Projection system and method of manufacturing and projecting the same

Abstract

The application provides a projection system and a manufacturing method and a projection method thereof. The projection system comprises: at least two illumination modules, each of which is controlled to emit light or be turned off independently; at least two image generation arrays arranged on the light emitting side of the at least two illumination modules, the image generation arrays corresponding to the illumination modules one by one, and comprising a plurality of sub-projection areas for carrying image information by passing light; and at least two microlens arrays arranged on the light emitting side of the at least two image generation arrays, the microlens arrays corresponding to the image generation arrays one by one, and comprising a plurality of microlenses corresponding to the sub-projection areas, the plurality of microlenses being used for superimposing a plurality of light beams carrying image information on a projection surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optical equipment, and more specifically, to a projection system and its manufacturing method and projection method. Background Technology

[0002] Projection systems are becoming increasingly common in automobiles, such as various welcome lights, brake light projections, and turn signal projections. These projection lights in cars can provide information to other road users, thereby improving traffic safety.

[0003] Existing projection systems employ various technologies, such as single-lens static projectors and projection systems using Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology. Single-lens static projectors are low-cost and technologically mature, but they are bulky, thus requiring significant installation space; moreover, they cannot achieve dynamic projection. DLP projection systems include digital micromirror devices, enabling dynamic projection through the movement of these devices. However, the optical-mechanical system of digital micromirror devices is complex, expensive, and also bulky. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An embodiment of this application provides a projection system comprising: at least two illumination modules, each illumination module being individually controlled to emit light or be turned off; at least two image generation arrays disposed on the light-emitting side of the at least two illumination modules, each image generation array corresponding to one of the illumination modules and including a plurality of sub-projection regions for enabling the passing light to carry image information; and at least two microlens arrays disposed on the light-emitting side of the at least two image generation arrays, each microlens array corresponding to one of the image generation arrays and including a plurality of microlenses corresponding to one of the sub-projection regions, the plurality of microlenses being used to overlap multiple beams of light carrying the image information on a projection surface.

[0005] In one embodiment, the at least two image generation arrays are configured to enable the passing light to carry different combined image information; the at least two microlens arrays are configured to stitch the light passing through the at least two image generation arrays on the projection surface, thereby combining at least two sets of the combined image information; and the at least two illumination modules are configured to flash alternately or simultaneously.

[0006] In one embodiment, the light projected by at least two microlens arrays at least partially overlaps on the projection surface.

[0007] In one embodiment, the combined image information carried by the light projected by at least one microlens array is different from the combined image information carried by the light projected by the other microlens arrays.

[0008] In one embodiment, the combined image information carried by the light through the image generation array includes: graphic information and brightness information.

[0009] In one embodiment, the number of image generation arrays is n, and the projection system is used to project n kinds of combined image information, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2, wherein each kind of combined image information includes at least one graphic information, and the at least one graphic information includes a feature graphic information; the first a kind of image generation arrays include at least x kinds of a-th type of feature graphic information, and the first a-1 kind of image generation arrays include less than x kinds of a-th type of feature graphic information, where a is a positive integer less than or equal to n, and x is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0010] In one embodiment, the projection system is used to project four types of graphic information arranged sequentially, and includes at least four image generation arrays, at least four illumination modules, and at least four microlens arrays, wherein the number of sub-projection regions in the image generation arrays is greater than or equal to nine; a first image generation array is used to provide eight types of first graphic information, three types of second graphic information, two types of third graphic information, and one type of fourth graphic information; a second image generation array is used to provide one type of first graphic information, eight types of second graphic information, two types of third graphic information, and one type of fourth graphic information; a third image generation array is used to provide one type of first graphic information, two types of second graphic information, six types of third graphic information, and one type of fourth graphic information; and a fourth image generation array is used to provide two types of first graphic information, two types of second graphic information, two types of third graphic information, and six types of fourth graphic information.

[0011] In one embodiment, multiple sub-projection regions are configured to ensure that the pattern projected by the multiple microlenses on the projection surface has uniform brightness.

[0012] In one embodiment, the projection system further includes a control unit for controlling the at least two lighting modules.

[0013] In one embodiment, the lighting module includes a light source and a light-receiving element located on the light-emitting side of the light source.

[0014] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a method for manufacturing a projection system, the method comprising: setting at least two individually controlled illumination modules that emit light or turn off; setting at least two image generation arrays corresponding one-to-one with the illumination modules on the light-emitting side of the at least two illumination modules, wherein the image generation arrays include a plurality of sub-projection regions for enabling passing light to carry image information; and setting at least two microlens arrays corresponding one-to-one with the image generation arrays on the light-emitting side of the at least two image generation arrays, wherein the microlens arrays include a plurality of microlenses corresponding one-to-one with the sub-projection regions, the plurality of microlenses being used to overlap multiple beams of light carrying the image information on a projection surface.

[0015] In one embodiment, the projection system is used to project n types of graphic information, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2; the method further includes: forming n image generation arrays, wherein the first a image generation arrays include at least x types of a-th graphic information, and the first a-1 image generation arrays include less than x types of a-th graphic information, where a is a positive integer less than or equal to n, and x is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0016] In one embodiment, the method further includes: setting a control unit for controlling the at least two lighting modules.

[0017] In one embodiment, the step of setting the lighting module includes: setting a light source; and setting a light-receiving element on the light-emitting side of the light source.

[0018] This application also provides a projection method using the aforementioned projection system, the method comprising: controlling at least two of the aforementioned lighting modules to achieve dynamic projection in the form of gradation, switching, flowing, or flashing.

[0019] The projection system provided in the embodiments of this application is small in size, capable of dynamic projection, and has a simple structure, making it easy to manufacture and assemble, further reducing production costs. Different image generation arrays can be designed to make the projection system provided in this application suitable for different projection needs, and different dynamic effects can be achieved by configuring the control unit. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Other features, objects, and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a projection system according to Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic optical path diagram of a projection system according to Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an image generating element according to Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0024] Figures 4A to 4G These are different patterns projected onto the projection surface by the projection system according to Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a partial schematic diagram of the image generating element according to Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an image generating element according to Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0027] Figures 7A to 7G These are different patterns projected onto the projection surface by the projection system according to Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic structural diagram of the projection system according to Embodiment 4 of this application;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an image generating element according to Embodiment 4 of this application;

[0030] Figures 10A to 10C These are different patterns projected onto the projection surface by the projection system according to Embodiment 4 of this application;

[0031] Figure 11 This is a schematic structural diagram of the projection system according to Embodiment 54 of this application;

[0032] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of an image generating element according to Embodiment 5 of this application;

[0033] Figures 13A to 13E These are different patterns projected onto the projection surface by the projection system according to Embodiment 5 of this application; and

[0034] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a projection system according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To better understand this application, various aspects of this application will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these detailed descriptions are merely illustrative of exemplary embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of this application in any way. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. The expression "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0036] It should be noted that in this specification, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used only to distinguish one feature from another and do not imply any limitation on the features. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of this application, the first lighting module discussed below may also be referred to as the second lighting module, and vice versa.

[0037] In the accompanying drawings, the thickness, dimensions, and shapes of the components have been slightly adjusted for ease of illustration. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not drawn to scale. For example, the thickness and dimensions of the microlens array are not to scale in actual production. As used herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and similar terms are used as expressions of approximation, not as expressions of degree, and are intended to illustrate inherent deviations in measured or calculated values ​​that will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0038] It should also be understood that the terms "comprising," "including," "having," "containing," and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, indicate the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. Furthermore, when expressions such as "at least one of..." appear after a list of listed features, they modify the entire list of features, not individual elements in the list. Additionally, when describing embodiments of this application, the word "may" is used to mean "one or more embodiments of this application." And the term "exemplary" is intended to refer to an example or illustration.

[0039] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including engineering and technical terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. It should also be understood that, unless expressly stated herein, terms defined in common dictionaries shall be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not as having an idealized or overly formalized meaning.

[0040] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. Furthermore, unless explicitly limited or contradicted by the context, the specific steps included in the methods described in this application are not limited to the order in which they are described, but can be performed in any order or in parallel. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0041] refer to Figure 1 The projection system provided in this application includes: an illumination unit 1, an image element 2, and a projection element 3. The image element 2 and the projection element 3 are sequentially disposed on the light-emitting side of the illumination unit 1.

[0042] The lighting unit 1 may include at least two lighting modules 11-14, which may be arranged side-by-side or in, for example, a fan shape. Each lighting module 11-14 may be individually controlled to emit light or be individually controlled to turn off. (Reference) Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the light path of simultaneous illumination by illumination modules 11-14, which can emit light beams. Exemplarily, illumination modules 11-14 include a light source and a light-receiving element. For example, the first illumination module 11 includes a first light source 111 and a first light-receiving element 112.

[0043] refer to Figure 3 Image element 2 can be a single, integrated element comprising at least two image generation arrays 21-24. Exemplarily, each image generation array 21-24 can be illuminated by a beam of light emitted from a corresponding illumination module 11-14, and each illumination module 11-14 also illuminates its corresponding image generation array 21-24. Exemplarily, image element 2 can be a stitched element, and the portion of image element 2 covered by a beam of light emitted from an illumination module 11-14 is considered as one image generation array 21-24. Image element 2 can be, for example, a film.

[0044] Each image generation array 21-24 includes multiple sub-projection regions, each of which is used to enable light passing through it to carry image information. Therefore, light passing through each image generation array 21-24 can carry combined image information.

[0045] The projection element 3 can be a single, integrated element comprising at least two microlens arrays 31. Specifically, the portion of the projection element 3 illuminated by light transmitted through an image generation array 21-24 may include a microlens array 31. Each microlens array 31 includes multiple microlenses. Both the incident and exit surfaces of the microlenses can be curved surfaces with curvature; alternatively, either the incident or exit surface can be a plane. Specifically, the microlenses of the first microlens array 31 correspond to sub-projection areas of the first image generation array 21, and light carrying image information passing through a sub-projection area is projected onto the projection surface by the corresponding microlens.

[0046] For example, the microlenses can be densely arranged, such as in a rectangular or hexagonal pattern. The number of microlenses in a microlens array can be greater than the number of sub-projection regions in the corresponding image generation array, ensuring that the projection element 3 does not need to be replaced when the image element 2 is changed. For example, the number of sub-projection regions in each image generation array is no less than half the number of microlenses in the corresponding microlens array. This arrangement can make fuller use of the light emitted by the illumination modules 11-14, resulting in higher final projection brightness and a smoother, more natural gradation process during dynamic projection.

[0047] refer to Figure 2 Based on the light channels defined by each microlens, the light emitted by illumination modules 11-14 may include a sub-beam S1 corresponding to that light channel. This sub-beam S1 carries image information provided by a sub-projection area of ​​the image element 2, and then, after passing through a microlens, is projected onto the projection surface. The light projected by the multiple microlenses in a microlens array 31 can overlap on the projection surface.

[0048] For example, the light projected by the multiple microlens arrays 31 can be arranged at preset positions on the lens surface, partially overlapped or completely overlapped.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the image generation arrays 21-24 include at least one sub-projection region with a shape different from the other sub-projection regions, such that the overlap between the multiple beams of light carrying image information varies in terms of the portion and number of overlaps. Each sub-projection region can be divided into a blocking portion and a light-transmitting portion, and the image information it provides can include graphic information. After the multiple sub-beams carrying image information overlap, the brightness at different image positions can be different. Exemplarily, the combined image information carried by the light passing through the image generation arrays 21-24 includes graphic information and brightness information. Exemplarily, the image generation arrays 21-24 can also be used to make the light passing through them carry color information.

[0050] In other embodiments, the multiple sub-projection regions can be configured to ensure that the pattern projected by the multiple microlenses on the projection surface has uniform brightness. Exemplarily, the brightness of the illumination modules 11-14 can be controlled and adjusted, and the number of overlapping sub-beams can also be adjusted. Consequently, the uniformly bright pattern can also be generally brighter or generally darker. Exemplarily, the number of sub-projection regions of at least one image generation array differs from the number of sub-projection regions of other image generation arrays.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the combined image information carried by the light projected by at least one microlens array is different from the combined image information carried by the light projected by other microlens arrays.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the projection system also includes a control unit (not shown) for controlling the lighting modules 11-14. The control unit can control whether each lighting module 11-14 emits light and even control the light intensity, and can also control the timing sequence of the light emission of the lighting modules 11-14. The control unit can execute various programs, such as sequential emission, simultaneous emission, and alternating emission.

[0053] The projection system provided in this application allows for the specific structure of the image element 2 to be set during manufacturing, thereby determining the pattern that the image element 2 can provide to the light. Alternatively, multiple image elements 2 can be used interchangeably. Furthermore, an illumination module 11-14, an image generation array 21-24, and a microlens array 31 can form a projection unit. These projection units can project patterns respectively, and can also be time-controlled to enable the projection system to achieve dynamic effects such as flickering and flowing light.

[0054] The projection system provided in this application reduces the length in the light transmission direction by incorporating a projection element including microlenses. By assigning multiple sub-projection areas and multiple microlenses to each illumination module, the structure of the illumination module and the control unit are simplified. This projection system is easy to assemble, compact, and durable, and can flexibly achieve various dynamic projections, making it suitable for many working environments requiring projection, such as automobiles.

[0055] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 3 to 13E Several implementation methods provided in this application are described in detail.

[0056] Implementation Method 1

[0057] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The projection system of this embodiment may include four illumination modules 11-14, an image element 2 having four image generation arrays 21-24, and a projection element 3 having four microlens arrays 31.

[0058] An illumination module 11-14, an image generation array 21-24, and a microlens array 31 can form a projection unit. In this embodiment, the projection units are arranged side by side, but the order of the projection units can be adjusted, or they can be arranged in an array.

[0059] For example, the first illumination module 11 includes a first light source 111 and a first light-collecting element 112. The first light-collecting element 112 may be a collimating lens. The light emitted by the first light source 111 can form a generally parallel beam after passing through the collimating lens.

[0060] refer to Figure 3 The first image generation array 21 to the fourth image generation array 24 are arranged side by side. Each image generation array includes nine sub-projection regions, although only a portion of the projection regions may be used to provide graphic information, while another portion may be configured to completely block light. For example, the first image generation array 21 may include eight sub-projection regions 211-213, the second image generation array 22 may include six sub-projection regions, the third image generation array 23 may include two sub-projection regions, and the fourth image generation array 24 may include six sub-projection regions.

[0061] Eight sub-beams carrying image information are generated by eight sub-projection regions in the first image generation array 21. These eight sub-beams overlap after being projected by a corresponding microlens array 31, which may include eight microlenses. Specifically, the image information of each sub-beam can be part of the combined image information of the projected pattern. For the same type of graphic information, the number of times it is stacked represents the brightness information of that type of graphic information. The combined image information includes at least one type of graphic information, and the graphic information with the most overlaps is usually used as the feature graphic information.

[0062] Furthermore, the first image generation array 21 is used to provide eight first-type graphic information "A", three second-type graphic information "B", two third-type graphic information "C", and one fourth-type graphic information "D", wherein the first-type graphic information "A" is the feature graphic information in the combined image information provided by the first image generation array 21. These graphic information are randomly set in nine sub-projection regions of the first image generation array 21. For example, the sub-projection region at the lower left corner of the first image generation array 21 may not be used to provide graphic information, that is, it may block the light shining on it. Exemplarily, the first sub-projection region 211 can be used to provide the first-type graphic information "A", the second-type graphic information "B", and the third-type graphic information "C" to the light passing through it. The second sub-projection region 212 can provide all four types of graphic information "ABCD". The third sub-projection region 213 can provide the first-type graphic information "A" and the second-type graphic information "B" to the light passing through it.

[0063] Furthermore, the second image generation array 22 is used to provide one first type of graphic information "A", eight second type of graphic information "B", two third type of graphic information "C", and one fourth type of graphic information "D". The third image generation array 23 is used to provide one first type of graphic information "A", two second type of graphic information "B", six third type of graphic information "C", and two fourth type of graphic information "D". The fourth image generation array 24 is used to provide two first type of graphic information "A", two second type of graphic information "B", two third type of graphic information "C", and six fourth type of graphic information "D".

[0064] The arrangement of graphic information in the image generation array can be randomly set. Specifically, it can satisfy the following relationship: the number of image generation arrays is n, and the projection system is used to project n kinds of graphic information, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2; among the n image generation arrays, the first a image generation arrays include x pieces of the a-th feature graphic information, and the first a-1 image generation arrays include less than x pieces of the a-th feature graphic information, where a is a positive integer less than or equal to n, and x is an integer greater than or equal to 1. For example, when the a-th light source module is turned on to allow light to pass through the a-th image generation array, the a-th combined image projected by the projection system contains at least one piece of the a-th feature graphic information.

[0065] For example, the number of sub-projection regions in the image generation array is m, where m is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The first a image generation arrays may include at least m-1 pieces of a-th type of graphic information, and the first a-1 image generation arrays may include less than m-1 pieces of a-th type of graphic information, where a is a positive integer less than or equal to n. The arrangement order of the feature graphic information is a temporal sequence determined by the control method, and is not necessarily in the spatial order of the multiple image generation arrays.

[0066] refer to Figure 4A The diagram shows the projection pattern on the projection surface when only the first illumination module 11 is emitting light. This projection pattern reflects the combined image information provided by the first image generation array 21, including four shapes "ABCD," with brightness decreasing from left to right. Furthermore, eight of the nine sub-projection regions of the first image generation array 21 provide a portion of this combined image information, with different overlaps and times between the eight beams carrying image information. Each sub-projection region provides the leftmost shape "A," meaning the sub-beam carrying image information overlaps eight times at the leftmost position. Simultaneously, three sub-projection regions provide the second shape "B" from the left, two sub-projection regions provide the third shape "C" from the left, and only one sub-projection region provides the image information including the first shape "D" from the right. The first shape from the right is the one with the lowest brightness in this combined image information.

[0067] The projection system of this embodiment may further include a control unit (not shown) for controlling whether the lighting modules 11-14 emit light. Specifically, Figure 4B The projection pattern of the first lighting module 11 and the second lighting module 12 emitting light simultaneously is shown. Figure 4C The projection pattern shown is when the first lighting module 11, the second lighting module 12, and the third lighting module 13 emit light simultaneously. Figure 4D The projection pattern is shown when all lighting modules 11-14 are lit simultaneously. Figure 4EThe diagram shows the projection pattern when the second lighting module 12, the third lighting module 13, and the fourth lighting module 14 are emitting light simultaneously, while the first lighting module 11 is turned off and does not emit light. Figure 4F The projection pattern of the third lighting module 13 and the fourth lighting module 14 emitting light simultaneously is shown. Figure 4G The projection pattern of the fourth lighting module 14 when it is emitting light is shown.

[0068] The projections of each lighting module 11-14 overlap. For example, when image element 2 is not provided, a bright spot formed by stacked sub-beams can be formed on the projection surface. For example, image element 2 in Embodiment 1 can be replaced with something providing other image information.

[0069] The control unit can be configured to execute a program that causes the projection system of Embodiment 1 to... Figures 4A to 4G The system projects images sequentially and can repeat this process cyclically. It can project patterns with dynamic, flowing light effects. The four graphics exhibit a dynamic visual effect where brightness moves from left to right.

[0070] Implementation Method 2

[0071] The projection system provided in this embodiment can be based on the projection system provided in Embodiment 1. See details... Figure 5 The first image generation array 21 of the projection system of this embodiment is shown.

[0072] In this embodiment, the first image generation array 21 differs from that in Embodiment 1. Specifically, the distribution of the graphic information "A, B, C, D" in the nine sub-projection areas is different. However, the projection systems of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 can be used to achieve the same projection effect.

[0073] Furthermore, the projection system provided in this application may include four image generation arrays, and the total image information may be divided into four graphic information. In the first image generation array, the number of first graphic information is greater than five, while the number of other graphic information is less than three each; in the second image generation array, the number of second graphic information is greater than five, while the number of other graphic information is less than three each; in the third image generation array, the number of third graphic information is greater than five, while the number of other graphic information is less than three each; and in the fourth image generation array, the number of fourth graphic information is greater than five, while the number of other graphic information is less than three each.

[0074] The positions of the four image generation arrays can be changed; the desired projection effect can be achieved simply by adjusting the working sequence of the lighting modules when setting the corresponding lighting modules.

[0075] Implementation Method 3

[0076] refer to Figure 6The image element 2 of the projection system of this embodiment is shown. In the projection system of this embodiment, the four illumination modules and the projection element having four microlens arrays can be the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0077] refer to Figure 6 The first image generation array 21 to the fourth image generation array 24 are arranged side by side. The first image generation array 21 may include nine sub-projection regions 211 / 212, the second image generation array 22 may include six sub-projection regions, the third image generation array 23 may include five sub-projection regions, and the fourth image generation array 24 may include six sub-projection regions.

[0078] Nine sub-beams, each carrying image information, are projected through nine sub-projection regions in the first image generation array 21. These nine sub-beams overlap after being projected by a corresponding microlens array 31, which may include nine microlenses. Specifically, the image information of each sub-beam can be part of a combined image of the projected pattern. For example, in the combined image information provided by the first image generation array 21, the last pair of broken line patterns is feature pattern information. This feature pattern information overlaps the most times in the first image generation array 21.

[0079] refer to Figure 7A The diagram shows the projection pattern on the projection surface when only the first illumination module 11 emits light. This projection pattern embodies the combined image information provided by the first image generation array 21, including four pairs of zigzag patterns, with brightness decreasing from left to right. Furthermore, nine sub-projection regions of the first image generation array 21 each provide a portion of this combined image information, with different overlaps and numbers of overlaps between the nine beams carrying image information. Each sub-projection region provides the leftmost pair of zigzag patterns, meaning the sub-beams carrying image information overlap nine times at the leftmost position. Simultaneously, six sub-projection regions provide the second pair of zigzag patterns from the left, three sub-projection regions provide the third pair of zigzag patterns from the left, and only one sub-projection region provides image information including the first pair of zigzag patterns from the right. The first pair of zigzag patterns from the right is the pair with the lowest brightness among these zigzag patterns.

[0080] Furthermore, the projection system provided in this application may include four image generation arrays, and the total image information may be divided into four graphic information. In the first image generation array, the number of first graphic information is greater than five, while the number of other graphic information is less than three each; in the second image generation array, the number of second graphic information is greater than five, while the number of other graphic information is less than three each; in the third image generation array, the number of third graphic information is greater than four, while the number of other graphic information is less than three each; and in the fourth image generation array, the number of fourth graphic information is greater than four, while the number of other graphic information is less than three each.

[0081] The projection system of this embodiment may further include a control unit (not shown) for controlling whether the lighting modules 11-14 emit light. Specifically, Figure 7B The projection pattern of the first lighting module 11 and the second lighting module 12 emitting light simultaneously is shown. Figure 7C The projection pattern shown is when the first lighting module 11, the second lighting module 12, and the third lighting module 13 emit light simultaneously. Figure 7D The projection pattern is shown when all lighting modules 11-14 are lit simultaneously. Figure 7E The diagram shows the projection pattern when the second lighting module 12, the third lighting module 13, and the fourth lighting module 14 are emitting light simultaneously, while the first lighting module 11 is turned off and does not emit light. Figure 7F The projection pattern of the third lighting module 13 and the fourth lighting module 14 emitting light simultaneously is shown. Figure 7G The projection pattern of the fourth lighting module 14 when it is emitting light is shown.

[0082] The projections of each illumination module 11-14 overlap. For example, when image element 2 is not provided, a bright spot formed by stacked sub-beams can be formed on the projection surface. For example, image element 2 in Embodiment 1 can be replaced with other image information. In this embodiment, the combined image information provided by the third image generation array 13 can be a portion of the final projected pattern.

[0083] The control unit can be configured to execute a program that causes the projection system of Embodiment 1 to... Figures 7A to 7G The system projects images sequentially and can repeat the process. It can project patterns with dynamic, flowing light effects. The brightest of the eight polygonal figures has a dynamic visual effect of movement from left to right.

[0084] Implementation Method 4

[0085] refer to Figures 8 to 9 The projection system of this embodiment may include two illumination modules 11-12, an image element 2 having two image generation arrays 21-22, and a projection element 3 having two microlens arrays 31. One illumination module 11-12, one image generation array 21-22, and one microlens array 31 can form a projection unit. The projection units of this embodiment can be arranged side by side.

[0086] refer to Figure 9The first image generation array 21 may include nine sub-projection regions 211, and the second image generation array 22 may also include nine sub-projection regions. Nine sub-beams passing through the nine sub-projection regions 211 of the first image generation array 21 carry image information. These nine sub-beams overlap after being projected by a corresponding microlens array 31, which may include nine microlenses. Specifically, the image information of each sub-beam may be part of the combined image information of the projected pattern.

[0087] refer to Figure 10A The image shows a projection pattern on the projection surface when only the first illumination module 11 is emitting light. This projection pattern reflects the combined image information provided by the first image generation array 21, including an exclamation mark graphic, and the graphic has uniform brightness. (Reference) Figure 10B The image shows a projection pattern on the projection surface when only the second illumination module 12 is emitting light. This projection pattern reflects the combined image information provided by the second image generation array 22, including a triangular shape with uniform brightness.

[0088] refer to Figure 10C The image shows the projection pattern on the projection surface when the first lighting module 11 and the second lighting module 12 emit light simultaneously.

[0089] The projection system of this embodiment may also include a control unit (not shown) for controlling whether different lighting modules emit light. Since different image generation arrays can provide different graphic information, the projection system of this embodiment can achieve dynamic effects such as switching and flashing.

[0090] Implementation Method 5

[0091] refer to Figures 11 to 12 The projection system of this embodiment may include three illumination modules 11-13, an image element 2 having three image generation arrays 21-23, and a projection element 3 having three microlens arrays 31. One illumination module 11-13, one image generation array 21-23, and one microlens array 31 can form a projection unit. The projection units of this embodiment can be arranged side by side.

[0092] refer to Figure 12The first image generation array 21 may include nine sub-projection regions 211, and the second image generation array 22 and the third image generation array 23 may also include nine sub-projection regions. Nine sub-beams passing through the nine sub-projection regions 211 / 212 of the first image generation array 21 carry image information. These nine sub-beams are superimposed after being projected by a corresponding microlens array 31, which may include nine microlenses. Specifically, the image information of each sub-beam may be a part of the combined image information of the projected pattern. For example, the eight sub-projection regions of the first image generation array 21 may only include a portion of the graphic information of the tail of the arrow graphic. This allows the tail of the arrow graphic in the combined image information to be superimposed at multiple levels. When the luminous intensity of each illumination module is the same, the brightness information in this combined image information is equivalent to the number of times the graphic information is superimposed. The same brightness information can be achieved using different distribution methods of graphic information.

[0093] In this embodiment, the arrow graphic can be considered to be divided into at least 14 graphic information segments, with 9 segments at the tail, 1 segment at the bend, and at least 5 segments at the head. Exemplarily, the first sub-projection region 211 of the first image generation array 21 includes the first 3 graphic information segments starting from the tail end, and the second sub-projection region 212 of the first image generation array 21 includes the first graphic information segment starting from the tail end. The first sub-projection region 231 of the third image generation array 23 includes the last 5 graphic information segments, the second sub-projection region 232 of the third image generation array 23 also includes the last 5 graphic information segments, the third sub-projection region 233 of the third image generation array 23 includes the third to fifth graphic information segments from the end, and the fourth sub-projection region 234 of the third image generation array 23 includes the fourth and fifth graphic information segments from the end.

[0094] refer to Figure 13A The diagram shows the projection pattern on the projection surface when only the first illumination module 11 is emitting light. This projection pattern embodies the combined image information provided by the first image generation array 21, including an arrow graphic, with the tail of the arrow graphic being brighter and the head darker. Specifically, this is because the first graphic information in the first image generation array 21, starting from the tail of the arrow graphic, is stacked more times, and the number of stacks of subsequent graphic information decreases sequentially along the direction of the arrow graphic's extension.

[0095] The projection system of this embodiment may further include a control unit (not shown) for controlling whether the lighting modules 11-13 emit light. Specifically, Figure 13B The projection pattern of the first lighting module 11 and the second lighting module 12 emitting light simultaneously is shown. Figure 13C The projection pattern is shown when the first lighting module 11, the second lighting module 12, and the third lighting module 13 emit light simultaneously. Figure 13DThe projection pattern is shown when the second lighting module 12 and the third lighting module 13 are emitting light simultaneously, while the first lighting module 11 is turned off and does not emit light. Figure 13E The projection pattern of the third lighting module 13 when it is emitting light is shown, with the tail of the arrow graphic being darker and the head being brighter.

[0096] In this embodiment, the feature graphic information of the first image generation array 21 is the first graphic information starting from the tail end of the arrow graphic; the feature graphic information of the second image generation array 22 is the turning part graphic information; and the feature graphic information of the third image generation array 23 is the third to last graphic information.

[0097] Specifically, in the first image generation array 21, the first graphic information overlaps at least 8 times; in the first two image generation arrays 21-22, the turning part graphic information overlaps at least 8 times, and the third-to-last graphic information overlaps less than 8 times; in the first three image generation arrays 21-23, the third-to-last graphic information overlaps more than 8 times. In the latter two image generation arrays 22-23, the first graphic information overlaps less than 8 times. The remaining graphic information generally overlaps less than 9 times in each image generation array 21-23 and can be randomly set to each sub-projection region.

[0098] The projection system of Implementation Method 3 can achieve dynamic effects such as flowing light, with the highlighted area moving from the tail to the head of the arrow graphic.

[0099] This application also provides a projection method that utilizes the aforementioned projection system. Specifically, the method may include controlling each lighting module to achieve dynamic projection in the form of gradation, switching, flowing, or flashing.

[0100] For example, a gradient effect can be achieved by making the lighting modules emit light sequentially; a switching effect can be achieved by making the lighting modules emit light alternately; a flowing water effect can be achieved by making the lighting modules emit light sequentially and then turn off sequentially; and a flashing effect can be achieved by making the lighting modules emit light and turn off synchronously.

[0101] refer to Figure 11 Embodiments of this application also provide a method 1000 for manufacturing a projection system. The method includes the following steps:

[0102] Step S101: Set at least two individually controlled lighting modules that are either lit or turned off.

[0103] Step S102: At least two image generation arrays, each corresponding to one of the illumination modules, are set on the light-emitting side of at least two illumination modules. The image generation array includes multiple sub-projection areas for enabling the passing light to carry image information.

[0104] Step S103: At least two microlens arrays, each corresponding to one of the image generation arrays, are disposed on the light-emitting side of at least two image generation arrays. The microlens arrays include multiple microlenses corresponding to one of the sub-projection regions, and the multiple microlenses are used to overlap multiple beams of light carrying image information on the projection surface.

[0105] In an exemplary embodiment, according to the design intent, the projection system is used to project n types of graphic information, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The method provided in this application further includes: forming n image generation arrays. The first a image generation arrays include at least x types of a-th graphic information, and the first a-1 image generation arrays include fewer than x types of a-th graphic information, where a is a positive integer less than or equal to n, and x is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0106] For example, if the number of sub-projection regions in the image generation array is m, then x = m - 1 can be satisfied.

[0107] In an exemplary embodiment, the method 1000 further includes: step S104, setting up a control unit for controlling at least two lighting modules.

[0108] For example, in step S101, the step of setting the lighting module includes: setting a light source; and setting a light receiving element on the light emitting side of the light source.

[0109] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of protection involved in this application is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the described technical concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above-described features with (but not limited to) technical features with similar functions in this application.

Claims

1. A projection system, characterized in that, include: At least two lighting modules, each of which is individually controlled to emit light or turn off; At least two image generation arrays are disposed on the light-emitting side of the at least two illumination modules. Each image generation array corresponds one-to-one with an illumination module. Each image generation array includes multiple sub-projection regions for carrying image information with the passing light. Each image generation array's multiple sub-projection regions include at least one sub-projection region with a shape different from the other sub-projection regions, such that the overlap between the multiple beams of light carrying image information varies in terms of the portion and number of overlaps. Therefore, the light passing through each image generation array carries combined image information, which includes: graphic information and brightness information; and At least two microlens arrays are disposed on the light-emitting side of the at least two image generation arrays. The microlens arrays correspond one-to-one with the image generation arrays. Each microlens array includes multiple microlenses that correspond one-to-one with the sub-projection areas. The multiple microlenses are used to overlap light carrying the same graphic information on the projection surface. The combined image information carried by the light projected by at least one microlens array is different from the combined image information carried by the light projected by the other microlens arrays; The at least two lighting modules are configured to flash alternately or simultaneously; The projections of at least two lighting modules overlap; The brightness of the same graphic information on the projection surface is determined by the number of times the images are overlapped.

2. The projection system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least two image generation arrays are used to enable the passing light to carry different combinations of image information; The at least two microlens arrays are configured to stitch together light passing through the at least two image generation arrays on the projection surface, thereby combining at least two sets of the combined image information.

3. The projection system according to claim 1, wherein, The light projected by the at least two microlens arrays overlaps at least partially on the projection plane.

4. The projection system according to claim 1, wherein, The number of image generation arrays is n, and the projection system is used to project n kinds of combined image information, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2. Each kind of combined image information includes at least one graphic information, and the at least one graphic information includes a feature graphic information, which is the graphic information with the most overlaps in the combined image information. The first a image generation arrays include at least x a-th type of feature graphic information, and the first a-1 image generation arrays include less than x a-th type of feature graphic information, where a is a positive integer less than or equal to n, and x is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The a-th type of feature graphic information is the feature graphic information in the a-th image generation array.

5. The projection system according to claim 4, wherein, The projection system is used to project four types of graphic information arranged sequentially, and includes at least four image generation arrays, at least four illumination modules, and at least four microlens arrays, wherein the number of sub-projection regions in the image generation array is equal to nine; The first image generation array is used to provide eight first-type graphic information, three second-type graphic information, two third-type graphic information, and one fourth-type graphic information; The second image generation array is used to provide one first type of graphic information, eight second type of graphic information, two third type of graphic information, and one fourth type of graphic information; The third image generation array is used to provide one first type of graphic information, two second type of graphic information, six third type of graphic information, and two fourth type of graphic information; and The fourth image generation array is used to provide two first-type graphic information, two second-type graphic information, two third-type graphic information, and six fourth-type graphic information.

6. The projection system according to claim 1, wherein, The multiple sub-projection regions are configured to ensure that the pattern projected by the multiple microlenses on the projection surface has uniform brightness.

7. The projection system according to claim 1, wherein, The projection system also includes a control unit for controlling the at least two lighting modules.

8. The projection system according to claim 1, wherein, The lighting module includes a light source and a light-receiving element located on the light-emitting side of the light source.

9. A method for manufacturing a projection system, characterized in that, include: Set at least two lighting modules that flash alternately or simultaneously; At least two image generation arrays, each corresponding to one of the illumination modules, are provided on the light-emitting side of the at least two illumination modules. Each image generation array includes multiple sub-projection regions for carrying image information with the passing light. Each sub-projection region of the image generation array includes at least one sub-projection region with a shape different from the other sub-projection regions, such that the overlap between the multiple beams of light carrying image information varies in terms of the portion and number of overlaps. Therefore, the light passing through each image generation array carries combined image information, which includes: graphic information and brightness information; and At least two microlens arrays corresponding to the image generation arrays are provided on the light-emitting side of the at least two image generation arrays, wherein each microlens array includes a plurality of microlenses corresponding to the sub-projection area, and the plurality of microlenses are used to overlap light carrying the same graphic information on the projection surface. The combined image information carried by the light projected by at least one microlens array is different from the combined image information carried by the light projected by the other microlens arrays; The projections of at least two lighting modules overlap; The brightness of the same graphic information on the projection surface is determined by the number of times the images are overlapped.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The projection system is used to project n kinds of graphic information, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2; The method further includes: forming n image generation arrays, wherein the first a image generation arrays include at least x a-th type of feature graphic information, and the first a-1 image generation arrays include less than x a-th type of feature graphic information, where a is a positive integer less than or equal to n, x is an integer greater than or equal to 1, the feature graphic information is the graphic information with the most overlap in the combined image information, and the a-th type of feature graphic information is the feature graphic information in the a-th image generation array.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein, Also includes: A control unit is provided for controlling the at least two lighting modules.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The steps for setting up the lighting module include: Set up a light source; and A light-receiving element is provided on the light-emitting side of the light source.

13. A projection method using the projection system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The projection method includes controlling the at least two lighting modules to achieve dynamic projection in the form of gradation, switching, flowing, or flashing.

Images