Diffraction optical waveguide and display module

Abstract

The invention relates to a diffraction optical waveguide and a display module. The diffractive optical waveguide comprises a waveguide substrate, the waveguide substrate comprises a coupling-out area and at least two coupling-in areas distributed on the periphery of the coupling-out area, the coupling-in areas are used for coupling image light into the waveguide substrate, and the coupling-out area is used for coupling out the image light conducted in the waveguide substrate. According to the diffraction optical waveguide of the technical scheme, the at least two coupling-in areas are used for conducting the image light rays of the at least two optical machines, through the design, the diffraction optical waveguide can be matched with different optical machines to achieve different functions of efficiency enhancement, view field expansion, far and near focus display and the like, and the application field is wide.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a diffraction optical waveguide and a display module. Background Art

[0002] Head-Up Display (HUD) technology projects driving information, navigation data and other information onto a display screen or windshield, presenting virtual driving and navigation information in real traffic scenes, and building an interactive feedback information loop between the real world, the information world and the user. According to product form, HUD can be mainly divided into CHUD (Combiner HUD), WHUD (Windshield HUD) and AR-HUD (Augmented Reality HUD) technologies.

[0003] Augmented reality (AR) display is a display in which the observer can view images or data superimposed on the real environment while viewing real objects in the outside world. Therefore, it is widely used in various fields. The reason is that augmented reality display provides the function of barrier-free real-time interaction with the real environment that traditional display devices do not have, bringing users a new visual experience. However, the primary problem in augmented reality display is how to reduce the size and weight of the display device, and provide sufficient brightness and field of view to achieve lightweight equipment and high spatial resolution and high angular resolution of augmented reality fusion presentation effect.

[0004] Since the development of augmented reality display optical technology, the main solutions are roughly divided into coaxial side-view prism solution, array semi-transparent membrane waveguide solution, free-form surface solution and diffraction waveguide solution, etc. Different solutions have different display performance. The current in-vehicle head-up display mainly adopts the design of free-form surface, and its module volume is huge and the virtual image viewing distance is not far enough; the main advantages of the diffraction waveguide technology solution are small size and lightness, and the augmented reality display module based on diffraction waveguide continues the advantage of ultra-small size, which is more conducive to the integration of wearable displays and the pre-installation of automotive head-up displays. However, traditional display modules usually use single-light machines, which cannot provide sufficient brightness or excessive power brings heat dissipation problems, which is not conducive to widespread application. Summary of the invention

[0005] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a diffraction optical waveguide and a display module that can cooperate with different optical machines to achieve different functions.

[0006] A diffraction light waveguide comprises a waveguide substrate, wherein the waveguide substrate comprises a coupling-out region and at least two coupling-in regions distributed around the coupling-out region, wherein the coupling-in region is used to couple image light into the waveguide substrate, and the coupling-out region is used to couple out image light transmitted in the waveguide substrate.

[0007] The diffraction optical waveguide using the technical solution of the present invention has at least two coupling-in regions for transmitting image light of at least two optical machines. The above design can cooperate with different optical machines to achieve different functions such as efficiency enhancement, field of view expansion, and near and far focus display, and has a wide range of applications.

[0008] In a feasible implementation, the waveguide substrate further includes at least two turning regions, which are used to transmit the image light emitted by the coupling-in region to the coupling-out region, and at least two of the turning regions correspond one-to-one to at least two of the coupling-in regions.

[0009] In a feasible implementation, the waveguide substrate includes a first coupling-in region, a first turning region, a second coupling-in region, and a second turning region, wherein the first turning region is located between the first coupling-in region and the coupling-out region, and the second turning region is located between the second coupling-in region and the coupling-out region;

[0010] The first coupling-in region and the second coupling-in region are located at diagonal sides of the coupling-out region, and the first turning region and the second turning region are located at two opposite sides of the coupling-out region; or

[0011] The first coupling-in region and the second coupling-in region are located on the same side of the coupling-out region, and the first turning region and the second turning region are located on two opposite sides of the coupling-out region; or

[0012] The first coupling-in region and the second coupling-in region are located at diagonal sides of the coupling-out region, and the first turning region and the second turning region are located at two adjacent sides of the coupling-out region; or

[0013] The first coupling-in region and the second coupling-in region are located on the same side of the coupling-out region, and the first turning region and the second turning region are located on two adjacent sides of the coupling-out region.

[0014] In a feasible implementation, the waveguide substrate includes a first coupling region and a second coupling region, the coupling-out region is located between the first coupling region and the second coupling region, and the image light emitted by the first coupling region and the second coupling region is directly incident on the coupling-out region.

[0015] In a feasible implementation, the number of the outcoupling regions is one, and the projection of the outcoupling region on the waveguide substrate is a rectangle; the number of the incoupling regions is two to four, and the two to four incoupling regions are respectively distributed on the diagonal sides or different sides of the outcoupling region.

[0016] A display module, comprising:

[0017] At least two optical machines for emitting image light; and

[0018] In any of the above-mentioned diffraction light waveguides, at least two coupling-in regions are used to transmit image light of at least two of the optical machines.

[0019] The display module using the technical solution of the present invention has a wide range of applications because at least two coupling-in areas in the diffraction light waveguide can transmit image light from at least two optical machines and can cooperate with different optical machines to achieve different functions such as efficiency enhancement, field of view expansion, and near and far focus display.

[0020] In a feasible implementation, the display module includes a first optical engine and a second optical engine, the first optical engine is used to realize a first window display, the second optical engine is used to realize a second window display, and the first window is completely integrated with the second window.

[0021] In a feasible implementation, the display module includes a first optical machine and a second optical machine, the first optical machine is used to realize a first window display, the second optical machine is used to realize a second window display, the first window and the second window have the same focal plane, and the edge of the first window is aligned with the edge of the second window.

[0022] In a feasible implementation, the display module includes a first optical engine and a second optical engine, the first optical engine is used to realize a first window display, the second optical engine is used to realize a second window display, and the focal planes of the first window and the second window are different.

[0023] In a feasible implementation, the display module is a head-up display module or an augmented reality wearable display module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a diffractive optical waveguide according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a diffractive optical waveguide according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a diffractive optical waveguide according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a diffractive optical waveguide according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a diffractive optical waveguide according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a diffractive optical waveguide according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a diffractive optical waveguide according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a diffractive optical waveguide according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a diffractive optical waveguide according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of a display module according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram of a display module according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram of a display module according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Fig.13 is a schematic diagram of a head-up display module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Fig.14 This is a light transmission simulation diagram of the diffraction light waveguide according to Example 1 of the present invention;

[0038] Fig.15 This is a diagram showing the light transmission effect of the diffraction light waveguide according to Example 1 of the present invention;

[0039] Fig.16 This is a light transmission simulation diagram of the diffraction light waveguide of Comparative Example 1;

[0040] Fig.17 This is a diagram showing the light transmission effect of the diffraction light waveguide of comparative example 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without violating the connotation of the present invention, so the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0042] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be a central element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be a central element at the same time. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "left", "right" and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only.

[0043] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. The terms used herein in the specification of the present invention are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. The term "and / or" used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

[0044] Traditional diffraction waveguides control efficiency by modulating the characteristic dimensions (such as depth or width) of nano-gratings or nano-structures in the turning region or the out-coupling region, but the theoretical adjustable efficiency range is often small, and the actual structural characteristic dimensions are too exaggerated and difficult to prepare; and the more times light is transmitted in the diffraction waveguide, especially for larger-sized diffraction light waves, the more difficult it is to modulate uniformity. Therefore, in order to solve the above problems of traditional diffraction waveguides, the present invention proposes a multi-coupling region structure, correspondingly setting up multiple optical machines to allow more incident light, so that a suitable preparable structure can be selected within an appropriate adjustable efficiency range to modulate efficiency uniformity.

[0045] See also Figure 1 The diffraction optical waveguide 100 of the first embodiment of the present invention includes a waveguide substrate 110, and the waveguide substrate 110 includes a decoupling region 120 and at least two coupling-in regions distributed on the periphery of the decoupling region 120, the coupling-in region is used to couple the image light into the waveguide substrate 110, and the decoupling region 120 is used to couple out the image light conducted in the waveguide substrate 110.

[0046] The diffractive optical waveguide 100 is used to couple incident light, conduct light, and couple out light in a specific region of the waveguide. The diffractive optical waveguide 100 is made of a material with a visible light transmittance higher than 70%, such as resin or glass.

[0047] The coupling-in region has a light diffraction function and can be used to bend and conduct specific light, and can be selected from one or more of a relief grating, a volume holographic grating, and a liquid crystal grating.

[0048] The waveguide substrate 110 further includes at least two turning regions, which are used to transmit the image light emitted by the coupling region to the outcoupling region 120, and the at least two turning regions correspond to the at least two coupling regions one-to-one. The at least two turning regions correspond to the at least two coupling regions one-to-one, which means that the number of the turning regions is the same as that of the coupling regions, and each turning region is used to transmit the image light emitted by the corresponding coupling region to the outcoupling region 120.

[0049] Specifically, the waveguide substrate 110 of the present embodiment includes a first coupling region 131, a first turning region 141, a second coupling region 132 and a second turning region 142, wherein the first turning region 141 is located between the first coupling region 131 and the coupling-out region 120, and the second turning region 142 is located between the second coupling region 132 and the coupling-out region 120.

[0050] There is one outcoupling region 120, the outcoupling region 120 is located in the middle of the waveguide substrate 110, and the projection of the outcoupling region 120 on the waveguide substrate 110 is a rectangle. The first incoupling region 131 and the second incoupling region 132 are located at diagonal sides of the outcoupling region 120, and the first turning region 141 and the second turning region 142 are located at opposite sides of the outcoupling region 120. Specifically, the first turning region 141 is located on the left side of the outcoupling region 120, and the second turning region 142 is located on the right side of the outcoupling region 120.

[0051] In this embodiment, the first coupling region 131 and the second coupling region 132 are used to transmit the image light of the first optical machine and the second optical machine. The transmission principle includes two sets of optical paths. The principle is as follows:

[0052] The first optical path includes light emitted from the first optical machine, which enters the first coupling-in area 131. The first coupling-in area 131 diffracts and bends the light and transmits it to the first turning area 141 in the waveguide substrate 110 according to the total reflection principle. The first turning area 141 has a pupil expansion transmission function in one direction, that is, part of the light is transmitted toward the coupling-out area 120, and at the same time, it continues to be transmitted along the original direction to fill the entire first turning area 141. The coupling-out area 120 has a pupil expansion transmission function in another direction, that is, part of the light is emitted through the coupling-out area 120, and part of the light is transmitted along the original direction to fill the entire coupling-out area 120.

[0053] The second optical path includes the light emitted by the second optical machine, which enters the second coupling-in area 132. The second coupling-in area 132 diffracts and bends the light and transmits it to the second turning area 142 in the waveguide substrate 110 according to the total reflection principle. The second turning area 142 has a pupil expansion transmission function in one direction, that is, part of the light is transmitted toward the coupling-out area 120, and at the same time, it continues to be transmitted along the original direction to fill the entire second turning area 142. The coupling-out area 120 has a pupil expansion transmission function in another direction, that is, part of the light is emitted through the coupling-out area 120, and part of the light is transmitted along the original direction to fill the entire coupling-out area 120.

[0054] The above two sets of optical paths have different coupling-in areas and turning areas, but the same coupling-out area, and can be used with different optical machines to achieve different functions such as efficiency enhancement, expanded field of view, and near and far focus display.

[0055] It should be noted that, when the diffractive optical waveguide of the present invention includes two coupling-in regions, the positions of the two coupling-in regions are not limited to the first embodiment described above.

[0056] See also Figure 2 The diffractive optical waveguide 200 of the second embodiment of the present invention includes a waveguide substrate 210. The waveguide substrate 210 of this embodiment includes a decoupling region 220, a first coupling region 231, a first turning region 241, a second coupling region 232 and a second turning region 242, wherein the first turning region 241 is located between the first coupling region 231 and the decoupling region 220, and the second turning region 242 is located between the second coupling region 232 and the decoupling region 220.

[0057] Specifically, there is one out-coupling region 220, the out-coupling region 220 is located in the middle of the waveguide substrate 210, and the projection of the out-coupling region 220 on the waveguide substrate 210 is a rectangle. The first in-coupling region 231 and the second in-coupling region 232 are located at diagonal sides of the out-coupling region 220, and the first turning region 241 and the second turning region 242 are located at opposite sides of the out-coupling region 220. In this embodiment, the first turning region 241 is located above the out-coupling region 220, and the second turning region 242 is located below the out-coupling region 220.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first coupling region 231 and the second coupling region 232 are used to transmit the image light of the two optical machines, and can cooperate with different optical machines to achieve different functions such as efficiency enhancement, field of view expansion, and near and far focus display.

[0059] See also Figure 3The diffraction optical waveguide 300 of the third embodiment of the present invention includes a waveguide substrate 310. The waveguide substrate 310 of this embodiment includes a decoupling region 320, a first coupling region 331, a first turning region 341, a second coupling region 332 and a second turning region 342, wherein the first turning region 341 is located between the first coupling region 331 and the decoupling region 320, and the second turning region 342 is located between the second coupling region 332 and the decoupling region 320.

[0060] Specifically, there is one out-coupling region 320, the out-coupling region 320 is located in the middle and lower position of the waveguide substrate 310, and the projection of the out-coupling region 320 on the waveguide substrate 310 is a rectangle. The first in-coupling region 331 and the second in-coupling region 332 are located at the diagonal side of the out-coupling region 320, the first turning region 341 and the second turning region 342 are located on the same side of the out-coupling region 220, and the first turning region 341 and the second turning region 342 are located on opposite sides of the out-coupling region 320. In this embodiment, the first in-coupling region 331 and the first turning region 341 are symmetrical with the second in-coupling region 332 and the second turning region 342 about the out-coupling region 320.

[0061] In this embodiment, the first coupling region 331 and the second coupling region 332 are used to transmit the image light of the two optical machines, and can cooperate with different optical machines to achieve different functions such as efficiency enhancement, field of view expansion, and near and far focus display.

[0062] See also Figure 4 The diffraction optical waveguide 400 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a waveguide substrate 410. The waveguide substrate 410 of this embodiment includes a decoupling region 420, a first coupling region 431, a first turning region 441, a second coupling region 432 and a second turning region 442, wherein the first turning region 441 is located between the first coupling region 431 and the decoupling region 420, and the second turning region 442 is located between the second coupling region 432 and the decoupling region 420.

[0063] Specifically, the number of the outcoupling region 420 is one, the outcoupling region 420 is located in the middle of the waveguide substrate 410, and the projection of the outcoupling region 420 on the waveguide substrate 410 is a rectangle. The first incoupling region 431 and the second incoupling region 432 are located at the diagonal sides of the outcoupling region 420, and the first turning region 441 and the second turning region 442 are located at two adjacent sides of the outcoupling region 420. Specifically, the first turning region 441 and the second turning region 442 are respectively located at two orthogonal sides of the waveguide substrate 410. Further, the outcoupling region 420 in this embodiment can be a two-dimensional structure.

[0064] In this embodiment, the first coupling region 431 and the second coupling region 432 are used to transmit the image light of the two optical machines, and can cooperate with different optical machines to achieve different functions such as efficiency enhancement, field of view expansion, and near and far focus display.

[0065] See also Figure 5 The diffraction optical waveguide 500 of the fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a waveguide substrate 510. The waveguide substrate 510 of this embodiment includes a decoupling region 520, a first coupling region 531, a first turning region 541, a second coupling region 532 and a second turning region 542, wherein the first turning region 541 is located between the first coupling region 531 and the decoupling region 520, and the second turning region 542 is located between the second coupling region 532 and the decoupling region 520.

[0066] Specifically, the number of the outcoupling region 520 is one, the outcoupling region 520 is located in the middle of the waveguide substrate 510, and the projection of the outcoupling region 520 on the waveguide substrate 510 is a rectangle. The first incoupling region 531 and the second incoupling region 532 are located on the same side of the outcoupling region 520, and the first turning region 541 and the second turning region 542 are located on two adjacent sides of the outcoupling region 520. Specifically, the first turning region 541 and the second turning region 542 are respectively located on two orthogonal sides of the waveguide substrate 510. Further, the outcoupling region 520 in this embodiment can be a two-dimensional structure.

[0067] In this embodiment, the first coupling region 531 and the second coupling region 532 are used to transmit the image light of the two optical machines, and can cooperate with different optical machines to achieve different functions such as efficiency enhancement, field of view expansion, and near and far focus display.

[0068] It should be noted that the number of coupling regions in the diffraction optical waveguide of the present invention is not limited to two in the above-mentioned embodiments. Preferably, the number of coupling regions is two to four, and the two to four coupling regions are respectively distributed on the diagonal sides or different sides of the coupling region.

[0069] See also Figure 6 The diffractive optical waveguide 600 of the sixth embodiment of the present invention includes a waveguide substrate 610. The waveguide substrate 610 of this embodiment includes a decoupling region 620, a first coupling region 631, a first turning region 641, a second coupling region 632, a second turning region 642, a third coupling region 633 and a third turning region 643, wherein the first turning region 641 is located between the first coupling region 631 and the decoupling region 620, the second turning region 642 is located between the second coupling region 632 and the decoupling region 620, and the third turning region 643 is located between the third coupling region 633 and the decoupling region 620.

[0070] Specifically, there is one out-coupling region 620, the out-coupling region 620 is located in the middle of the waveguide substrate 610, and the projection of the out-coupling region 620 on the waveguide substrate 610 is a rectangle. The first in-coupling region 631, the second in-coupling region 632, and the third in-coupling region 633 are respectively located at three diagonal corners of the out-coupling region 620, and the first turning region 641, the second turning region 642, and the third turning region 643 are respectively located at three sides of the out-coupling region 620. Further, the out-coupling region 620 in this embodiment can be a two-dimensional structure.

[0071] In this embodiment, the first coupling region 631, the second coupling region 632 and the third coupling region 633 are used to transmit the image light of the three optical machines, and can cooperate with different optical machines to achieve different functions such as efficiency enhancement, expanded field of view, and near and far focus display.

[0072] See also Figure 7 The diffractive optical waveguide 700 of the seventh embodiment of the present invention includes a waveguide substrate 710. The waveguide substrate 710 of this embodiment includes a decoupling region 720, a first coupling region 731, a first turning region 741, a second coupling region 732, a second turning region 742, a third coupling region 733, a third turning region 743, a fourth coupling region 734 and a fourth turning region 744, wherein the first turning region 741 is located between the first coupling region 731 and the decoupling region 720, the second turning region 742 is located between the second coupling region 732 and the decoupling region 720, the third turning region 743 is located between the third coupling region 733 and the decoupling region 720, and the fourth turning region 744 is located between the fourth coupling region 734 and the decoupling region 720.

[0073] Specifically, there is one out-coupling region 720, the out-coupling region 720 is located in the middle of the waveguide substrate 710, and the projection of the out-coupling region 720 on the waveguide substrate 710 is a rectangle. The first in-coupling region 731, the second in-coupling region 732, the third in-coupling region 733 and the fourth in-coupling region 734 are respectively located at the four diagonal corners of the out-coupling region 720, and the first turning region 741, the second turning region 742, the third turning region 743 and the fourth turning region 744 are respectively located at the four sides of the out-coupling region 720. Further, the out-coupling region 720 in this embodiment can be a two-dimensional structure.

[0074] In this embodiment, the first coupling region 731, the second coupling region 732, the third coupling region 733 and the fourth coupling region 734 are used to transmit image light from four optical machines, and can cooperate with different optical machines to achieve different functions such as efficiency enhancement, expanded field of view, and near and far focus display.

[0075] It should be further explained that the diffraction optical waveguide of the present invention may not include a turning region. In this case, the image light emitted from the coupling-in region is directly incident on the coupling-out region.

[0076] See also Figure 8 The waveguide substrate 800 of the eighth embodiment of the present invention includes a waveguide substrate 810. The waveguide substrate 810 of this embodiment includes a decoupling region 820, a first coupling region 831 and a second coupling region 832. The decoupling region 820 is located between the first coupling region 831 and the second coupling region 832, and the image light emitted from the first coupling region 831 and the second coupling region 832 is directly incident on the decoupling region 820.

[0077] In this embodiment, the first coupling region 831 , the second coupling region 832 , and the coupling-out region 820 are all one-dimensional structures.

[0078] In this embodiment, the first coupling region 831 and the second coupling region 832 are used to transmit the image light of the two optical machines, and can cooperate with different optical machines to achieve different functions such as efficiency enhancement, field of view expansion, and near and far focus display.

[0079] See also Fig. 9 The waveguide substrate 900 of the ninth embodiment of the present invention includes a waveguide substrate 910. The waveguide substrate 910 of this embodiment includes a decoupling region 920, a first coupling region 931 and a second coupling region 932. The decoupling region 920 is located between the first coupling region 931 and the second coupling region 932, and the image light emitted from the first coupling region 931 and the second coupling region 932 is directly incident on the decoupling region 920.

[0080] In this embodiment, the first coupling region 931 and the second coupling region 932 are both one-dimensional structures, and the coupling-out region 920 is a two-dimensional structure.

[0081] In this embodiment, the first coupling region 931 and the second coupling region 932 are used to transmit the image light of the two optical machines, and can cooperate with different optical machines to achieve different functions such as efficiency enhancement, field of view expansion, and near and far focus display.

[0082] The diffraction optical waveguide using the technical solution of the present invention has at least two coupling-in regions for transmitting image light of at least two optical machines. The above design can cooperate with different optical machines to achieve different functions such as efficiency enhancement, field of view expansion, and near and far focus display, and has a wide range of applications.

[0083] A display module of one embodiment includes at least two optical machines and any of the above-mentioned diffractive light waveguides, wherein the optical machine is used to emit image light; and in the diffractive light waveguide, at least two coupling-in regions are used to transmit image light from at least two optical machines.

[0084] Among them, the optical machine can realize the image projection of the specified virtual image distance, and the projection methods mainly include but are not limited to LCOS, DLP, LCD and MEMS, etc. The above design can cooperate with different optical machines to achieve different functions such as efficiency enhancement, expanded field of view, and near and far focus display, and has a wide range of applications.

[0085] The display module according to the embodiment of the present invention is further described below by taking the diffractive light waveguide 800 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention as an example.

[0086] See also Fig.10 The display module 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention includes a first optical engine 11 and a second optical engine 12. The first optical engine 11 is used to realize the display of the first window 13, and the second optical engine is used to realize the display of the second window 14. The first window 13 and the second window 14 are completely integrated.

[0087] In this embodiment, the first coupling region 831 and the second coupling region 832 are used to transmit the image light of the first optical engine 11 and the second optical engine 12. The transmission principle includes two sets of light paths. The principle is as follows:

[0088] The first optical path includes the light emitted by the first optical machine 11, which enters the first coupling-in area 831. The first coupling-in area 831 diffracts and bends the light and transmits it to the coupling-out area 820 in the waveguide substrate 810 according to the total reflection principle. Part of the light is emitted through the coupling-out area 820, and part of the light is transmitted along the original direction to fill the entire coupling-out area 820.

[0089] The second optical path includes the light emitted by the second optical machine 12, which enters the second coupling-in area 832. The second coupling-in area 832 diffracts and bends the light and transmits it to the coupling-out area 820 in the waveguide substrate 810 according to the principle of total reflection. Part of the light is emitted through the coupling-out area 820, and part of the light is transmitted along the original direction to fill the entire coupling-out area 820.

[0090] In head-up display applications, the electrical power of a single optical engine is often limited by heat dissipation, space, etc., and it is impossible to directly increase the electrical power to output higher optical power. This embodiment realizes the display of the first window 13 through the setting of two optical engines, through the input of the first optical engine 11, and realizes the display of the second window 14 through the input of the second optical engine 12. By adjusting the positions of the first optical engine 11 and the second optical engine 12, the fusion of the first window 13 and the second window 14 can be realized, and the superposition of display intensity can be realized, thereby realizing efficiency enhancement based on the premise of vehicle-mounted requirements.

[0091] See also Fig.11The display module 20 of the second embodiment of the present invention includes a first optical machine 21 and a second optical machine 22. The first optical machine 21 is used to realize the display of the first window 23, and the second optical machine 22 is used to realize the display of the second window 24. The focal planes of the first window 23 and the second window 24 are the same, and the edge of the first window 23 is in contact with the edge of the second window 24.

[0092] In this embodiment, the first coupling region 831 and the second coupling region 832 are used to transmit the image light of the first optical engine 21 and the second optical engine 22. The transmission principle includes two sets of light paths. The principle is as follows:

[0093] The first optical path includes the light emitted from the first optical machine 21, which enters the first coupling-in region 831. The first coupling-in region 831 diffracts and bends the light and transmits it to the coupling-out region 820 in the waveguide substrate 810 according to the total reflection principle. Part of the light is emitted from the coupling-out region 820, and part of the light is transmitted along the original direction to fill the entire coupling-out region 820.

[0094] The second optical path includes the light emitted by the second optical machine 22, which enters the second coupling-in area 832. The second coupling-in area 832 diffracts and bends the light and transmits it to the coupling-out area 820 in the waveguide substrate 810 according to the principle of total reflection. Part of the light is emitted through the coupling-out area 820, and part of the light is transmitted along the original direction to fill the entire coupling-out area 820.

[0095] In the present embodiment, the first window 23 is displayed through the input of the first optical machine 21, and the second window 24 is displayed through the input of the second optical machine 22. By adjusting the positions of the first optical machine 21 and the second optical machine 22, the first window 23 and the second window 24 can be fitted together, thereby realizing the superposition and expansion of the windows.

[0096] See also Fig.12 The display module 30 of the third embodiment of the present invention includes a first optical engine 31 and a second optical engine 32. The first optical engine 31 is used to realize the display of the first window 33, and the second optical engine 32 is used to realize the display of the second window 34. The focal planes of the first window 33 and the second window 34 are different.

[0097] In this embodiment, the first coupling region 831 and the second coupling region 832 are used to transmit the image light of the first optical engine 31 and the second optical engine 32. The transmission principle includes two sets of optical paths. The principle is as follows:

[0098] The first optical path includes the light emitted from the first optical machine 31, which enters the first coupling-in area 831. The first coupling-in area 831 diffracts and bends the light and transmits it to the coupling-out area 820 in the waveguide substrate 810 according to the total reflection principle. Part of the light is emitted from the coupling-out area 820, and part of the light is transmitted along the original direction to fill the entire coupling-out area 820.

[0099] The second optical path includes the light emitted by the second optical machine 32, which enters the second coupling-in area 832. The second coupling-in area 832 diffracts and bends the light and transmits it to the coupling-out area 820 in the waveguide substrate 810 according to the principle of total reflection. Part of the light is emitted through the coupling-out area 820, and part of the light is transmitted along the original direction to fill the entire coupling-out area 820.

[0100] In this embodiment, it is defined that the first optical engine 31 has a near-focus display, and the second optical engine 32 has a far-focus display. Through the input of the first optical engine 31, the near-focus window display is realized, and through the input of the second optical engine 32, the far-focus window display is realized. The display function of the near-focus and far-focus images can meet the needs of different vehicle-mounted scenes. For example, the near-focus display can display basic information such as vehicle speed and alarm, and the far-focus display can meet more distant display needs, such as lane combination display, navigation display, etc.

[0101] On the basis of the above-mentioned embodiments, the display module is a head-up display module or an augmented reality wearable display module. Among them, the augmented reality wearable display module can be an augmented reality near-eye display module, etc.

[0102] Fig.13 To demonstrate the application of the head-up display module 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the light emitted from the diffracted light waveguide is reflected by the windshield 41 and forms an eye box range at a certain position for the observer to view the complete image.

[0103] Specifically, the head-up display module 40 of this embodiment includes the diffraction light waveguide 42 of any of the above embodiments. The light source assembly emits light to the diffraction light waveguide 42, and the diffraction light waveguide 42 transmits the light along the Fig.13 The light in the direction of the middle arrow is coupled into the pupil expansion transmission and then coupled out to the windshield 41 of the car, and then reflected from the windshield 41 into the human eye for imaging. Since the head-up display module 40 is arranged in the car, the imaging light of the head-up display module 40 is reflected to the human eye through the windshield 41 of the car, and the windshield 41 is transparent so that information in the real world can be observed. The imaging light is reflected to the windshield 41 by the head-up display module 40, so that the imaging surface of the head-up display module 40 is superimposed with the information in the real world, so that the user can observe the information on the dashboard without lowering his head, thereby improving convenience. In the head-up display module 40 of the present invention, the diffraction light waveguide 42 includes at least two coupling regions, which can transmit the image light of at least two optical machines, and can cooperate with different optical machines to achieve different functions such as efficiency enhancement, expanded field of view, and near and far focus display.

[0104] The display module using the technical solution of the present invention has a wide range of applications because at least two coupling-in areas in the diffraction light waveguide can transmit image light from at least two optical machines and can cooperate with different optical machines to achieve different functions such as efficiency enhancement, field of view expansion, and near and far focus display.

[0105] With reference to the above implementation contents, in order to make the technical solution of the present invention more specific, clear and easy to understand, the technical solution of the present invention is now exemplified. However, it should be noted that the contents to be protected by the present invention are not limited to the following embodiments.

[0106] Example 1

[0107] See also Fig.14 The diffraction optical waveguide 100 of Example 1 includes a waveguide substrate 110, and the waveguide substrate 110 includes a coupling-out region 120, a first coupling-in region 131, a first turning region 141, a second coupling-in region 132, and a second turning region 142, wherein the first turning region 141 is located between the first coupling-in region 131 and the coupling-out region 120, and the second turning region 142 is located between the second coupling-in region 132 and the coupling-out region 120.

[0108] In this embodiment, through simulation software modeling, light is incident from the first coupling region 131 and the second coupling region 132 respectively, transmitted through the first turning region 141 and the second turning region 142, and emitted from the coupling-out region 120. The light emission effect is as follows: Fig.15 As shown. Combined Fig.14 and Fig.15 It can be seen that all light can be coupled out of the outcoupling region 120 .

[0109] Comparative Example 1

[0110] See also Fig.16 The diffractive optical waveguide 100' of comparative example 1 includes a waveguide substrate 110', and the waveguide substrate 110' includes an outcoupling region 120', an incoupling region 131', and a turning region 141', wherein the turning region 141' is located between the incoupling region 131' and the outcoupling region 120'. In the diffractive optical waveguide 100' of comparative example 1, the structural parameters of the outcoupling region 120', the incoupling region 131', and the turning region 141' are respectively the same as the structural parameters of the outcoupling region 120, the first incoupling region 131, and the second turning region 141 in the diffractive optical waveguide 100 of embodiment 1.

[0111] In comparative example 1, through simulation software modeling, light is incident from the coupling-in region 131', transmitted through the turning region 141' and the waveguide substrate 110', and coupled out from the coupling-out region 120'. The light emission effect is as follows: Fig.17 As shown. Combined Fig.16 and Fig.17It can be seen that not all light is actually coupled out of the outcoupling area 120'. The main reason is that the outcoupling area 120' has a certain conduction length, and the light is gradually lost during the conduction process. Therefore, only the area close to the turning point has light coupling out, while the area far from the turning point cannot be coupled out due to efficiency reasons, so the outcoupling area 120' has poor uniformity.

[0112] Compared with comparative example 1, in embodiment 1 of the present invention, by setting multiple coupling-in areas and correspondingly setting multiple optical machines, light enters the coupling-out area from multiple directions, so that all the coupling-out areas have light coupled out, thereby ensuring the uniformity of light in the coupling-out area.

[0113] The technical features of the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-described embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0114] The above-mentioned embodiments only express several implementation methods of the present invention, and the descriptions thereof are relatively specific and detailed, but they cannot be understood as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be pointed out that, for ordinary technicians in this field, several variations and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent of the present invention shall be subject to the attached claims.

Claims

1. A diffractive optical waveguide, characterized in that: The diffraction optical waveguide includes a waveguide substrate, which includes a coupling-out region and at least two coupling-in regions distributed around the coupling-out region, wherein the coupling-in region is used to couple image light into the waveguide substrate, and the coupling-out region is used to couple out image light transmitted in the waveguide substrate.

2. The diffractive optical waveguide according to claim 1, characterized in that: The waveguide substrate further includes at least two turning regions, which are used to transmit the image light emitted by the coupling-in region to the coupling-out region, and at least two of the turning regions correspond one-to-one to at least two of the coupling-in regions.

3. The diffractive optical waveguide according to claim 2, characterized in that: The waveguide substrate comprises a first coupling-in region, a first turning region, a second coupling-in region and a second turning region, wherein the first turning region is located between the first coupling-in region and the coupling-out region, and the second turning region is located between the second coupling-in region and the coupling-out region; The first coupling-in region and the second coupling-in region are located at diagonal sides of the coupling-out region, and the first turning region and the second turning region are located at two opposite sides of the coupling-out region; or The first coupling-in region and the second coupling-in region are located on the same side of the coupling-out region, and the first turning region and the second turning region are located on two opposite sides of the coupling-out region; or The first coupling-in region and the second coupling-in region are located at diagonal sides of the coupling-out region, and the first turning region and the second turning region are located at two adjacent sides of the coupling-out region; or The first coupling-in region and the second coupling-in region are located on the same side of the coupling-out region, and the first turning region and the second turning region are located on two adjacent sides of the coupling-out region.

4. The diffractive optical waveguide according to claim 1, characterized in that: The waveguide substrate includes a first coupling-in region and a second coupling-in region, the coupling-out region is located between the first coupling-in region and the second coupling-in region, and the image light emitted from the first coupling-in region and the second coupling-in region directly enters the coupling-out region.

5. The diffractive optical waveguide according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the outcoupling regions is one, and the projection of the outcoupling region on the waveguide substrate is a rectangle; the number of the incoupling regions is two to four, and the two to four incoupling regions are respectively distributed on the diagonal sides or different sides of the outcoupling region.

6. A display module, characterized in that: The display module comprises: At least two optical machines for emitting image light; and The diffractive optical waveguide according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least two coupling-in regions are used to guide image light of at least two of the optical machines.

7. The display module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The display module includes a first optical engine and a second optical engine, wherein the first optical engine is used to realize a first window display, and the second optical engine is used to realize a second window display, and the first window is completely integrated with the second window.

8. The display module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The display module includes a first optical machine and a second optical machine, the first optical machine is used to realize a first window display, and the second optical machine is used to realize a second window display, the first window and the second window have the same focal plane, and the edge of the first window is aligned with the edge of the second window.

9. The display module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The display module includes a first optical engine and a second optical engine, wherein the first optical engine is used to realize a first window display, and the second optical engine is used to realize a second window display, and the first window and the second window have different focal planes.

10. The display module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The display module is a head-up display module or an augmented reality wearable display module.

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