Image generation device, display equipment, vehicle and image generation method

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides an image generation device, display equipment, a vehicle and an image generation method. The image generation device comprises an imaging module, a cylindrical lens array and N collimation backlight modules, the cylindrical lens array comprises M cylindrical lenses sequentially arranged in the first direction, the N collimation backlight modules comprise K sets of collimation backlight modules, each set of collimation backlight module comprises M collimation backlight modules sequentially arranged in the first direction, N = M * K, M is larger than 1, and K is larger than or equal to 1. The N collimation backlight modules are used for outputting N light beams respectively, each light beam in the N light beams comprises a first collimation light beam, and the first collimation light beams are parallel in the first direction. The imaging module is used for modulating the N paths of light beams to obtain N paths of imaging light, and each group of M paths of imaging light in the N paths of imaging light is transmitted to the M cylindrical lenses. The M cylindrical lenses are used for adjusting the transmission direction of each group of M-path imaging light.

Description

Image generating device, display equipment, vehicle and image generating method

[0001] The present application relates to the field of optical display, and in particular to an image generating device, a display device, a vehicle and an image generating method.

[0002] Because it truly restores the real world seen by human eyes, naked-eye three-dimensional (3D) display technology has been praised as the next generation of display technology, and has potential impact in the fields of advertising, film and television, medical treatment, education, engineering and exhibition. Important indicators for measuring 3D display technology include the display resolution, field of view, crosstalk and depth of field of 3D images. In essence, the divergence characteristics of the light beam after the sub-pixel passes through the slit or lens directly determine the depth of field of the 3D image and the crosstalk between viewpoints.

[0003] It should be understood that large crosstalk between two viewpoints will lead to ghosting, and limited depth of field of multiple viewpoints will reduce the clarity of the image, thereby affecting the viewer's experience. Therefore, how to reduce the divergence characteristics of the light beam to eliminate crosstalk and improve the depth of field of the 3D image is a technical problem that needs to be solved in this field.

[0004] Summary of the invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide an image generating device, a display apparatus, a vehicle, and an image generating method, which can effectively reduce the crosstalk between different viewpoints and enhance the depth of field of the image, and make the overall structure thinner and lighter.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an image generating device, which includes: an imaging module, a cylindrical lens array, and N collimating backlight modules, wherein the cylindrical lens array includes M cylindrical lenses arranged in sequence along a first direction, and the N collimating backlight modules include K groups of collimating backlight modules, each group of collimating backlight modules includes M collimating backlight modules arranged in sequence along the first direction, N=M×K, M is an integer greater than 1, and K is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Specifically, the N collimating backlight modules are used to output N light beams respectively, each of the N light beams includes a first collimated light beam, and the first collimated light beam is parallel in the first direction. The imaging module is used to modulate the N light beams respectively to obtain N imaging lights, wherein the N imaging lights include K groups of imaging lights, each group of imaging lights includes M imaging lights, and each group of M imaging lights is transmitted to the M cylindrical lenses respectively. The M cylindrical lenses are used to adjust the transmission direction of each group of M imaging lights respectively.

[0007] In this embodiment, the light beam output by the collimated backlight module includes a first collimated light beam parallel in the first direction, and the imaging module modulates the light beam output by the collimated backlight module to obtain imaging light, and the imaging light can be transmitted to different viewpoints after passing through the lens array. It should be understood that the use of a collimated light beam for imaging can reduce the divergence angle of the light beam, thereby effectively reducing the crosstalk between different viewpoints and improving the depth of field of the image. On the other hand, M cylindrical lens arrays are distributed in the first direction, and the present application provides at least one group of M collimated backlight modules distributed in the first direction, that is, each group of collimated backlight modules corresponds to a cylindrical lens one by one. It should be understood that if the number of collimated backlight modules is less than the number of cylindrical lenses, the light beam output by each collimated backlight module must cover multiple cylindrical lenses. According to the optical path principle, the optical path required for the collimated backlight module to collimate the light beam is longer, and the collimated backlight module naturally requires a larger size. However, by adopting a design in which the collimating backlight module corresponds to the lens one by one, the light beam output by each collimating backlight module only needs to cover the corresponding lens, shortening the optical path required for the collimating backlight module to collimate the light beam, and making the collimating backlight module thinner.

[0008] In some possible implementations, each of the N light beams further includes a second collimated light beam, and the second collimated light beam is parallel in the second direction. K is an integer greater than 1, and the K groups of collimated backlight modules are distributed in the second direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The image generating device further includes a diffusion module, and the diffusion module is located between the collimated backlight module and the imaging module. The diffusion module is used to diverge each second collimated light beam.

[0009] In this embodiment, since the present application is mainly used in 3D display scenes, different viewpoints are arranged in the first direction, so the present application requires that the first collimated light beam incident on the cylindrical lens array is parallel in the first direction, so as to reduce the crosstalk between viewpoints. However, the present application can also adopt a two-dimensional collimated backlight module, that is, N collimated backlight modules are distributed in an array along the first direction and the second direction, that is, K is greater than 1, for example, K = M. Each collimated backlight module can also output a second collimated light beam parallel in the second direction, and then cooperate with the diffusion module to diverge the second collimated light beam. In this way, it is equivalent to using a one-dimensional collimated backlight module, so this embodiment expands the adaptable collimated backlight module.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the imaging light passing through the cylindrical lens array is transmitted to multiple different positions, and the imaging light transmitted to different positions contains different image information. In other words, there are multiple different viewpoints distributed in space, and images with parallax will be seen at different viewpoints, that is, the left eye and the right eye can see different images, thereby achieving a 3D display effect, making this solution easy to apply to naked-eye 3D display scenarios.

[0011] In some possible implementations, each collimating backlight module includes a light source and a parabolic structure, and the parabolic structure is used to collimate the light beam emitted by the light source. It should be understood that the use of a reflective parabolic structure to collimate the light beam can make the light source and the parabolic structure more compact, making the overall structure lighter and thinner.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the light source is disposed at the focus of the parabola structure so that the collimation effect of the parabola structure is optimized.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the maximum length of each cylindrical lens in the first direction is equal to the aperture of the parabolic structure in the first direction. It should be noted that the length P of the cylindrical lens in the first direction = the number of viewpoints × the pixel size. Among them, the pixel size on the imaging module is determined, and the number of viewpoints can be determined according to actual needs, so the size of the cylindrical lens can be determined, and the aperture of the parabolic structure is correspondingly determined, so that a parabolic structure of a reasonable size can be designed.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the aperture of the parabola structure in the first direction and the focal length of the parabola structure satisfy the following formula:

[0015]

[0016] Wherein, f represents the focal length of the parabola structure, D represents the aperture of the parabola structure in the first direction, It represents half of the divergence angle of the light source. It should be understood that the focal length of the parabola structure can be determined according to the calculation relationship between the aperture and focal length of the parabola structure, so as to design a parabola structure that meets the requirements.

[0017] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an image generating device, the image generating device comprising: an imaging module, a microlens array and N collimating backlight modules, the microlens array comprising N microlenses, N being an integer greater than 1, the microlenses in the microlens array being arranged along a first direction and a second direction respectively, the N collimating backlight modules being arranged along a first direction and a second direction respectively, and the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction. Specifically, the N collimating backlight modules are used to output N collimated light beams to the imaging module respectively, wherein the collimated light beams are parallel in the first direction and parallel in the second direction. The imaging module is used to modulate the N collimated light beams respectively to obtain N imaging lights, wherein the N imaging lights are transmitted to the N microlenses respectively. The N microlenses are used to adjust the transmission directions of the N imaging lights respectively.

[0018] It should be noted that the cylindrical lens array of the first aspect can only provide parallax in one dimension, and according to the above introduction, it can be flexibly matched with a one-dimensional collimated or two-dimensional collimated parabolic structure. In this embodiment, a microlens array can also be used instead of the above cylindrical lens array, wherein the microlens array can provide a full parallax image in two dimensions. Therefore, if the image generating device adopts a microlens array, it can only be matched with a two-dimensional collimated parabolic structure. The use of this embodiment can also effectively reduce the crosstalk between different viewpoints and improve the depth of field of the image, and the collimated backlight module can be designed to be thinner and lighter.

[0019] In some possible implementations, the imaging light passing through the microlens array is transmitted to a plurality of different positions, and the imaging light transmitted to different positions contains different image information.

[0020] In some possible implementations, each collimating backlight module includes a light source and a parabola structure, and the parabola structure is used to collimate the light beam emitted by the light source.

[0021] In some possible implementations, the light source is disposed at a focus of the parabola structure.

[0022] In some possible embodiments, the maximum length of each microlens in the microlens array in the first direction is equal to the aperture of the parabola structure in the first direction, and the maximum length of each microlens in the microlens array in the second direction is equal to the aperture of the parabola structure in the second direction.

[0023] In some possible implementations, the aperture of the parabola structure in the first direction or the second direction and the focal length of the parabola structure satisfy the following formula:

[0024]

[0025] Wherein, f represents the focal length of the parabola structure, D represents the aperture of the parabola structure in the first direction or the second direction, Represents half of the divergence angle of the light source.

[0026] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a display device, which includes a processor and an image generating device as described in any embodiment of the first aspect and the second aspect. The processor is used to send image data to an imaging module of the image generating device. The imaging module modulates the incident light according to the image data to obtain imaging light including image information. The application scenarios of the above-mentioned display device include but are not limited to head-up display (Head-Up Display, HUD), projector, augmented display (Augmented Reality, AR) device and virtual display (Virtual Reality, VR) device, etc.

[0027] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a vehicle. The vehicle includes a display device, and the display device is installed on the vehicle. For example, the display device can be installed on the vehicle as a HUD, a vehicle display screen, or a vehicle light.

[0028] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an image generation method, which is applied to an image generation device, an imaging module, a cylindrical lens array, and N collimating backlight modules, wherein the cylindrical lens array includes M cylindrical lenses arranged in sequence along a first direction, and the N collimating backlight modules include K groups of collimating backlight modules, each group of collimating backlight modules includes M collimating backlight modules arranged in sequence along the first direction, N=M×K, M is an integer greater than 1, and K is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The image generation method specifically includes the following steps: outputting N light beams through the N collimating backlight modules respectively, each of the N light beams includes a first collimated light beam, and the first collimated light beam is parallel in the first direction. The N light beams are modulated by the imaging module to obtain N imaging lights, wherein the N imaging lights include K groups of imaging lights, each group of imaging lights includes M imaging lights, and each group of M imaging lights is transmitted to the M cylindrical lenses respectively. The transmission direction of each group of M imaging lights is adjusted by the M cylindrical lenses respectively.

[0029] In some possible implementations, each of the N light beams further includes a second collimated light beam, the second collimated light beam is parallel in the second direction, K is an integer greater than 1, K groups of collimated backlight modules are distributed in the second direction, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and the image generating device further includes a diffusion module, the diffusion module is located between the collimated backlight module and the imaging module. The method further includes: using the diffusion module to diverge each second collimated light beam.

[0030] In some possible implementations, the imaging light passing through the cylindrical lens array is transmitted to a plurality of different positions, and the imaging light transmitted to different positions contains different image information.

[0031] In some possible implementations, each collimating backlight module includes a light source and a parabola structure, and the method further includes: collimating the light beam emitted by the light source by using the parabola structure.

[0032] In some possible implementations, the light source is disposed at a focus of the parabola structure.

[0033] In some possible implementations, the maximum length of each cylindrical lens in the first direction is equal to the aperture of the parabolic structure in the first direction.

[0034] In some possible implementations, the aperture of the parabola structure in the first direction and the focal length of the parabola structure satisfy the following formula:

[0035]

[0036] Wherein, f represents the focal length of the parabola structure, D represents the aperture of the parabola structure in the first direction, Represents half of the divergence angle of the light source.

[0037] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an image generation method, which is applied to an image generation device, wherein the image generation device includes: an imaging module, a microlens array, and N collimating backlight modules, wherein the microlens array includes N microlenses, where N is an integer greater than 1, and the microlenses in the microlens array are arranged along a first direction and a second direction, respectively, and the N collimating backlight modules are arranged along a first direction and a second direction, respectively, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The image generation method specifically includes the following steps: outputting N collimated light beams to the imaging module through the N collimating backlight modules, respectively, wherein the collimated light beams are parallel in the first direction and parallel in the second direction. The N collimated light beams are modulated by the imaging module to obtain N imaging lights, wherein the N imaging lights are transmitted to the N microlenses, respectively. The transmission directions of the N imaging lights are adjusted by the N microlenses, respectively.

[0038] In some possible implementations, the imaging light passing through the microlens array is transmitted to a plurality of different positions, and the imaging light transmitted to different positions contains different image information.

[0039] In some possible implementations, each collimating backlight module includes a light source and a parabola structure, and the method further includes: collimating the light beam emitted by the light source by using the parabola structure.

[0040] In some possible implementations, the light source is disposed at a focus of the parabola structure.

[0041] In some possible embodiments, the maximum length of each microlens in the microlens array in the first direction is equal to the aperture of the parabola structure in the first direction, and the maximum length of each microlens in the microlens array in the second direction is equal to the aperture of the parabola structure in the second direction.

[0042] In some possible implementations, the aperture of the parabola structure in the first direction or the second direction and the focal length of the parabola structure satisfy the following formula:

[0043]

[0044] Wherein, f represents the focal length of the parabola structure, D represents the aperture of the parabola structure in the first direction or the second direction, Represents half of the divergence angle of the light source.

[0045] In an embodiment of the present application, the light beam output by the collimated backlight module includes a first collimated light beam parallel in a first direction, and the imaging module modulates the light beam output by the collimated backlight module to obtain imaging light, and the imaging light can be transmitted to different viewpoints after passing through the lens array. It should be understood that the use of a collimated light beam for imaging can reduce the divergence angle of the light beam, thereby effectively reducing the crosstalk between different viewpoints and improving the depth of field of the image. On the other hand, M cylindrical lens arrays are distributed in the first direction, and the present application provides at least one group of M collimated backlight modules distributed in the first direction, that is, each group of collimated backlight modules corresponds to a cylindrical lens one by one. It should be understood that if the number of collimated backlight modules is less than the number of cylindrical lenses, the light beam output by each collimated backlight module must cover multiple cylindrical lenses. According to the optical path principle, the optical path required for the collimated backlight module to collimate the light beam is longer, and the collimated backlight module naturally requires a larger size. However, by adopting a design in which the collimating backlight module corresponds to the lens one by one, the light beam output by each collimating backlight module only needs to cover the corresponding lens, shortening the optical path required for the collimating backlight module to collimate the light beam, and making the collimating backlight module thinner.

[0046] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a 3D display scene;

[0047] FIG2( a ) is a schematic diagram of an optical path using a slit grating;

[0048] FIG2( b ) is a schematic diagram of an optical path using a lens;

[0049] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a first structure of an image generating device in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a collimated backlight module in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a second structure of an image generating device in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG6( a ) is a parabolic structure for achieving one-dimensional collimation;

[0053] FIG6( b ) is a parabolic structure for achieving two-dimensional collimation;

[0054] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a third structure of an image generating device in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a planar optical path of an image generating device in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a planar structure of a collimated backlight module in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] FIG10 is a schematic diagram showing a comparison of crosstalk distribution between Lambertian luminescence and collimated luminescence;

[0058] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a display device in an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of a display device installed in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an image generation method provided by the present application;

[0061] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of another image generating method provided in the present application.

[0062] The embodiments of the present application provide an image generation device, a display device, a vehicle, and an image generation method, which can be mainly applied to naked-eye 3D display scenarios. The present application uses a collimated light beam for imaging to reduce the divergence angle of the light beam, thereby effectively reducing the crosstalk between different viewpoints and improving the depth of field of the image. On the other hand, by adopting a design method in which the collimated backlight module and the lens correspond one to one, the light beam output by each collimated backlight module only needs to cover the corresponding lens, shortening the optical path required for the collimated backlight module to collimate the light beam, and the collimated backlight module can be designed to be thinner and lighter.

[0063] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, rather than to limit a specific order or precedence. It should be understood that the above terms can be interchanged where appropriate, so that the embodiments described in this application can be implemented in a sequence other than the content described in this application. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any of their variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0064] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a 3D display scene. As shown in FIG1 , since there is usually a 6-7 cm interval between a person's eyes, the image seen by the left eye and the image seen by the right eye will be slightly different. This difference is called "binocular parallax". Then, the brain interprets the parallax of the binoculars and judges the distance of the object to produce stereoscopic vision. Among them, the image generation device provided by the present application can be applied to a naked-eye 3D display scene. Unlike conventional 3D displays with glasses, naked-eye 3D does not require wearing any equipment, but directly sends different images to different eyes. Among them, the imaging light output by the image display device can be transmitted to different viewpoints in space, and the viewer's left eye and right eye can see the 3D image at different viewpoints.

[0065] It should be noted that after the imaging module in the image display device modulates the incident light beam to obtain imaging light, a slit grating or a lens may be used to converge the imaging light, which will be introduced below.

[0066] Figure 2(a) is a schematic diagram of an optical path using a slit grating. As shown in Figure 2(a), the imaging module is composed of multiple pixels, the length of the pixel in the vertical direction is recorded as ΔW, the distance between the imaging module and the slit grating in the horizontal direction is recorded as f, the depth of field of the imaging light (also known as the screen exit distance) is recorded as L, and the divergence angle of the light beam output by each pixel after passing through the slit grating is recorded as Δθ, where the width of the imaging light can be recorded as:

[0067] Figure 2(b) is a schematic diagram of an optical path using a lens. Different from Figure 2(a), a lens is used in Figure 2(b) to replace the slit grating shown in Figure 2(a), and the length of the lens in the vertical direction is denoted as p, where the width of the imaging light can be recorded as: Theoretically, in the focus mode, the size of L is determined by p. If p is smaller, L is smaller, and if p is larger, L is larger.

[0068] Specifically, the image generating device provided by the present application adopts a lens instead of a slit grating. It should be understood that the divergence of the light beam can be reduced by adjusting the length P of the lens in the vertical direction, but it will lead to a loss of depth of field. To this end, the present application first collimates the light beam emitted by the light source, and then images the collimated light beam. The collimated imaging light is first converged and then diverged through the lens, which can essentially achieve imaging based on the directivity of light rather than element lenses. Therefore, the light beam width can be compared to a slit grating, and only depends on ΔW and f. There is no need to reduce the length P of the lens in the vertical direction, so crosstalk can be eliminated well without losing depth of field. In addition, since the present application adopts a collimated light beam, there is no need to reduce the divergence angle by blocking the light with a baffle, thereby reducing the brightness loss.

[0069] The image generating device provided by the present application is introduced in detail below. For the convenience of introduction, the coordinate directions are first defined as the X direction, the Y direction and the Z direction, wherein the Z direction is the thickness direction of the image generating device as a whole, and there are mutually perpendicular X direction and Y direction in a plane perpendicular to the Z direction. It should be noted that the collimated light beam mentioned in the present application is a parallel light beam under an ideal state, but in practical applications, the collimated light beam may not be completely parallel, so the light beam with a divergence angle close to 0 is also regarded as a collimated parallel light beam in the present application. In addition, the collimated light beam parallel in a certain direction mentioned in the present application can be regarded as a light beam obtained after collimating the divergent light beam in that direction. If it is collimated in one direction, it is called "one-dimensional collimation", and if it is collimated in two directions, it is called "two-dimensional collimation".

[0070] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the first structure of the image generating device in the embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG3, the image generating device includes: N collimating backlight modules 10, an imaging module 20 and a cylindrical lens array 30. Among them, the cylindrical lens array 30 includes M cylindrical lenses arranged in sequence along the X direction. The N collimating backlight modules 10 include K groups of collimating backlight modules, and each group of collimating backlight modules includes M collimating backlight modules arranged in sequence along the X direction and corresponding to the M cylindrical lenses. That is, N=M×K, M is an integer greater than 1, and K is an integer greater than or equal to 1. In other words, if K=1, it includes N=M collimating backlight modules distributed in the X direction; if K>1, it includes N=M×K collimating backlight modules distributed in an array in the X direction and the Y direction. Among them, no matter K=1 or K>1, each group of M collimating backlight modules distributed in the X direction corresponds to M cylindrical lenses one by one. It should be understood that if N collimating backlight modules are to achieve one-dimensional collimation, the N collimating backlight modules can adopt one-dimensional distribution or two-dimensional distribution, that is, K=1 or K>1. If N collimating backlight modules are to achieve two-dimensional collimation, the N collimating backlight modules must adopt two-dimensional distribution, that is, K>1. The following will introduce the one-dimensional collimation solution and the two-dimensional collimation solution with the cylindrical lens array respectively.

[0071] Taking FIG. 3 as an example, a collimated backlight module for realizing one-dimensional collimation is adopted. Specifically, the imaging module 20 is located between N collimated backlight modules 10 and the cylindrical lens array 30. The N collimated backlight modules 10 are used to output N light beams respectively, each of which includes a first collimated light beam parallel in the X direction. In addition, each light beam also includes a light beam diverging in other directions except the first collimated light beam. The imaging module 20 is used to modulate the N light beams respectively to obtain N imaging lights. Among them, the M light beams from each group of collimated backlight modules are modulated by the imaging module 20 to obtain the corresponding M imaging lights, and the M imaging lights are respectively transmitted to the M cylindrical lenses in the cylindrical lens array 30. Furthermore, the M cylindrical lenses in the cylindrical lens array 30 are used to adjust each group of M incident imaging lights respectively, so as to transmit the imaging light to multiple viewpoints in space.

[0072] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a collimating backlight module in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG4 , the collimating backlight module 10 includes a light source 101 and a parabolic structure 102. Specifically, the parabolic structure 102 is used to collimate the divergent light beam emitted by the light source 101, and reflect the collimated light beam to the imaging module 20. In some possible embodiments, the image generating device also includes a substrate 40 and a driving module 50. Among them, the collimating backlight module 10 is placed on the substrate 40, and the driving module 50 is used to drive the light source 101 to emit light. The collimating backlight module 10 can be glued together with the substrate 40 and the driving module 50. It should be understood that the light beam collimated by the parabolic structure 102 can be transmitted to the imaging module 20 through the driving module 50. For example, the driving module 50 can be a thin film field effect transistor (TFT) using a transparent material.

[0073] In a possible implementation, taking FIG. 3 as an example, if K=1, and the parabolic structure in each collimated backlight module and the corresponding cylindrical lens are equal in length in the Y direction, then each collimated backlight module may also include a plurality of light sources distributed at equal intervals in the Y direction, so that the light beams emitted by the plurality of light sources can completely cover all positions of the parabolic structure. The specific number of light sources used shall be subject to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0074] It should be noted that the present application does not limit the specific type of the imaging module 20. For example, the imaging module 20 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD). A plurality of pixel regions are distributed on the imaging module 20. The crystal droplets in the liquid crystal layer of the imaging module 20 are all contained in a tiny cell structure. One or more cells may constitute a pixel region. It should be understood that the imaging module 20 modulates the incident light of each pixel region according to the loaded image data. Specifically, the imaging module 20 displays the image information of each viewpoint in units of pixels, and then synthesizes multiple parallax images into one image according to a certain mapping relationship using a synthetic coding rule. The incident light passes through the synthetic image to obtain imaging light, which is refracted by the lens to a specified position in space, thereby forming a viewpoint distribution in space. Different images with parallax will be seen at different viewpoints, that is, the left eye and the right eye can see different images, thereby achieving a 3D display effect.

[0075] It should also be noted that in the image generating device using a cylindrical lens array shown in FIG. 3 above, the parabolic structure 102 is specifically used to collimate the light beam emitted by the light source 101 that diverges in the X direction to obtain a first collimated light beam, that is, the first collimated light beam is parallel in the X direction, thereby achieving one-dimensional collimation. It should be understood that the light emitted by the light source 101 is similar to the light emission of a Lambertian body and is divergent in all directions. Since the present application is mainly used in 3D display scenes, different viewpoints are arranged in the X direction, so the present application requires that the light incident on the cylindrical lens array 30 is collimated in the X direction and divergent in the Y direction, and the collimated light beam in the X direction is first converged and then diverged through the cylindrical lens, and the divergent light beam in the Y direction is directly transmitted from the cylindrical lens, thereby reducing the crosstalk between viewpoints and not affecting the integrity of the viewed image. For example, if the light incident on the cylindrical lens array 30 is also collimated in the Y direction, because the divergence angle in the Y direction is too small, the viewer cannot see the complete image if the position is above or below.

[0076] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the second structure of the image generating device in the embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG5, in another possible implementation, a collimating backlight module 10 for realizing two-dimensional collimation can also be used, that is, N collimating backlight modules 10 are distributed in an array in the X direction and the Y direction. The parabolic structure 102 collimates the light beam diverging in the X direction emitted by the light source 101 to obtain a first collimated light beam, and collimates the light beam diverging in the Y direction emitted by the light source 101 to obtain a second collimated light beam, that is, the first collimated light beam is parallel in the X direction, and the second collimated light beam is parallel in the Y direction. Preferably, N=M×M, so that the collimation effect in the X direction and the Y direction is equivalent. In addition, a diffusion module 60 is also provided between the collimating backlight module 10 and the imaging module 20. The diffusion module 60 is used to diverge the second collimated light beam, so that the light incident on the cylindrical lens array 30 is collimated in the X direction and diverged in the Y direction, which is equivalent to the one-dimensional collimation scheme shown in FIG3, which can reduce the crosstalk between viewpoints and will not affect the integrity of the viewed image.

[0077] FIG6(a) is a parabolic structure for realizing one-dimensional collimation. FIG6(b) is a parabolic structure for realizing two-dimensional collimation. By comparing FIG6(a) and FIG6(b), it can be seen that the shapes of the parabolic structures 102 for realizing one-dimensional collimation and two-dimensional collimation are somewhat different. In practical applications, parabolic structures of different shapes can be flexibly selected according to needs.

[0078] It should be understood that in the above-mentioned image generation device using a cylindrical lens array, other methods other than the parabolic structure can also be used to achieve beam collimation, which is not limited here. If a one-dimensional collimation method is used, the collimated beam must be parallel in the X direction. If a two-dimensional collimation method is used, a diffusion module is required to be used so that the collimated beams other than the parallel collimated beams in the X direction are diverged.

[0079] It should be noted that the above-mentioned cylindrical lens array can only provide parallax in one dimension (X direction), and according to the above introduction, it can be flexibly matched with a one-dimensional collimated or two-dimensional collimated parabolic structure. In another possible implementation, a microlens array can be used instead of the above-mentioned cylindrical lens array, wherein the microlens array can provide a full parallax image in two dimensions (X direction and Y direction). Therefore, if the image generating device adopts a microlens array, it can only be matched with a two-dimensional collimated parabolic structure, which is described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0080] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the third structure of the image generating device in the embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG7, the image generating device includes: N collimating backlight modules 10, an imaging module 20 and a microlens array 70, where N is an integer greater than 1. Among them, the microlens array 70 includes N microlenses, and the N microlenses correspond to the N collimating backlight modules one by one. The microlenses in the microlens array 70 are arranged along the X direction and the Y direction respectively, and the N collimating backlight modules 10 are also arranged along the X direction and the Y direction respectively. Specifically, the imaging module 20 is located between the N collimating backlight modules 10 and the microlens array 70. The N collimating backlight modules 10 are used to output N collimated light beams to the imaging module 20 respectively. Taking the collimating backlight module 10 including a light source 101 and a parabolic structure 102 as an example, the parabolic structure 102 collimates the light beams emitted by the light source 101 and diverging in the X direction and the Y direction, so that the obtained collimated light beams are parallel in the first direction and parallel in the second direction. The imaging module 20 is used to modulate N collimated light beams to obtain N imaging lights, and transmit the N imaging lights to N microlenses of the microlens array 70. Furthermore, each lens in the microlens array 70 is used to adjust the incident light beam to transmit the light beam to multiple viewpoints in space. In this embodiment, the collimated backlight module 10 and the imaging module 20 can refer to the relevant introduction of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0081] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a planar optical path of an image generating device in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG8, in the embodiments shown in FIG3 and FIG5 above, each group of M collimating backlight modules distributed in the X direction can correspond one-to-one to the M cylindrical lenses in the cylindrical lens array 30, and in the embodiment shown in FIG7 above, N collimating backlight modules can correspond one-to-one to the N microlenses in the microlens array 70. Among them, the light beam output by each collimating backlight module is transmitted to the corresponding lens after passing through the imaging module, that is, the collimating backlight module and the corresponding lens are also aligned in the placement position. It should be understood that if the number of collimating backlight modules is less than the number of lenses, the light beam output by each collimating backlight module will cover multiple lenses. According to the principle of the optical path, it is necessary to increase the distance between the light source and the parabolic structure to improve the coverage of the light beam. The optical path required for the collimating backlight module to collimate the light beam is longer, and the collimating backlight module naturally requires a larger size. However, by adopting a design in which the collimating backlight module and the lens correspond one to one, the light beam output by each collimating backlight module only needs to cover the corresponding lens, so the light source and the parabolic structure can be designed to be more compact, shortening the optical path required for the collimating backlight module to collimate the light beam, and making the collimating backlight module lighter and thinner.

[0082] In a possible implementation, in the embodiments shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 above, the aperture of each parabolic structure in the X direction is equal to the maximum length of the corresponding cylindrical lens in the X direction. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 above, the aperture of each parabolic structure in the X direction is equal to the maximum length of the corresponding microlens in the X direction, and the aperture of each parabolic structure in the Y direction is equal to the maximum length of the corresponding microlens in the Y direction. It should be understood that, in theory, the aperture of the parabolic structure can be infinite, but the present application can determine the opening size of the parabolic structure according to the size of the lens, that is, the aperture of the parabolic structure.

[0083] It should be noted that, taking the cylindrical lens as an example, the length P of the cylindrical lens in the X direction = the number of viewpoints × pixel size. Among them, the pixel size on the imaging module 20 is determined, and the number of viewpoints can be determined according to actual needs, so the size of the cylindrical lens can be determined, and the aperture of the parabolic structure is correspondingly determined. Furthermore, the focal length of the parabolic structure can be determined according to the calculation relationship between the aperture and focal length of the parabolic structure, so as to design a parabolic structure that meets the requirements. Preferably, the light source can be set at the focal position of the parabolic structure so that the collimation effect of the parabolic structure is optimized.

[0084] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a planar structure of a collimated backlight module in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG9 , the aperture of the parabola structure is denoted as D, the focus of the parabola structure is denoted as F, the focal length of the parabola structure is denoted as f, and half of the divergence angle of the light source is denoted as Any point on the parabola structure is denoted as M, and the distance between M and F is denoted as r. The specific calculation principle is as follows: The focal length ratio is: Take the divergence angle of the light source as 120° as an example.

[0085] It should be noted that the present application does not limit the cross-sectional shape of the opening of the parabolic structure. For example, it may be a hexagon as shown in FIG. 8 , or it may be a circle, or other regular polygons.

[0086] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram comparing the crosstalk distribution of Lambertian luminescence and collimated luminescence. As shown in Figure 10, a simulated diagram of the beam distribution of the central viewpoint and the viewpoints on its left and right sides is shown. Among them, the simulation is based on lighttools optical simulation, and the various structural parameters of the image generation device are input, and the propagation path of the light beam is simulated using a probabilistic statistical method. For the simulation of a single viewpoint, the pixel distribution follows the synthetic coding rules. For Lambertian luminescence as the light source, the beam width of the central viewpoint is 72mm, and the crosstalk rate of adjacent viewpoints is as high as 91.8%. Here, the crosstalk rate is calculated by the ratio of the intensity value of the adjacent viewpoint corresponding to the peak value of the central viewpoint to the peak intensity. Correspondingly, using the collimated backlight module provided in the present application, the beam width of the central viewpoint is 20mm, and the crosstalk rate of adjacent viewpoints can be reduced to 58.6%.

[0087] In summary, the image generating device provided in the embodiment of the present application realizes light beam collimation through a collimating backlight module, and the imaging module modulates the collimated light beam to obtain imaging light, and the imaging light can be transmitted to different viewpoints after passing through the lens array. It should be understood that the use of a collimated light beam for imaging can reduce the divergence angle of the light beam, thereby effectively reducing the crosstalk between different viewpoints and improving the depth of field of the image. On the other hand, the present application adopts a design method in which the collimating backlight module corresponds to the lens one by one. The light beam output by each collimating backlight module only needs to cover the lens corresponding thereto, shortening the optical path required for the collimating backlight module to collimate the light beam, and the collimating backlight module can be designed to be thinner and lighter.

[0088] The embodiment of the present application also provides a display device. FIG11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display device in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG11, the display device includes: a processor 1101 and an image generating device 1102. Among them, the image generating device 1102 can be the image generating device introduced in any of the above embodiments. The processor 1101 is used to send image data to the imaging module of the image generating device 1102. The imaging module of the image generating device 1102 modulates the incident light according to the image data to obtain imaging light including image information.

[0089] It should be noted that the application scenarios of the above-mentioned display devices include but are not limited to PCs, tablets, mobile phone head-up displays (Head-Up Display, HUD), projectors, augmented display (Augmented Reality, AR) devices and virtual display (Virtual Reality, VR) devices, etc. As an example, the display device in this application is integrated into the HUD, and the HUD can project navigation information, instrument information, etc. into the driver's front field of view to prevent the driver from looking down at this information, thereby affecting driving safety. The image projected by the HUD is reflected by the windshield to form a virtual image outside the vehicle. As another example, the display device in this application is integrated into a projector, and the projector can project the image onto a wall or a projection screen. As another example, the display device in this application is integrated into an AR device or a VR device, and the AR device may include but is not limited to AR glasses or AR helmets, and the VR device may include but is not limited to VR glasses or VR helmets. Users can wear AR devices or VR devices to play games, watch videos, participate in virtual meetings, or video shopping, etc. As another example, the display device in this application is integrated into a vehicle display screen, which can be installed on the back of a seat or the co-pilot position of a vehicle, etc. This application does not limit the location of the vehicle display screen. As another example, the display device in this application is integrated into a headlight. In addition to realizing the lighting function, the headlight can also realize an adaptive driving beam (ADB) system, which can project text, or more complex graphics such as traffic signs, and can also project videos and other images to increase the functions of assisted driving or entertainment.

[0090] The embodiment of the present application also provides a vehicle, which is equipped with the above-mentioned display device. For example, the display device can be installed on the vehicle as a HUD, a vehicle display screen or a vehicle light. The following takes HUD as an example to introduce a specific implementation method of installing a display device on a vehicle.

[0091] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of a display device installed in a vehicle in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG12 , the windshield of the vehicle can reflect the light output by the display device to the human eye. Specifically, the display device is used to output two imaging lights, and the two imaging lights carry different image information. Among them, the driver or the passenger is located on one side of the windshield. The windshield is used to reflect the two imaging lights to form a virtual image on the other side of the windshield. The two reflected imaging lights are transmitted to both eyes of the driver or the passenger respectively. For example, the first imaging light is transmitted to the left eye. The second imaging light is transmitted to the right eye. The display device in the present application can effectively solve the problem of excessive crosstalk rate in 3D HUD.

[0092] Exemplarily, the vehicle may be a car, truck, motorcycle, bus, ship, airplane, helicopter, lawn mower, recreational vehicle, amusement park vehicle, construction equipment, tram, golf cart, train, and cart, etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not particularly limited.

[0093] The embodiment of the present application provides an image generation method. The image generation method is applied to the image generation device described in the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 5 above. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an image generation method provided by the present application. In this embodiment, the image generation method includes the following steps.

[0094] 1301. Output N light beams respectively through N collimating backlight modules.

[0095] It should be understood that in one possible embodiment, the collimated backlight module adopts a one-dimensional collimation method, that is, the light beam output by the collimated backlight module includes a first collimated light beam parallel in the X direction, which is applicable to the embodiment shown in FIG3 above. In another possible embodiment, as shown in FIG5, the image generating device also includes a diffusion module, and the collimated backlight module can also adopt a two-dimensional collimation method. Specifically, the light beam output by the collimated backlight module includes a first collimated light beam parallel in the X direction and a second collimated light beam parallel in the Y direction, and the second collimated light beam parallel in the Y direction output by the collimated backlight module is diverged by the diffusion module. It should be noted that the features of the parabolic structure can be referred to the relevant introduction of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0096] 1302. Use an imaging module to modulate N light beams respectively to obtain N imaging lights.

[0097] It should be noted that, for the features of the imaging module, reference may be made to the relevant introductions of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0098] 1303. Adjust the transmission directions of N imaging lights through a cylindrical lens array.

[0099] Specifically, the M light beams from each group of collimated backlight modules are modulated by the imaging module to obtain corresponding M imaging lights, and the M imaging lights are respectively transmitted to the M cylindrical lenses in the cylindrical lens array. Furthermore, the M cylindrical lenses in the cylindrical lens array are used to adjust each group of M incident imaging lights respectively, so as to transmit the imaging lights carrying different image information to multiple viewpoints in space. For the features of the cylindrical lens array, please refer to the relevant introduction of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0100] The embodiment of the present application provides another image generation method. The image generation method is applied to the image generation device described in the embodiment shown in FIG7 above. FIG14 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of another image generation method provided by the present application. In this embodiment, the image generation method includes the following steps.

[0101] 1401. Output N collimated light beams to imaging modules respectively through N collimated backlight modules.

[0102] It should be understood that since the image generating device uses a microlens array, it needs to be equipped with a two-dimensional collimated backlight module. It should be noted that the features of the two-dimensional collimated backlight module can be referred to the relevant introduction of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0103] 1402. Use an imaging module to modulate N collimated light beams respectively to obtain N imaging lights.

[0104] It should be noted that, for the features of the imaging module, reference may be made to the relevant introductions of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0105] 1403. The transmission directions of N imaging lights are adjusted respectively by using N microlenses.

[0106] Specifically, each lens in the microlens array adjusts the incident light beam to transmit imaging light carrying different image information to multiple viewpoints in space. For the features of the microlens array, reference can be made to the relevant introduction of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0107] The above are only specific implementation methods of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be covered by the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

An image generating device, characterized in that: include: An imaging module, a cylindrical lens array and N collimating backlight modules, wherein the cylindrical lens array comprises M cylindrical lenses arranged in sequence along a first direction, the N collimating backlight modules comprise K groups of collimating backlight modules, each group of collimating backlight modules comprises M collimating backlight modules arranged in sequence along the first direction, N=M×K, M is an integer greater than 1, and K is an integer greater than or equal to 1; the N collimating backlight modules are used to respectively output N light beams, each of the N light beams comprises a first collimated light beam, and the first collimated light beams are parallel in the first direction; the imaging module is used to respectively modulate the N light beams to obtain N imaging lights, wherein the N imaging lights comprise K groups of imaging lights, each group of imaging lights comprises M imaging lights, and each group of the M imaging lights is respectively transmitted to the M cylindrical lenses; the M cylindrical lenses are used to respectively adjust the transmission direction of each group of the M imaging lights. The image generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that Each of the N light beams also includes a second collimated light beam, which is parallel in the second direction. K is an integer greater than 1. The K groups of collimated backlight modules are distributed in the second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The image generating device also includes a diffusion module, which is located between the collimated backlight module and the imaging module. The diffusion module is used to diverge each of the second collimated light beams. The image generating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The imaging light passing through the cylindrical lens array is transmitted to a plurality of different positions, and the imaging light transmitted to different positions contains different image information. The image generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that Each of the collimating backlight modules comprises a light source and a parabola structure; the parabola structure is used to collimate the light beam emitted by the light source. The image generating device according to claim 4, characterized in that The light source is arranged at the focus of the parabola structure. The image generating device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that The maximum length of each of the cylindrical lenses in the first direction is equal to the aperture of the parabolic structure in the first direction. The image generating device according to claim 6, characterized in that The aperture of the parabolic structure in the first direction and the focal length of the parabolic structure satisfy the following formula: Wherein, f represents the focal length of the parabolic structure, D represents the aperture of the parabolic structure in the first direction, represents half of the divergence angle of the light source. An image generating device, characterized in that: include: An imaging module, a microlens array and N collimating backlight modules, wherein the microlens array includes N microlenses, wherein N is an integer greater than 1, the microlenses in the microlens array are arranged along a first direction and a second direction respectively, the N collimating backlight modules are arranged along the first direction and the second direction respectively, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction; the N collimating backlight modules are used to output N collimated light beams to the imaging module respectively, wherein the collimated light beams are parallel in the first direction and parallel in the second direction; the imaging module is used to modulate the N collimated light beams respectively to obtain N imaging lights, wherein the N imaging lights are transmitted to the N microlenses respectively; and the N microlenses are used to adjust the transmission directions of the N imaging lights respectively. The image generating device according to claim 8, characterized in that The imaging light passing through the microlens array is transmitted to a plurality of different positions, and the imaging light transmitted to different positions contains different image information. The image generating device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that Each of the collimating backlight modules comprises a light source and a parabola structure; the parabola structure is used to collimate the light beam emitted by the light source. The image generating device according to claim 10, characterized in that The light source is arranged at the focus of the parabola structure. The image generating device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that The maximum length of each microlens in the microlens array in the first direction is equal to the aperture of the parabola structure in the first direction, and the maximum length of each microlens in the microlens array in the second direction is equal to the aperture of the parabola structure in the second direction. The image generating device according to claim 12, characterized in that The aperture of the parabola structure in the first direction or the second direction and the focal length of the parabola structure satisfy the following formula: Wherein, f represents the focal length of the parabola structure, D represents the aperture of the parabola structure in the first direction or the second direction, represents half of the divergence angle of the light source. A display device, characterized in that include: A processor and an image generating device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the processor is used to send image data to an imaging module of the image generating device, and the imaging module is used to modulate incident light according to the image data to obtain imaging light. A means of transport, characterized in that include: The display device according to claim 14, wherein the display device is installed on the vehicle. An image generation method, characterized in that: The method is applied to an image generating device, which includes: an imaging module, a cylindrical lens array and N collimating backlight modules, wherein the cylindrical lens array includes M cylindrical lenses arranged in sequence along a first direction, the N collimating backlight modules include K groups of collimating backlight modules, each group of collimating backlight modules includes M collimating backlight modules arranged in sequence along the first direction, N=M×K, M is an integer greater than 1, and K is an integer greater than or equal to 1; the method includes: outputting N light beams respectively through the N collimating backlight modules, each of the N light beams includes a first collimated light beam, and the first collimated light beam is parallel in the first direction; modulating the N light beams respectively through the imaging module to obtain N imaging lights, wherein the N imaging lights include K groups of imaging lights, each group of imaging lights includes M imaging lights, and each group of the M imaging lights is transmitted to the M cylindrical lenses respectively; and adjusting the transmission direction of each group of the M imaging lights respectively through the M cylindrical lenses. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that Each of the N light beams also includes a second collimated light beam, which is parallel in the second direction. K is an integer greater than 1. The K groups of collimated backlight modules are distributed in the second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The image generating device also includes a diffusion module, which is located between the collimated backlight module and the imaging module. The method also includes: using the diffusion module to diverge each of the second collimated light beams. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The imaging light passing through the cylindrical lens array is transmitted to a plurality of different positions, and the imaging light transmitted to different positions contains different image information. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that Each of the collimating backlight modules includes a light source and a parabola structure, and the method further includes: collimating the light beam emitted by the light source through the parabola structure. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The light source is arranged at the focus of the parabola structure. The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that The maximum length of each of the cylindrical lenses in the first direction is equal to the aperture of the parabolic structure in the first direction. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that The aperture of the parabolic structure in the first direction and the focal length of the parabolic structure satisfy the following formula: Wherein, f represents the focal length of the parabolic structure, D represents the aperture of the parabolic structure in the first direction, represents half of the divergence angle of the light source. An image generation method, characterized in that: The method is applied to an image generating device, which includes: an imaging module, a microlens array and N collimating backlight modules, the microlens array includes N microlenses, N is an integer greater than 1, the microlenses in the microlens array are arranged along a first direction and a second direction respectively, the N collimating backlight modules are arranged along the first direction and the second direction respectively, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction; the method includes: outputting N collimated light beams to the imaging module respectively through the N collimating backlight modules, wherein the collimated light beams are parallel in the first direction and parallel in the second direction; modulating the N collimated light beams respectively through the imaging module to obtain N imaging lights, wherein the N imaging lights are respectively transmitted to the N microlenses; and adjusting the transmission directions of the N imaging lights respectively through the N microlenses. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that The imaging light passing through the microlens array is transmitted to a plurality of different positions, and the imaging light transmitted to different positions contains different image information. The method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that Each of the collimating backlight modules includes a light source and a parabola structure, and the method further includes: collimating the light beam emitted by the light source through the parabola structure. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that The light source is arranged at the focus of the parabola structure. The method according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that The maximum length of each microlens in the microlens array in the first direction is equal to the aperture of the parabola structure in the first direction, and the maximum length of each microlens in the microlens array in the second direction is equal to the aperture of the parabola structure in the second direction. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that The aperture of the parabola structure in the first direction or the second direction and the focal length of the parabola structure satisfy the following formula: Wherein, f represents the focal length of the parabola structure, D represents the aperture of the parabola structure in the first direction or the second direction, represents half of the divergence angle of the light source.

Images