to a video projector with a monitor screen that is capable of causing an
image displayed on a transmission-type display means, such as a
transmission-type liquid-crystal panel, to be projected on an enlarged
scale to a position ahead of a projection lens, and also capable of
causing such an image to be projected on a monitor screen provided on the
casing of the apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, the use of camera-integrated video tape recorders (VTRs)
has rapidly spread as their size and price have been reduced. It is
desirable to have, for use with such VTRs, a monitor capable of inputting
a video signal at any time and any place so as to obtain an image.
Examples of such monitors are a small liquid-crystal monitor and a small
liquid-crystal projector.
A small liquid-crystal monitor (liquid-crystal TV) in which light is
projected by a fluorescent lamp or the like from behind a liquid crystal
panel is constructed to enable the viewing of an image even in a
relatively bright place. However, since a liquid crystal panel of three to
four inches is used, the monitor is expensive. Another disadvantage is
that the screen is too small to enable viewing by a large number of
people.
In a small liquid-crystal projector, a light source illuminates an image
displayed on a small liquid-crystal panel, and image light transmitted
through the panel is projected on an enlarged scale through a projection
lens. With such a projector, it is possible to view a relatively large
image. However, the projector can be used only in relatively dark places.
In view of this disadvantage, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-304591
proposes a small liquid-crystal projector including a screen box which can
be freely mounted on and dismounted from the casing of the projector, so
that it is possible to view an image even in relatively bright places.
However, it is troublesome to mount or dismount the screen box on or from
the casing of the small liquid-crystal projector. Further, in order that
the screen box in its mounted position show images projected at relatively
great enlargement magnifications, it is necessary to increase the distance
from the projection lens to the screen, and hence, the size of the screen
box.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described
circumstances. An object of the present invention is to provide a video
projector with a monitor screen that is capable of being used both as an
ordinary video projector and as a monitor in which images projected on a
monitor screen disposed on the casing of the apparatus can be viewed even
in bright surroundings, the apparatus enabling simple switching between
these two modes, and the overall construction of the apparatus being
compact.
In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention,
there is provided a video projector with a monitor screen, comprising: a
casing on which a monitor screen is disposed; a projection lens,
transmission-type display means for displaying an image on the basis of a
video signal, and a projector light source, all of which are disposed in
the interior of the casing; a lens cover disposed movable relative to the
casing so as to open and close a surface in front of the projection lens;
and an optical system including a reflecting mirror capable of, in an
interlocked relationship with the movement of the lens cover, advancing
into and retracting from the optical axis of the projection lens, at least
the reflecting mirror guiding image light to the monitor screen.
In a preferred form of the present invention, the monitor screen is
disposed on a side surface of the casing, and the optical system comprises
one movable reflecting mirror, and two stationary reflecting mirrors,
which mirrors serve to guide image light to the back surface of the
monitor screen provided on that side surface.
With the above arrangement of the present invention, the projector mode in
which an image is projected on an external screen and the monitor mode in
which an image is projected on a monitor screen provided on a casing are
switched from one to the other in a manner interlocked with the movement
of the lens cover for the projection lens. That is, a reflecting mirror is
advanced into or retracted from the optical axis of the projection lens in
an interlocked relationship with the movement of the lens cover, the
insertion of the reflecting mirror resulting in switching to the monitor
mode so that image light emitted from the projection lens is guided to the
back surface of the monitor screen.
With an arrangement in which the monitor screen is disposed on a side
surface of the casing, and the optical system comprises two stationary
reflecting mirrors disposed at fixed positions as well as one movable
reflecting mirror capable of advancing into and retracting from the
optical axis of the projection lens, image light emitted from the
projection lens can be guided through the three reflecting mirrors to the
back surface of the monitor screen. That is, the optical path of image
light emitted from the projection lens can be bent by the three reflecting
mirrors for guiding the image light to the monitor screen provided on the
side surface of the casing. This arrangement makes it possible to ensure
the optical path required to project an image at a desired enlargement
magnification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The exact nature of this invention, as well as other objects and advantages
thereof, will be readily apparent from consideration of the following
specification relating to the accompanying drawings, in which like
reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the
figures thereof and wherein:
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a first embodiment of a video
projector with a monitor screen according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an internal perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,
mainly showing a projection optical system thereof;
FIG. 3 is an internal perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,
mainly showing an electrical system thereof;
FIG. 4 is a view for explaining horizontal adjustment of a display panel;
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, showing the
interior thereof during monitor mode;
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, showing the
interior thereof during projector mode;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a bottom case;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a bottom case;
FIG. 9 is an external perspective view of a second embodiment of a video
projector with a monitor screen according to the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a view showing an internal construction of the embodiment shown
in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of a third embodiment of a video
projector with a monitor screen according to the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a view showing an internal construction of the embodiment shown
in FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a video
projector with a monitor screen according to the present invention;
FIG. 14 is a view showing an internal construction of the embodiment shown
in FIG. 13 during projector mode;
FIG. 15 is a view showing an internal construction of the embodiment shown
in in FIG. 13 during monitor mode;
FIG. 16 is an external perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a video
projector with a monitor screen according to the present invention; and
FIG. 17 is an external perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a video
projector with a monitor screen according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Detailed description will hereunder be given of the preferred embodiments
of a video projector with a monitor screen according to the present
invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.
First Embodiment
FIG. 1 shows the external appearance of a first embodiment of a video
projector with a monitor screen according to the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 1, the video projector with a monitor screen has a case
10 substantially configured into a rectangular parallelepiped. The case 10
includes a front surface on which a lens cover 12 capable of opening and
closing by moving to and fro is disposed (FIG. 1 shows the closed position
of the lens cover 12 from which it is movable in the direction indicated
by the associated arrow), a battery mounting portion 10A formed on a rear
surface of the case 10 in order to mount a battery 14 for driving the
projector, and a first side surface on which a monitor screen 16 is
disposed. The case 10 also includes an upper surface on which a power
switch control 18, a volume control 20, a panel horizontal-adjustment
control 22, and a focus control 24 are provided. Details of these controls
will be described later.
FIG. 2 mainly shows, in an internal perspective view, a projection optical
system of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 2, a projection
lens 30, a phase shift filter 32, a light-transmisson-type color
liquid-crystal panel 34 of approximately one inch, a deflection plate 36,
a condenser lens 38, and an 18-Watt tungsten halogen lamp 40 having a
mirror are subsequently arranged in a line (see FIG. 5) in the interior of
the case 10. As best shown in FIG. 5, the projection lens 30 et seq. are
arranged on one side of the center line of the case 10, more specifically,
arranged at a one-sided location close to a second side surface of the
case 10 which opposes the first side surface where the monitor screen 16
is disposed.
The projection lens 30 is mounted on a lens supporting frame 31 capable of
moving along the optical axis of the projection lens 30. The lens
supporting frame 31 has a rack 31A meshing with a gear 24A provided on the
lower surface of the focus control 24. Therefore, when the focus control
24 is rotated in one of the directions indicated by the associated arrows
in FIG. 1, the lens supporting frame 31 is accordingly moved along the
optical axis to thereby bring the projection lens 30 into focus.
The phase shift filter 32 is capable of rotating by 90.degree. about a
filter shaft 33 having an exposed end formed with a groove. The groove
allows a coin or the like to be fitted therein to rotate the filter shaft
33 so that the phase shift filter 32 is inserted into or withdrawn from
the projection optical system. When the phase shift filter 32 is inserted
in the projection optical system, the picture elements on the
liquid-crystal panel 34 are blurred, thereby making it possible to obtain
an image whose picture elements are relatively inconspicuous. When the
phase shift filter 32 is retracted from the projection optical system, an
image which is clear but has conspicuous picture elements can be obtained.
The selection as to which type of image is to be projected can be effected
by suitably rotating the phase shift filter 32. A click spring 33A abuts
on a part of the peripheral surface of the filter shaft 33, and that part
of the peripheral surface of the filter shaft 33 is formed with flat
portions perpendicular to each other. Therefore, when the phase shift
filter 32 has rotated by 90.degree., a click action is provided.
As shown in FIG. 4, the liquid-crystal panel 34 is supported by supporting
protrusions 35A and 35B in such a manner as to be rotatable in a panel
plane, and has a nut portion 34A engaging with a bolt portion 22A of the
panel horizontal-adjustment control 22. Thus, the liquid-crystal panel 34
is supported at three points by the supporting protrusions 35A and 35B and
the nut portion 34A in such a manner that, when the panel
horizontal-adjustment control 22 is rotated, the liquid-crystal panel 34
rotates accordingly in the panel plane. This enables the position of a
projected image to be adjusted to a horizontal position.
Referring to FIG. 2, the apparatus includes left and right stereo speakers
42L and 42R disposed at frontward and rearward positions on either side of
the monitor screen 16. Another speaker 44R, capable of serving as a right
speaker, is disposed on the second side surface of the case 10 opposite
the first side surface where the monitor screen 16 is provided. The
apparatus also includes a cooling fan 46, described later.
FIG. 3 mainly shows, in an internal perspective view, an electrical system
of the apparatus. As shown in FIG. 3, a circuit board 48 on which a video
circuit, an audio circuit, a power circuit, etc. (none of which are shown)
are mounted is provided on the bottom of the case 10.
Various other elements are mounted on the circuit board 48, and they
include a terminal pin 50 for inputting power from the battery 14, the
terminal pin 50 elastically projecting from a rear position of the case
10. Among other elements mounted on the circuit board 48, there are a DC
jack 52 for inputting power from an external power source, a power switch
54 for turning on and off the power supply, a sound volume element
(variable resistor) 56, input terminals 58 for inputting a video signal
and left and right audio signals, a brightness-adjustment element 60, and
a lens cover detection switch 62. The power switch 54 is turned on and off
through the power switch control 18. The sound volume element 56 is
rotated by rotating the volume control 20.
A cord connected to the cooling fan 46, and a cord connected to a lamp
terminal mount 40A of the tungsten halogen lamp 40 (neither of which cords
are shown) are soldered to output terminals (not shown) on the circuit
board 48.
A system for cooling the liquid-crystal panel 34, the tungsten halogen lamp
40, etc. will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, the cooling fan 46 is disposed at a position inward of
the liquid-crystal panel 34, the tungsten halogen lamp 40, etc. An air
inlet opening 64 and an air outlet opening 66 are formed in the first and
second side surfaces of the case 10.
Air blown in from the air inlet opening 64 by the operation of the fan 46
flows as indicated by the associated arrows in FIG. 5, and after passing
the gap between the liquid-crystal panel 34 and the deflection plate 36 as
well as the gap between the condenser lens 38 and the tungsten halogen
lamp 40, air is sent out from the air outlet opening 66. This flow of air
cools the liquid-crystal panel 34 and the like.
Next, descriptions will be given of a mode (hereinafter referred to as
"monitor mode") in which an image displayed on the liquid-crystal panel 34
is projected on the back surface of the monitor screen 16 disposed on the
first side surface of the case 10, and another mode (hereinafter referred
to as "projector mode") in which such an image is projected on an enlarged
scale on an external screen ahead of the projection lens 30.
FIGS. 5 and 6 show, in plan views, the internal constructions of the video
projector with a monitor screen during the monitor mode and the projector
mode, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, an optical system is
disposed inside the case 10, the optical system comprising a movable
reflecting mirror 68 capable of advancing to a predetermined position in
front of the projection lens 30 and retracting therefrom, and two
stationary reflecting mirrors 70 and 72 disposed at fixed positions on the
inside of the case 10.
Descriptions will be given first of a mechanism for moving the movable
reflecting mirror 68.
The reflecting mirror 68 is mounted on a fan-shaped arm 74 capable of
rotating about the axis of an arm pivot 74A (see FIG. 2 as well). An arm
pin 74B projects at a distal end position of the arm 74, while a
projection 12A engaging with the arm pin 74B is formed on the reverse (or
inner) surface of the lens cover 12.
Therefore, when the lens cover 12 is moved to open or close it, the arm 74
is rotated so that the reflecting mirror 68 is retracted from or advanced
to the predetermined position in front of the projection lens 30.
A pin 76 projects from the case 10, and a click spring 78 is disposed
between the pin 76 and the arm 74. As shown in FIG. 5, when a portion 78A
of the click spring 78 at which the click spring 78 engages the arm 74 is
positioned above (as viewed in FIG. 5) the line interconnecting the pin 76
and the arm pivot 74A, the click spring 78 urges the arm 74 in the
clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 6, when the
engaging portion 78A is positioned below that line, the click spring 78
urges the arm 74 in the counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 6.
Referring to FIG. 5, a stopper 80 is able to abut on the leading edge of
the arm 74 during clockwise rotation thereof, so as to limit the clockwise
rotation. Thus, the reflecting mirror 68 is set at the predetermined
position in front of the projection lens 30. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the arrows
associated with the lens cover 12 and the arm 74 indicate directions in
which these members can move from the illustrated positions against the
urging force of the click spring 78.
When the reflecting mirror 68 is moved to and set at the predetermined
position in front of the projection lens 30, as shown in FIG. 5, monitor
mode is entered. In this mode, image light emitted from the projection
lens 30 is reflected by the three reflecting mirrors 68, 70 and 72, and is
thus guided to the back surface of the monitor screen 16.
Accordingly, the monitor screen 16 displays a relatively bright image which
can be seen even in a relatively bright place. With the above arrangement,
since the optical path of image light emitted from the projection lens 30
is bent by the three reflecting mirrors 68, 70 and 72 to be guided to the
monitor screen 16 on the first side surface of the case 10, it is possible
to obtain a relatively long optical path within a compact case 10. This
makes it possible to project an image on the monitor screen 16 at a
relatively great enlargement magnification.
On the other hand, when the reflecting mirror 68 is retracted from the
position in front of the projection lens 30, as shown in FIG. 6, projector
mode is entered. In this mode, image light emitted from the projection
lens 30 is projected on an enlarged scale on an external screen, a wall or
the like separately provided ahead of the projection lens 30.
The lens cover detection switch 62 shown in FIG. 3 is turned on and off in
accordance with the closed and open positions of the lens cover 12.
Accordingly, determination is made as to whether the video projector with
a monitor screen is in monitor mode or projector mode on the basis of the
detection output of the lens cover detection switch 62. If the apparatus
is in monitor mode, the left and right speakers 42L and 42R positioned on
either side of the monitor screen 16 are actuated, whereas if the
apparatus is determined to be in projector mode, the left and right
speakers 42L and 44R positioned on either side of the projection lens 30
are actuated. Thus, the speaker 42L can be used in either mode, whereas
one of the right speakers, 42R or 44R, is switchingly actuated in
accordance with which of monitor and projector modes is entered. By virtue
of this arrangement, it is possible to generate stereo sound in accordance
with the type of mode (monitor mode or projector mode) currently effected,
that is, in accordance with the positional relationship between the video
projector with a monitor screen and the viewer(s).
FIG. 7 shows, in a perspective view, an embodiment of a bottom case.
Referring to FIG. 7, a bottom case 11 comprises an integral structure which
includes a hinge portion 11A and a rear cover 11B, and which is made of a
suitable material such as polypropylene. The rear cover 11B is opened and
closed during the operation of replacing the lamp 40. When the rear cover
11B is opened and closed, a lamp receptacle 84 (shown in FIG. 5)
containing a spare lamp 82 is opened and closed, respectively.
A foldable leg 13A which can be raised during projector mode, and another
foldable leg 13B which can be raised during monitor mode are provided on
the outer surface of the bottom case 11.
FIG. 8 shows, in a perspective view, another embodiment of a bottom case.
In FIG. 8, components common to both embodiments shown in FIGS. 7 and 8
are designated by the same reference characters, and their detailed
descriptions will be omitted.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is distinguished in that the foldable legs
13A and 13B shown in FIG. 7 are substituted by a structure including a
pair of threaded legs 15A and 15B. These threaded legs 15A and 15B are
disposed at a one-sided location of a bottom case 11 which is close to the
monitor screen 16, and are arranged with a certain interval therebetween
along the space between the front end and the rear end of the projector.
During projector mode, only the height of the threaded leg 15A can be
adjusted to adjust the angle of projection to an external screen or the
like. During monitor mode, both heights of the threaded legs 15A and 15B
can be adjusted to adjust the inclination of the monitor screen 16.
Second Embodiment
FIG. 9 shows the external appearance of a second embodiment of a video
projector with a monitor screen according to the present invention. FIG.
10 shows an internal construction of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9.
Components which are common to the second embodiment and the first
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 et seq. are designated by the same reference
characters, and their detailed description will be omitted.
Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the apparatus according to the second
embodiment includes a case 100, a monitor screen 102 provided on an upper
surface of the case 100, a projection lens 104, a lens cover 106, a focus
control 108, and a speaker 110.
The lens cover 106 is disposed on a front surface of the case 100 in such a
manner as to be capable of opening and closing. A reflecting mirror 107 is
provided on the reverse (inner) surface of the lens cover 106 in such a
manner as to be integral therewith. When the lens cover 106 is closed, the
reflecting mirror 107 is inserted in the optical axis of the projection
lens 104 at a position in front of the projection lens 104. When the lens
cover 106 is opened, the reflecting mirror 107 is retracted from the
optical axis of the projection lens 104.
The video projector with a monitor screen according to the second
embodiment enables monitor mode and projector mode to be switched from one
to the other by closing or opening the lens cover 106 in a manner similar
to that in the first embodiment. When the lens cover 106 is closed,
monitor mode is entered, in which image light emitted from the projection
lens 104 is reflected by the reflecting mirror 107 to be guided to the
back surface of the monitor screen 102.
Third Embodiment
FIG. 11 shows the external appearance of a third embodiment of a video
projector with a monitor screen according to the present invention. FIG.
12 shows an internal construction of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11.
Components which are common to the third embodiment and the second
embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 are designated by the same reference
characters, and their detailed description will be omitted.
Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the apparatus according to the third
embodiment includes a projection lens 200 for use in projector mode,
another projection lens 202 for use in monitor mode, a reflecting mirror
204, and a control 206 for switching monitor and projector modes.
The projector-mode projection lens 200 is disposed on the case 100 in such
a manner as to be rotatable relative thereto. When this projection lens
200 is rotated, it advances or retracts along its optical axis so as to
enable focus adjustment.
The monitor-mode projection lens 202 and the reflecting mirror 204 are
together mounted on a slide member 203 movable in a direction
perpendicular to the optical axis, and are capable of advancing into and
retracting from the optical path between the liquid-crystal panel 34 and
the projector-mode projection lens 200 by operating the monitor/projector
mode switching control 206. When the monitor-mode projection lens 202 and
the reflecting mirror 204 are inserted in that optical path, monitor mode
is entered, in which image light emitted from the projection lens 202 is
reflected by the reflecting mirror 204 to be guided to the back surface of
the monitor screen 102.
According to the third embodiment, it is possible to adopt a monitor-mode
projection lens having a wider angular field, thereby making it possible
to obtain a monitor image at a relatively great enlargement magnification
even with a short optical path to the monitor screen 102. Another
advantage is that focusing is not necessary during monitor mode.
Fourth Embodiment
FIG. 13 shows the external appearance of a fourth embodiment of a video
projector with a monitor screen according to the present invention. FIGS.
14 and 15 show internal constructions of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13.
Components which are common to the fourth embodiment and the second
embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 are designated by the same reference
characters, and their detailed description will be omitted.
Referring to FIGS. 13 to 15, the apparatus according to the fourth
embodiment includes a casing body 300A, a bottom case 300B, a lens cover
302, and reflecting mirrors 304 and 306.
The bottom case 300B is disposed rotatable relative to the casing body 300A
about a pivot 301. A lens cover 302 is disposed on a front surface of the
bottom case 300B in such a manner as to be capable of opening and closing.
Two reflecting mirrors 304 and 306 are disposed at certain positions on
the inside of the bottom case 300B.
FIG. 14 shows the internal construction of the apparatus during projector
mode. In this mode, when the lens cover 302 is opened, image light emitted
from the projection lens 104 is projected on an external screen or the
like.
FIG. 15 shows the internal construction of the apparatus during monitor
mode. In this mode, the bottom case 300A is rotated by a prescribed amount
from the position shown in FIG. 14 about the pivot 301 in the
counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 15. This rotation causes
the reflecting mirror 304, integrally mounted in the interior of the
bottom case 300B, to be inserted into the optical axis of the projection
lens 104 at a position in front of the projection lens 104. As a result,
image light emitted from the projection lens 104 is reflected from the
reflecting mirror 304, and then reflected from the reflecting mirror 306
to be guided to the back surface of the monitor screen 102.
With the above described arrangement of the fourth embodiment, the outward
movement of the reflecting mirrors 304 and 306 makes it possible to
achieve an increase in the optical path, hence, an increase in the
enlargement magnification at which an image is projected on the monitor
screen 102. In the monitor mode of the fourth embodiment, since image
light is reflected from the two reflecting mirrors 304 and 306, it is
necessary that the liquid-crystal panel 34 display an electrically
inverted image.
Fifth Embodiment
FIG. 16 shows the external appearance of a fifth embodiment of a video
projector with a monitor screen according to the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 16, an apparatus according to this embodiment mainly
comprises a projection block 400, a casing 420, a reflecting mirror 422,
and a monitor screen 424.
The projection block 400 comprises a projection lens 402, a liquid-crystal
panel 404, a deflection plate 406, a condenser lens 408 and a tungsten
halogen lamp 410, and is disposed in the interior of the casing 420 in
such a manner as to be rotatable about a shaft 412. The projection block
400 is rotated by a desired angle by suitably rotating a monitor/projector
mode switching control 414. The reflecting mirror 422 is disposed at a
frontward position in the interior of the casing 420. The monitor screen
424 is disposed on a rear surface of the casing 420.
With the above-described construction, when the projection block 400 is
rotated upward by suitably rotating the monitor/projector mode switching
control 414, the projection block 400 is brought to a position for
projecting image light emitted from the projection lens 402 on an external
screen or the like. On the other hand, when the projection block 400 is
rotated downward so that the projection lens 402 faces the reflecting
mirror 422, it is possible to cause image light emitted from the
projection lens 402 to be reflected from the reflecting mirror 422, and
thus guided to the back surface of the monitor screen 424.
The monitor/projector mode switching control 414 may also be used to adjust
the horizontal position of an image during projector mode.
Sixth Embodiment
FIG. 17 shows the external appearance of a sixth embodiment of a video
projector with a monitor according to the present invention. Referring to
FIG. 17, an apparatus according to this embodiment includes a lens cover
500, a monitor screen member 502, a projection lens 504, and a focus
control 506.
The lens cover 500 is disposed rotatable relative to a casing 501 about the
axis of a cover shaft 500A. A reflecting mirror (not shown) is provided on
the reverse (inner) surface of the lens cover 500. The monitor screen
member 502 is disposed rotatable relative to the casing 501 about a screen
shaft 502A in either of the directions indicated by the associated arrows.
FIG. 17 relates to monitor mode of the apparatus. When the lens cover 500
and the monitor screen member 502 are rotated to the positions shown in
the drawi | | |
