Optical devices, modules, and equipment

Abstract

Examples of the present disclosure relate to optical devices, modules and devices. The optical device comprises a control panel and at least one light guiding means. The at least one light guiding means includes at least an in-coupling diffraction means configured to in-couple one or more input light beams from a first light engine into the light guiding means, an expanding means configured to expand the one or more input light beams, and an out-coupling diffraction means configured to out-couple one or more expanded light beams from the light guiding means. The at least one light guiding means is transparent, overlies at least a portion of the control panel, and is configured to display a virtual image with a longer focal length than the control panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] ,

[0001] Examples of the present disclosure relate to optical devices, modules, and devices. Some relate to optical devices, modules, and devices for providing images within a vehicle such as an automobile or an aircraft.

Background Art

[0002] A vehicle such as an automobile or an aircraft includes a control panel that a user needs to view while controlling the vehicle. When viewing the control panel, the user needs to look away from the surrounding situation. Then, when the user views the situation again, it may take some time for the user's eyes to adjust to different focal distances of the objects within the situation.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to various examples of the present disclosure, although not necessarily all, there is provided a control panel and at least one light guiding means including internal coupling diffraction means configured to internally couple one or more input light beams from a first light engine to the light guiding means, magnification means configured to magnify one or more input light beams, and external coupling diffraction means configured to externally couple one or more magnified light beams from the light guiding means, wherein the at least one light guiding means is transparent and provided so as to overlap at least a part of the control panel and is configured to display one or more virtual images at a focal distance longer than that of the control panel.

[0004] The device may include a plurality of light guiding means arranged in a stacked configuration.

[0005] The device includes a plurality of light guiding means, wherein the first light guiding means is configured to display a virtual image at a first focal distance and the second light guiding means is configured to display a virtual image at a second focal distance.

[0006] The control panel and multiple light guide means may be configured to provide one or more volumetric images at different focal lengths.

[0007] The device may be equipped with a head-up display.

[0008] The focal length of the light guide that overlaps the control panel can be aligned to the focal length of the head-up display.

[0009] A gap can be provided between at least one light guide means and the control panel.

[0010] At least one light guide can be provided directly above the control panel.

[0011] The device may include means for adjusting the focal length of one or more virtual images provided by the device.

[0012] The focal length of at least one light guide means may be set to infinity.

[0013] The focal length of at least one light guide means may be set to long distance or medium distance.

[0014] The apparatus may be configured to allow the focal length of at least one light guide to be adjusted.

[0015] At least one light guide means may be configured to display a first image for the user's first eye and a second image for the user's second eye.

[0016] In some but not all, examples of the present disclosure include a control panel and a light guide comprising at least one light guide, the light guide comprising at least one internally coupled diffraction element configured to internally couple one or more input light beams from a first optical engine into the light guide, one or more magnifiers configured to magnify one or more input light beams, and one or more externally coupled diffraction elements configured to externally couple one or more magnified light beams from the light guide, wherein the at least one light guide is transparent and is mounted on top of at least a portion of the control panel and is configured to display a virtual image at a focal length longer than that of the control panel.

[0017] Various embodiments of this disclosure, though not necessarily all, may provide modules, devices, vehicles, or vehicle cabs equipped with such devices as described herein.

[0018] Next, we will explain some examples with reference to the attached diagrams: [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] An example of a light guide means is shown. [Figure 2] An illustrative device is shown. [Figure 3] An example of equipment inside a vehicle is shown. [Figure 4A] An example of a device in use is shown. [Figure 4B] An example of a device in use is shown. [Figure 5] An example of a device in use is shown. [Figure 6A] An example of a device in use is shown. [Figure 6B] An example of a device in use is shown. [Figure 7A] An example of a device in use is shown. [Figure 7B] An example of a device in use is shown. [Figure 8A] This shows an exemplary image that may be displayed by the device. [Figure 8B]Shows an exemplary image that can be displayed by the device.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary light guiding means 101 that can be used in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The light guiding means 101 can be formed on a waveguide, an optical substrate, a transparent plate, or any other suitable material.

[0021] In this example, the light guiding means 101 includes an exit pupil expander. The exit pupil expander is configured to increase the size of the exit pupil from a light engine or other optical arrangement. The light engine can be a display means such as a projection engine.

[0022] The light guiding means 101 includes an internal coupling diffraction means 103, an expanding means 105, and an external coupling diffraction means 107.

[0023] The internal coupling diffraction means 103 includes any means configured to internally couple one or more beams of light from the light engine into the light guiding means 101. The internal coupling diffraction means 103 is positioned within the light guiding means 101 such that, in use, the internal coupling diffraction means 103 can be positioned adjacent to the light engine.

[0024] The internally coupled light beam passes through the light guiding means 101 via total internal reflection. The refractive index of the material used for the light guiding means 101, the wavelength of the internally coupled beam, and the parameters of the internal coupling diffraction means 103 determine the total internal reflection angle.

[0025] The expanding means 105 is disposed within the light guiding means 101 such that the internally coupled light beam is provided from the internal coupling diffraction means 103 to the expanding means 105.

[0026] The magnification means 105 includes any means configured to magnify the internally coupled light beam to at least one dimension. The magnification means 105 may comprise a diffraction means such as a diffraction grating or any other suitable means. In a diffraction grating, the internally coupled light beam is split into two for each internal reflection. The two split sections of the beam travel in different directions, continuing the split and thus magnifying the exit pupil of the optical engine. In the example shown in Figure 1, the magnification means 105 has a grating that magnifies the beam horizontally.

[0027] The external coupling diffraction means 107 is positioned within the light guide means 101 so that a horizontally expanded light beam is supplied from the expansion means 105 to the external coupling diffraction means 107.

[0028] The external coupling diffraction means 107 includes any means configured to externally couple the horizontally expanded light beam from the light guide means. The external coupling diffraction means 107 can function similarly to the expansion means 105, such that the expanded light beam is split into two for each internal reflection. The external coupling diffraction means 107 can also be configured to expand the horizontally expanded light beam into a second dimension. In the example shown in Figure 1, the external coupling diffraction means 107 has a horizontal grating that expands the horizontally expanded beam vertically.

[0029] The light guide means 101 is configured to allow the user to see the externally coupled magnified light beam. The externally coupled magnified light beam provides a virtual image that can be observed by the user. Thus, the externally coupled light beam provides a magnified exit pupil.

[0030] The variations in size, shape, position, and magnification direction of the different diffraction means are merely examples, and it should be understood that other variations may be used in other examples of this disclosure. For example, the magnification means 105 can magnify the light beam in any direction other than horizontal. As another example, the external coupling diffraction means 107 can magnify the beam in any direction other than vertical. As a third example, the exit pupil of a light beam internally coupled by the internal coupling diffraction means 103 is already magnified to a first magnification dimension before the beam is internally coupled to the light guide means 101. In this example, there is no magnification means 105 located within the light guide means 101.

[0031] The diffraction means used in the internally coupled diffraction means 103, the magnification means 105, and the externally coupled diffraction means 107 may comprise any means that can be configured to diffract the input light beam. The diffraction means may comprise one or more of any suitable optical components or features having a diffracting optical element, a diffraction structure, a diffraction grating, a holographic grating, a Bragg grating, a streak, a raised surface, a surface relief diffraction grating, or a periodic structure that splits and diffracts light into several beams traveling in different directions.

[0032] Figure 2 schematically shows a side view of an exemplary device 201. The device 201 comprises a light guide means 101 and a control panel 203. The device 201 may comprise additional components not shown in Figure 2. For example, the device 201 may comprise a HUD, a coating for reducing reflection, and / or any other suitable components.

[0033] The control panel 203 may include a vehicle control panel or a vehicle's driver's cab. For example, the control panel 203 may include the dashboard of an automobile or other type of automobile. The control panel 203 may also include a control panel of an aircraft, such as an aircraft. In some examples, the control panel 203 may be located in a driver's cab that can be mounted on a vehicle or machine. For example, the control panel 203 may be located in a driver's cab that can be connected to an excavator or crane.

[0034] The control panel 203 may include any means that can be configured to provide information about the vehicle's functions associated with the control panel 203. For example, the control panel 203 may include one or more gauges or other means for displaying information. The information displayed by the control panel 203 may relate to the vehicle's speed, the vehicle's current operating mode, the vehicle's position, the vehicle's fuel status, information from a rear camera, or any other appropriate type of information.

[0035] The light guiding means 101 may be as shown in Figure 1. The light guiding means 101 may comprise an exit pupil dilation means or any other suitable type of light guiding means 101.

[0036] The light guiding means 101 may include an internal coupling diffraction means 103, an amplification means 105, and an external coupling diffraction means 107. The internal coupling diffraction means 103 may be configured to internally couple one or more input light beams from the first optical engine to the light guiding means 101. The amplification means 105 may be configured to amplify one or more input light beams. The external coupling diffraction means 107 may be configured to externally couple one or more amplified light beams from the light guiding means 101.

[0037] In some embodiments, the internal coupling diffraction means 103, the magnification means 105, and the external coupling diffraction means 107 can be arranged as shown in Figure 1. Other arrangements of the internal coupling diffraction means 103, the magnification means 105, and the external coupling diffraction means 107 may be used in other examples of this disclosure.

[0038] The light guide means 101 and the control panel 203 can be integrated into a single device 201. The light guide means 101 and the control panel 203 can be provided as a single unit.

[0039] The light guide means 101 can be positioned within the apparatus 201 so as to overlap at least a portion of the control panel 203. In some examples, the light guide means 101 can overlap all of the control panel 203. In some examples, the external coupling diffraction means 107 of the light guide means 101 can overlap all of the control panel 203.

[0040] In some examples, the light guide means 101 can be positioned to be in contact with the surface of the control panel 203. In such examples, the light guide means 101 can be positioned to directly overlap the control panel 203 so that there is no gap between the control panel 203 and the light guide means 101. In other examples, a gap can be provided between the control panel 203 and the light guide means 101.

[0041] The light guide means 101 may be transparent. The light guide means 101 may be transparent so that the control panel 203 or at least a part of the control panel 203 is visible through the light guide means 101.

[0042] The light guide means 101 displays a virtual image to the user of the control panel 203. For example, if the control panel 203 includes a car dashboard, the light guide means 101 is configured to display a virtual image to the driver.

[0043] The light guide means 101 is configured to display a virtual image at a focal length longer than that of the control panel 203. For example, the virtual image can be displayed at a focal length longer than the distance to the control panel 203 and / or longer than the image displayed on the control panel 203. The control panel 203 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the user. This may be within a short focal range. The virtual image displayed by the light guide means 101 can be in a longer focal range. The virtual image displayed by the light guide means 101 may have a medium-range focal length or a long-range focal length. In such examples, the focal length of the light guide means 101 is set to far-range or medium-range. For example, a curved light guide means 101 can be used, or the focal length of a flat light guide means 101 can be adjusted using optical components such as lenses. In some examples, the virtual image displayed by the light guide means 101 can be focused at infinity. In such examples, the focal length of at least one light guide means 101 is set to infinity. For example, a flat light guide means 101 can be used.

[0044] In some examples, the focal length of the virtual image displayed by the light guide 101 can be aligned with other objects the user may be viewing. Alignment may involve matching focal lengths or having focal lengths within a given range relative to each other. For example, if the user is also using a head-up display (HUD), the focal length of the virtual image displayed by the light guide 101 can be aligned with the focal length of the HUD. In this example, the HUD may have a fixed, known focal length, and therefore it is possible to align the focal length of the image from the light guide 101 with the image in the HUD.

[0045] In other examples, the user may also see objects around the vehicle. For example, the user may see the road, other vehicles on the road, and potential hazards. In such examples, it may not be feasible to precisely align the focal length of the virtual image with the potential hazards. However, the focal length of the virtual image from the light guide means 101 can be set within a threshold of the expected focal length of such objects.

[0046] In some examples, the light guide means 101 can be configured so that the virtual image is visible only to the user of the control panel 203. For example, the virtual image can be displayed so that it is visible to the vehicle driver but not to any of the vehicle's occupants. In some examples, the exit pupil of the light guide means 101 can be controlled so that the virtual image is visible only to the user of the control panel 203.

[0047] The image provided by the light guide means 101 may include any information useful to the vehicle driver or controller. The image provided by the light guide means 101 may include information regarding the vehicle's speed, the vehicle's current operating mode, the vehicle's position, the vehicle's fuel status, information from the rear camera, or any other appropriate type of information. The information displayed in the virtual image may include a subset of the information displayed in the control panel 203. In some examples, the information displayed in the virtual image may include information that is most important or relevant to the vehicle user. The information displayed in the virtual image may relate to the surrounding conditions or objects of the vehicle.

[0048] In the example shown in Figure 2, the device 101 comprises a single light guide means 101. In other examples, the device 101 may comprise multiple light guide means 101. Multiple light guide means 101 may be arranged in a stacked configuration. Multiple light guide means 101 may be arranged in a stacked configuration that overlaps the control panel 203 such that each of the light guide means 101 in the stack overlaps the control panel 203 at least partially. Multiple light guide means 101 may be arranged in a stacked configuration that overlaps the control panel 203 such that each of the light guide means 101 in the stack overlaps each other at least partially. Other configurations for the light guide means 101 may be used in other examples of this disclosure.

[0049] In an example where the device 201 comprises multiple light guide means 101, the multiple light guide means 101 can be configured such that the first light guide means provides a virtual image at a first focal length, and the second light guide means provides a virtual image at a second focal length. Images at different focal lengths can be configured to provide a volumetric image. An example of a volumetric image is shown in Figure 8.

[0050] In some examples, a volumetric image may be formed by a control panel 203 and one or more light guides 101 overlapping at least a portion of the control panel 203. For example, the first light guide 101 may be configured to provide a virtual image at a first focal length, and the control panel 203 may be configured to provide a real image at a second focal length. Images at different focal lengths may be configured to provide a volumetric image.

[0051] In an example where the device 201 comprises multiple light guide means 101, the multiple light guide means 101 can be configured to multiplex the colors of a virtual image, multiplex the focal length of a virtual image, control the field of view of a virtual image, control the parameters of the exit pupil, or control any other features.

[0052] The apparatus 201 may include additional components not shown in Figure 2. For example, in some examples, the apparatus 201 may include means for adjusting the focal length of the virtual image provided by the apparatus 201. In some examples, the focal length of the virtual image can be adjusted by adjusting the light guide means 101. In such examples, one or more optical components may be provided and used to adjust the focal length of the light guide means 101. The optical components may include one or more lenses or any other suitable components.

[0053] In some examples, the focal length of the virtual image can be adjusted by using different light guides 101. For example, the device 201 may be equipped with multiple light guides 101, each providing a virtual image at a different focal length. The device 201 can be configured to allow for the appropriate selection of different light guides 101.

[0054] Different focal lengths for the virtual image may be selected for any preferred reason. For example, different focal lengths may be selected to accommodate users of different heights, or to accommodate different HUDs, or for any other preferred reason. In some examples of focal length adjustment, the device 201 may be manual. In such examples, the focal length adjustment can be performed in response to one or more user inputs. In some examples of focal length adjustment, the device 201 may be automatic. In such examples, the focal length adjustment can be performed without any specific user input. In such examples, the focal length adjustment can be performed in response to inputs other than user input, such as detection of the driver's height.

[0055] Figure 3 shows an exemplary device 201 inside a vehicle 301. In this example, the device 201 is installed inside the vehicle. In other examples, the device 201 may be used in another vehicle or aircraft or in the driver's cab of a vehicle.

[0056] In the example shown in Figure 3, the device 201 comprises a control panel 203 and a light guide means 101. In this example, the control panel 203 includes the dashboard of the vehicle 301. The control panel 203 is located behind a screen 311. The screen can be configured to prevent glare and can be configured to protect the control panel 203. The control panel 203 and screen 311 are located behind the steering wheel 309 of the vehicle 301. The control panel 203 is positioned so that the driver 305 of the vehicle 301 can see the control panel 203 through the steering wheel 309. The control panel 203 is positioned so that it is approximately 70-90 cm away when the driver 305 is driving the vehicle 301.

[0057] The light guide means 101 is positioned between the control panel 203 and the screen 311. In the example shown in Figure 3, the light guide means 101 can be positioned so as to be in contact with the surface of the control panel 203. The light guide means 101 is provided directly on top of the control panel 203, with only a very small gap or no gap between the control panel 203 and the light guide means 101. In this example, a larger gap is provided between the light guide means 101 and the screen 311.

[0058] The light guide means 101 is coupled to the optical engine 307. The optical engine 307 may comprise a projector or any other suitable means. The optical engine may be configured to provide an image to the internally coupled diffraction means 103 of the light guide means 101. The optical engine 307 may be controlled to control the image displayed by the light guide means 101.

[0059] When driver 305 is driving vehicle 301, driver 305 can see object 313 located in front of vehicle 301 through the windscreen 303. For example, driver 305 needs to be aware of what is on the road and any other hazards or objects 313 around vehicle 313. To see object 313, driver 305 focuses their eyes on a focal point at a distance.

[0060] If driver 305 wants to view control panel 203, driver 305 must look down at control panel 203. If control panel 203 is positioned close to driver 305, driver 305 must adjust its eye focus to a close distance.

[0061] In the example of this disclosure, by adding a light guide 101 to the control panel, several pieces of information can be displayed at different focal lengths. For example, the information displayed by the light guide 101 can be displayed at a focal length corresponding to or aligned with another object 313 that the driver 305 may need to see. Thus, the driver 305 can see the information provided by the light guide 101 by keeping their eyes focused on the far-field focus.

[0062] Therefore, the device 201 allows the vehicle driver 305 to easily see both the objects 313 around the vehicle 301 and the information displayed by the device 201 without having to adjust the focus of their eyes. Adjusting the focus of the eyes can take some time. This inherent delay can make it difficult for the driver 305 to interpret visual signals and increase the risk of an accident. Therefore, eliminating the need to make this adjustment can help the driver 305 identify hazards when switching between looking at information from the device 201 and looking at the surrounding environment of the vehicle 301.

[0063] In some examples, the light guide means 101 can be configured so that the virtual image is visible only to the vehicle driver 305. This can be achieved by controlling one or more parameters of the light guide means 101. The parameters of the light guide means 101 that can be controlled may include the size and shape of the external coupling diffraction means 107, or any other suitable parameters. The size and shape of the external coupling diffraction means 107 can be designed so that the virtual image is positioned so that only the vehicle driver 305 can see it. This makes it possible to display personal information and personal data using the light guide means 101.

[0064] Figures 4A and 4B show an exemplary apparatus 201 in use. The apparatus 201 may include the apparatus 201 shown in Figure 3, in which a light guide means 101 is superimposed on the control panel 203 and configured to provide a virtual image to the driver 305. This example shows the apparatus 201 used in an automobile. The apparatus 201 may be used in other types of vehicles.

[0065] Figure 4A shows how the device 201 appears when the driver 305 focuses the eye to near focus.

[0066] In the example in Figure 4A, the surrounding environment 405 of the vehicle 301 appears out of focus. The virtual image 401 displayed by the light guide means 101 is also out of focus. The control panel 203 is in focus. The control panel 203 can be seen through the light guide means 101. In the example in Figure 4A, the auxiliary control panel 403 is shown in focus. The auxiliary control panel 403 may be located on the side of the steering wheel 309 and may be configured to display navigation information or other appropriate types of information.

[0067] Figure 4B shows how the device 201 appears when the driver 305 focuses the eye to a distant focus.

[0068] In the example shown in Figure 4B, the surrounding environment 405 of the vehicle 301 appears to be in focus. The virtual image 401 displayed by the light guide means 101 is also in focus. The control panel 203 and the auxiliary control panel 403 are out of focus.

[0069] By focusing on both the virtual image 401 displayed by the light guide means 101 and the surrounding conditions 405 of the vehicle 301, the driver 305 can switch between viewing the conditions 405 and viewing the virtual image 401 displayed by the light guide means 101 without having to refocus their eyes. This reduces the risk of the driver 305 failing to notice the hazard lights because their eyes are still focused on the control panel 203 or because their eyes are still adjusted to view the conditions 405.

[0070] Figure 5 shows an exemplary apparatus 201 in use. Apparatus 201 can be as shown in Figures 3, 4A, and 4B, or any other suitable type of apparatus 201.

[0071] In the example shown in Figure 5, the light guide means 101 is configured to display warning information on the virtual image 401. The warning information may be displayed in response to the detection of a hazard 501. In this example, the hazard 501 is an obstacle on the road ahead of the vehicle 301. In other examples, other types of warnings may be provided for other types of hazards.

[0072] In this example, both the warning information displayed by the light guide 101 and the object 501 appear to be in focus simultaneously. The focal distance of the warning information displayed by the light guide 101 can be aligned to be the same as or similar to the focal distance of the hazard object 501. This allows the driver 305 to easily switch between viewing the warning information and viewing the hazard 501. For example, in some examples, the distance between the hazard object 501 and the vehicle 301 can be estimated. The focal distance of the virtual image displayed by the device 201 can then be adjusted to match or substantially match the distance of the hazard object 501. The focal distance of the virtual image can be adjusted by using one or more optical components such as lenses, by selecting a light guide 101 from a stack of available light guides 101, or by any other suitable means.

[0073] Figures 6A and 6B show another exemplary device 201 in use. In this example, device 201 includes a HUD 601 in addition to a light guide means 101 superimposed on a control panel 203. This example shows device 201 used in an automobile. Other examples may be used in other types of vehicles.

[0074] The HUD 601 is displayed on the windscreen 303 above the steering wheel 309. The HUD 601 may be displayed in other locations in other examples of this disclosure.

[0075] The HUD 601 can be any suitable type of HUD 601. The HUD 601 may be a projector HUD configured to project a virtual image from a windscreen. In some examples, the HUD 601 may comprise one or more light guides 101. One or more light guides 101 may be as shown in Figure 1. The light guides 101 may be configured to display a virtual image to the driver 305. Other types of HUD 601 may be used in other examples of this disclosure.

[0076] Figure 6A shows how the device 201 and HUD 601 appear when the driver 305 focuses the eye to near focus.

[0077] In the example in Figure 6A, the surrounding environment 405 of the vehicle 301 and the virtual image 401 displayed by the light guide means 101 are out of focus. The image displayed by the HUD 601 is also out of focus. In this example, the control panel 203 can be seen through the light guide means 101 and is in focus. The auxiliary control panel 403 located on the steering wheel 309 side is also in focus.

[0078] Figure 6B shows how the device 201 and HUD 601 appear when the driver 305 focuses the eye to the distance focus.

[0079] In the example in Figure 6B, the surrounding environment 405 of the vehicle 301 and the virtual image 401 displayed by the light guide means 101 appear to be in focus. The image displayed by the HUD 601 also appears to be in focus. The control panel 203 and the auxiliary control panel 403 are out of focus.

[0080] In this example, the focal length of the light guide 101 that overlaps the control panel 203 can be matched to the focal length of the HUD 601. The focal length of the light guide 101 can be the focal length of the virtual image displayed by the light guide 101. In some examples, the focal length can be matched to the focal length of the HUD 601. In other examples, the focal length can be aligned to be similar to the focal length of the HUD 601, or to be within a predetermined threshold of the focal length of the HUD 601.

[0081] By aligning the virtual image 401 displayed by the light guide 101 with the focal length of the HUD 601, the driver 305 can switch between viewing the situation 405, viewing the virtual image 401 displayed by the light guide 101, and viewing the virtual image 401 displayed by the HUD 601 without having to readjust their eye focus. This reduces the risk that the driver 305 will not notice hazards or critical information displayed on the HUD 601 because the driver 305 is either focused on the control panel 203 or their eyes are still adjusted to view the situation 405 or the HUD 601.

[0082] Figures 7A and 7B show another exemplary apparatus 201 in use. In this example, apparatus 201 also includes a HUD 601 in addition to the light guide means 101 superimposed on the control panel 203. This exemplary apparatus 201 may be configured similarly to apparatus 201 shown in Figures 6A and 6B.

[0083] In the examples shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the device 201 is used inside a vehicle. In other examples, other types of vehicles can be used.

[0084] In the examples of Figures 7A and 7B, the visibility conditions for the HUD 601 are poor. The visibility of the HUD 601 can be affected by bright light or any other suitable factor. In the examples of Figures 7A and 7B, the visibility of the HUD 601 is reduced due to bright sunlight 701. Other bright light sources could be the headlights of an oncoming vehicle or any other suitable light source. Another example of poor visibility conditions for the HUD 601 may include undesirable diffraction effects propagating toward the driver 305, caused by bright light on the diffraction grating from the light guide means 101.

[0085] Figure 7A shows how the device 201 and HUD 601 appear when the driver 305 focuses the eye to near focus.

[0086] In the example in Figure 7A, the surrounding environment 405 of the vehicle 301 and the virtual image 401 displayed by the light guide means 101 are out of focus. The image displayed by the HUD 601 is also out of focus. In this example, the control panel 203 can be seen through the light guide means 101 and is in focus. The auxiliary control panel 403 located on the steering wheel 309 side is also in focus.

[0087] Figure 7B shows how the device 201 and HUD 601 appear when the driver 305 focuses the eye to the distance focus.

[0088] In the example in Figure 7B, the surrounding environment 405 of the vehicle 301 appears to be in focus. The image displayed by the HUD 601 also appears to be in focus, but it appears to be washed out by the bright light from the sun 701. The virtual image 401 displayed by the light guide means 101 is in focus. These images are not washed out because they are located outside the direct path of the bright sunlight.

[0089] Control panel 203 and auxiliary control panel 403 are out of focus.

[0090] In this example, the light guide 101 supports the HUD 601 because the information displayed by the light guide 101 is still visible, and is at a similar focal length even if the HUD 601 appears to be washed away. This allows the light guide 101 to be used as a backup for the HUD 601. The information displayed on the light guide 101 may be the same as the information displayed on the HUD 601, or may include at least some of the same information as that displayed on the HUD 601. This ensures that the driver 305 always has access to information at long or medium focal lengths, even in situations where the visibility of the HUD 601 is poor.

[0091] Figures 8A and 8B show volumetric images that may be displayed by the apparatus 201 in some examples of the present disclosure. In this example, the apparatus 201 comprises a control panel 203 and light guide means 101. In other examples, volumetric images may be displayed by multiple light guide means 101.

[0092] The control panel 203 provides a first image 801A at a first focal length, and the light guide means 101 provides a second virtual image 801B at a second focal length. In this example, the first focal length is longer than the second focal length such that the first image 801A appears farther away than the second virtual image 801B.

[0093] Figure 8A schematically shows the control panel 203 and the light guide means 101, as well as the respective images 801A and 801B. In this example, the first image 801A includes the rear of the cube, and the second virtual image 801B includes the front of the cube.

[0094] Figure 8B shows how the two images 801A and 801B appear to the user. The light guide means 101 and the control panel 203 can be configured so that the images 801A and 801B appear volumetric or three-dimensional, or to include a depth effect. In the example in Figure 8B, the light guide means 101 and the control panel 203 are configured to align the two images 801A and 801B to provide a composite image 803. In this example, the composite image 803 includes a cube that appears three-dimensional to the user.

[0095] In the examples of Figures 8A and 8B, the composite image 803 includes a cube. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, other types of images may be provided to the user. For example, the combined virtual image may include warning information about hazards or any other appropriate information.

[0096] Other arrangements of virtual images may be used in other examples of the present disclosure. For example, the apparatus 201 may be configured such that the light guide means 101 displays a first image for the user's first eye and a second image for the user's second eye. In some examples, the apparatus 201 may comprise a plurality of different light guide means 101, which may be configured to display different images for different eyes by different light guide means 101. This may enable binocular or stereoscopic images to be provided by the apparatus 201.

[0097] Modifications and alterations may be made to the examples shown in the figures and described above. For example, in some examples, the apparatus 201 may be configured to allow adjustment of the position of the exit pupil of the apparatus 201. The exit pupil of the apparatus 201 may be adjusted taking into account the height or position of the driver 305, or for any other preferred purpose. The adjustment may be mechanical. For example, the apparatus 201 or a part of the apparatus 201 may be tilted or otherwise moved to adjust the position of the exit pupil. The optical engine 307 or the light guide means 101 or any other suitable part of the apparatus 201 may be movable to allow adjustment of the position of the exit pupil.

[0098] The movable parts of the device 201 can be configured to allow manual adjustment of the position of the exit pupil. In some examples, the movable parts of the device 201 may be configured to adjust to the position of the HUD 601 or any other suitable part of the vehicle or device 201. For example, if the user adjusts the position of the HUD 601, the corresponding adjustment of the position of the exit pupil of the device 201 can be made automatically without further user input.

[0099] Accordingly, an example of the present disclosure provides a device 201 for blending a virtual image and a real image. The virtual image can be configured to have a focal length aligned with that of the real image. This allows the user to easily switch between viewing the virtual image and viewing the real image. This may be useful for drivers of vehicles where the driver should constantly be aware of both potential hazards in the situation and the information displayed on the control panel 203.

[0100] The term “comprise” is used herein in a comprehensive, not exclusive, sense. That is, any reference to X containing Y indicates that X may contain only one Y or multiple Ys. If “comprise” is intended to be used in an exclusive sense, it will be evident in the context by referring to “comprising only one…” or by using “consisting.”

[0101] This explanation refers to various examples. Descriptions of features or functions relating to an example indicate that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the terms “example,” “for example,” “can,” or “may” in the text, whether explicitly stated or not, indicates that such features or functions are present in at least the example being described, whether or not they are described as examples, and that they may, but not necessarily, be present in some or all other examples. Thus, “example,” “for example,” “can,” or “may” refers to a specific instance in the example class. Properties of an instance may be properties of that instance only, or properties of the class, or properties of a subclass of the class that includes some, but not all, instances within that class. Thus, it is implicitly disclosed that features described in one example but not in another may, where possible, be used as part of a working combination in other examples, but are not necessarily required to be used in other examples.

[0102] Examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various embodiments, but it should be understood that modifications to the given embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0103] The features described above may be used in combinations other than those explicitly described above.

[0104] While the functions are described by referring to specific features, these functions may be performable by other features, whether or not they are described.

[0105] While we have described the features by referring to specific examples, these features may also exist in other examples, whether or not they are described.

[0106] The terms “a” or “the” are used herein in an inclusive sense, not an exclusive sense. That is, any reference to X containing “a / the” Y indicates that X may contain only one Y or more than one Y, unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. If “a” or “the” is intended to be used in an exclusive sense, it will be evident in the context. In some situations, the use of “at least one” or “one or more” may be used to emphasize the inclusive meaning, but the absence of these terms should not be interpreted as inferring any exclusive meaning.

[0107] The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to the feature or (combination of features) itself, and to features (equivalent features) that achieve substantially the same technical effect. Equivalent features include, for example, variations of features that achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. Equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

[0108] This explanation refers to various examples in which adjectives or adjective phrases are used to describe the characteristics of the examples. Such descriptions of characteristics of the examples indicate that the characteristics are present in some examples exactly as described and in others substantially as described.

[0109] While the foregoing specification attempts to draw attention to these features considered important, it should be understood that the applicant may seek protection through the claims with respect to any patentable feature or combination of features mentioned herein and / or shown in the drawings, whether or not they are emphasized.

Claims

1. Control panel and The first and second light guide means each include at least an internal coupling diffraction means configured to internally couple one or more input light beams from a first optical engine to the light guide means, an amplification means configured to amplify the one or more input light beams, and an external coupling diffraction means configured to externally couple the one or more amplified light beams from the light guide means, The at least one light guide means is transparent, mounted on at least a portion of the control panel, and configured to display one or more virtual images with a focal length longer than that of the control panel. The position of the exit pupil is adjusted for each user. The first light guide means is configured to display a virtual image at a first focal length, and the second light guide means is configured to display a virtual image at a second focal length. An apparatus characterized by adjusting the focal length of the virtual image by switching between the first light guiding means and the second light guiding means.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first light guiding means and the second light guiding means are arranged in a stacked configuration.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control panel and the first and second light guiding means are configured such that a plurality of virtual images at different focal lengths provide one or more volumetric images.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by including a head-up display.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one of the first and second focal lengths of the first and second light guide means that overlap the control panel is aligned to the focal length of the head-up display.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that a gap is provided between at least one of the first and second light guiding means and the control panel.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the first and second light guiding means is provided directly above the control panel.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes means for adjusting the first and second focal lengths of one or more virtual images provided by the apparatus.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the focal lengths of the first and second light guide means is set to infinity.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the focal length of at least one of the first and second light guiding means is set to a long distance or a medium distance.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the focal length of at least one of the first and second light guiding means is configured to be adjustable.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the first and second light guiding means is configured to display a first image for the user's first eye and a second image for the user's second eye.

13. A module, device, vehicle, or vehicle driver's cab, comprising the apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

Images