Image generation unit and head-up display

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides an image generation unit and a head-up display. The image generation unit comprises a display panel, the display panel comprises a first area and a second area which are alternately arranged in the row direction or the column direction of the display panel, the first area is provided with a first modulation assembly, and the second area is provided with a second modulation assembly; the first modulation assembly is used for modulating the polarization direction of first light and outputting the first light, and the second modulation assembly is used for modulating the polarization direction of second light and outputting the second light. By adjusting the display mode of the display area in the display panel, the size of the image generation unit is reduced, and the structure of the image generation unit is more compact. In addition, the modulation assembly is arranged at the pixel position corresponding to the display area of the display panel, and the display requirement of the head-up display can be met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of display technology, and more specifically, to an image generating unit and a head-up display. Background Art

[0002] Head Up Display (HUD), also known as Head-Up Display, is abbreviated as HUD. The function of the head-up display is to project important driving information such as speed and navigation onto the imaging board or windshield in front of the driver through the principle of optical mirror reflection, so that the driver can see important driving information such as speed and navigation without lowering or turning his head, which can effectively improve driving safety.

[0003] The existing HUD uses two image generation units to display two images, one far and one near, in front of the windshield. This approach increases the size of the head-up display system.

[0004] Alternatively, the existing HUD forms an image through a display panel, a linear polarizer, and a half-wavelength phase delay unit. Specifically, the half-wavelength phase delay unit and a part of the linear polarizer are opposite to each other so as to display two images, one far and one near, in front of the windshield. This method requires that the image source generated by the image generating unit be large in size, that is, the image generating unit is required to be set in a large size, which increases the volume of the head-up display system.

[0005] In view of this, it is necessary to provide a new technical solution to solve the above technical problems. Summary of the invention

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide a new technical solution for an image generation unit and a head-up display.

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an image generation unit. The image generation unit includes:

[0008] The display panel comprises a first area and a second area alternately arranged in a row direction or a column direction of the display panel, wherein the first area is provided with a first modulation component, and the second area is provided with a second modulation component;

[0009] The first modulation component is used to modulate the polarization direction of the first light and output the first light, and the second modulation component is used to modulate the polarization direction of the second light and output the second light.

[0010] Optionally, the first modulation component includes a first polarizer, and the first polarizer is used to modulate the polarization direction of the first light and output the first light.

[0011] Optionally, the second modulation component includes a second liquid crystal layer and a second polarizing layer, the second polarizing layer is located on the light output side of the second liquid crystal layer, the second liquid crystal layer and the second polarizing layer cooperate to modulate the polarization direction of the second light, and the modulated second light is output through the second polarizing layer.

[0012] Optionally, the second modulation component includes a second polarizer, and the second polarizer is used to modulate the polarization direction of the second light and output the second light.

[0013] Optionally, the first modulation component includes a first liquid crystal layer and a first polarizing layer, the first polarizing layer is located on the light output side of the first liquid crystal layer, the first liquid crystal layer and the first polarizing layer cooperate to modulate the polarization direction of the first light, and the modulated first light is output through the first polarizing layer.

[0014] Optionally, the first modulation component includes a first polarizer, and the second modulation component includes a second polarizer, the first polarizer is used to modulate the polarization direction of the first light and output the first light, and the second polarizer is used to modulate the polarization direction of the second light and output the second light.

[0015] Optionally, the first polarizer is rotatably disposed in the first region, and / or the second polarizer is rotatably disposed in the second region.

[0016] Optionally, the first modulation component includes a first liquid crystal layer and a first polarizing layer, the first polarizing layer is located on the light output side of the first liquid crystal layer, the first liquid crystal layer and the first polarizing layer cooperate to modulate the polarization direction of the first light, and the modulated first light is output through the first polarizing layer; and

[0017] The second modulation component includes a second liquid crystal layer and a second polarizing layer. The second polarizing layer is located on the light output side of the second liquid crystal layer. The second liquid crystal layer and the second polarizing layer cooperate to modulate the polarization direction of the second light. The modulated second light is output through the second polarizing layer.

[0018] Optionally, a first polarization compensation layer is disposed on a side of the first polarization layer away from the first liquid crystal layer, and the first polarization compensation layer is used to rotate the polarization direction of light output by the first polarization layer; and / or

[0019] A second polarization compensation layer is disposed on a side of the second polarization layer away from the second liquid crystal layer, and the second polarization compensation layer is used to rotate the polarization direction of the light output by the second polarization layer.

[0020] Optionally, both the first light and the second light have components in a column direction.

[0021] Optionally, the image generating unit further includes a control module, which controls at least one of the first modulation component and the second modulation component so that the polarization directions of the first light emitted by the first modulation component and the second light emitted by the second modulation component are consistent.

[0022] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a head-up display, wherein the head-up display comprises the image generation unit as described in the first aspect.

[0023] Optionally, the head-up display also includes an imaging optical path component, which includes a reflector component; the central area of ​​the image generating unit emits a first light ray and a second light ray, the first light ray and the second light ray respectively pass through the reflector component to form a corresponding first virtual image point and a second virtual image point, the first virtual image point and the second virtual image point are coaxially displayed to form a first virtual image and a second virtual image that are coaxially displayed and have different imaging distances.

[0024] Optionally, the imaging optical path assembly further comprises: a first reflector; the first surface of the reflector assembly is used to reflect one of the first light and the second light to the first reflector, and the reflected light is reflected by the first reflector to the windshield of the vehicle to form a first virtual image;

[0025] The first surface is used to transmit the other of the first light and the second light to the second surface of the reflector assembly, and the second surface is used to reflect the other of the first light and the second light, and the reflected light is sequentially transmitted by the first surface and reflected by the first reflector to the windshield of the vehicle to form a second virtual image.

[0026] Optionally, an adjustable polarizing film layer is disposed on the first surface of the reflector assembly, and the polarization direction of the polarizing film layer is perpendicular to the polarization direction of the light to be reflected and transmitted thereto.

[0027] According to the embodiments of the present application, by adjusting the display mode of the display area in the display panel, the volume of the image generating unit is reduced, making the structure of the image generating unit more compact.

[0028] Other features and advantages of the present specification will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present specification with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the specification and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the specification.

[0030] Figure 1The structure of the head-up display provided by the embodiment of the present application is shown as follows Figure 1 .

[0031] Figure 2 The structure of the head-up display provided by the embodiment of the present application is shown as follows Figure 2 .

[0032] Figure 3 The structure of the image generation unit provided in the embodiment of the present application is shown as follows: Figure 1 .

[0033] Figure 4 The structure of the image generation unit provided in the embodiment of the present application is shown as follows: Figure 2 .

[0034] Figure 5 Shown is a structural diagram of the first modulation component provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Figure 6 Shown is a structural diagram of the second modulation component provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Figure 7 The figure shows the polarization direction of the virtual image emitted by the head-up display to the windshield.

[0037] Figure 8 Shown is a flow chart of a display method provided in an embodiment of the application.

[0038] Description of reference numerals:

[0039] 1. display panel; 10. first region; 11. second region; 12. first modulation component; 13. second modulation component; 121. first polarizer; 131. second polarizer; 122. first liquid crystal layer; 123. first polarizing layer; 124. first polarization compensation layer; 132. second liquid crystal layer; 133. second polarizing layer; 134. second polarization compensation layer;

[0040] 2. Imaging optical path component; 20. Reflector component; 201. First surface; 202. Second surface; 21. First reflector; 22. Windshield;

[0041] L1, the chief ray of the first light; L2, the chief ray of the second light; L3, the first chief ray; L4, the second chief ray; L5, the third chief ray. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Various exemplary embodiments of the present application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of components and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present application.

[0043] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present application, its application, or uses.

[0044] Techniques and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the techniques and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0045] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not limiting. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0046] It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters refer to similar items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0047] The embodiment of the present application provides an image generation unit. The image generation unit is applied to a head-up display to improve driving safety and driving experience. A head-up display is a technology that projects key driving information (such as vehicle speed, navigation instructions, warning information, etc.) directly onto a transparent display screen or windshield in front of the driver's field of vision, so that the driver can obtain necessary information without looking down at the dashboard.

[0048] In the embodiment of the present application, the structure of the image generating unit (PGU) is mainly improved so that the image generating unit itself can output the first light and the second light with polarization directions, that is, the display panel of the image generating unit itself can output the first light and / or the second light to form a close-range image (first virtual image) and / or a long-range image (second virtual image) on the transparent display screen or windshield in front of the driver's field of vision, thereby avoiding the generation of two images with different virtual image viewing distances by two image generating units, and also avoiding the generation of two images with different virtual image viewing distances by additionally setting a half-wavelength phase retarder (the half-wavelength phase retarder occupies half of the area of ​​the display panel).

[0049] Reference Figure 3-Figure 6 The image generation unit provided in the embodiment of the present application includes: a display panel 1, which is responsible for converting image data into a visual image and presenting it. For example, based on the input image data, the display panel 1 converts the image data into a visual image by controlling the pixels inside it.

[0050] Specifically, the display panel 1 includes a first area 10 and a second area 11 alternately arranged along a row direction or a column direction thereof, the first area 10 is provided with a first modulation component 12, and the second area 11 is provided with a second modulation component 13;

[0051] The first modulation component 12 is used to modulate the polarization direction of the first light and output the first light, and the second modulation component 13 is used to modulate the polarization direction of the second light and output the second light.

[0052] In the embodiment of the present application, the display panel 1 includes a first area 10 and a second area 11. Since the display panel 1 is composed of pixels, the area composed of a part of the pixels in the display panel 1 is the first area 10, and the area composed of another part of the pixels in the display panel 1 is the second area 11.

[0053] Specifically, the first area 10 and the second area 11 are alternately arranged along the row direction or the column direction of the display panel 1. Exemplarily, the first area 10 and the second area 11 are alternately arranged in the row direction (i.e., the horizontal direction) of the display panel 1, so that pixels located in the same column belong to the same area. Again exemplarily, the first area 10 and the second area 11 are alternately arranged in the column direction (i.e., the vertical direction) of the display panel 1, so that pixels located in the same row belong to the same area. In addition, the first area 10 and the second area 11 can also be alternately arranged in other directions, such as a 45° oblique direction.

[0054] In this embodiment, the pixels of the display panel 1 are re-divided so that the pixel position corresponding to the first area 10 combined with the first modulation component 12 can emit a first light with a polarization direction, and the pixel position corresponding to the second area 11 combined with the second modulation component 13 can emit a second light with a polarization direction. Since the first area 10 and the second area 11 are alternately arranged in the row direction or the column direction, the overall volume of the image generation unit can be reduced by reducing the use of components and splitting the pixels for display. In addition, since the first area 10 and the second area 11 are alternately arranged in the row direction or the column direction, the main light L1 of the first light and the main light L2 of the second light output from the image generation unit are basically located at the center of the display panel 1, ensuring the uniformity of the emission of the first light and the second light.

[0055] In a specific embodiment, the display panel has a diagonal size of 4.1 inches and a total of 1280*640 pixels, wherein the first area is an odd-numbered row or an even-numbered row, and correspondingly, the second area is an even-numbered row or an odd-numbered row, so that both near and far scenes can be displayed simultaneously. Compared with the prior art, two 4.1-inch display screens are required to realize the same near and far scenes under the imaging components with the same magnification, and the volume of the image generation unit in this embodiment is significantly reduced.

[0056] Preferably, the first area 10 and the second area 11 are alternately arranged along the column direction of the display panel 1. That is, in the display panel 1, pixels in the same row belong to the same area, and pixels in the same column belong to different areas. It can also be understood that the pixels in the display panel 1 are split in the column direction.

[0057] After the HUD imaging optical path component magnifies the display panel 1, the resolution in the vertical direction is often higher than the resolution in the horizontal direction. When the resolution in the vertical direction is high, the pixels in the vertical direction are split, and the human eye cannot perceive much difference. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the first area 10 and the second area 11 are alternately arranged in the column direction of the display panel 1.

[0058] The present application provides a first modulation component 12 in the first region 10, that is, the first modulation component 12 is provided at the pixel position corresponding to the first region 10 of the display panel 1, and the first light is outputted through the first modulation component 12, that is, the first light having a first polarization direction is outputted. The first modulation component 12 is provided corresponding to each pixel position in the first region 10, and each pixel can be modulated by the first modulation component 12 independently.

[0059] A second modulation component 13 is provided in the second area 11, that is, the second modulation component 13 is provided at the pixel position corresponding to the second area 11 of the display panel 1, and the second light is outputted through the second modulation component 13, that is, the light having the second polarization direction is outputted. The second modulation component 13 is provided corresponding to each pixel position in the second area 11, and each pixel can be independently modulated by the first modulation.

[0060] The first modulation component 12 can modulate the polarization direction of the first light, and the second modulation component 13 can modulate the polarization direction of the second light.

[0061] Exemplarily, by modulating the polarization direction of the first light and the second light, the polarization direction of the first light and the polarization direction of the second light can be perpendicular to each other. When the polarization direction of the first light and the polarization direction of the second light are perpendicular, the first light is used to output and display the first image, and the second light is used to output and display the second image, and the first image and the second image contain different contents. In this way, according to the polarization direction of the first light and the second light, combined with the subsequent imaging optical path component 2 structure, a corresponding image can be displayed at a corresponding virtual image position. For example, the first image can be a close-up virtual image, and the second image can be a long-distance virtual image, or the first image can be a long-distance virtual image, and the second image can be a close-up virtual image.

[0062] Exemplarily, by modulating the polarization directions of the first light and the second light, the polarization directions of the first light and the second light can be parallel to each other. In this case, the first light and the second light can be used to jointly display the same image, that is, according to the polarization directions of the first light and the second light, combined with the subsequent imaging optical path component 2 structure, a corresponding image can be displayed at a corresponding virtual image position. For example, an image can be displayed only at a long-distance virtual image position, or an image can be displayed only at a close-distance virtual image position.

[0063] It should be noted that the first modulation component 12 is controllable or uncontrollable. When the first modulation component 12 is uncontrollable, the polarization direction of the first light output by the first modulation component 12 is fixed. When the first modulation component 12 is controllable, the polarization direction of the first light output by the first modulation component 12 is not fixed. And the second modulation component 13 is controllable or uncontrollable. When the second modulation component 13 is uncontrollable, the polarization direction of the second light output by the second modulation component 13 is fixed. When the second modulation component 13 is controllable, the polarization direction of the second light output by the second modulation component 13 is not fixed.

[0064] When the first modulation component 12 and the second modulation component 13 are both uncontrollable, in order to meet the requirement of the head-up display to form two virtual images with different virtual image distances, the polarization direction of the first light output by the first modulation component 12 and the polarization direction of the second light output by the second modulation component 13 are perpendicular.

[0065] When at least one of the first modulation component 12 and the second modulation component 13 is controllable, different requirements of the head-up display can be met. For example, when the vehicle is traveling at high speed, the displayed virtual image is farther from the human eye (i.e., only the long-distance virtual image is displayed). When the vehicle is traveling at a slow speed or in a traffic jam, the displayed image is closer to the human eye (i.e., only the short-distance virtual image is displayed). In addition, the head-up display can also meet the requirement of forming two virtual images with different virtual image distances.

[0066] Therefore, in the embodiment of the present application, the volume of the image generation unit is reduced by adjusting the display mode of the display area in the display panel 1, so that the structure of the image generation unit is more compact. In addition, a modulation component is set at the pixel position corresponding to the display area of ​​the display panel 1 to meet the display requirements of the head-up display.

[0067] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first modulation component 12 includes a first polarizer 121, and the first polarizer 121 is used to modulate the polarization direction of the first light and output the first light.

[0068] In this embodiment, the first polarizer 121 is designed to modulate and output the first light. This means that when light (light emitted from the light source) is irradiated on the first polarizer 121, only those light rays whose vibration directions match the directions allowed to pass by the first polarizer 121 can be transmitted to form the first light rays. This process is actually a kind of modulation of the light, that is, the polarization state of the light is adjusted as needed to obtain the desired optical effect.

[0069] Since the first polarizer 121 needs to correspond to each pixel position, the first polarizer 121 can be a micro polarizer. When the micro polarizer is fixed on the display panel 1, the polarization direction of the first light output from the micro polarizer is fixed, that is, the polarization direction of the first light is always consistent with the transmission axis direction of the first polarizer 121. When the micro polarizer is rotatably arranged on the display panel 1, the polarization direction of the first light output from the micro polarizer is variable, that is, the polarization direction of the first light changes with the rotation direction of the transmission axis of the first polarizer 121.

[0070] Optionally, the first modulation component 12 includes a first polarizer 121 , but is not limited to only including the first polarizer 121 , and a functional film material may also be disposed on the light emitting side of the first polarizer 121 .

[0071] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the type of the first modulation component 12 is limited, and the type of the second modulation component 13 can be the same as the type of the first modulation component 12, for example, the second modulation component 13 can include a polarizer, or the type of the second modulation component 13 can be different from the type of the first modulation component 12, for example, the second modulation component 13 can include a liquid crystal layer, etc.

[0072] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 6 The second modulation component 13 includes a second liquid crystal layer 132 and a second polarizing layer 133. The second polarizing layer 133 is located on the light-emitting side of the second liquid crystal layer 132. The second liquid crystal layer 132 and the second polarizing layer 133 cooperate to modulate the polarization direction of the second light. The modulated second light is output through the second polarizing layer 133.

[0073] In this specific embodiment, a second liquid crystal layer 132 and a second polarizing layer 133 are disposed in the second region 11 of the display panel 1, and a first polarizer 121 is disposed in the first region 10 of the display panel 1. In this case, the first polarizer 121 can be fixedly disposed in the first region 10, and the polarization direction of the output second light can be adjusted by adjusting the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules in the second liquid crystal layer 132 in combination with the second polarizing layer (for example, the polarization direction of the first light can be parallel to the polarization direction of the second light, or the polarization direction of the first light can be perpendicular to the polarization direction of the second light), thereby meeting different display requirements of the head-up display.

[0074] Specifically, in the structure of the second modulation component 13, the second liquid crystal layer 132 and the second polarizing layer 133 are combined together, and the two can work together to achieve precise modulation of light. The second liquid crystal layer 132 is responsible for changing the characteristics of the light (such as polarization state, transmittance, etc.) according to the control signal, and the second polarizing layer 133 further screens and adjusts these lights to meet specific optical requirements, that is, only those lights whose vibration directions match the directions allowed by the second polarizing layer 133 can be transmitted to form second lights with polarization directions.

[0075] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 4 and Figure 3 The second modulation component 13 includes a second polarizer 131, and the second polarizer 131 is used to modulate the polarization direction of the second light and output the second light.

[0076] In this embodiment, the second polarizer 131 is designed to modulate and output the second light. This means that when light (light emitted from the light source) is irradiated on the second polarizer 131, only those light whose vibration direction matches the direction allowed to pass by the second polarizer 131 can be transmitted to form the second light. This process is actually a kind of modulation of the light, that is, the polarization state of the light is adjusted as needed to obtain the desired optical effect.

[0077] Since the second polarizer 131 needs to correspond to each pixel position, the second polarizer 131 can be a micro polarizer. When the micro polarizer is fixed to the display panel 1, the polarization direction of the second light output from the micro polarizer is fixed, that is, the polarization direction of the second light is always consistent with the transmission axis direction of the second polarizer 131. When the micro polarizer is rotatably arranged on the display panel 1, the polarization direction of the second light output from the micro polarizer is variable, that is, the polarization direction of the second light changes with the rotation direction of the transmission axis of the second polarizer 131.

[0078] Optionally, the second modulation component 13 includes a second polarizer 131 , but is not limited to only including the second polarizer 131 , and a functional film material may also be disposed on the light emitting side of the second polarizer 131 .

[0079] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the type of the second modulation component 13 is limited, and the type of the first modulation component 12 can be the same as the type of the second modulation component 13, for example, the first modulation component 12 can include a polarizer, or the type of the first modulation component 12 can be different from the type of the second modulation component 13, for example, the first modulation component 12 can include a liquid crystal layer.

[0080] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 5 The first modulation component 12 includes a first liquid crystal layer 122 and a first polarizing layer 123. The first polarizing layer 123 is located on the light-emitting side of the first liquid crystal layer 122. The first liquid crystal layer 122 and the first polarizing layer 123 cooperate to modulate the polarization direction of the first light. The modulated first light is output through the first polarizing layer 123.

[0081] In this embodiment, a first liquid crystal layer 122 and a first polarizing layer 123 are disposed in the first region 10 of the display panel 1, and a second polarizing film 131 is disposed in the second region 11 of the display panel 1. In this case, the second polarizing film 131 can be fixedly disposed in the second region 11, and the polarization direction of the output first light can be adjusted by adjusting the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 122 in combination with the first polarizing layer 123 (for example, the polarization direction of the first light can be parallel to the polarization direction of the second light, or the polarization direction of the first light can be perpendicular to the polarization direction of the second light), thereby meeting different display requirements of the head-up display.

[0082] Specifically, in the structure of the first modulation component 12, the first liquid crystal layer 122 and the first polarizing layer 123 are combined together, and the two can work together to achieve precise modulation of light. The first liquid crystal layer 122 is responsible for changing the characteristics of the light (such as polarization state, transmittance, etc.) according to the control signal, and the first polarizing layer 123 further screens and adjusts these lights to meet specific optical requirements, that is, only those lights whose vibration directions match the directions allowed to pass by the first polarizing layer 123 can be transmitted to form first lights with polarization directions.

[0083] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 4 and Figure 3The first modulation component 12 includes a first polarizer 121, and the second modulation component 13 includes a second polarizer 131. The first polarizer 121 is used to modulate the polarization direction of the first light and output the first light, and the second polarizer 131 is used to modulate the polarization direction of the second light and output the second light.

[0084] Specifically, the first modulation component 12 is defined as including a first polarizer 121, and the second modulation component 13 is defined as including a second polarizer 131. The first polarizer 121 and the second polarizer 131 can both be fixedly arranged in the corresponding display area, or at least one of the first polarizer 121 and the second polarizer 131 can be rotatably arranged in the corresponding display area.

[0085] Exemplarily, the first polarizer 121 and the second polarizer 131 are fixedly arranged, and the transmission axis of the first polarizer 121 and the transmission axis of the second polarizer 131 are perpendicular to each other, so that the polarization direction of the first light and the polarization direction of the second light are perpendicular to each other. In this case, the head-up display can generate a first virtual image and a second virtual image with different imaging distances. Alternatively, the transmission axis of the first polarizer 121 and the transmission axis of the second polarizer 131 are parallel to each other, so that the polarization direction of the first light and the polarization direction of the second light are parallel to each other. In this case, the head-up display only generates one virtual image.

[0086] In one embodiment, the first polarizer 121 is rotatably disposed in the first region 10 , and / or the second polarizer 131 is rotatably disposed in the second region 11 .

[0087] In this embodiment, the polarization direction of the first light and the polarization direction of the second light can be adjusted in real time to meet different display requirements of the head-up display.

[0088] For example, the first polarizer 121 can be rotatably disposed in the first region 10 . Exemplarily, the first polarizer 121 can be disposed in the first region 10 by mechanical drive or electromagnetic drive.

[0089] The second polarizer 131 is rotatably disposed in the second region 11 . Exemplarily, the second polarizer 131 can be disposed in the second region 11 by mechanical drive or electromagnetic drive.

[0090] For example, the first polarizer 121 and the second polarizer 131 can be rotatably arranged in the first area 10 and the second area 11. For example, the first polarizer 121 can be rotated from Figure 3 Status rotates to Figure 4 state, or vice versa; or the second polarizer 131 can be Figure 3 Status rotates to Figure 4 status, and vice versa.

[0091] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first modulation component 12 includes a first liquid crystal layer 122 and a first polarizing layer 123, the first polarizing layer 123 is located on the light-emitting side of the first liquid crystal layer 122, the first liquid crystal layer 122 and the first polarizing layer 123 cooperate to modulate the polarization direction of the first light, and the modulated first light is output through the first polarizing layer 123; and the second modulation component 13 includes a second liquid crystal layer 132 and a second polarizing layer 133, the second polarizing layer 133 is located on the light-emitting side of the second liquid crystal layer 132, the second liquid crystal layer 132 and the second polarizing layer 133 cooperate to modulate the polarization direction of the second light, and the modulated second light is output through the second polarizing layer 133.

[0092] In this embodiment, the first modulation component 12 is defined as including a first liquid crystal layer 122 and a first polarizing layer 123, and the second modulation component 13 is defined as including a second liquid crystal layer 132 and a second polarizing layer 133. By regulating the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 122 and / or by regulating the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules in the second liquid crystal layer 132, the polarization direction of the first light emitted through the first liquid crystal layer 122 and the first polarizing layer 123 and the polarization direction of the second light emitted through the second liquid crystal layer 132 and the second polarizing layer 133 can be perpendicular to each other or parallel to each other.

[0093] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 A first polarization compensation layer 124 is disposed on a side of the first polarization layer 123 away from the first liquid crystal layer 122, and the first polarization compensation layer 124 is used to rotate the polarization direction of the light output by the first polarization layer 123; and / or a second polarization compensation layer 134 is disposed on a side of the second polarization layer 133 away from the second liquid crystal layer 132, and the second polarization compensation layer 134 is used to rotate the polarization direction of the light output by the second polarization layer 133.

[0094] In this embodiment, a first polarization compensation layer 124 can be further arranged on the light output side of the first polarization layer 123. The first polarization compensation layer 124 can be, for example, a λ / 4 plate, a λ / 2 plate, a cholesteric alignment fixed layer, etc., and the polarization direction of the first light can be changed by adjusting the phase difference of the first light so that the polarization direction of the first light is perpendicular or parallel to the polarization direction of the second light.

[0095] A second polarization compensation layer 134 may be further provided on the light output side of the second polarizing layer 133. The second polarization compensation layer 134 may be a λ / 4 plate, a λ / 2 plate, a cholesteric alignment fixed layer, etc., which may change the polarization direction of the second light by adjusting the phase difference of the second light so that the polarization direction of the second light is perpendicular or parallel to the polarization direction of the first light.

[0096] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 7 , the first light and the second light both have components in the column direction.

[0097] In this embodiment, the polarization direction of the output first light and the polarization direction of the output second light are limited, mainly requiring that the polarization direction of the first light has a component in the column direction (i.e., the vertical direction), and the polarization direction of the second light has a component in the column direction (i.e., the vertical direction). In this way, the image generating unit is applied to a head-up display, and the virtual image formed by the head-up display emitted to the windshield 22 also has the same polarization direction as the corresponding light.

[0098] For example, refer to Figure 7 The first light is used to output the first virtual image (near-distance virtual image) for display, and the second light is used to output the second virtual image (long-distance virtual image) for display. The polarization direction of the first light is α=45°, and the polarization direction of the second light is β=135°. Correspondingly, the polarization direction of the first virtual image is 45°, and the polarization direction of the second virtual image is 135°. The driver wears sunglasses, and the light with a polarization direction of 90° (P light) can pass through the sunglasses. Both the long-distance and short-distance virtual images have P light components, so the virtual images are visible after wearing sunglasses.

[0099] In one embodiment, the image generating unit further includes a control module, which controls at least one of the first modulation component 12 and the second modulation component 13 so that the polarization directions of the first light emitted by the first modulation component 12 and the second light emitted by the second modulation component 13 are consistent.

[0100] Exemplarily, the first modulation component 12 and the second modulation component 13 can be controlled by a control module so that the first modulation component 12 can selectively output the first light and the second modulation component 13 can selectively output the second light, so that the polarization direction of the light emitted by the image generation unit is consistent.

[0101] Exemplarily, the first modulation component 12 and / or the second modulation component 13 can be controlled by the control module so that the polarization direction of the light emitted by the first modulation component 12 is consistent with the polarization direction of the light emitted by the second modulation component 13, that is, the polarization direction of the light emitted by the first modulation component 12 and the polarization direction of the light emitted by the second modulation component 13 are parallel, so that the light emitted by the image generation unit is combined with the subsequent imaging optical path component 2 to display a corresponding image at a corresponding virtual image position, for example, only a close-range virtual image can be generated, or only a long-range virtual image can be generated.

[0102] In a specific embodiment, when the first modulation component 12 includes a first polarizer 121, the control module can be various driving components (mechanical driving components, such as motors, etc., or electromagnetic driving components), and the first polarizer 121 is controlled by the control module so that the first modulation component 12 can output a first light with a polarization direction, or the first modulation component 12 can not output the first light. For example, the first polarizer 121 can be rotated or moved so that the transmission axis of the first polarizer 121 is perpendicular to the vibration direction of the light output by the light source, etc., so that the first modulation component 12 can not output the first light. When the first modulation component 12 does not output the first light, the second light output by the second modulation component 13 cooperates with the subsequent imaging optical path component 2 to form an image at the corresponding virtual image position.

[0103] In another specific embodiment, when the first modulation component 12 includes the first liquid crystal layer 122, the control module may be a circuit control component including a voltage module, and the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules may be adjusted by applying pressure, so that the first modulation component 12 may output the first light with a polarization direction, or the first modulation component 12 may not output the first light. For example, by applying pressure, the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules may be perpendicular to the polarization direction of the light output by the light source, so that the first modulation component 12 may not output the first light.

[0104] Similarly, in the case where the second modulation component 13 includes a second polarizer 131, or in the case where the second modulation component 13 includes a second liquid crystal layer 132, the second modulation component 13 can be controlled by the control module to output a second light with a polarization direction, or the second modulation component 13 can be controlled by the control module not to output the second light.

[0105] Second, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The embodiment of the present application further provides a head-up display. The head-up display includes the image generation unit as described in the first aspect. Specifically, applying the above image generation unit to a head-up display (HUD) can make the overall structure of the head-up display more compact.

[0106] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 2 The head-up display further includes an imaging optical path component 2, and the imaging optical path component includes a reflector component 20; the central area of ​​the image generating unit emits a first light ray and a second light ray, and the first light ray and the second light ray respectively pass through the reflector component 20 to form a corresponding first virtual image point C and a second virtual image point D, and the first virtual image point C and the second virtual image point D are coaxially displayed to form a first virtual image and a second virtual image that are coaxially displayed and have different imaging distances.

[0107] Specifically, refer to Figure 2 The first surface 201 and the second surface 202 of the reflector assembly 20 are arranged non-parallel, so that after the light emitted by the image generating unit enters the human eye, the two virtual images have different imaging distances and are aligned in center, that is, coaxial display. The specific angular direction of the second surface 202 of the reflector assembly 20 is closer to the side of the image generating unit and closer to the first surface 201. In actual applications, the first surface 201 and the second surface 202 of the reflector assembly 20 face the front of the vehicle.

[0108] It should be noted that the explanation of "coaxial display" is as follows: in the prior art, the centers of the virtual images are aligned, and the centers of the two corresponding areas on the image generation unit are far apart. The two surface angles of the corresponding reflector group need to satisfy: different positions on the image generation unit are imaged to the same viewing angle of the virtual image.

[0109] The first surface 201 and the second surface 202 of the reflector assembly 20 of the present application are arranged non-parallel, wherein the non-parallel arrangement angle satisfies that the same point on the image generating unit is imaged to the same virtual image viewing angle, but the imaging distances are different, that is, the first virtual image point C and the second virtual image point D in the figure are located on the same principal light ray.

[0110] In a specific embodiment, referring to Figure 2 , the point E in the central area of ​​the image generating unit emits the first light and the second light, specifically the principal light L1 of the first light and the principal light L2 of the second light. The light emitted from the central area is reflected by the reflector assembly 20, the first reflector 21, and the windshield 22 and enters the human eye. In the process of light transmission, due to the particularity of the light emitted by the image generating unit, the principal light of the first light and the principal light of the second light reflected by the reflector assembly 20 are overlapped (as shown by L3).

[0111] Figure 2, mainly shows the light transmission process of the principal light, specifically: the first principal light L3 (the principal light formed by the light reflected by the reflector assembly 20), the second principal light L4 (the light reflected by the first reflector 21) and the fifth principal light L5 (the light reflected by the windshield 22). That is to say, based on the particularity of the arrangement of the first area 10 and the second area 11 of the image generation unit, during the light transmission process, the principal light of the first light and the principal light of the second light are coaxial.

[0112] Reference Figure 2 , point E (the central area of ​​the image generation unit) is reflected by the first surface 201 at the virtual image position to form a first virtual image point C, point E passes through the first surface 201, is reflected by the second surface 202, and then passes through the first surface 201 to form a second virtual image point D at the virtual image position. A point E on the image generation unit forms two virtual image points C and D through the reflector assembly 20, wherein the two virtual image points C and D are located on the reverse extension line of the first principal light L3, that is, the two virtual image points are coaxially displayed. Points C and D are reflected by the first reflector 21 and the windshield 22 to form two virtual images at positions A and B, and the two virtual images are coaxially displayed and have different imaging distances. Specifically, point D is farther away from the first reflector 21, and the formed virtual image is farther away from the human eye, that is, the virtual image corresponding to point C is the first virtual image formed at position A, that is, the close-range virtual image (first virtual image), and the virtual image corresponding to point D is the second virtual image formed at position B, that is, the long-range virtual image (second virtual image). The first virtual image and the second virtual image are two virtual images that are coaxially displayed and have different imaging distances.

[0113] In addition, for the non-coaxial display of the two virtual images, ordinary personnel in the industry can obtain it by slightly adjusting the angle between the first surface and the second surface of the reflector group based on the coaxial display.

[0114] In a specific embodiment, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The head-up display further comprises an imaging optical path component 2, the virtual image distance of the imaging optical path component 2 is Lb, the distance from the human eye to the image focus of the imaging optical path component 2 is Ly, and the distance from the virtual image to the image focus of the imaging optical path component 2 is in,

[0115]

[0116] Wherein, La is the distance between the image generating unit and the object focus of the imaging optical path component 2 along the main light, and f is the focal length of the imaging optical path component 2.

[0117] In this embodiment, the virtual image distance Lb is a function of the distance Ly from the human eye to the image focus, the focal length f and La, and describes where the virtual image will be located when the focal length of the imaging optical path component 2 and the position of the human eye are determined.

[0118] Specifically, the virtual image distance Lb of the imaging optical path component 2 is related to the distance from the driver's eyes to the image-side focus of the imaging optical path component 2, and to the distance from the virtual image to the image-side focus of the imaging optical path component 2. For example, the head-up display often displays a close-up virtual image and a long-distance virtual image, and different virtual image distances correspond to different virtual images formed by the imaging optical path component 2 under different conditions. In the case where the image generation unit outputs light rays of different polarization directions, the image generation unit has a different distance from the object-side focus of the imaging optical path component 2 along the direction of the main light ray, so that when the structure of the imaging optical path component 2 is determined, the focal length of the imaging optical path component 2 is determined, and the position of the human eye is determined, the image generation unit outputs different display images that can be displayed at different virtual image distances.

[0119] Furthermore, the center points of the near-distance and long-distance virtual images correspond to the same position on the image generation unit. The near-distance virtual image has a larger FOV angle of view for human eyes than the long-distance virtual image.

[0120] Optionally, when displaying a near-distance virtual image, the image on the image generation unit is magnified so that the near-distance virtual image and the far-distance virtual image have the same FOV field of view as the human eye, and the magnification is 1.1 to 1.3 times.

[0121] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the imaging optical path component 2 comprises: a first reflector 21; a first surface 201 of the reflector component 20 is used to reflect one of the first light and the second light to the first reflector 21, and the reflected light is reflected by the first reflector 21 to the windshield 22 of the vehicle to form a first virtual image;

[0122] The first surface 201 is used to transmit the other of the first light and the second light to the second surface 202 of the reflector assembly 20, and the second surface 202 is used to reflect the other of the first light and the second light, and the reflected light is sequentially transmitted by the first surface 201 and reflected by the first reflector 21 to the windshield 22 of the vehicle to form a second virtual image.

[0123] Specifically, refer to Figure 2 The image generating unit emits a first light ray and a second light ray, and the polarization directions of the first light ray and the second light ray are perpendicular.

[0124] The first surface 201 of the reflector assembly 20 reflects the first light, and the reflected first light is reflected by the first reflector 21 to the windshield of the vehicle to form a first virtual image at a short distance.

[0125] The first surface 201 of the reflector assembly 20 transmits the second light, the second surface 202 of the reflector assembly 20 reflects the second light, and the reflected second light is sequentially transmitted by the first surface 201 and reflected by the first reflector 21 to the windshield 22 of the vehicle, forming a second long-distance virtual image.

[0126] Exemplarily, a polarization beam splitter element may be provided on the first surface 201 of the reflector assembly 20. The polarization direction of the first light is perpendicular to the polarization direction of the second light, and the first surface 201 may reflect the first light with the polarization direction and transmit the second light with the polarization direction. The second surface 202 of the reflector assembly 20 may be plated / provided with a metal aluminum film or a dielectric reflective film.

[0127] Optionally, the first surface 201 and the second surface 202 of the reflector assembly 20 may be a plane mirror or a curved mirror. Preferably, the first surface 201 of the reflector assembly 20 is a plane mirror, and the second surface 202 of the reflector assembly 20 is a curved mirror.

[0128] Optionally, the reflector assembly 20 may be a prism, and the first surface 201 and the second surface 202 are both surfaces of the prism, or the reflector assembly 20 may be two separate and independently arranged reflectors, and the two reflectors are combined together to form a prism with a refractive index equal to that of air. The surfaces of the two reflectors corresponding to the first surface 201 and the second surface 202 are both provided with a reflective layer.

[0129] In one embodiment, the first surface 201 of the reflector assembly 20 is provided with an adjustable polarizing film layer, and the polarization direction of the polarizing film layer is perpendicular to the polarization direction of the light to be reflected and transmitted thereto.

[0130] Specifically, when the first modulation component 12 and the second modulation component 13 of the image generating unit can be controlled, correspondingly, the polarization film layer of the first surface 201 of the reflector component 20 also needs to be controllable to be suitable for real-time use of the image generating unit to emit light with different polarization directions.

[0131] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises the head-up display as described in the second aspect.

[0132] Fourthly, refer to Figure 8 , the embodiment of the present application also provides a display method. The method is applied to the above-mentioned vehicle, and the display method comprises the following steps:

[0133] S1: Get display content;

[0134] S2: Determine the corresponding imaging distance according to the displayed content;

[0135] S3: determining a display area of ​​the display panel 1 according to the imaging distance;

[0136] S4: Control the display area to output light and display an image at a corresponding imaging distance.

[0137] In this embodiment, step S1 mainly involves obtaining content to be displayed to the driver from various sensors, navigation systems, entertainment systems or other information sources of the vehicle. Such content may include navigation information (such as route instructions, distance prompts), vehicle status information (such as speed, fuel level), safety warnings (such as blind spot monitoring, collision warning) or entertainment information (such as music playback information), etc.

[0138] In step S2, after acquiring the display contents, the system needs to analyze the contents and decide at what distance they should be clearly presented to the driver. For example, navigation instructions may need to be placed at a farther imaging distance to simulate the actual sign effect in front of the road; while vehicle status information may be more suitable for display at a closer imaging distance so that the driver can read it quickly and clearly.

[0139] In step S3, after the imaging distance is determined, the system needs to calculate which area on the display panel 1 should be used to display the contents, for example, it needs to determine whether the contents to be displayed are displayed through the first area 10 or the second area 11 of the display panel 1. In addition, after the display area of ​​the display panel 1 is selected, it may also be involved whether the first modulation component 12 and the second modulation component 13 need to be adjusted. In the case where the modulation components need to be adjusted, the modulation components can be controlled by the control module to emit light that meets the requirements.

[0140] In step S4, the system controls the corresponding area on the display panel 1 to emit light, and projects the light into the driver's field of vision through the imaging optical path component 2 to form a clear image at a specific imaging distance. In this way, the driver can easily obtain the required information without distracting too much attention.

[0141] The above embodiments focus on the differences between the various embodiments. As long as the different optimization features between the various embodiments are not contradictory, they can be combined to form a better embodiment. Considering the simplicity of the text, they will not be repeated here.

[0142] Although some specific embodiments of the present application have been described in detail by way of example, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above examples are only for illustration, not for limiting the scope of the present application. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments may be modified without departing from the scope and spirit of the present application. The scope of the present application is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An image generation unit, characterized in that: include: A display panel (1), comprising a first area (10) and a second area (11) alternately arranged along a row direction or a column direction of the display panel (1), the first area (10) being provided with a first modulation component (12), and the second area (11) being provided with a second modulation component (13); The first modulation component (12) is used to modulate the polarization direction of a first light and output the first light, and the second modulation component (13) is used to modulate the polarization direction of a second light and output the second light.

2. The image generation unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The first modulation component (12) comprises a first polarizer (121), and the first polarizer (121) is used to modulate the polarization direction of the first light and output the first light.

3. The image generation unit according to claim 2, characterized in that The second modulation component (13) comprises a second liquid crystal layer (132) and a second polarizing layer (133); the second polarizing layer (133) is located on the light-emitting side of the second liquid crystal layer (132); the second liquid crystal layer (132) and the second polarizing layer (133) cooperate to modulate the polarization direction of the second light; the modulated second light is output through the second polarizing layer (133).

4. The image generation unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The second modulation component (13) comprises a second polarizer (131), and the second polarizer (131) is used to modulate the polarization direction of the second light and output the second light.

5. The image generation unit according to claim 4, characterized in that The first modulation component (12) comprises a first liquid crystal layer (122) and a first polarizing layer (123); the first polarizing layer (123) is located on the light output side of the first liquid crystal layer (122); the first liquid crystal layer (122) and the first polarizing layer (123) cooperate to modulate the polarization direction of the first light; the modulated first light is output through the first polarizing layer (123).

6. The image generation unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first modulation component (12) comprises a first polarizer (121), and the second modulation component (13) comprises a second polarizer (131), the first polarizer (121) being used to modulate the polarization direction of the first light and output the first light, and the second polarizer (131) being used to modulate the polarization direction of the second light and output the second light.

7. The image generation unit according to claim 6, characterized in that The first polarizer (121) is rotatably disposed in the first area (10), and / or the second polarizer (131) is rotatably disposed in the second area (11).

8. The image generation unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first modulation component (12) comprises a first liquid crystal layer (122) and a first polarizing layer (123), the first polarizing layer (123) being located on the light output side of the first liquid crystal layer (122), the first liquid crystal layer (122) and the first polarizing layer (123) cooperating to modulate the polarization direction of the first light, and the modulated first light is output through the first polarizing layer (123); and The second modulation component (13) comprises a second liquid crystal layer (132) and a second polarizing layer (133); the second polarizing layer (133) is located on the light-emitting side of the second liquid crystal layer (132); the second liquid crystal layer (132) and the second polarizing layer (133) cooperate to modulate the polarization direction of the second light; the modulated second light is output through the second polarizing layer (133).

9. The image generation unit according to claim 8, characterized in that: A first polarization compensation layer (124) is arranged on a side of the first polarization layer (123) away from the first liquid crystal layer (122), and the first polarization compensation layer (124) is used to rotate the polarization direction of light output by the first polarization layer (123); and / or A second polarization compensation layer (134) is provided on a side of the second polarization layer (133) away from the second liquid crystal layer (132), and the second polarization compensation layer (134) is used to rotate the polarization direction of light output by the second polarization layer (133).

10. The image generation unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first light and the second light both have components in a column direction.

11. The image generation unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The image generation unit also includes a control module, which controls at least one of the first modulation component (12) and the second modulation component (13) so that the polarization directions of the first light emitted by the first modulation component (12) and the second light emitted by the second modulation component (13) are consistent.

12. A head-up display, characterized in that: The head-up display comprises an image generating unit according to any one of claims 1-11.

13. The head-up display according to claim 12, characterized in that: The head-up display further comprises an imaging optical path component (2), wherein the imaging optical path component comprises a reflector component (20); The central area of ​​the image generating unit emits a first light ray and a second light ray, the first light ray and the second light ray respectively pass through the reflector assembly (20) to form a corresponding first virtual image point (C) and a second virtual image point (D), the first virtual image point (C) and the second virtual image point (D) are coaxially displayed to form a first virtual image and a second virtual image that are coaxially displayed and have different imaging distances.

14. The head-up display according to claim 13, characterized in that: The imaging optical path component (2) further comprises: a first reflecting mirror (21); The first surface (201) of the reflector assembly (20) is used to reflect one of the first light and the second light to the first reflector (21), and the reflected light is reflected by the first reflector (21) to the windshield (22) of the vehicle to form a first virtual image; The first surface (201) is used to transmit the other of the first light and the second light to the second surface (202) of the reflector assembly (20), and the second surface (202) is used to reflect the other of the first light and the second light, and the reflected light is sequentially transmitted by the first surface (201) and reflected by the first reflector (21) to the windshield (22) of the vehicle to form a second virtual image.

15. The head-up display according to claim 14, characterized in that: The first surface (201) of the reflector assembly (20) is provided with an adjustable polarizing film layer, and the polarization direction of the polarizing film layer is perpendicular to the polarization direction of the light that needs to be reflected and is transmitted thereto.

Images