Multi-virtual plane projector for head-up display

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-virtual plane projector for a head-up display. A head-up display (HUD) system includes: a first light emitter configured to emit a first light beam on a first optical path; a second light emitter configured to emit a second light beam on a second optical path; a two-dimensional (2D) scanner arranged on the first optical path and the second optical path; a first focusing lens arranged on a first optical path between the first light emitter and the 2D scanner and configured to focus the first light beam onto a first focal point, the first focal point being located at a first distance downstream of the 2D scanner along the first optical path; and a second focusing lens arranged on a second optical path between the second light emitter and the 2D scanner and configured to focus the second light beam onto a second focal point located at a second different distance downstream of the 2D scanner along the second optical path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of computers, and in particular to a multi-virtual plane projector for a head-up display. Background Art

[0002] Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that provides an interactive user experience that combines real-world and computer-generated content. AR delivers visual elements, sounds, tactile and / or other sensory information to users in order to change the user's continuous perception of the real-world environment in real time. In other words, AR adds digital elements to the live experience of the real-world environment. The sensory information covered with the real-world environment can be constructive, so that the sensory information is added to the real-world environment, or destructive, so as to cover up a part of the real-world environment. The sensory information can be delivered to the user through a device such as a mobile device. For example, the perceived part of the real-world environment can be enhanced with digital information superimposed thereon. In some cases, the visual content can be superimposed on the user's line of sight (e.g., the user's real-world view). Therefore, digital content can be overlaid on the perceived part of the environment to visually provide additional information to the user. Digital content can be displayed on a transparent substrate or display, such as smart glasses, smart contact lenses, head-up display (head-up display, HUD) and head-mounted display (HMD), or directly projected onto the user's retina, as in the case of a virtual retinal display. Summary of the invention

[0003] In some implementations, a HUD system includes a first light emitter configured to generate a first plurality of light beams corresponding to a first image and emit the first plurality of light beams on a first optical path; a second light emitter configured to generate a second plurality of light beams corresponding to a second image and emit the second plurality of light beams on a second optical path; a two-dimensional (2D) scanner disposed on the first optical path and the second optical path, wherein the 2D scanner is configured to receive the first plurality of light beams from the first light emitter and direct the first plurality of light beams along the first optical path according to a 2D scanning pattern, and wherein the 2D scanner is configured to receive the second plurality of light beams from the second light emitter and direct the second plurality of light beams according to the 2D scanning pattern A scanning pattern guides a second plurality of light beams along a second optical path; a first focusing lens is arranged on the first optical path between the first light emitter and the 2D scanner, wherein the first focusing lens is configured to focus each of the first plurality of light beams to a first focal point at a first distance along the first optical path downstream of the 2D scanner; and a second focusing lens is arranged on the second optical path between the second light emitter and the 2D scanner, wherein the second focusing lens is configured to focus each of the second plurality of light beams to a second focal point at a second distance along the second optical path downstream of the 2D scanner, and wherein the first distance is different from the second distance.

[0004] In some implementations, a HUD system includes a first light emitter configured to generate a first plurality of light beams corresponding to a first virtual plane and emit the first plurality of light beams on a first optical path, wherein the first virtual plane is located at a first virtual image distance and a first image is to be perceived at the first virtual image distance; a second light emitter configured to generate a second plurality of light beams corresponding to a second virtual plane and emit the second plurality of light beams on a second optical path, wherein the second virtual plane is located at a second virtual image distance and the second image is to be perceived at the second virtual image distance, and wherein the second virtual image distance is different from the first virtual image distance; and a 2D scanner disposed on the first optical path and the second optical path, wherein the 2D scanner is configured to receive the first plurality of light beams from the first light emitter and guide the first plurality of light beams along the first optical path according to a 2D scanning pattern, and wherein the 2D scanner is Configured to receive a second plurality of light beams from a second light emitter and guide the second plurality of light beams along a second optical path according to a 2D scanning pattern; a HUD reflector; and at least one diffuser arranged at a first focus of the first plurality of light beams and at a second focus of the second plurality of light beams, wherein the at least one diffuser is configured to receive the first plurality of light beams from the 2D scanner and diffuse the first plurality of light beams onto the HUD reflector, wherein the at least one diffuser is configured to receive the second plurality of light beams from the 2D scanner and diffuse the second plurality of light beams onto the HUD reflector, wherein the HUD reflector is configured to project the first plurality of light beams received from the at least one diffuser onto a first virtual plane to present a first image to be perceived at a first virtual image distance, and wherein the HUD reflector is configured to project the second plurality of light beams received from the at least one diffuser onto a second virtual plane to present a second image to be perceived at a second virtual image distance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The implementation is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0006] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of a two-dimensional (2D) scanning system is shown in accordance with one or more implementations.

[0007] Figure 2 A schematic block diagram of a HUD system according to one or more implementations is shown.

[0008] Figure 3 An example HUD system is shown in accordance with one or more implementations.

[0009] Figure 4 An example of a windshield is shown in accordance with one or more implementations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] In the following, details will be set forth to provide a more thorough explanation of example implementations. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these implementations can be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form or as schematic diagrams rather than in detail to avoid obscuring these implementations. In addition, unless otherwise specifically stated, the features of the different implementations described below may be combined with each other.

[0011] In addition, in the following description, equivalent or similar elements or elements having equivalent or similar functions are indicated by equivalent or similar reference numerals. Since the same or functionally equivalent elements are given the same reference numerals in the drawings, repeated descriptions of the elements having the same reference numerals may be omitted. Therefore, the descriptions provided for the elements having the same or similar reference numerals are interchangeable.

[0012] The x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are shown to be substantially perpendicular to the other two axes. In other words, the x-axis is substantially perpendicular to the y-axis and the z-axis, the y-axis is substantially perpendicular to the x-axis and the z-axis, and the z-axis is substantially perpendicular to the x-axis and the y-axis. In some cases, a single reference numeral is shown to refer to a surface, or less than one all instances of a part may be labeled with all surfaces of the part. Although not every surface is labeled, all instances of a part may include the relevant surfaces of the part.

[0013] The orientation of various elements in the figure is shown as an example, and the illustrated example can be rotated relative to the depicted orientation. The description provided herein and the subsequent claims relate to any structure having the above-mentioned relationship between various features, whether these structures are in a specific orientation of the accompanying drawings, or are rotated relative to such an orientation. Similarly, for ease of description, spatial relative terms (such as "top", "bottom", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", "middle", "left side" and "right side") are used herein to describe the relationship between an element and one or more other elements, as shown in the figure. In addition to the orientation shown in the figure, spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of elements, structures and / or components in use or operation. Structures and / or components can be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used in this article can be interpreted accordingly. In addition, unless otherwise stated, the cross-sectional views in the figures only show the features in the cross-sectional plane, and the materials behind the cross-sectional plane are not shown to simplify the drawings.

[0014] It is understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element or there may be intervening elements. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.).

[0015] In the implementations described herein or shown in the drawings, any direct electrical connection or coupling (e.g., any connection or coupling without additional intermediate elements) may also be implemented through an indirect connection or coupling (e.g., a connection or coupling with one or more additional intermediate elements, and vice versa), as long as the general purpose of the connection or coupling (e.g., transmitting a certain signal or transmitting certain information) is substantially maintained. Features from different implementations may be combined to form other implementations. For example, unless otherwise stated, changes or modifications described with respect to one of these implementations may also apply to other implementations.

[0016] As used herein, the terms "substantially" and "approximately" mean "within reasonable tolerances of manufacturing and measurement." For example, the terms "substantially" and "approximately" may be used herein to account for small manufacturing tolerances or other factors considered acceptable in the industry (e.g., within 5%) without departing from aspects of the implementations described herein. For example, a resistor having an approximate resistance value may actually have a resistance within 5% of the approximate resistance value. As another example, a signal having an approximate signal value may actually have a signal value within 5% of the approximate signal value.

[0017] In the present disclosure, expressions including ordinal numbers such as "first", "second", etc. can modify various elements. However, such elements are not limited by such expressions. For example, such expressions do not limit the order and / or importance of elements. On the contrary, such expressions are only used to distinguish one element from other elements. For example, a first box and a second box indicate different boxes, although both are boxes. For another example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may also be referred to as a first element.

[0018] A HUD, sometimes called a heads-up display, is any transparent display that presents data without requiring the user to view it from their usual viewpoint. For example, a HUD may be used in a vehicle to display images on the windshield. A HUD may provide a more comfortable driving experience. Additionally, a HUD may be provided as a safety feature to enable the driver to operate the vehicle more safely. The image quality and fidelity of the image generation is extremely important in such applications where the image quality and fidelity directly impact the safety of vehicle operation. Such applications are also cost sensitive.

[0019] When operating a vehicle, the driver typically observes two or more sources of visual information. Visual information from a first source can be generated at a close distance (e.g., a first virtual distance) by a display integrated in the dashboard. The first source of visual information typically includes information corresponding to vehicle operation, such as information provided by an odometer, a fuel gauge, a plurality of status indicators, and the like. Visual information from a second source can be observed at a long distance (e.g., a second virtual distance, such as optical infinity) outside the vehicle. For example, the second source of visual information can be a real-world environment observed by the driver. As a result, the driver's focus can be switched between different near-field sources and far-field sources of visual information. If the projection plane of the image generated by the HUD is not aligned with the driver's focus, the image may appear blurred and / or distorted. Therefore, in order to maintain high image quality and high fidelity, the superimposed information projected by the HUD should be performed in alignment with the driver's focus.

[0020] Some implementations disclosed herein relate to a HUD system that takes into account multiple virtual distances for generating an image to be presented to a driver. For example, the HUD system may include a multi-source laser beam scanning display system that provides flexibility for adjusting the location of the projected information provided to the driver while minimizing manufacturing costs. The HUD system may include two or more red-green-blue (RGB) laser modules that share a single 2D scanner and a single display controller. The HUD system may be configured to generate images at multiple virtual distances, wherein each RGB laser module corresponds to one of the multiple virtual distances. Thus, different RGB laser modules may be configured to project images at different virtual distances aligned with different focus areas of the driver. As a result, the projected images may be generated in focus with a specific viewing direction of the driver, with some of the projected images being generated for near-field virtual distances and some of the projected images being generated for far-field virtual distances. For a specific virtual distance, each projected image may be generated with high image quality and high fidelity. In addition, since two or more RGB laser modules share a single 2D scanner and a single display controller, manufacturing costs may be kept relatively low.

[0021] Figure 1A schematic block diagram of a 2D scanning system 100 according to one or more implementations is shown. In particular, the 2D scanning system 100 includes a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) mirror 102, which is implemented as a single scanning structure that is configured to guide or deflect a light beam according to a 2D scanning pattern. The 2D scanning system 100 also includes a MEMS driver system 104, a system controller 106, a first light emitter 108, and a second light emitter 110.

[0022] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the MEMS mirror 102 is a mechanically movable mirror (e.g., a MEMS micromirror) integrated on a semiconductor chip (not shown). The MEMS mirror 102 is configured to rotate or oscillate via rotation around two scanning axes that are generally orthogonal to each other. For example, the two scanning axes may include a first scanning axis 112 and a second scanning axis 114, the first scanning axis 112 enabling the MEMS mirror 102 to guide light in a first scanning direction (e.g., the x-direction), and the second scanning axis 114 enabling the MEMS mirror 102 to guide light in a second scanning direction (e.g., the y-direction). As a result, the MEMS mirror 102 can direct a light beam in two dimensions according to a 2D scanning pattern and may be referred to as a 2D MEMS mirror.

[0023] Scanning can be performed to illuminate an area referred to as the field of view. Scanning such as an oscillating horizontal scan (e.g., from left to right and from right to left of the field of view), an oscillating vertical scan (e.g., from bottom to top and from top to bottom of the field of view), or a combination thereof (e.g., a Lissajous scan or a raster scan) can illuminate the field of view in a continuous scanning manner. An image can be projected into the field of view by emitting continuous light beams in different scanning directions, as is the case in AR technology. In other words, the field of view can be illuminated by a scanning operation. Typically, the field of view represents a scanned area where a continuous light beam is projected. The field of view may also be referred to as an illumination field or a projection area in a projection plane onto which an image is projected.

[0024] The MEMS mirror 102 can direct a particular light beam to a desired 2D coordinate (e.g., an x-y coordinate) in the field of view. The desired 2D coordinate can correspond to an image pixel of a projected image, with different 2D coordinates corresponding to different image pixels of the projected image. Thus, multiple light beams emitted at different emission times can be directed by the MEMS mirror 102 at different 2D coordinates of the field of view according to a 2D scanning pattern. By changing the deflection angle of the MEMS mirror 102 on each of the first scanning axis 112 and the second scanning axis 114, the MEMS mirror 102 can be used to scan the field of view in two scanning directions.

[0025] The rotation of the MEMS mirror 102 on the first scan axis 112 can be performed between two predetermined extreme deflection angles (e.g., + / -5 degrees, + / -15 degrees, etc.). Similarly, the rotation of the MEMS mirror 102 on the second scan axis 114 can be performed between two predetermined extreme deflection angles (e.g., + / -5 degrees, + / -15 degrees, etc.). In some implementations, the two predetermined extreme deflection angles for the first scan axis 112 can be the same as the two predetermined extreme deflection angles for the second scan axis 114 according to the 2D scan pattern. In some implementations, the two predetermined extreme deflection angles for the first scan axis 112 can be different from the two predetermined extreme deflection angles for the second scan axis 114 according to the 2D scan pattern.

[0026] In some implementations, the MEMS mirror 102 may be a resonator (e.g., a resonant MEMS mirror) configured to oscillate left and right around the first scanning axis 112 at a first frequency (e.g., a first resonant frequency), and configured to oscillate left and right around the second scanning axis 114 at a second frequency (e.g., a second resonant frequency). Thus, the MEMS mirror 102 is continuously driven around the first scanning axis 112 and the second scanning axis 114 to perform a continuous scanning operation. As a result, the light beam reflected by the MEMS mirror 102 is scanned into the field of view according to a 2D scanning pattern.

[0027] The first scan axis 112 and the second scan axis 114 can use different frequencies or the same frequency to define a 2D scan pattern. For example, a raster scan pattern or a Lissajous scan pattern can be implemented by using different frequencies for the first frequency and the second frequency. Raster scan and Lissajous scan are two types of scans that can be implemented in display applications, light scanning applications, and light steering applications, to name a few examples. For example, Lissajous scan is typically performed using two resonant scan axes that are driven at different constant scan frequencies with a defined fixed frequency ratio between the two scan frequencies that forms a specific Lissajous pattern and frame rate. In order to properly perform Lissajous scan and raster scan, synchronization of the two scan axes is performed by the system controller 106 in conjunction with the emission timing of the first light emitter 108 and the second light emitter 110.

[0028] For each corresponding scanning axis including the first scanning axis 112 and the second scanning axis 114, the MEMS mirror 102 includes an actuator structure for driving the MEMS mirror 102 around the corresponding scanning axis. Each actuator structure can include an interdigitated finger electrode composed of an interdigitated mirror comb and a frame comb, and a drive voltage (e.g., an actuation signal or a drive signal) is applied to the interdigitated mirror comb and the frame comb by the MEMS driver system 104. Applying a potential difference between the staggered mirror combs and the frame combs generates a driving force between the mirror combs and the frame combs, which generates a torque around the intended scanning axis on the mirror body of the MEMS mirror 102. The driving voltage can be switched between two voltages to generate an oscillating driving force. The oscillating driving force causes the MEMS mirror 102 to oscillate back and forth on the corresponding scanning axis between two extremes. Depending on the configuration, this actuation can be adjusted or adjusted by adjusting the driving voltage off time, the voltage level of the driving voltage, or the duty cycle.

[0029] In other examples, the MEMS mirror 102 can use other actuation methods to drive the MEMS mirror 102 around the corresponding scan axis. For example, these other actuation methods can include electromagnetic actuation and / or piezoelectric actuators. In electromagnetic actuation, the MEMS mirror 102 can be immersed in a magnetic field, and an alternating current through a conductive path can generate an oscillating torque around the scan axis. The piezoelectric actuator can be integrated into the leaf spring of the MEMS mirror 102, or the leaf spring can be made of piezoelectric material to generate an alternating beam bending force in response to an electrical signal and generate an oscillating torque.

[0030] The MEMS driver system 104 is configured to generate a drive signal (e.g., an actuation signal) to drive the MEMS mirror 102 about the first scan axis 112 and the second scan axis 114. Specifically, the MEMS driver system 104 is configured to apply the drive signal to an actuator structure of the MEMS mirror 102. In some embodiments, the MEMS driver system 104 includes a first MEMS driver 116 configured to drive the MEMS mirror 102 about the first scan axis 112 and a second MEMS driver 118 configured to drive the MEMS mirror 102 about the second scan axis 114. The first MEMS driver 116 can be configured to sense a first rotational position of the MEMS mirror 102 about the first scan axis 112 and provide first position information indicating the first rotational position (e.g., a tilt angle or a degree of rotation about the first scan axis 112) to the system controller 106. Similarly, the second MEMS actuator 118 may be configured to sense a second rotational position of the MEMS mirror 102 about the second scan axis 114 and provide second position information indicative of the second rotational position (eg, a tilt angle or degree of rotation about the second scan axis 114 ) to the system controller 106 .

[0031] The system controller 106 may use the first position information and the second position information to trigger light beams at the first light emitter 108 and the second light emitter 110. For example, the system controller 106 may use the first position information and the second position information to set emission times of the first light emitter 108 and the second light emitter 110 to target specific 2D coordinates of the 2D scanning pattern of the MEMS mirror 102. Therefore, higher accuracy of the position sensing of the MEMS mirror 102 by the first MEMS actuator 116 and the second MEMS actuator 118 may result in the system controller 106 providing more accurate and precise control of other components of the 2D scanning system 100.

[0032] As described above, the first MEMS driver 116 and the second MEMS driver 118 can apply a driving voltage as a driving signal to the corresponding actuator structure of the MEMS mirror 102 to drive the MEMS mirror 102 to rotate (e.g., oscillate) around the corresponding scanning axis (e.g., the first scanning axis 112 or the second scanning axis 114). The driving voltage can switch or toggle between a high voltage (HV) level and a low voltage (LV) level to generate an oscillating driving force. In some implementations, the LV level can be zero (e.g., the driving voltage is off), but is not limited to this and can be a non-zero value. When the driving voltage switches between the HV level and the LV level and the LV level is set to zero, it can be said that the driving voltage is turned on and off (HV on / off). The oscillating driving force causes the MEMS mirror 102 to oscillate back and forth between two extreme values ​​on the first scanning axis 112 or the second scanning axis 114. The drive voltage may be a constant drive voltage, meaning that the drive voltage is the same voltage when actuated (e.g., turned on), or one or both of the HV level or LV level of the drive voltage may be adjustable. However, it should be appreciated that the drive voltage switches between the HV level and the LV level to produce the mirror oscillation. Depending on the configuration, the actuation may be adjusted or regulated by the system controller 106 by regulating the drive voltage off time, the voltage level of the drive voltage, or the duty cycle. As described above, the frequency and phase of the drive voltage may also be regulated and regulated.

[0033] In some implementations, the system controller 106 is configured to set the drive frequency of the MEMS mirror 102 for each scan axis and is capable of synchronizing the oscillations about the first scan axis 112 and the second scan axis 114. Specifically, the system controller 106 can be configured to control the actuation of the MEMS mirror 102 about each scan axis by controlling the drive signal. The system controller 106 can control the frequency, phase, duty cycle, HV level, and / or LV level of the drive signal to control the actuation about the first scan axis 112 and the second scan axis 114. The actuation of the MEMS mirror 102 about a particular scan axis controls its range of motion and the scan rate about that particular scan axis.

[0034] For example, in order to cause the Lissajous scan pattern to reproduce itself periodically at a frame rate frequency, the first scan axis 112 and the second scan axis 114 are driven at target scan frequencies f1, f2, respectively, with a defined frequency ratio or a defined frequency difference therebetween, which forms a repeatable Lissajous pattern (frame) with a frame rate. A new frame begins each time the Lissajous scan pattern restarts, which may occur when the phase difference between the mirror phase about the first scan axis 112 and the mirror phase about the second scan axis 114 is zero. The system controller 106 may synchronize the oscillations about the first scan axis 112 and the second scan axis 114 to ensure that the defined frequency ratio or the defined frequency difference is maintained based on the first position information and the second position information received from the first MEMS actuator 116 and the second MEMS actuator 118, respectively.

[0035] The 2D scanning system 100 includes two or more light emitters, including a first light emitter 108 and a second light emitter 110. The first light emitter 108 and the second light emitter 110 may be RGB light emitters having red (R), green (G), and blue (B) light sources configured to generate RGB light beams. For example, the first light emitter 108 may include: a first red laser diode or light emitting diode for generating a first red light beam; a first green laser diode or light emitting diode for generating a first green light beam; a first blue laser diode or light emitting diode for generating a first blue light beam; and a first optical element that combines the three color light beams into an RGB light beam to be output from the first light emitter 108. Therefore, the first light emitter 108 is configured to emit each RGB light beam to the MEMS mirror 102 on a first emission path. Each RGB light beam may be generated as a light pulse, and when the MEMS mirror 102 changes its emission direction to aim at different 2D coordinates, the first light emitter 108 may emit multiple RGB light beams sequentially. The emission sequence of the plurality of RGB light beams and the timing thereof may be implemented by the first light emitter 108 according to a trigger signal received from the system controller 106 .

[0036] Similarly, the second light emitter 110 may include a second red laser diode or light emitting diode for generating a second red light beam, a second green laser diode or light emitting diode for generating a second green light beam, a second blue laser diode or light emitting diode for generating a second blue light beam, and a second optical element that combines the three color light beams into an RGB light beam to be output from the second light emitter 110. Therefore, the second light emitter 110 is configured to emit each RGB light beam to the MEMS mirror 102 on a second emission path. Each RGB light beam may be generated as a light pulse, and when the MEMS mirror 102 changes its emission direction to aim at different 2D coordinates, the second light emitter 110 may sequentially emit a plurality of RGB light beams. The emission sequence of the plurality of RGB light beams and their timing may be implemented by the second light emitter 110 according to a trigger signal received from the system controller 106.

[0037] It should be noted that a particular RGB light beam may be composed of a single color of light, a combination of two colors of light, or a combination of all three colors of light. For example, the system controller 106 may control which R, G, B light sources of a particular RGB light emitter are triggered for light emission, including some or all of the R, G, B light sources. Although some of the R, G, B light sources may remain inactive during light emission, the output light beam may still be referred to as an RGB light beam (e.g., although not including all three colors of light). Alternatively, an "RGB light beam" may be referred to as a "pixel light beam," which includes light of one or more colors depending on the desired pixel color to be projected into the corresponding field of view. Therefore, the terms "RGB light beam" and "pixel light beam" may be used interchangeably.

[0038] The MEMS mirror 102 is shared by the first transmission path and the second transmission path, so that the MEMS mirror 102 receives the RGB light beams generated by the first light emitter 108 and receives the RGB light beams generated by the second light emitter 110. Therefore, the MEMS mirror 102 is configured to direct the RGB light beams from the first light emitter 108 and the second light emitter 110 in two scanning directions according to a 2D scanning pattern.

[0039] Using the MEMS mirror 102 as a single MEMS mirror for directing both the RGB light beams generated by the first light emitter 108 and the RGB light beams generated by the second light emitter 110 saves power by reducing the number of components. In addition, using the MEMS mirror 102 as a single MEMS mirror reduces the complexity of the 2D scanning system 100, which can relax the synchronization requirements of the 2D scanning system 100 and improve the synchronization between the stereoscopic image generated by the first light emitter 108 and the stereoscopic image generated by the second light emitter 110.

[0040] The MEMS mirror 102 is configured to project the RGB light beams received from the first light emitter 108 into a first field of view FOV1 (e.g., onto a first virtual plane located at a first virtual distance), and to project the RGB light beams received from the second light emitter 110 into a second field of view FOV2 (e.g., onto a second virtual plane located at a second virtual distance). The RGB light beams from the first light emitter 108 and the second light emitter 110 are separated into two different fields of view, the first field of view FOV1 and the second field of view FOV2. For example, additional optical components may be provided along the first emission path and the second emission path so that the RGB light beams from the first light emitter 108 and the second light emitter 110 are projected onto different virtual planes located at different virtual distances. However, because the MEMS mirror 102 is shared by the first emission path and the second emission path, the RGB light beams from the first light emitter 108 and the second light emitter 110 follow the same 2D scanning pattern.

[0041] Using the MEMS mirror 102 as a single MEMS mirror ensures that the 2D scanning pattern used to direct the RGB light beams generated by the first light emitter 108 is the same as the 2D scanning pattern used to direct the RGB light beams generated by the second light emitter 110 .

[0042] The system controller 106 is configured to control the components of the 2D scanning system 100. In some applications, the system controller 106 may also be configured to receive programming information about the 2D scanning pattern and, based on the programming information, control the timing of the RGB light beams generated by the first light emitter 108 and the second light emitter 110. Thus, the system controller 106 may include both processing and control circuitry configured to generate control signals for controlling the first light emitter 108, the second light emitter 110, the first MEMS driver 116, and the second MEMS driver 118.

[0043] In some implementations, the system controller 106 is configured to generate one or more trigger signals for triggering the first light emitter 108 and the second light emitter 110 to generate the RGB light beams. The system controller 106 is configured to set the driving frequency of the MEMS mirror 102 for the first scanning axis 112 and the second scanning axis 114, and is capable of synchronizing the oscillations around the first scanning axis 112 and the second scanning axis 114 to generate a 2D scanning pattern. The system controller 106 can also control the emission time of the RGB light beams of the first light emitter 108 and the second light emitter 110 to achieve a desired illumination pattern that produces an image within the corresponding field of view. The desired illumination pattern is generated by a combination of the 2D scanning pattern generated by the MEMS mirror 102 and the emission time triggered by the system controller 106. As described above, providing Figure 1 As an example. Other examples may differ from the Figure 1 In practice, the 2D scanning system 100 may include Figure 1 The components shown may be more components, fewer components, different components, or components arranged differently without departing from the disclosure provided above. The 2D scanning system 100 may be implemented in various types of image projection systems that use two or more different virtual planes on which images are projected. In addition, Figure 1 Two or more of the components shown may be implemented in a single component, or Figure 1 The single components shown may be implemented as multiple distributed components. Additionally or alternatively, one set of components (eg, one or more components) of 2D scanning system 100 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of 2D scanning system 100 .

[0044] Figure 2 A schematic block diagram of a HUD system 200 is shown according to one or more implementations. The HUD system 200 may include a combination of Figure 1 The 2D scanning system 100 described herein. The HUD system 200 may include a first light emitter 108 and a second light emitter 110. Additionally, the HUD system 200 may include a MEMS mirror 102 implemented as a 2D scanner. Additionally, the HUD system 200 may include a diffuser 202 and a HUD reflector 204.

[0045] The first light emitter 108 may generate a first plurality of light beams corresponding to a first image and emit the first plurality of light beams on a first optical path 206. The second light emitter 110 may generate a second plurality of light beams corresponding to a second image and emit the second plurality of light beams on a second optical path 208. The first plurality of light beams and the second plurality of light beams may be collimated beams of pixel light. The MEMS mirror 102 is disposed on the first optical path 206 and the second optical path 208. Therefore, the MEMS mirror 102 may receive the first plurality of light beams from the first light emitter 108 and direct the first plurality of light beams along the first optical path 206 according to a 2D scanning pattern. Similarly, the MEMS mirror 102 may receive the second plurality of light beams from the second light emitter 110 and direct the second plurality of light beams along the second optical path 208 according to the same 2D scanning pattern.

[0046] The HUD system 200 may also include a first focusing lens 210 and a second focusing lens 212. The first focusing lens 210 may be disposed on a first optical path 206 between the first light emitter 108 and the MEMS mirror 102. The first focusing lens 210 may be configured to focus each of the first plurality of light beams onto a first focal point at a first distance downstream of the MEMS mirror 102 along the first optical path 206. The second focusing lens 212 may be disposed on a second optical path 208 between the second light emitter 110 and the MEMS mirror 102. The second focusing lens 212 may be configured to focus each of the second plurality of light beams onto a second focal point at a second distance downstream of the MEMS mirror 102 along the second optical path 208.

[0047] The first distance and the second distance are different distances. For example, in some embodiments, the first focusing lens 210 may have a first focal length, and the second focusing lens 212 may have a second focal length different from the first focal length. In this example, the distance from the first light emitter 108 to the first focusing lens 210 may be equal to the distance from the second light emitter 110 to the second focusing lens 212. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first focusing lens 210 and the second focusing lens 212 may have the same focal length. In this example, the first focusing lens 210 may be arranged at a third distance from the first light emitter 108, and the second focusing lens 212 may be arranged at a fourth distance from the second light emitter 110, wherein the third distance is different from the fourth distance. As a result, the first focus and the second focus may be located at different distances.

[0048] In some implementations, the first focusing lens 210 can be disposed on the first optical path 206 between the MEMS mirror 102 and the diffuser 202. Additionally or alternatively, the second focusing lens 212 can be disposed on the second optical path 208 between the MEMS mirror 102 and the diffuser 202.

[0049] The diffuser 202 may be arranged at a first focal point and a second focal point. For example, the diffuser 202 may have a first diffuser portion 214 arranged at a first focal point and a second diffuser portion 216 arranged at a second focal point. In other words, the diffuser 202 may be a single diffuser structure including a first diffuser portion 214, a second diffuser portion 216 and a transition portion 218 (e.g., a step portion), and the transition portion 210 is connected to the first diffuser portion 214 and the second diffuser portion 216. The transition portion 218 may extend from the first diffuser portion 214 to the second diffuser portion 216, and its size is equal to the difference between the first focal point and the second focal point. Alternatively, the diffuser 202 may include a first diffuser arranged at a first focal point and a second diffuser arranged at a second focal point. In other words, the first diffuser portion 214 and the second diffuser portion 216 may be implemented as separate diffusion structures.

[0050] The first diffuser portion 214 may receive a first plurality of light beams from the MEMS mirror 102 and diffuse (e.g., spread) the first plurality of light beams onto the HUD reflector 204. The first diffuser portion 214 may convert the first plurality of light beams into divergent light beams by diffusing, scattering, or otherwise. Thus, the first diffuser portion 214 may be used to increase the size of the eye box corresponding to the first image. The eye box is an area where a user can observe the projected image, corresponding to the eye position. The second diffuser portion 216 may receive a second plurality of light beams from the MEMS mirror 102 and diffuse the second plurality of light beams onto the HUD reflector 204. The second diffuser portion 216 may convert the second plurality of light beams into divergent light beams by diffusing, scattering, or otherwise. Thus, the second diffuser portion 216 may be used to increase the size of the eye box corresponding to the second image. The diffuser may include a randomly scattering transmissive or reflective diffuser, a multi-lens array, or a micro-mirror structure that causes a light beam to diverge, which light beam divergence is angularly equivalent to a diffuse diffusion of the light beam. Thus, the diffuser may be any structure or structural assembly that converts a light beam (e.g., a collimated light beam) into a divergent light beam.

[0051] The HUD reflector 204 can project the first plurality of light beams received from the first diffuse portion 214 onto a first virtual plane corresponding to a first virtual image distance. The first virtual plane is located at a first virtual image distance, at which the first image will be perceived by, for example, a driver of a vehicle. In addition, the HUD reflector 204 can be configured to project the second plurality of light beams received from the second diffuser portion 216 onto a second virtual plane corresponding to a second virtual image distance, the second virtual image distance being different from the first virtual image distance. The second virtual plane is located at a second virtual image distance, at which the second image will be perceived by, for example, a driver. Therefore, the first image is configured to be perceived at the first virtual image distance, and the second image is configured to be perceived at the second virtual image distance.

[0052] The HUD reflector 204 may be arranged to receive a first plurality of light beams and a second plurality of light beams. As a result, the first plurality of light beams may be projected onto a first display FOV of the driver FOV, and the second plurality of light beams may be projected onto a second display FOV of the driver FOV. The first and second display FOVs correspond to different driver FOVs. Although the first plurality of light beams and the second plurality of light beams may partially overlap (e.g., in an overlapping region) on the windshield 204, the first plurality of light beams and the second plurality of light beams do not overlap at first and second virtual display distances corresponding to the first display FOV and the second display FOV, respectively. The windshield may receive the first plurality of light beams received from the HUD reflector 204 and project a first image corresponding to the first plurality of light beams onto a first virtual plane. In addition, the windshield may receive a second plurality of light beams received from the HUD reflector 204 and project a second image corresponding to the second plurality of light beams onto a second virtual plane. The first display FOV of the windshield may project the first image into a first line of sight of the driver, and the second display FOV of the windshield may project the second image into a second line of sight of the driver that is different from the first line of sight. As a result, the first image can be in focus when the driver is viewing along a first line of sight (e.g., at the dashboard), and the second image can be in focus when the driver is viewing along a second line of sight (e.g., at the real-world environment). In some embodiments, the first virtual image distance can be less than 2.5 meters and the second virtual image distance can be at least 9.5 meters. As a result, the first virtual plane can be projected to less than 2.5 meters and the second virtual plane can be projected to optical infinity. Thus, the first light emitter 108 and the second light emitter 110 can be configured to project images at different virtual distances aligned with different focal areas of the driver.

[0053] Additional virtual planes may be provided by including additional light emitters, focusing lenses, and diffuser portions that share the MEMS mirror 102. For example, a third light emitter, a third focusing lens, and a third diffuser portion may be provided to project a third plurality of light beams onto a third virtual plane, thereby presenting a third image to be perceived at a third virtual image distance that is different from the first virtual image distance and the second virtual image distance. Thus, the display FOV and the number of virtual planes may be proportionally increased by adding additional light emitters, focusing lenses, and diffuser portions that share the MEMS mirror 102.

[0054] Based on the configuration of the HUD system 200, projection images focused on a specific viewing direction of the driver can be generated, where some projection images are generated for near-field virtual distances and some projection images are generated for far-field virtual distances. For a specific virtual distance, each projection image can be generated with high image quality and high fidelity. In addition, since two or more light emitters share a single 2D scanner and a single display controller, manufacturing costs can be kept relatively low.

[0055] As mentioned above, providing Figure 2 As an example. Other examples may differ from the Figure 2 as described. Figure 2 The number and arrangement of components shown are provided as examples. In practice, the HUD system 200 may include more Figure 2 The components shown may include more components, fewer components, different components, or components in a different arrangement. Figure 2 Two or more of the components shown may be implemented in a single component, or Figure 2 The single components shown may be implemented as multiple distributed components. Additionally or alternatively, one set of components (eg, one or more components) of the HUD system 200 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of the HUD system 200.

[0056] Figure 3 An example HUD system 300 is shown according to one or more implementations. The HUD system 300 is similar to a HUD system incorporating Figure 2 The HUD system 200 described above but additionally includes a windshield 302 of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the HUD system 300 includes a windshield reflector 304 mounted on or embedded in the windshield 302. The first light emitter 108, the second light emitter 110, the first focusing lens 210, the second focusing lens 212, and the MEMS mirror 102 (e.g., a 2D scanner) can be provided as an image generation unit 306.

[0057] The HUD reflector 204 may receive each of the first plurality of light beams from the diffuser 202, and project a first image formed by the first plurality of pixel light beams and a 2D scanning pattern implemented by the MEMS mirror 102 onto a first display area (display area) of the windshield 302 (e.g., onto the windshield reflector 304) by reflecting each of the first plurality of light beams onto the windshield 302. The HUD reflector 204 may receive each of the second plurality of light beams from the diffuser 202, and project a second image formed by the second plurality of pixel light beams and a 2D scanning pattern implemented by the MEMS mirror 102 onto a second display area (display area) of the windshield 302 (e.g., onto the windshield reflector 304) by reflecting each of the second plurality of light beams onto the windshield 302.

[0058] The HUD reflector 204 has a curved body, such as a convex shape or a convex profile, designed to receive the first and second plurality of light beams and reflect the first and second plurality of light beams toward corresponding display areas of the windshield 302 (e.g., onto corresponding areas of the windshield reflector 304). The windshield reflector 304 can be configured to reflect each of the first and second plurality of pixel light beams toward a user, at which point the user perceives a projected first image formed by the first plurality of light beams, or perceives a projected second image formed by the second plurality of light beams, based on the user's viewing direction. Thus, Figure 3 A first full optical path (eg, a first full emission path) of a first plurality of light beams and a second full optical path (eg, a second full emission path) of a second plurality of light beams are shown.

[0059] Figure 3 The number and arrangement of components shown are provided as examples. In practice, the HUD system 300 may include more Figure 3 The components shown may include more components, fewer components, different components, or components in a different arrangement.

[0060] Figure 4 An example of a windshield 302 according to one or more implementations is shown. The windshield 302 includes a near-field display FOV 401 as a first display FOV and a far-field display FOV 402 as a second display FOV. The near-field display FOV 401 and the far-field display FOV 402 may be mutually exclusive fields of the windshield 302 corresponding to different fields of view of the driver. In other words, the near-field display FOV 401 may project a first image onto a first virtual plane into a first line of sight or a first field of view of the driver, while the far-field display FOV 402 may project a second image onto a second virtual plane into a second line of sight or a second field of view of the driver.

[0061] As mentioned above, providing Figure 4 As an example. Other examples may differ from the Figure 4 as described.

[0062] The following provides an overview of some aspects of the disclosure:

[0063] Aspect 1: A HUD system, comprising: a first light emitter, configured to generate a first plurality of light beams corresponding to a first image and emit the first plurality of light beams on a first optical path; a second light emitter, configured to generate a second plurality of light beams corresponding to a second image and emit the second plurality of light beams on a second optical path; a 2D scanner arranged on the first optical path and the second optical path, wherein the 2D scanner is configured to receive the first plurality of light beams from the first light emitter and guide the first plurality of light beams along the first optical path according to a 2D scanning pattern, and wherein the 2D scanner is configured to receive the second plurality of light beams from the second light emitter and guide the second plurality of light beams along the second optical path according to the 2D scanning pattern a first focusing lens disposed on the first optical path between the first light emitter and the 2D scanner, wherein the first focusing lens is configured to focus each of the first plurality of light beams onto a first focal point, the first focal point being located at a first distance along the first optical path downstream of the 2D scanner; and a second focusing lens disposed on the second optical path between the second light emitter and the 2D scanner, wherein the second focusing lens is configured to focus each of the second plurality of light beams onto a second focal point located at a second distance along the second optical path downstream of the 2D scanner, and wherein the first distance is different from the second distance.

[0064] Aspect 2: The HUD system according to aspect 1, wherein the first focusing lens has a first focal length, and the second focusing lens has a second focal length different from the first focal length.

[0065] Aspect 3: A HUD system according to any one of Aspects 1-2, wherein the first focusing lens and the second focusing lens have the same focal length, wherein the first focusing lens is arranged at a third distance from the first light emitter, wherein the second focusing lens is arranged at a fourth distance from the second light emitter, and wherein the third distance is different from the fourth distance.

[0066] Aspect 4: The HUD system according to any one of aspects 1-3, wherein the first plurality of light beams and the second plurality of light beams are collimated beams of pixel light.

[0067] Aspect 5: The HUD system according to any one of Aspects 1-4 further includes: a HUD reflector; and at least one diffuser arranged at the first focal point and the second focal point, wherein the at least one diffuser is configured to receive the first plurality of light beams from the 2D scanner and diffuse the first plurality of light beams onto the HUD reflector, wherein the at least one diffuser is configured to receive the second plurality of light beams from the 2D scanner and diffuse the second plurality of light beams onto the HUD reflector, wherein the HUD reflector is configured to project the first plurality of light beams received from the at least one diffuser onto a first virtual plane corresponding to a first virtual image distance, and wherein the HUD reflector is configured to project the second plurality of light beams received from the at least one diffuser onto a second virtual plane corresponding to a second virtual image distance, the second virtual image distance being different from the first virtual image distance.

[0068] Aspect 6: The HUD system of aspect 5, wherein the at least one diffuser comprises a single diffuser comprising a first diffuser portion disposed at the first focus and a second diffuser portion disposed at the second focus.

[0069] Aspect 7: The HUD system according to aspect 5, wherein the at least one diffuser includes a first diffuser arranged at the first focus and a second diffuser arranged at the second focus.

[0070] Aspect 8: The HUD system according to Aspect 5 further includes: a windshield, configured to receive the first plurality of light beams from the HUD reflector, generate a first display field, and project the first image corresponding to the first plurality of light beams onto the first virtual plane, and wherein the windshield is configured to receive the second plurality of light beams received from the HUD reflector, generate a second display field, and project the second image corresponding to the second plurality of light beams onto the second virtual plane.

[0071] Aspect 9: A HUD system according to Aspect 8, wherein the first display field is a near field area and the first virtual image distance is less than 2.5 meters, and wherein the second display field is a far field area and the second virtual image distance is at least 9.5 meters.

[0072] Aspect 10: A HUD system according to Aspect 8, wherein the first display area is configured to project the first image into a first line of sight of a user, and wherein the second display area is configured to project the second image into a second line of sight of the user that is different from the first line of sight.

[0073] Aspect 11: The HUD system of aspect 5, wherein the first image is configured to be perceived at a first virtual image distance and the second image is configured to be perceived at a second virtual image distance.

[0074] Aspect 12: A HUD system, comprising: a first light emitter configured to generate a first plurality of light beams corresponding to a first virtual plane and emit the first plurality of light beams on a first optical path, wherein the first virtual plane is located at a first virtual image distance and a first image is perceived at the first virtual image distance; a second light emitter configured to generate a second plurality of light beams corresponding to a second virtual plane and emit the second plurality of light beams on a second optical path, wherein the second virtual plane is located at a second virtual image distance and a second image is perceived at the second virtual image distance, and wherein the second virtual image distance is different from the first virtual image distance; a 2D scanner arranged on the first optical path and the second optical path, wherein the 2D scanner is configured to receive the first plurality of light beams from the first light emitter and guide the first plurality of light beams along the first optical path according to a 2D scanning pattern, and wherein the 2D scanner is configured to receive the second plurality of light beams from the second light emitter and guiding the second plurality of light beams along the second optical path according to the 2D scanning pattern; a HUD reflector; and at least one diffuser arranged at a first focus of the first plurality of light beams and at a second focus of the second plurality of light beams, wherein the at least one diffuser is configured to receive the first plurality of light beams from the 2D scanner and diffuse the first plurality of light beams onto the HUD reflector, wherein the at least one diffuser is configured to receive the second plurality of light beams from the 2D scanner and diffuse the second plurality of light beams onto the HUD reflector, wherein the HUD reflector is configured to project the first plurality of light beams received from the at least one diffuser onto the first virtual plane to present the first image to be perceived at the first virtual image distance, and wherein the HUD reflector is configured to project the second plurality of light beams received from the at least one diffuser onto the second virtual plane to present the second image to be perceived at the second virtual image distance.

[0075] Aspect 13: The HUD system of aspect 12, wherein the first virtual image distance is less than 2.5 meters, and wherein the second virtual image distance is at least 9.5 meters.

[0076] Aspect 14: The HUD system according to any of aspects 12-13, wherein the first virtual plane is projected to less than 2.5 meters, and wherein the second virtual plane is projected to optical infinity.

[0077] Aspect 15: A HUD system according to any one of Aspects 12-14, wherein: the first light emitter is a first RGB emitter including a red light source, a green light source, and a blue light source, the first image is a first RGB image, and the second light emitter is a second RGB emitter, and the second image is a second RGB image.

[0078] Aspect 16: A HUD system according to any one of Aspects 12-15, wherein the HUD reflector includes a first reflection area and a second reflection area different from the first reflection area, and the HUD reflector is configured to receive a first plurality of light beams in the first reflection area and receive a second plurality of light beams in the second reflection area.

[0079] Aspect 17: The HUD system according to Aspect 12 further includes: a windshield, configured to receive the first plurality of light beams from the HUD reflector, generate a first display field, and project the first image corresponding to the first plurality of light beams onto the first virtual plane, and wherein the windshield is configured to receive the second plurality of light beams received from the HUD reflector, generate a second display field, and project the second image corresponding to the second plurality of light beams onto the second virtual plane.

[0080] Aspect 18: A HUD system according to Aspect 17, wherein the first display area is configured to project the first image into a first line of sight of a user, and wherein the second display area is configured to project the second image into a second line of sight of the user that is different from the first line of sight.

[0081] Aspect 19: The HUD system according to Aspect 17, wherein the first display field and the second display field are mutually exclusive fields.

[0082] Aspect 20: The HUD system according to Aspect 17 further includes: a first focusing lens, arranged on the first optical path and configured to focus each of the first plurality of light beams at the first focus; and a second focusing lens, arranged on the second optical path and configured to focus each of the second plurality of light beams at the second focus.

[0083] Aspect 21: A system configured to perform one or more operations described in one or more of Aspects 1-20.

[0084] Aspect 22: An apparatus comprising means for performing one or more operations described in one or more of Aspects 1-20.

[0085] Aspect 23: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing an instruction set, the instruction set comprising one or more instructions, which when executed by a device causes the device to perform one or more operations described in one or more of aspects 1-20.

[0086] Aspect 24: A computer program product comprising instructions or codes for performing one or more operations described in one or more of Aspects 1-20.

[0087] The above disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations.

[0088] For example, although the implementations described herein relate to MEMS devices with mirrors, it should be understood that other implementations may include optical devices other than MEMS mirror devices or other MEMS oscillating structures. In addition, although some aspects have been described in the context of devices, it is clear that these aspects also represent descriptions of corresponding methods, where blocks or devices correspond to method steps or features of method steps. Similarly, aspects described in the context of method steps also represent descriptions of corresponding blocks or items or features of corresponding devices. Some or all method steps may be performed by (or using) hardware devices, such as microprocessors, programmable computers, or electronic circuits.

[0089] As used herein, the term "component" is intended to be broadly interpreted as hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. The systems and / or methods described herein can be implemented in different forms of hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. The actual dedicated control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and / or methods does not limit the implementation. Therefore, the operation and behavior of the system and / or method are described herein without reference to specific software code - it should be understood that software and hardware can be designed to implement the system and / or method based on the description herein.

[0090] Any processing component can be implemented as a central processing unit (CPU) or other processor that reads and executes a software program from a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory device. For example, instructions can be executed by one or more processors, such as one or more CPUs, digital signal processors (DSPs), general-purpose microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable logic arrays (FPLAs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuit devices. Therefore, the term "processor" used in this article refers to any of the above structures or any other structure suitable for implementing the technology described herein. The software can be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, so that the non-transitory computer-readable medium includes a program code or program algorithm stored thereon, which, when executed, causes the processor to perform the steps of the method via a computer program.

[0091] A controller including hardware may also perform one or more of the techniques of the present disclosure. A controller including one or more processors may use electrical signals and digital algorithms to perform its reception, analysis, and control functions, which may also include correction functions. Such hardware, software, and firmware may be implemented in the same device or in separate devices to support the various techniques described in the present disclosure.

[0092] Signal processing circuitry and / or signal conditioning circuitry may receive one or more signals (e.g., measurement signals) from one or more components in the form of raw measurement data, and may derive more information based on the measurement signals. "Signal conditioning" as used herein refers to manipulating an analog signal so that the signal meets the requirements of the next stage for further processing. Signal conditioning may include conversion from analog to digital (e.g., via an analog-to-digital converter), amplification, filtering, conversion, biasing, range matching, isolation, and any other process required to make the signal suitable for processing after conditioning.

[0093] Although specific feature combinations are cited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of the implementation described herein. Many of these features can be combined in a manner that is not specifically cited in the claims and / or not disclosed in the specification. For example, the present disclosure includes each dependent claim in the claim set, and each combination of each other individual claim in the claim set and multiple claims in the claim set. As used herein, the phrase "at least one" in the reference project list refers to any combination of these projects, including a single member. For example, "at least one of a, b or c" is intended to cover a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, and a, b and c, and any combination of multiples with the same elements (for example, a+a, a+a+a, a+a+b, a+a+c, a+b+b, a+c+c, b+b, b+b+b, b+b+c, c+c and c+c+c, or any other order of a, b and c).

[0094] In addition, it should be understood that the disclosure of multiple actions or functions disclosed in the specification or claims should not be interpreted as being in a specific order. Therefore, the disclosure of multiple actions or functions will not limit them to a specific order unless these actions or functions are not interchangeable for technical reasons. In addition, in some implementations, a single action may include or may be decomposed into multiple sub-actions. Unless explicitly excluded, such sub-actions may be included in the disclosure of this single action.

[0095] When a "component" or "one or more components" (or another element, such as a "controller" or "one or more controllers") is described or claimed (either within a single claim or across multiple claims) as performing or being configured to perform multiple operations, the language is intended to broadly encompass a variety of architectures and environments. For example, unless otherwise expressly required (e.g., via the use of "first component" and "second component" or other language in the claims to distinguish between components), the language is intended to encompass a single component that performs or is configured to perform all operations, a group of components that collectively perform or are configured to perform all operations, a first component that performs or is configured to perform a first operation and a second component that performs or is configured to perform a second operation, or any combination of components that perform or are configured to perform operations. For example, when a claim is of the form "one or more components configured to: perform X; perform Y; and perform Z," the claim should be interpreted to mean "one or more components configured to perform X; one or more (possibly different) components configured to perform Y; and one or more (possibly different) components configured to perform Z."

[0096] Any element, action or instruction used in this article should not be interpreted as key or necessary, unless clearly described as such. In addition, as used in this article, the article "one" and "an" are intended to include one or more items, and can be used interchangeably with "one or more". In addition, as used in this article, the article "that" and "described" are intended to include one or more items mentioned in conjunction with the article "that" and "described", and can be used interchangeably with "one or more". If only one is intended to be used, phrases "only one", "single" or similar language are used. In addition, as used in this article, the term "has", "have", "having" etc. are intended to be open terms, and the elements (for example, "having" A elements can also have B) that they modify are not limited. In addition, unless otherwise clearly stated, the phrase "based on" is intended to represent "based on at least in part". As used in this article, the term "multiple (multiple)" can be replaced with "multiple (aplurality of)", and vice versa. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "or" is intended to be inclusive when used in a serial form and may be used interchangeably with "and / or" unless expressly stated otherwise (e.g., if used in conjunction with "any one" or "only one of").

Claims

1. A head-up display (HUD) system, comprising: a first light emitter configured to generate a first plurality of light beams corresponding to a first image and to emit the first plurality of light beams on a first optical path; a second light emitter configured to generate a second plurality of light beams corresponding to a second image and to emit the second plurality of light beams on a second optical path; a two-dimensional 2D scanner disposed on the first optical path and the second optical path, wherein the 2D scanner is configured to receive the first plurality of light beams from the first light emitter and direct the first plurality of light beams along the first optical path according to a 2D scanning pattern, and wherein the 2D scanner is configured to receive the second plurality of light beams from the second light emitter and direct the second plurality of light beams along the second optical path according to the 2D scanning pattern; a first focusing lens disposed on the first optical path between the first light emitter and the 2D scanner, wherein the first focusing lens is configured to focus each of the first plurality of light beams onto a first focal point located at a first distance downstream of the 2D scanner along the first optical path; as well as A second focusing lens is arranged on the second optical path between the second light emitter and the 2D scanner, wherein the second focusing lens is configured to focus each of the second plurality of light beams onto a second focal point, the second focal point is located at a second distance downstream of the 2D scanner along the second optical path, and wherein the first distance is different from the second distance.

2. The HUD system of claim 1 , wherein the first focusing lens has a first focal length and the second focusing lens has a second focal length different from the first focal length.

3. The HUD system of claim 1 , wherein the first focusing lens and the second focusing lens have the same focal length, wherein the first focusing lens is arranged at a third distance from the first light emitter, wherein the second focusing lens is arranged at a fourth distance from the second light emitter, and Wherein the third distance is different from the fourth distance. 4 . The HUD system of claim 1 , wherein the first plurality of light beams and the second plurality of light beams are collimated beams of pixel light.

5. The HUD system according to claim 1, further comprising: HUD reflector; as well as at least one diffuser arranged at the first focus and at the second focus, wherein the at least one diffuser is configured to receive the first plurality of light beams from the 2D scanner and diffuse the first plurality of light beams onto the HUD reflector, wherein the at least one diffuser is configured to receive the second plurality of light beams from the 2D scanner and diffuse the second plurality of light beams onto the HUD reflector, wherein the HUD reflector is configured to project the first plurality of light beams received from the at least one diffuser onto a first virtual plane corresponding to a first virtual image distance, and Wherein the HUD reflector is configured to project the second plurality of light beams received from the at least one diffuser onto a second virtual plane corresponding to a second virtual image distance, the second virtual image distance being different from the first virtual image distance. 6 . The HUD system of claim 5 , wherein the at least one diffuser comprises a single diffuser comprising a first diffuser portion disposed at the first focus and a second diffuser portion disposed at the second focus. 7 . The HUD system of claim 5 , wherein the at least one diffuser comprises a first diffuser disposed at the first focus and a second diffuser disposed at the second focus.

8. The HUD system according to claim 5, further comprising: a windshield configured to receive the first plurality of light beams from the HUD reflector to generate a first display field and to project the first image corresponding to the first plurality of light beams onto the first virtual plane, and Wherein the windshield is configured to receive the second plurality of light beams from the HUD reflector to generate a second display field and to project the second image corresponding to the second plurality of light beams onto the second virtual plane.

9. The HUD system of claim 8, wherein the first display field is a near field, and the first virtual image distance is less than 2.5 meters, and The second display field is a far field, and the second virtual image distance is at least 9.5 meters.

10. The HUD system of claim 8, wherein the first display field is configured to project the first image into a first line of sight of a user, and The second display area is configured to project the second image into a second line of sight of the user that is different from the first line of sight.

11. The HUD system of claim 5, wherein the first image is configured to be perceived at the first virtual image distance, and the second image is configured to be perceived at the second virtual image distance.

12. A head-up display (HUD) system, comprising: a first light emitter configured to generate a first plurality of light beams corresponding to a first virtual plane and to emit the first plurality of light beams on a first optical path, wherein the first virtual plane is located at a first virtual image distance at which a first image is perceived; a second light emitter configured to generate a second plurality of light beams corresponding to a second virtual plane and emit the second plurality of light beams on a second optical path, wherein the second virtual plane is located at a second virtual image distance at which a second image is perceived, and wherein the second virtual image distance is different from the first virtual image distance; a two-dimensional (2D) scanner disposed on the first optical path and the second optical path, wherein the 2D scanner is configured to receive the first plurality of light beams from the first light emitter and direct the first plurality of light beams along the first optical path according to a 2D scanning pattern, and wherein the 2D scanner is configured to receive the second plurality of light beams from the second light emitter and direct the second plurality of light beams along the second optical path according to the 2D scanning pattern; HUD reflector; as well as at least one diffuser disposed at a first focus of the first plurality of light beams and at a second focus of the second plurality of light beams, wherein the at least one diffuser is configured to receive the first plurality of light beams from the 2D scanner and diffuse the first plurality of light beams onto the HUD reflector, wherein the at least one diffuser is configured to receive the second plurality of light beams from the 2D scanner and diffuse the second plurality of light beams onto the HUD reflector, wherein the HUD reflector is configured to project the first plurality of light beams received from the at least one diffuser onto the first virtual plane so as to present the first image to be perceived at the first virtual image distance, and Wherein the HUD reflector is configured to project the second plurality of light beams received from the at least one diffuser onto the second virtual plane so as to present the second image to be perceived at the second virtual image distance.

13. The HUD system according to claim 12, wherein the first virtual image distance is less than 2.5 meters, and The second virtual image distance is at least 9.5 meters.

14. The HUD system according to claim 12, wherein the first virtual plane is projected to less than 2.5 meters, and The second virtual plane is projected to optical infinity.

15. The HUD system of claim 12, wherein: The first light emitter is a first red, green, and blue (RGB) emitter including a red light source, a green light source, and a blue light source, and the first image is a first RGB image; and The second light emitter is a second RGB emitter and the second image is a second RGB image.

16. The HUD system of claim 12, wherein the HUD reflector comprises a first reflection region and a second reflection region different from the first reflection region, and the HUD reflector is configured to receive the first plurality of light beams at the first reflection region and to receive the second plurality of light beams at the second reflection region.

17. The HUD system according to claim 12, further comprising: a windshield configured to receive the first plurality of light beams from the HUD reflector to generate a first display field and to project the first image corresponding to the first plurality of light beams onto the first virtual plane, and Wherein the windshield is configured to receive the second plurality of light beams from the HUD reflector to generate a second display field and to project the second image corresponding to the second plurality of light beams onto the second virtual plane.

18. The HUD system of claim 17, wherein the first display field is configured to project the first image into a first line of sight of a user, and The second display area is configured to project the second image into a second line of sight of the user that is different from the first line of sight.

19. The HUD system of claim 17, wherein the first display field and the second display field are mutually exclusive fields.

20. The HUD system according to claim 17, further comprising: a first focusing lens disposed on the first optical path and configured to focus each of the first plurality of light beams at the first focal point; as well as A second focusing lens is disposed on the second optical path and is configured to focus each of the second plurality of light beams at the second focal point.

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