Image assembly and electronic system

Abstract

An image assembly includes a light transmissive substrate having a light projection surface defining a plurality of light projection regions, each light projection region having a first region and a second region, the first region being adjacent to the second region, and the light energy of the first region being at least twice that of the second region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image component, and more particularly to an image component applicable to the technical field of head-up display (HUD). Background Art

[0002] A heads-up display (HUD) is an auxiliary image display device used in vehicles. It first appeared on military aircraft to reduce the need for pilots to look down. It typically projects important information onto a display substrate (or windshield) using the principle of optical reflection. However, a display substrate separate from the windshield takes up considerable space in the cramped cabin. Direct projection onto the windshield typically projects the entire image onto the windshield, sacrificing image clarity to maintain a certain degree of transparency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an image component that is different from the prior art, thereby achieving the purpose of reducing power consumption.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an image component that is different from the prior art, thereby achieving the goal of facilitating the accuracy of light projection.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an image component that is different from the prior art and provides an image display surface without a conductive layer or wires.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, an image element according to the present invention includes a light-transmitting substrate having a light-projecting surface. The light-projecting surface defines a plurality of light-projecting areas, each of which defines one or more first areas and a second area adjacent to the first area or areas. The energy of light projected onto the first area is at least twice the energy of light projected onto the second area.

[0007] In one embodiment, the light projection areas are arranged in a continuous manner, and two adjacent light projection areas are adjacent to each other.

[0008] In one embodiment, the number of the first areas of each light projection area is plural.

[0009] In one embodiment, the light-transmitting substrate is curved.

[0010] In one embodiment, the light-transmitting substrate is a flexible substrate.

[0011] In one embodiment, the light-transmitting substrate is a windshield.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first region of the light projection area defines an area having a dimension on the order of sub-millimeters.

[0013] In one embodiment, the light spot generated by the light beam from the light source covers at least a first region of the light projection area.

[0014] In one embodiment, the light beam is an infrared laser beam.

[0015] In one embodiment, a first area of ​​the light projection areas has reflective and / or scattering properties that are at least twice as high as those of the second area.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first area of ​​the light projection areas has a reflective and / or scattering property, and the first area is a point-shaped, line-shaped, or layer-shaped structure.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first area of ​​some of these light projection areas in a row has a reflective property, and the first area of ​​some of these light projection areas in a row has a scattering property; these rows of these light projection areas with reflective properties and these rows of these light projection areas with scattering properties are not parallel to each other.

[0018] In one embodiment, two adjacent first areas in two adjacent light projection areas define a first distance in the first direction, and two adjacent first areas in two adjacent light projection areas define a second distance in the second direction, wherein at least one of the first distance and the second distance is not less than zero.

[0019] In one embodiment, two adjacent first areas in two adjacent light projection areas define a first distance in a first direction, and two adjacent first areas in two adjacent light projection areas define a second distance in a second direction, wherein either or both of the first distance and the second distance are non-equidistant.

[0020] In one embodiment, the light energy is defined as an average value per unit area of ​​a parameter.

[0021] In one embodiment, the area of ​​the second region is at least twice the area of ​​the first region.

[0022] In one embodiment, one or more reference marks are further defined relative to a first area of ​​the light projection area(s).

[0023] In one embodiment, one or more reference marks are further defined, wherein the one or more reference marks are selected from the first area of ​​the one or more light projection areas.

[0024] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, an electronic system according to the present invention includes the aforementioned image component adapted for a mobile device, and a light source controller; the light source controller projects multiple light beams onto the light projection areas of the light projection surface of the transparent substrate, wherein the light beams projected by the light source controller scan the light projection areas within a time frame, and the light source controller defines multiple time frames within one second.

[0025] In one embodiment, the electronic system further includes a detector electrically connected to the light source controller, wherein the detector detects the user's eyes, determines the user's position based on the user's eyes and transmits it to the light source controller, and the light source controller adjusts the angles of the light beams based on the user's position.

[0026] In one embodiment, the light source controller includes a search light source and a striking light source. The search light source generates multiple search beams, and the striking light source generates multiple striking beams. The light energy of these striking beams projected onto the light projection surface is several times that of these search beams.

[0027] In one embodiment, the search light source and the striking light source are the same light source; when a search beam is needed, the light energy of the light beam from the light source is in a normal energy state; when a striking beam is needed, the light energy of the light beam from the light source is in an enhanced energy state.

[0028] In one embodiment, the search light source and the striking light source are different light sources; the light energy of the light beam of the search light source is in a normal energy state; and the light energy of the light beam of the striking light source is in an enhanced energy state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1A It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an embodiment of the image component of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 1B It is a side view schematic diagram of the application of the image component of the present invention; it can also be understood as a side view schematic diagram of the electronic system.

[0031] Figure 2A It is a schematic diagram of the application of the image component of the present invention; it can also be understood as a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an electronic system.

[0032] Figure 2B This is another application diagram of the image group and image component of the present invention; it can also be understood as another stereoscopic diagram of the electronic system.

[0033] Figure 3 This is another application schematic diagram of the image group and image component of the present invention; it can also be understood as another stereoscopic schematic diagram of an electronic system.

[0034] Figure 4A 、 Figure 4BThey are respectively another three-dimensional schematic diagram and a side schematic diagram of the electronic system of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B They are respectively another three-dimensional schematic diagram and a side schematic diagram of the electronic system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following describes image components and electronic systems according to some embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein identical components are denoted by identical reference numerals. The drawings shown in the following embodiments are merely illustrative of the relative relationships between components or units and do not represent actual sizes or proportions of the components or units.

[0037] Please refer to Figures 1A to 2B As shown in FIG, there are different schematic diagrams of image components according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Image assembly 100 includes a transparent substrate 10 having a light projection surface 12. Light projection surface 12 defines one or more light projection areas 14, each of which defines one or more first areas 16 and a second area 18 adjacent to the first area 16. The light energy Eo1 projected onto first area 16 is at least twice the light energy Eo2 projected onto second area 18. A user and a light source emitting a light beam are located on the same side of transparent substrate 10. The user can view information displayed on light projection surface 12 through reflection and / or scattering of the light beam, hereinafter referred to as an image (not shown).

[0039] As you know, the second area 18 allows a greater light transmittance than the first area 16 , and is therefore more transparent than the first area 16 , allowing the user to clearly see the situation on the opposite side through the transparent substrate 10 and obtain the display information projected on the light projection surface 12 .

[0040] The light projection areas 14 are arranged in a continuous manner and are adjacent to each other. In some cases, the light projection areas 14 can be arranged in a matrix.

[0041] The number of the first area 16 of each light projection area 14 can be single or multiple. Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B ,and Figure 2A , but not limited thereto, the number of the first area 16 of each light projection area 14 can be single, in which case a monochrome image can be obtained; in some cases, such as Figure 2B However, the number of first areas 16 of each light projection area 14 can be multiple, each corresponding to light beams L1 and L2 of different colors, and a color image can be obtained. In this case, the light projection area 14 can be interpreted as an image pixel.

[0042] In some cases, the light-transmitting substrate 10 can be curved, flexible, elastic, or any combination thereof. The light-transmitting substrate 10 can be made of, but is not limited to, polyimide (PI). In some cases, the first area 16 of the light projection area 14 is defined by an area having a scale of sub-millimeter. In some cases, the area of ​​the second area 18 of the light projection area 14 is at least twice the area of ​​the first area 16. In some cases, the first area 16 of the light projection area 14 is located at a corner of the light projection area 14, and the second area 18 covers the remaining portion of the first area 16; in other words, the second area 18 is not the first area 16.

[0043] In some cases, the light energies Eo1 and Eo2 are generated by the two light beams L1 and L2 projecting light spots in the first area 16 and the second area 18 of the light projection area 14. The light energies Eo1 and Eo2 are of different energy levels, such as Figure 1B As shown. In this case, the light spot projected onto the first area 16 at least covers the first area 16 of the light projection area 14; the light spot projected onto the second area 18 is projected within the second area 18 of the light projection area 14, and is not limited to covering the second area 18 of the light projection area 14. In some cases, the light spot projected onto the first area 16 may further extend into the second area 18. For ease of identification and reading, the light spot numbers in this specification are light energy numbers.

[0044] In some cases, the first area 16 of the light projection area 14 has a reflective or scattering property, such that the reflective or scattering property of the first area 16 is at least twice that of the second area 16. In some cases, the reflective or scattering property of the first area 16 of the light projection area 14 can also be distributed on the light projection surface 12 of the transparent substrate 10.

[0045] In some cases, the second area 18 of the light projection area 14 may also have reflective or scattering properties, but the premise is that it does not affect the above-mentioned characteristic relationship, that is, the characteristic intensity of the first area 16 is at least twice that of the second area.

[0046] In some cases, the first area 16 of the light projection area 14 can be in the form of dots, lines, or a layered structure, or any combination thereof. If the first area 16 of the light projection area 14 is dotted, two adjacent first areas 16 may be protrusions, making the light projection surface 12 of the transparent substrate 10 uneven; in this case, the two adjacent first areas 16 are spaced apart at a predetermined distance. If the first area 16 of the light projection area 14 is linear, the two adjacent first areas 16 may extend in any direction and be fully connected or intermittently disconnected. If the first area 16 of the light projection area 14 is a layered structure, the functional effect may be the same as described above, except that the protrusions or lines can be replaced by a layered structure, which can be a reflective film, a scattering film, or a film with a mixture of the above properties. The layered structure can also be embedded in the transparent substrate 10, thereby making the light projection surface 12 of the transparent substrate 10 smooth. It should be noted that the shape and configuration of the first area 16 are not limited.

[0047] In some cases, in the first area 16 of the light projection area 14, some rows / columns (hereinafter referred to as columns) have a reflective function, and some columns have a scattering function, and the reflective columns and the scattering columns are not necessarily arranged in parallel. In other words, some of the first areas 16 have a reflective function, and others have a scattering function, that is, the columns of the first areas 16 with reflection and the columns of the first areas 16 with scattering may be arranged regularly or irregularly. In some cases, the reflective columns and the scattering columns may be staggered; in some cases, the reflective columns and the scattering columns may be arranged in parallel; in some cases, the reflective columns and the scattering columns may be arranged at non-parallel angles. These first areas 16 of the light projection area 14 can be divided not only into columns, but also into partial lines in the columns, or into partial ranges (parts) in adjacent columns, or similar arrangements, etc. These arrangements can be implemented individually or in combination.

[0048] In any of the above cases, two adjacent first areas 16 located in two adjacent light projection areas 14 may define a first distance in the first direction, and two adjacent first areas 16 may define a second distance in the second direction. In some cases, at least one of the first distance and the second distance is not less than zero; in some cases, either or both of the first distance and the second distance may be unequally spaced, but this is not limiting.

[0049] For a deeper understanding, light energy is the average value of certain parameters per unit area. More specifically, light energy is illuminance, which is the total luminous flux incident on a unit area.

[0050] In another embodiment, Figure 3As shown, the image component 100' may further define one or more reference marks 30 corresponding to the first area 16 in the light projection area 14, such as Figure 3 As shown by asterisk 32 in the middle. In some cases, reference marks 30 are disposed on light-projecting surface 12 of transparent substrate 10, distinct from the corners of light-projecting area 14. In some cases, reference marks 30 are disposed at regular or irregular intervals dm on light-projecting surface 12 of transparent substrate 10. In some cases, one or more reference marks 30 can be selected from light-projecting area 14, such as first area 16'. These reference marks 30 help the light source more accurately illuminate one or more first areas 16 of the target.

[0051] In one embodiment, Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B The electronic system 1 includes an image assembly 100 adapted to a suitable projection surface 200 of a mobile device (e.g., a windshield of a vehicle, aircraft, or similar device), and a light source controller 20. The light source controller 20 projects one or more light beams onto the light projection areas 14 of the light projection surface 12 of the light-transmitting substrate 10 in a manner corresponding to the light-transmitting substrate 10, wherein the light beams projected by the light source controller 20 scan the light projection areas 14 within a time frame, and the light source controller 20 defines a plurality of time frames within one second, thereby providing a frame rate (usually expressed in frames per second or FPS), which refers to the frequency (rate) of capturing or displaying consecutive images (frames).

[0052] In some cases, the electronic system 1 further includes a detector 40 electrically connected to the light source controller 20. The detector 40 can capture the position of the user's eyes, determine the user's position based on the user's eyes, and transmit the user's position to the light source controller 20. The light source controller 20 then adjusts the angles of the light beams based on the user's position. The detector 40 can also further capture the movement trajectory of the user's eyes and transmit it to the light source controller 20. As a result, the light source controller 20 can always project light beams at the correct angle for the user's eyes, and can further project light beams at the correct angle for different users.

[0053] In some cases, the detector 40 can not only deliver images to the user more accurately than a method without the detector, but also has the advantage of improving the user's privacy by adjusting the angle of the light beam and saving power consumption of the light source controller 20.

[0054] In one embodiment, light source controller 20' includes a striking light source 22 and / or further includes a search light source 24. Search light source 24 generates multiple search beams, and striking light source 22 generates multiple striking light beams. It is noteworthy that the aforementioned features of image assembly 100 are all achieved by at least striking light source 22, while search light source 24 helps improve image projection accuracy. Furthermore, if the light energy (EoF) of the striking light beams projected onto the light projection surface is several times the light energy (EoS) of the search light beams, this helps reduce power consumption of light source controller 20'.

[0055] In some cases, the search light source 24 and the striking light source 22 are the same light source, which is not shown in the drawing; in this case, when a search light beam is required, the light energy of the light beam from the light source is in a normal energy state; when a striking light beam is required, the light energy of the light beam from the light source is in an enhanced energy state.

[0056] In some cases, the search light source 24 and the strike light source 22 are different light sources. Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B , which can be integrated into the same light source controller 20'; the light energy of the search beam from the search light source 24 projected onto the light projection surface 12 is maintained at a normal energy state, and the light energy of the firing beam from the striking light source 22 projected onto the light projection surface 12 is maintained at an enhanced energy state. For clarity, the search light source 24 and the firing light source 22 can be combined together or placed separately.

[0057] In summary, the image assembly of the present invention includes a light-transmitting substrate having a light-projecting surface. The light-projecting surface defines a plurality of light-projecting areas, each of which defines one or more first areas and a second area adjacent to the first area or areas. The light energy projected onto the first area is at least twice the light energy projected onto the second area, thereby achieving the effect of reducing power consumption and further achieving accuracy that is beneficial to light projection through a search beam. Therefore, the image assembly of the present invention, and the electronic system utilizing the image assembly, can provide an image display surface even without a conductive layer or wires.

[0058] The above description is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting. Any equivalent modifications or variations that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be included in the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An image component, include: A light-transmitting substrate having a light-projecting surface; wherein the light-projecting surface defines a plurality of light-projecting areas, each of the light-projecting areas defines one or more first areas and a second area adjacent to the one or more first areas; The energy of the light projected onto the first area is at least twice the energy of the light projected onto the second area. 2 . The image component according to claim 1 , wherein the light projection areas are arranged in a continuous manner, and two adjacent light projection areas are adjacent to each other. 3 . The image component according to claim 1 , wherein the number of the first areas in each of the light projection areas is plural. 4 . The image assembly according to claim 1 , wherein a light spot generated by a light beam from a light source covers at least the first area of ​​the light projection area.

5. The image assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first area of ​​the light projection area has a reflective and / or scattering property, and the reflective and / or scattering property of the first area is at least twice that of the second area. 6 . The image component according to claim 1 , wherein the first area of ​​the light projection area has a reflective and / or scattering property, and the first area is a point-shaped, line-shaped, or layer-shaped structure.

7. The image component according to claim 6, wherein the first area of ​​the light projection areas in some rows has a reflective characteristic, and the first area of ​​the light projection areas in some rows has a scattering characteristic; the row of the light projection areas with reflective characteristics and the row of the light projection areas with scattering characteristics are not parallel to each other.

8. An image component according to claim 6, wherein two adjacent first areas in two adjacent light projection areas define a first distance in a first direction, and two adjacent first areas in two adjacent light projection areas define a second distance in a second direction, wherein at least one of the first distance and the second distance is not less than zero.

9. An image component according to claim 6, wherein two adjacent first areas in two adjacent light projection areas define a first distance in a first direction, and two adjacent first areas in two adjacent light projection areas define a second distance in a second direction, wherein either or both of the first distance and the second distance are non-equidistant.

10. The image component of claim 1, wherein the area of ​​the second region is at least twice the area of ​​the first region.

11. An electronic system, include: The image assembly of claim 1 adapted for use with a motorized device; as well as A light source controller projects a plurality of light beams onto the light projection area of ​​the light projection surface of the light-transmitting substrate, wherein the light beams projected by the light source controller scan the light projection area within a time frame, and the light source controller defines a plurality of time frames within one second.

12. The electronic system according to claim 11 further comprises a detector electrically connected to the light source controller, wherein the detector detects the user's eyes, determines the user's position based on the user's eyes and transmits it to the light source controller, and the light source controller adjusts the angle of the light beam based on the user's position.

13. The electronic system according to claim 11, wherein the light source controller comprises a search light source and a striking light source, the search light source generates a plurality of search light beams, the striking light source generates a plurality of striking light beams, and the light energy of the striking light beams projected onto the light projection surface is several times that of the search light beams.

Images