Optical equipment

By introducing light adjustment devices, such as liquid crystal light valve components, the screen burning problem caused by external strong light is solved, and effective protection of the functional module is achieved.

CN108681070BActive Publication Date: 2025-02-11QINGDAO PICO TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN201810687043.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2018-06-28
Publication Date
2025-02-11
Estimated Expiration
2038-06-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing optical lenses will focus light under strong external light, causing high temperatures to form at the focus of the screen, which may burn the screen.

Method used

An optical device is designed, including a lens, a light adjustment device and a mounting position. Light regulating devices, such as liquid crystal light valve assembly, are used to block or reduce light irradiated through the lens to the functional module and prevent energy from gathering.

Benefits of technology

Effectively block or weaken the intensity of external light, prevent light energy from gathering and burning functional modules, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the equipment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention discloses an optical device. The device comprises a lens, a light adjustment device and a mounting position, wherein the mounting position is configured to install a functional module, and the light adjustment device is configured to block external light from passing through the lens and irradiating the functional module, or to reduce the intensity of light passing through the lens and irradiating the functional module. By providing the light adjustment device, the light passing through the lens and irradiating the functional module can be effectively blocked or weakened, thereby avoiding energy accumulation and burning or damaging the functional module.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of optical technology, and more particularly to an optical device. Background Art

[0002] In existing VR display devices, the display is divided into two parts, left and right, to display the images seen by the left and right eyes respectively. Since the images seen by the left and right eyes are different, a 3D effect is presented in the brain. The optical lens is a convex lens, which magnifies the displayed image. Because the viewing angle of the scene seen by the human eye through the optical system is relatively large, for example, it can reach 100°, so it can greatly enhance the sense of presence experienced by users. At the same time, the posture detection system will transmit the posture of the head to the computer, and the computer will adjust the field of view according to the posture of the head, so that people seem to be watching in reality. This experience is usually called an immersive experience.

[0003] However, the existing optical lens is a magnifying glass. Under the irradiation of strong external light, the lens focuses the light. The focus falls on the screen, forming a high temperature at the focus, thus burning the screen.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a new technical solution to solve the above technical problems. Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a new technical solution for an optical device.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an optical device is provided, which includes a lens, a light adjustment device, and a mounting position, wherein the mounting position is configured to install a functional module, and the light adjustment device is configured to block external light from passing through the lens and irradiating the functional module, or to reduce the intensity of light passing through the lens and irradiating the functional module.

[0007] Optionally, a sensing device is also included, which is configured to sense the position of the optical device. When the sensing device senses that the optical device is removed from the user's head, the light adjustment device is turned on to block external light from passing through the lens and irradiating the functional module, or to reduce the intensity of light that passes through the lens and irradiates the functional module.

[0008] Optionally, the light adjustment device is located between the lens and the mounting position, or the lens is located between the light adjustment device and the mounting position.

[0009] Optionally, the light adjustment device includes a liquid crystal light valve assembly, which includes a first liquid crystal module and a first polarizer and a second polarizer respectively located on both sides of the first liquid crystal module along the light path direction, and the second polarizer is located between the first liquid crystal module and the functional module.

[0010] Optionally, the polarization directions of the first polarizer and the second polarizer are the same or perpendicular.

[0011] Optionally, the first liquid crystal module is configured to rotate incident light by 90 degrees under the condition of applying a set voltage.

[0012] Optionally, the first liquid crystal module is a TN type liquid crystal.

[0013] Optionally, the functional module is an LCD screen; or

[0014] The functional module is an OLED liquid crystal screen and also includes a quarter-wave plate arranged between the second polarizer and the functional module. The polarization directions of the first polarizer and the second polarizer form an angle of 45° with the 0 optical axis of the quarter-wave plate.

[0015] Optionally, the lens, the light adjustment device and the functional module are coaxially arranged, and the main directions of the three are parallel to each other.

[0016] Optionally, the light adjustment device is a shutter.

[0017] Optionally, the functional module is a display screen, and further includes a second liquid crystal module arranged between the second polarizer and the display screen, and the polarization directions of the first polarizer and the second polarizer are the same.

[0018] Optionally, the long axis direction of the liquid crystal of the first liquid crystal module and the long axis direction of the liquid crystal of the second liquid crystal module form an angle of 45° with the polarization direction of the first polarizer.

[0019] Optionally, the lens is a Fresnel lens.

[0020] Optionally, the lens is made of plastic, glass or resin.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing a light adjustment device, it is possible to effectively block or weaken the light that passes through the lens and irradiates the functional module, thereby avoiding energy accumulation and burning or damaging the functional module.

[0022] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of another optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of another optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a shutter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Description of reference numerals:

[0029] 11: Fresnel lens; 12: first liquid crystal module; 13: first polarizer; 14: second polarizer; 15: second liquid crystal module; 16: LCD screen; 17: quarter wave plate; 18: OLED screen; 19: blades; 20: bracket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the relative arrangement of components and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0031] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0032] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered as part of the specification.

[0033] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not limiting. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0034] It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters refer to similar items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an optical device is provided. Figure 1-2As shown, the optical device may be, but is not limited to, a VR device, an AR device, etc. The following description will be made by taking a VR device as an example.

[0036] The optical device includes a lens, a light adjustment device and a mounting position. The mounting position is configured to install a functional module. For example, the functional module is a display screen, a circuit board, a processor, etc. In this example, the functional module is a display screen, such as a liquid crystal screen. The light adjustment device is configured to block external light from passing through the lens and irradiating the functional module, or to reduce the intensity of light passing through the lens and irradiating the functional module.

[0037] Preferably, the lens is a Fresnel lens 11. The Fresnel lens 11 is a lens with positive focal power and has the characteristic of excellent magnification effect. It includes two effective surface types: an aspherical surface facing the direction of the human eye and a Fresnel surface facing the direction of the functional module. The two surfaces are coaxial with the center point of the light surface. The material of the Fresnel lens 11 can be plastic, glass or resin. The Fresnel lens 11 of the above materials has good light transmission effect. Of course, the lens is common knowledge in the field, and those skilled in the art can set it according to actual needs.

[0038] Optionally, the radius of the aspheric surface of the Fresnel lens 11 is 45 mm-150 mm, and the cone coefficient is -10-0. In this example, the radius of the aspheric surface is =50 mm, and the cone coefficient is -3.

[0039] Optionally, the radius of the Fresnel surface of the Fresnel lens 11 is -15 mm to 35 mm, and the cone coefficient is -10 to 0. In this example, the radius of the Fresnel surface is -29.7 mm, and the cone coefficient is -1.

[0040] Optionally, the Fresnel lens 11 has an aperture of 30 mm to 60 mm and a thickness of 3 mm to 10 mm. The effective light aperture of the Fresnel lens 11 is circular with a radius of 24 mm.

[0041] In the embodiment of the present invention, by providing a light adjustment device, the light passing through the lens and irradiating onto the functional module can be effectively blocked or weakened, thereby avoiding energy accumulation and burning or damaging the functional module.

[0042] Optionally, the light adjusting device is located between the lens and the mounting position, or the lens is located between the light adjusting device and the mounting position, as long as the light passing through the lens and irradiating onto the functional module can be blocked or weakened. When located between the lens and the mounting position, the light adjusting device does not increase the space of the optical device, and the appearance of the optical device is good.

[0043] In one example, the optical device further includes a sensing device. The sensing device is configured to sense the position of the optical device. When the sensing device senses that the optical device is removed from the user's head, the light adjustment device is turned on to block external light from passing through the lens and irradiating the functional module, or to reduce the intensity of light passing through the lens and irradiating the functional module.

[0044] For example, the sensing device includes an infrared sensor, which can accurately detect the position of a human body and thus determine the position of the optical device.

[0045] Under the condition that the sensing device senses that the optical device is worn on the user's head, the optical device is used normally and the light adjustment device is turned on, so that the user can see the image on the display screen normally.

[0046] The sensing device can effectively improve the automation level of the optical device and realize automatic control of the protection of the functional modules.

[0047] Of course, the sensing device may also be other equipment, such as a pressure sensor, etc., and those skilled in the art may select one according to actual needs.

[0048] In other examples, the optical device further includes a manual switch. When the user takes the optical device off the head, the manual switch is turned off to turn off the light adjustment device to block or reduce the light. When the user wears the optical device on the head, the manual switch is turned on to turn on the light adjustment device, and the user can use the optical device normally.

[0049] In other examples, the optical device further includes a micro switch. When the user takes the optical device off the head, the micro switch automatically pops up to turn off the light adjustment device to block or reduce the light. When the user wears the optical device on the head, the micro switch is pressed to turn on the light adjustment device, and the user can use the optical device normally.

[0050] Micro switches and manual switches are physical switches. Although they need to be touched or pressed, they are durable and reliable.

[0051] In one example, the light adjustment device includes a liquid crystal light valve assembly. The liquid crystal light valve assembly includes a first liquid crystal module 12 and a first polarizer 13 and a second polarizer 14 respectively located on both sides of the first liquid crystal module 12 along the light path direction. The second polarizer 14 is located between the first liquid crystal module 12 and the functional module. The polarization of the liquid crystal is controlled by applying a voltage to the liquid crystal module or disconnecting the power, so that the incident light is deflected or directly passes through. The external light passes through the first polarizer 13, the first liquid crystal module 12 and the second polarizer 14 in turn, so that it is effectively weakened or blocked. Preferably, the first liquid crystal module 12 is a TN type liquid crystal. This type of liquid crystal is widely available and low in cost.

[0052] Preferably, the effective holes of the first liquid crystal module 12, the first polarizer 13 and the second polarizer 14 are circular. In this way, the liquid crystal light valve assembly can block or weaken the external light from all angles. For example, the radius of the effective hole is 27 mm.

[0053] Preferably, the polarization directions of the first polarizer 13 and the second polarizer 14 are the same or perpendicular. In this example, the display screen is an LCD screen 16. The LCD screen 16 can emit linearly polarized light.

[0054] The optical axis direction of the liquid crystal of the first liquid crystal module 12 is 45 degrees to the first polarizer 13. Under the polarization direction conditions of the first polarizer 13 and the second polarizer 14, when the VR device is turned off or in sleep mode, no voltage is applied to the first liquid crystal module 12, and the liquid crystal is not polarized. When external light is incident, it becomes linearly polarized light in the first polarizer 13 and then passes through the first liquid crystal module 12. The liquid crystal of the first liquid crystal module 12 has an optical rotation effect, which can deflect the incident light and then weaken the light passing through the second polarizer 14. Preferably, the first liquid crystal module 12 is configured to rotate the incident light by 90 degrees under the condition of applying a set voltage, so that the incident light can be cut off by the second polarizer 14. In this way, the liquid crystal light valve assembly is in a closed state, which can effectively block the entry of external light.

[0055] When the VR device is turned on, a voltage is applied to the first liquid crystal module 12, and the first liquid crystal module 12 is polarized. Linearly polarized light is emitted from the display screen and enters the second polarizer 14. Then, the linearly polarized light enters the first liquid crystal module 12, and since the voltage is applied, the first liquid crystal module 12 is polarized, so no optical rotation effect is generated, so the polarization direction of the incident light does not rotate and is directly emitted from the first polarizer 13. The user can observe the image on the display screen.

[0056] When the polarization directions of the first polarizer 13 and the second polarizer 14 are perpendicular, when a voltage is applied to the first liquid crystal module 12, the liquid crystal light valve assembly is closed to block external light from entering. When no voltage is applied to the first liquid crystal module 12, the liquid crystal light valve assembly is opened to allow the user to use the optical device normally.

[0057] In another example, the display screen is an OLED liquid crystal screen 18. The OLED liquid crystal screen 18 can emit circularly polarized light. For example, the resolution of the OLED liquid crystal screen 18 is 2160*2160, and the effective display area size is 60mm*60mm. The polarization direction of the emitted light of the OLED liquid crystal screen 18 is parallel to the polarization direction of the first polarizer 13.

[0058] In this example, the optical device further includes a quarter wave plate 17 disposed between the second polarizer 14 and the functional module. The quarter wave plate 17 is used to convert the circularly polarized light emitted by the OLED liquid crystal screen 18 into linearly polarized light. The polarization directions of the first polarizer 13 and the second polarizer 14 are at an angle of 45° to the 0 optical axis of the quarter wave plate 17.

[0059] Take the case where the polarization directions of the first polarizer 13 and the second polarizer 14 are the same as an example. When the VR device is turned on, a voltage is applied to the first liquid crystal module 12, and the liquid crystal is polarized. Circularly polarized light is emitted from the OLED liquid crystal screen 18 and enters the quarter-wave plate 17, at which time the circularly polarized light is converted into linearly polarized light. The linearly polarized light enters the second polarizer 14, and then enters the first liquid crystal module 12. Since the first liquid crystal module 12 is polarized due to the voltage applied, no optical rotation effect is generated. Therefore, the polarization direction of the incident light does not rotate and is directly emitted from the first polarizer 13, and the user can observe the image on the display screen normally. When the VR device is turned off, the liquid crystal light valve assembly is closed, thereby blocking the incidence of external light.

[0060] In one example, the lens, the light adjustment device, and the functional module, such as the display screen, are coaxially arranged, and the main directions of the three are parallel to each other. The coaxial arrangement means that the geometric centers of the three are located on the same line. In this way, the light adjustment device can effectively block or weaken external light from different directions.

[0061] Of course, even if there is an installation error in the relative positions of the three, external light can be blocked or weakened.

[0062] For VR devices with replaceable display screens, the polarization directions of light emitted by different LCD screens are inconsistent. Based on the short side of the LCD screen, there are linear polarized light such as ±45°, 0°, 90°, and non-linear polarized light, such as circular polarized light in the full band and elliptically polarized light with different polarization states in different bands. After the light emitted by LCD screens with different polarization states passes through the LCD light valve assembly, it is difficult to ensure that the light can pass normally, thereby reducing the light output rate and the quality of the image seen by the user.

[0063] In order to solve the above problem, in one example, Figure 3 As shown, the optical device further includes a second liquid crystal module 15 disposed between the second polarizer 14 and the display screen. The polarization directions of the first polarizer 13 and the second polarizer 14 are the same. In this example, the first polarizer 13 and the first liquid crystal module 12 together constitute a liquid crystal cutoff plate. The second polarizer 14 and the second liquid crystal module 15 together constitute a liquid crystal compensation plate. The long axis direction of the liquid crystal of the first liquid crystal module 12 and the long axis direction of the liquid crystal of the second liquid crystal module 15 form an angle of 45° with the polarization direction of the first polarizer 13.

[0064] In this example, when the VR device is turned on, linearly polarized light is emitted from the screen and enters the liquid crystal compensation film. According to the polarization state of the light emitted by the liquid crystal screen, the liquid crystal compensation film is selected: when the polarization state of the light is parallel to the polarization state of the second polarizer 14, the second liquid crystal module 15 does not apply voltage, and the liquid crystal molecules of the second liquid crystal module 15 do not rotate. Since the liquid crystal of the second liquid crystal module 15 has optical activity, the polarization state of the light rotates after passing through the second liquid crystal module 15, and the light is emitted after passing through the second polarizer 14; when the polarization state of the light is parallel to the polarization state of the second polarizer 14, the second liquid crystal module 15 applies voltage, and the liquid crystal of the second liquid crystal module 15 loses optical activity. The light does not change after passing through the second liquid crystal module 15 and is emitted from the second polarizer 14. The light then enters the liquid crystal cutoff film, and at this time, the first liquid crystal module 12 is applied with voltage and rotates, so it has no optical activity. After passing through the first liquid crystal module 12, the polarization direction of the light remains unchanged and is emitted from the first polarizer 13. In this way, the compensation sheet can effectively improve the light extraction efficiency, thereby improving the image quality.

[0065] When the VR device is turned on, polarized light is emitted from the screen and enters the compensation film. According to the polarization state of the light emitted by the liquid crystal screen, the liquid crystal compensation film is selected: when the polarization state of the light is circularly polarized light, or linearly polarized light and forms a 45-degree angle with the direction of the second polarizer 14, the liquid crystal of the liquid crystal compensation film does not apply voltage, so the liquid crystal molecules do not rotate. At this time, the liquid crystal has optical activity. After the light passes through the second liquid crystal module 15, the polarization state of the light rotates. After passing through the liquid crystal compensation film, the light loses 50% of its energy. The light then enters the liquid crystal cutoff film, and the first liquid crystal module 12 applies voltage to rotate the liquid crystal. At this time, the first liquid crystal module 12 does not have optical activity. After the light passes through the first liquid crystal module 12, the polarization direction remains unchanged and is emitted from the first polarizer 13.

[0066] When the VR device is turned off, no voltage is applied to the first liquid crystal module 12 of the liquid crystal cutoff plate, and the liquid crystal of the first liquid crystal module 12 has optical rotation. When external light enters, it passes through the first polarizer 13, and the external natural light becomes linearly polarized light. After the light passes through the first liquid crystal module 12, the polarization direction rotates 90 degrees. Then, it is cut off by the second polarizer 14. Since the liquid crystal compensation plate is not on the focal plane of the lens, the light does not converge, and thus cannot damage the compensation plate.

[0067] Preferably, the effective light holes of the first polarizer 13 and the first liquid crystal module 12 are circular, with an effective aperture of 30 mm to 70 mm, and a thickness of the first liquid crystal module 12 of 0.5 mm to 5 mm. In this way, the image observed by the user is clearer and has a good image quality.

[0068] Preferably, the effective light holes of the second polarizer 14 and the second liquid crystal module 15 are circular, and the effective apertures are 30 mm to 70 mm. The thickness of the second liquid crystal module 15 is 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

[0069] In this embodiment, the diameter of the second polarizer 14 is 55 mm. The diameter of the second liquid crystal module 15 is 55 mm, and the thickness is 1 mm. The diameter of the first polarizer 13 is 50 mm. The diameter of the first liquid crystal module 12 is 50 mm, and the thickness is 1 mm.

[0070] Preferably, the distance between the Fresnel surface of the Fresnel lens 11 and the first polarizer 13 is 0.5 mm-30 mm. In this example, the distance is =5 mm.

[0071] Preferably, the distance between the surface of the first liquid crystal module 12 close to the display screen and the second polarizer 14 is 0.5 mm-30 mm. In this example, the distance is 5 mm.

[0072] Preferably, the distance between the surface of the first liquid crystal module 12 close to the display screen and the surface of the display screen is 0.5 mm-40 mm. In this example, the distance is 25 mm.

[0073] In one example, the light adjustment device is a shutter. Figure 4 As shown, for example, the shutter includes a bracket 20 and blades 19. A through hole is formed in the middle of the bracket 20. A plurality of blades 19 are rotatably arranged on the bracket 20 and are evenly arranged around the through hole. The plurality of blades 19 rotate around their respective rotation axes to open or close the through hole. When the through hole is closed, external light cannot pass through, thereby not causing damage to the functional module; when the through hole is opened, the user can use the VR device normally.

[0074] Of course, the light adjustment device is not limited to the above embodiments, and those skilled in the art can configure it according to actual needs.

[0075] Although some specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail by way of example, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above examples are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments may be modified without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An optical device, characterized in that , comprising a lens, a light adjustment device and a mounting position, wherein the mounting position is configured to be used for mounting a functional module, and the light adjustment device is configured to block external light from passing through the lens and irradiating the functional module, or to reduce the intensity of light passing through the lens and irradiating the functional module; The light adjustment device comprises a liquid crystal light valve assembly, the liquid crystal light valve assembly comprises a first liquid crystal module and a first polarizer and a second polarizer respectively located on both sides of the first liquid crystal module along the light path direction, the second polarizer is located between the first liquid crystal module and the functional module, and the polarization directions of the first polarizer and the second polarizer are the same or perpendicular; The optical device also includes a sensing device, which is configured to sense the position of the optical device. When the sensing device senses that the optical device is removed from the user's head, the light adjustment device is turned on to block external light from passing through the lens and irradiating the functional module, or to reduce the intensity of light passing through the lens and irradiating the functional module; wherein the optical device is a VR device.

2. The optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that , the light adjustment device is located between the lens and the mounting position, or the lens is located between the light adjustment device and the mounting position.

3. The optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first liquid crystal module is configured to rotate the incident light by 90 degrees under the condition of applying a set voltage.

4. The optical device according to claim 3, characterized in that , the first liquid crystal module is a TN type liquid crystal.

5. The optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that , the functional module is an LCD screen; or The functional module is an OLED liquid crystal screen and also includes a quarter-wave plate arranged between the second polarizer and the functional module. The polarization directions of the first polarizer and the second polarizer form an angle of 45° with the 0 optical axis of the quarter-wave plate.

6. The optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that , the lens, the light adjustment device and the functional module are coaxially arranged, and the main directions of the three are parallel to each other.

7. The optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that , the light adjustment device is a shutter.

8. The optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that The functional module is a display screen, and also includes a second liquid crystal module arranged between the second polarizer and the display screen, and the polarization directions of the first polarizer and the second polarizer are the same.

9. The optical device according to claim 8, characterized in that , the long axis of the liquid crystal of the first liquid crystal module The long axis direction of the liquid crystal of the second liquid crystal module forms an angle of 45° with the polarization direction of the first polarizer.

10. The optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that , the lens is a Fresnel lens.

11. The optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that ,The material of the lens is plastic, glass or resin.

Citation Information

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