Head-up display and method of operating the same

Abstract

The present invention discloses a head-up display and an operating method thereof, wherein the head-up display includes an image generating unit and a waveguide glass. The waveguide glass faces the image generating unit. The waveguide glass includes a first microstructure, a second microstructure, and a third microstructure. The first microstructure has a first width. The second microstructure is adjacent to the first microstructure. The third microstructure is adjacent to the second microstructure. The third microstructure has adjacent joint regions. The spacing between two adjacent joint regions is less than half the first width.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a head-up display and a method for operating the head-up display. Background Art

[0002] Generally speaking, a head-up display used in a vehicle can provide images and overlay the images with real scenes to provide auxiliary information related to driving. However, the field of view (FOV) of a traditional head-up display is usually limited to between 6 and 8 degrees. In other words, a traditional head-up display can only provide a 6-degree to 8-degree image for human observation. If you want to increase the viewing angle of the head-up display, you must increase the overall volume of the head-up display, thereby increasing the space limitation of the head-up display. In addition, after the image provided by the head-up display is reflected to the human eye through the inclined windshield, the image is prone to ghosting due to the difference in optical path of the inclined glass, that is, the driver will observe a blurred image, thereby reducing the optical effect of the head-up display. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One technical aspect of the present disclosure is a head-up display.

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a head-up display includes an image generating unit and a waveguide glass. The waveguide glass faces the image generating unit. The waveguide glass includes a first microstructure, a second microstructure, and a third microstructure. The first microstructure has a first width. The second microstructure is adjacent to the first microstructure. The third microstructure is adjacent to the second microstructure. The third microstructure has adjacent joint regions. The distance between two adjacent joint regions is less than half the first width.

[0005] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first microstructure and the second microstructure correspond to each other in the first direction.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second microstructure and the third microstructure correspond to each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first width of the first microstructure is between 4 mm and 5 mm.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a distance between two adjacent joint regions is between 0.5 μm and 1.5 μm.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, one of the joint regions of the third microstructure has a convex portion, and the convex portions are aligned with each other.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second microstructure has a second width, which is greater than the first width.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third microstructure has a third width, which is the same as the second width.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third width of the third microstructure is between 325 mm and 330 mm.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first microstructure has a first length, and the second microstructure has a second length, and the first length is equal to the second length.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third microstructure has a third length, which is greater than the second length.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third length of the third microstructure is between 190 and 200 mm.

[0016] One technical aspect of the present disclosure is a method for operating a head-up display.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for operating a head-up display includes: emitting light via an image generating unit to a first microstructure of a waveguide glass; transmitting light via the first microstructure of the waveguide glass to a second microstructure of the waveguide glass, wherein the second microstructure is adjacent to the first microstructure; and transmitting light via the second microstructure of the waveguide glass to a third microstructure of the waveguide glass, wherein the third microstructure is adjacent to the second microstructure and has adjacent joint regions, and a distance between two adjacent joint regions is less than half a first width of the first microstructure.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first microstructure transmits light to the second microstructure such that the light is transmitted in a first direction.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second microstructure transmits light to the third microstructure such that the light is transmitted in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0020] In the disclosed embodiment, the third microstructure of the waveguide glass of the head-up display is formed by joining adjacent splicing regions, and the third microstructure can transmit light to a target area (e.g., the driver's eye position), allowing the driver to receive driving assistance information that is a superposition of light and real-world scenes. The third microstructure formed by the adjacent splicing regions has a larger characteristic size, thereby providing a larger field of view (FOV) for the head-up display, thereby increasing its application value. Furthermore, because light passes through the first, second, and third microstructures before being transmitted to the target area, ghosting can be reduced, allowing the driver to observe clear auxiliary information, thereby improving the optical quality of the head-up display. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] One embodiment of the present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be emphasized that, in accordance with standard industry practice, various features are not drawn to scale and are used for illustrative purposes only. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating a head-up display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when in use is shown.

[0023] Figures 2 to 3 1 and 2 illustrate cross-sectional views of forming a splicing area at different stages according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 4 FIG. 1 shows a front view of a waveguide glass according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 5 Draw Figure 4 Waveguide glass is applied to the front view of the car.

[0026] Figure 6 FIG. 1 shows a front view of a waveguide glass according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 7 A flow chart illustrating an operating method of a head-up display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0028] Wherein, the reference numerals:

[0029] 100: Heads-up display

[0030] 110: Image generation unit

[0031] 120: Waveguide glass

[0032] 120a: Waveguide glass

[0033] 122: First microstructure

[0034] 124: Second microstructure

[0035] 126: Third microstructure

[0036] 127: Splicing area

[0037] 128:convex part

[0038] 130: Imprint photoresist

[0039] 140: Soft film

[0040] D1: First direction

[0041] D2: Second direction

[0042] D3: Third direction

[0043] D4: The fourth direction

[0044] F: Viewing angle

[0045] H1: first length

[0046] H2: Second length

[0047] H3: third length

[0048] L: Light

[0049] P1: Spacing

[0050] P2: Spacing

[0051] S1: Steps

[0052] S2: Step

[0053] S3: Steps

[0054] W1: first width

[0055] W2: Second width

[0056] W3: Third width DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing the various features of the subject matter provided. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. Of course, these examples are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and / or letters in various examples. This repetition is for simplicity and clarity and does not, in itself, specify the relationship between the various embodiments and / or configurations discussed.

[0058] Spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like may be used herein for descriptive purposes to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should likewise be interpreted accordingly.

[0059] Figure 1A schematic diagram illustrates a head-up display 100 in use according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The head-up display 100 includes an image generating unit 110 and a waveguide glass 120. The waveguide glass 120 faces the image generating unit 110. The waveguide glass 120 includes a first microstructure 122, a second microstructure 124, and a third microstructure 126. In the following description, "width" refers to a dimension along a first direction D1, and "length" refers to a dimension along a second direction D2. The first microstructure 122 of the waveguide glass 120 has a first width W1 and a first length H1. The second microstructure 124 of the waveguide glass 120 is adjacent to the first microstructure 122. The second microstructure 124 has a second width W2 and a second length H2. The third microstructure 126 of the waveguide glass 120 is adjacent to the second microstructure 124. The third microstructure 126 has a third width W3 and a third length H3. The third microstructure 126 of the waveguide glass 120 has an adjacent joint region 127.

[0060] In this embodiment, the image generating unit 110 can emit light L to the first microstructure 122 of the waveguide glass 120. For example, the first microstructure 122 of the waveguide glass 120 can be an in-coupling optical element, allowing the light L to be totally reflected within the waveguide glass 120 after entering the waveguide glass 120. The first microstructure 122 of the waveguide glass 120 can then transmit the light L to the second microstructure 124 of the waveguide glass 120. For example, the second microstructure 124 of the waveguide glass 120 can be a folding optical element, allowing the light L to be expanded in a first direction D1. The second microstructure 124 of the waveguide glass 120 can then transmit the light L to the third microstructure 126 of the waveguide glass 120. For example, the third microstructure 126 of the waveguide glass 120 can be an out-coupling optical element, allowing the light L to be expanded in a second direction D2 and then emitted along a third direction D3 to a target area (e.g., the driver's eye position). The light L emitted by the image generating unit 110 is expanded in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 after passing through the second microstructure 124 and the third microstructure 126, and is emitted along the third direction D3 to the driver's eyes. In this way, the driver can receive the expanded light L containing driving information.

[0061] Specifically, the third microstructure 126 of the waveguide glass 120 of the head-up display 100 is formed by the splicing of adjacent joint areas 127. The third microstructure 126 directs light L along a third direction D3 toward a target area (e.g., the driver's eye position), allowing the driver to receive driving assistance information superimposed between the light L and the real scene. The third microstructure 126 formed by the adjacent joint areas 127 has a larger characteristic size, thereby providing the head-up display 100 with a wider viewing angle, increasing its practical value. Furthermore, because light L passes through the first microstructure 122, the second microstructure 124, and the third microstructure 126 before reaching the target area, ghosting of the light L is reduced, allowing the driver to observe clear auxiliary information, thereby improving the optical performance of the head-up display 100.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first width W1 of the first microstructure 122 is between 4 mm and 5 mm. The second width W2 of the second microstructure 124 is greater than the first width W1 of the first microstructure 122, and the third width W3 of the third microstructure 126 is equal to the second width W2 of the second microstructure 124. The third width W3 of the third microstructure 126 is between 325 mm and 330 mm (calculated using the eye relief formula with a horizontal field of view (FOV) of 30 degrees and a distance of 0.6 meters). This provides a wider viewing angle for driving. Furthermore, a head-up display 100 with a wider viewing angle can provide more driving-related auxiliary information, thereby increasing the application value of the head-up display 100.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first microstructure 122 and the second microstructure 124 correspond in position to each other in the first direction D1. The second microstructure 124 and the third microstructure 126 correspond in position to each other in the second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. In this article, position correspondence may mean being roughly aligned (arranged). The light L emitted by the image generating unit 110 can be expanded in the first direction D1 by the second microstructure 124. After being expanded in the first direction D1, the light L can be transmitted to the third microstructure 126 and expanded in the second direction D2 by the third microstructure 126, and then the light L can be emitted along the third direction D3. After the light L emitted by the image generating unit 110 is expanded in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, the driver can observe the expanded light L.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first length H1 of the first microstructure 122 is equal to the second length H2 of the second microstructure 124. The third length H3 of the third microstructure 126 is greater than the second length H2 of the second microstructure 124. The third length H3 of the third microstructure 126 is between 190 and 200 mm (calculated using the eye relief formula with an 18-degree vertical field of view (FOV) and a distance of 0.6 meters). This provides a wider viewing angle for driving. Furthermore, a head-up display 100 with a wider viewing angle can provide more driving-related auxiliary information, thereby increasing the application value of the head-up display 100.

[0065] Figures 2 to 3 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of forming the splicing area 127 at different stages according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 and Figure 3 , an imprinted photoresist 130 may be provided on the surface of the waveguide glass 120. The imprinted photoresist 130 may be an ultraviolet (UV) photoresist. After the imprinted photoresist 130 is provided on the waveguide glass 120, a soft film 140 may be used to perform a nanoimprint process on the imprinted photoresist 130, and then a curing process may be performed on the imprinted photoresist 130 so that the imprinted photoresist 130 is transformed from a semi-cured state to a cured state. After the imprinted photoresist 130 is transformed into a cured state, the soft film 140 may be peeled off. In this way, the imprinted photoresist 130 may be formed into a splicing area 127 of the third microstructure 126, and the splicing area 127 of the third microstructure 126 has a convex portion 128. The convex portions 128 of two adjacent splicing areas 127 are aligned with each other and may be arranged along the center line of the third microstructure 126 (e.g. Figure 1 and Figure 4 The adjacent joint areas 127 are arranged symmetrically (as shown by the dotted line). There is a spacing P1 between the adjacent joint areas 127. The spacing P1 of the joint areas 127 can be between 0.5 μm and 1.5 μm. It is worth noting that the spacing P1 of the joint areas 127 of the third microstructure 126 is less than half of the first width W1 of the first microstructure 122, so that the head-up display 100 (see FIG. Figure 1 ) is not easy for users to observe the distance P1, which can improve the display quality of the head-up display 100 and enhance the user experience of the head-up display 100.

[0066] Figure 4A front view of a waveguide glass 120 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As shown in the figure, the waveguide glass 120 has a first microstructure 122, a second microstructure 124, and a third microstructure 126. In this embodiment, the number of waveguide glasses 120 can be two, but is not limited thereto. The waveguide glasses 120 can be arranged adjacent to each other, and there is a spacing P2 between the waveguide glasses 120. For example, the spacing P2 between adjacent waveguide glasses 120 can be between 0.5 μm and 1.5 μm. Adjacent waveguide glasses 120 can increase the head-up display 100 (see Figure 1 ) of the display screen, and the spacing P2 between the waveguide glasses 120 is less than half of the first width W1 (see Figure 1 ), making it difficult for the user of the head-up display 100 to observe the spacing P2, thereby improving the user experience of the head-up display 100. Furthermore, the first microstructures 122 and the second microstructures 124 correspond to each other in the first direction D1. The second microstructures 124 and the third microstructures 126 correspond to each other in the second direction D2, which is perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0067] Figure 5 Draw Figure 4 The waveguide glass 120 is applied to the front view of an automobile. Figure 5 , two waveguide glasses 120 are arranged adjacent to each other, and the viewing angle F of the two adjacent waveguide glasses 120 can be between 60 degrees and 80 degrees. The two adjacent waveguide glasses 120 can increase the head-up display 100 (see Figure 1 The head-up display 100 with a viewing angle F between 60 degrees and 80 degrees can provide more driving-related auxiliary information to the driver to increase the application value of the head-up display 100.

[0068] Figure 6 A front view of a waveguide glass 120a according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the waveguide glass 120a has a first microstructure 122, a second microstructure 124, and a third microstructure 126. In this embodiment, the number of waveguide glass 120a can be two, but is not limited thereto. Figure 6 The waveguide glass 120a and Figure 4 The embodiment shown differs in that the first microstructure 122 and the second microstructure 124 of the waveguide glass 120a are arranged along the fourth direction D4. In addition, the waveguide glasses 120a can be arranged adjacent to each other, and there is a spacing P2 between the waveguide glasses 120a. For example, the spacing P2 between adjacent waveguide glasses 120a can be between 0.5 μm and 1.5 μm. Adjacent waveguide glasses 120a can increase the head-up display 100 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 ) of the display screen, and the spacing P2 between the waveguide glasses 120a is less than half of the first width W1 (see Figure 1), so that the user of the head-up display 100 is not easy to observe the distance P2, which can improve the user experience of the head-up display 100.

[0069] also, Figure 6 The waveguide glass 120a is replaceable Figure 5 The waveguide glass 120 is used in automobiles. The following description will explain the operation of the head-up display. The component connections and materials already described will not be repeated, so they are now explained.

[0070] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a method for operating a head-up display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The method for operating a head-up display includes the following steps. First, in step S1, light is emitted by an image generating unit to a first microstructure of the waveguide glass. Next, in step S2, light is transmitted through the first microstructure of the waveguide glass to a second microstructure of the waveguide glass, wherein the second microstructure is adjacent to the first microstructure. Then, in step S3, light is transmitted through the second microstructure of the waveguide glass to a third microstructure of the waveguide glass, wherein the third microstructure is adjacent to the second microstructure and has adjacent joint regions, and the spacing between two adjacent joint regions is less than half the first width of the first microstructure. Each of the above steps will be described in detail below.

[0071] Please refer to Figure 1 , the image generating unit 110 can emit light L to the first microstructure 122 of the waveguide glass 120. The first microstructure 122 of the waveguide glass 120 can then transmit the light L to the second microstructure 124 of the waveguide glass 120. In this embodiment, the first microstructure 122 of the waveguide glass 120 can transmit the light L along a first direction D1 to the second microstructure 124 of the waveguide glass 120. The second microstructure 124 of the waveguide glass 120 can then transmit the light L to the third microstructure 126 of the waveguide glass 120. In this embodiment, the second microstructure 124 of the waveguide glass 120 transmits the light L along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 to the third microstructure 126 of the waveguide glass 120. After passing through the second microstructure 124 and the third microstructure 126, the light L emitted by the image generating unit 110 can expand in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The light L can then be emitted along a third direction D3 to the target area. In this way, the driver can receive the expanded light L including driving information.

[0072] Also refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3The third microstructures 126 of the waveguide glass 120 have adjacent joint areas 127 , and the spacing P1 between the adjacent joint areas 127 is less than half the first width W1 of the first microstructures 122 . This makes the spacing P1 difficult for a user of the head-up display 100 to observe, thereby improving the display quality of the head-up display 100 and enhancing the user experience of the head-up display 100 .

[0073] The foregoing summarizes the features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art can better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that they can easily use this disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures to achieve the same purposes and / or achieve the same advantages as the embodiments described herein. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and modifications may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A head-up display, characterized in that: Include: an image generating unit; and A waveguide glass facing the image generating unit and comprising: a first microstructure having a first width; a second microstructure adjacent to the first microstructure; and A third microstructure is adjacent to the second microstructure and has a plurality of adjacent stitching regions, wherein a distance between two of the adjacent stitching regions is less than half of the first width, and the distance between two of the adjacent stitching regions is between 0.5µm and 1.5µm.

2. The head-up display according to claim 1, wherein: The first microstructure and the second microstructure correspond to each other in a first direction.

3. The head-up display according to claim 2, wherein: The second microstructure and the third microstructure correspond to each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

4. The head-up display according to claim 1, wherein: The first width of the first microstructure is between 4 mm and 5 mm.

5. The head-up display according to claim 1, wherein: One of the joint areas of the third microstructure has a plurality of protrusions, and the protrusions are aligned with each other.

6. The head-up display according to claim 1, wherein: The second microstructure has a second width, and the second width is greater than the first width.

7. The head-up display according to claim 6, wherein: The third microstructure has a third width, and the third width is the same as the second width.

8. The head-up display according to claim 7, wherein: The third width of the third microstructure is between 325 mm and 330 mm.

9. The head-up display according to claim 1, wherein: The first microstructure has a first length, the second microstructure has a second length, and the first length is the same as the second length.

10. The head-up display according to claim 9, wherein: The third microstructure has a third length, and the third length is greater than the second length.

11. The head-up display according to claim 10, wherein: The third length of the third microstructure is between 190 and 200 mm.

12. A method for operating a head-up display, characterized in that: Include: Emitterating a light beam to a first microstructure of a waveguide glass through an image generating unit; Transferring the light through the first microstructure of the waveguide glass to a second microstructure of the waveguide glass, wherein the second microstructure is adjacent to the first microstructure; and The light is transmitted through the second microstructure of the waveguide glass to a third microstructure of the waveguide glass, wherein the third microstructure is adjacent to the second microstructure and has a plurality of adjacent splicing regions, and a distance between two of the adjacent splicing regions is less than half a first width of the first microstructure, and the distance between two of the adjacent splicing regions is between 0.5 μm and 1.5 μm.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The first microstructure transmits the light to the second microstructure so that the light is transmitted in a first direction.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The second microstructure transmits the light to the third microstructure so that the light is transmitted in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

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