Projection system for vehicle and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a projection system for a vehicle. The projection system comprises a projection device; a first light splitting structure; a first reflection structure; the first lens structure is arranged between the first light splitting structure and the first reflecting structure, and the first light splitting structure is used for enabling light beams emitted by the projection device to be partially transmitted and partially reflected, so that a first image is projected at a first position through the projection device; the first lens structure is used for performing optical adjustment on the light beam transmitted by the first light splitting structure or the light beam reflected by the first light splitting structure, and the first reflection structure is used for reflecting the light beam which is transmitted by the first lens structure and subjected to optical adjustment; and the projection device is used for projecting a second image at a second position. The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising at least one projection system according to the invention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a projection system for a vehicle and a vehicle including the projection system. Background Art

[0002] Projection devices are now relatively commonly used in vehicles. Examples thereof include, for example, optical signal devices for projecting optical signals onto a road surface, head-up displays (HUDs) for projecting information onto a windshield, projectors for projecting infotainment content into an interior space, and the like.

[0003] However, known projection devices can only project in one direction. If additional projection is required at other positions, additional projection devices need to be installed on the vehicle. This undoubtedly leads to an increase in the manufacturing cost of the vehicle.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to project images at multiple different positions in a cost-effective and / or structurally simple manner.

[0005] In addition, it is also desirable to achieve image projection effects that meet requirements, such as consistent image projection effects or variable image projection effects, at different positions in a cost-effective and / or structurally simple manner. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a projection system for a vehicle and a vehicle including at least one projection system that can overcome at least one defect in the prior art.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a projection system for a vehicle, the projection system including: a projection device; a first beam splitting structure; a first reflection structure disposed downstream of the first beam splitting structure; and a first lens structure disposed between the first beam splitting structure and the first reflection structure, wherein the first beam splitting structure is configured to cause a beam emitted by the projection device to be partially transmitted and partially reflected for projecting a first image at a first position by the one projection device, wherein the first lens structure is configured to optically adjust the beam transmitted or reflected by the first beam splitting structure, wherein the first reflection structure is configured to reflect the optically adjusted beam transmitted by the first lens structure for projecting a second image at a second position different from the first position by the one projection device, and wherein the imaging effect of the second image at the second position can be adjusted by the optical adjustment of the first lens structure.

[0008] In some embodiments, the one projection device, the first beam splitting structure, the first lens structure, and the first reflection structure are arranged substantially linearly in sequence.

[0009] In some embodiments, the one projection device, the first light splitting structure, the first lens structure and the first reflective structure are linearly arranged at a distance from each other.

[0010] In some embodiments, only the following optical components are arranged in the optical path of the projection system for imaging the first image and the second image, namely, the one projection device, the one first light splitting structure, the one first lens structure and the one first reflection structure, thereby further reducing costs and simplifying the structure.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first light splitting structure and the first lens structure are integrated into an integrated optical structure.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first light-splitting structure is configured as a light-splitting layer of an integrated optical structure facing the projection device, and the light-splitting layer preferably has a flat surface, and the first lens structure is configured as a lens layer of an integrated optical structure facing away from the projection device, and the lens layer preferably has a convex surface.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first lens structure and the first reflective structure are integrated into an integrated optical structure. The first lens structure is configured as a lens layer of the integrated optical structure facing the first light splitting structure, and the first reflective structure is configured as a reflective layer of the integrated optical structure away from the first light splitting structure.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first light splitting structure, the first lens structure and the first reflective structure are integrated into an integrated optical structure.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first light-splitting structure is configured as a light-splitting layer of an integrated optical structure facing the projection device, and the light-splitting layer preferably has a flat surface. The first reflective structure is configured as a reflective layer of the integrated optical structure facing away from the projection device, and the reflective layer preferably has a flat surface. The first lens structure is configured as a lens layer of the integrated optical structure located between the light-splitting layer and the reflective layer.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first reflective structure is configured as a fully reflective plane mirror or a curved mirror.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first lens structure is configured as or includes a zoom lens structure. In some embodiments, the first lens structure can be set to: a converging lens with a first focal length, for performing a first light condensing adjustment on the light beam transmitted or reflected by the first beam splitting structure; and / or a converging lens with a second focal length, for performing a second light condensing adjustment on the light beam transmitted or reflected by the first beam splitting structure; and / or a converging lens with a third focal length, for performing a third light condensing adjustment on the light beam transmitted or reflected by the first beam splitting structure; and / or a diverging lens with a fourth focal length, for performing a diverging adjustment on the light beam transmitted or reflected by the first beam splitting structure.

[0018] In some embodiments, the converging lens with a first focal length is configured as a collimator, for collimating the light beam transmitted or reflected by the first beam splitting structure, so that the second image is configured to be the same image as the first image; and / or the converging lens with a second focal length is configured as an inverter, for inverting the light beam transmitted or reflected by the first beam splitting structure, preferably so that the second image is configured to be an inverted image of the first image; and / or the converging lens with a third focal length is configured as a reducer, for reducing the light beam transmitted or reflected by the first beam splitting structure, so that the second image is configured to be a reduced image; and / or the diverging lens with a fourth focal length is configured as an amplifier, for amplifying the light beam transmitted or reflected by the first beam splitting structure, so that the second image is configured to be an enlarged image.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first lens structure is configured as or includes a liquid lens structure and / or a microlens array.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first lens structure includes a plurality of lens parts, especially lens parts with different focal lengths, and the projection system further includes a manipulation device, which is configured to transfer at least one of the plurality of lens parts into or out of the optical path.

[0021] In some embodiments, the plurality of lens parts respectively correspond to a sub-segment of the first lens structure. Preferably, the plurality of lens parts are configured to be arranged coplanarly with each other, or the plurality of lens parts are configured to be arranged in sequence along the optical path. Wherein, the manipulation device is configured to transfer at least one of the plurality of lens parts into or out of the optical path.

[0022] In some embodiments, the projection system includes a manipulation device configured to adjust the positioning of the first lens structure between the first beam-splitting structure and the first reflection structure. Preferably, a guide rail is provided between the first beam-splitting structure and the first reflection structure, and the first lens structure is mounted on the guide rail. The manipulation device is configured to drive the movement of the first lens structure on the guide rail.

[0023] In some embodiments, the projection system further includes the following arrangements: a second beam-splitting structure provided between the first lens structure and the first reflection structure; a second lens structure between the first reflection structure and the second beam-splitting structure. The second beam-splitting structure is configured to partially reflect and partially transmit the optically adjusted beam transmitted by the first lens structure. Preferably, the one projection device, the first beam-splitting structure, the first lens structure, the second beam-splitting structure, the second lens structure, and the first reflection structure are arranged substantially linearly in sequence.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle including at least one projection system according to some embodiments of the present invention. Preferably, the projection system is integrated in the instrument panel, the roof, the center console, the front of the vehicle, or the rear of the vehicle.

[0025] In some embodiments, the vehicle includes a control device in communication with the projection system. The control device is configured to: acquire ambient environment data to identify the road conditions of the vehicle's current driving; acquire vehicle driving state data to identify the vehicle's current driving state; obtain user input for the projection system from a human-machine interface; and / or acquire image effect information to be projected by the projection system. The control device is configured to generate a control instruction for the projection system based on the ambient environment data, the vehicle driving state data, the user input, and / or the image effect information.

[0026] In some embodiments, the control device is configured to, based on the ambient environment data, the vehicle driving state data, the user input, and / or the image effect information: generate a first control instruction to cause the manipulation device to adjust the first lens structure such that the second image has a first imaging effect at the second position, for example, such that the second image is configured to be the same image as the first image; and / or generate a second control instruction to cause the manipulation device to adjust the first lens structure such that the second image has a second imaging effect at the second position, for example, such that the second image is configured to be an inverted image of the first image; and / or generate a third control instruction to cause the manipulation device to adjust the first lens structure such that the second image has a third imaging effect at the second position, for example, such that the second image is configured to be a reduced image; and / or generate a fourth control instruction to cause the manipulation device to adjust the first lens structure such that the second image has a fourth imaging effect at the second position, for example, such that the second image is configured to be an enlarged image.

[0027] Other features of the present invention are derived from the accompanying drawings and the specific embodiments. All the features and combinations of features mentioned in the above description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned and / or shown separately in the following specific embodiments and / or in the accompanying drawings, can be used not only in the corresponding combinations given, but also in other combinations, or in a separate state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 A perspective schematic diagram showing a projection system for a vehicle;

[0029] Figure 2 A schematic optical path diagram showing a projection system according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3A and 3B A schematic diagram showing the optical adjustment of a lens structure with different focal lengths;

[0031] Figure 4 A schematic optical path diagram showing a projection system according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 Shows a Figure 4 Schematic diagram of a linear guide used in the projection system;

[0033] Figure 6A 、 6B and 6C show a schematic diagram of a lens structure formed by a plurality of lens parts;

[0034] Figure 7 A schematic optical path diagram showing a projection system according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a vehicle according to some embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0036] The present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which several embodiments of the present application are shown. However, it should be understood that the present application can be presented in many different ways and is not limited to the embodiments described below; in fact, the embodiments described below are intended to make the present application more complete and fully explain the scope of protection of the present application to those skilled in the art. It should also be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in various ways to provide more additional embodiments.

[0037] It should be understood that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application. All terms used herein (including technical terms and scientific terms) have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art unless otherwise defined. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or structures may not be described in detail.

[0038] As used herein, the term "A or B" includes "A and B" as well as "A or B", and does not exclusively include only "A" or only "B" unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0039] As used herein, the term "exemplary" means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any implementation described herein by way of example is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, the present application is not limited by any theory expressed or implied in the above technical field, background art, summary of the invention, or detailed description.

[0040] In addition, for reference purposes only, terms such as "first", "second", etc. may also be used herein, and "first", "second" may also refer to multiple "firsts", "seconds". For example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, words such as "first", "second", and other such numerical words referring to structures or elements do not imply an order or sequence.

[0041] It should also be understood that when the term "comprising / including" is used herein, it indicates the presence of the stated features, wholes, steps, operations, units, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, units, and / or components and / or their combinations. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) are used in this document in their general meaning in the field to which the examples belong.

[0042] In the various embodiments described differently, the same reference numerals or the same element names are assigned to the same elements, and the disclosure contained throughout the specification can be transferred in meaning to the elements with the same reference numerals or the same element names. In addition, in each embodiment, the number, implementation manner, and / or arrangement structure of the elements are not limited to the examples shown, but other numbers, implementation manners, and / or arrangement structures can be selected according to actual needs.

[0043] Next, various aspects of the present application will be specifically introduced with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Refer to Figure 1, a perspective schematic diagram of a projection system 100 for a vehicle is shown, which is capable of simultaneously projecting images to at least two different positions using a single projection device 2. The projection system 100 may include: a projection device 2, a beam splitting structure 3, and a reflection structure 4 disposed downstream of the beam splitting structure 3. The beam splitting structure 3 is configured to partially transmit and partially reflect the emitted light beam P emitted by the projection device 2, and the reflection structure 4 is configured to reflect the light beam reflected by the beam splitting structure 3, so that two images at different positions can be projected through the single projection device 2.

[0045] As can be seen, Figure 1 the emitted light beam P emitted by the projection device 2 first enters the beam splitting structure 3. Here, the incident area where the reflected light beam P enters the beam splitting structure 3 is indicated by a dashed box. The emitted light beam P partially passes through the beam splitting structure 3 and thus forms a first light beam S1. The first light beam is projected onto a surface inside or outside the vehicle and forms an image F1. At the same time, the emitted light beam P is also partially reflected by the beam splitting structure 3 into a second light beam S2. Then, the second light beam S2 enters the reflection structure 4 disposed downstream of the beam splitting structure 3 on the reflection side of the beam splitting structure 3, so that the second light beam S2 is further reflected into a reflected light beam R. The reflected light beam R can project another image F2 on the same surface or another surface. As can be seen, Figure 1 due to the divergence of the emitted light beam P of the projection device 2, the optical path lengths of the first light beam S1 and the reflected light beam R measured from the projection device 2 are different. Therefore, the images projected by means of the first light beam S1 and the images projected by means of the reflected light beam R have different sizes, that is, the images projected by means of the reflected light beam R are necessarily larger than the images projected by means of the first light beam S1.

[0046] However, in some application scenarios, it is not desired or not allowed to project two images with significantly different sizes. For example, in some cases, the user expects to project images with substantially the same size. In some cases, the larger image may not be able to be projected onto the road surface completely due to its size, or may even be projected onto other traffic participants, thus causing undesirable interference. In some cases, the larger image may interfere with driving or the user experience. In some cases, the larger image may not be clearly displayed due to too low resolution. In some cases, the user expects to project variable image projection effects according to the specific scenario.

[0047] For this reason, the present application further proposes an improved projection system 100 for a vehicle V. Referring to Figure 2, showing a schematic optical path diagram of a projection system 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The projection system 100 may include: a projection device 2, a first beam splitting structure 3, a first reflection structure 4 disposed downstream of the first beam splitting structure 3, and a first lens structure 5 disposed between the first beam splitting structure 3 and the first reflection structure 4.

[0048] In the context of the present invention, the projection device 2 can be broadly understood. The projection device 2 may include a slide projector and a projector. Among them, the slide projector includes, for example, a direct projection slide projector and a reflection slide projector, which can use the principle of convex lens imaging to magnify and project a transparent slide or an opaque picture; the projector includes, for example, a TFT-LCD (Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display) projector, a DLP (Digital Light Processing) projector, a laser scanning projector, and an LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) projector, which can project digital picture information.

[0049] In the context of the present invention, the beam splitting structure can be referred to as a beam splitter, which can split the incident beam into two beams, especially two beams with orthogonal propagation directions. Here, the beam emitted by the projection device 2 is first split by the first beam splitting structure 3, so that the beam is partially transmitted by the first beam splitting structure 3 and partially reflected by the first beam splitting structure 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the projection system 100 may have a first window in the optical path of the reflected beam portion by the first beam splitting structure 3 to allow the reflected beam portion to project a first image F1 at a first position through the first window. In other embodiments, the projection system 100 may have a first window in the optical path of the transmitted beam portion by the first beam splitting structure 3 to allow the transmitted beam portion to project a first image F1 at a first position through the first window.

[0050] The beam splitting structure can be a semi-transmissive and semi-reflective mirror, a beam splitting prism or an electrochromic optical device, and / or the beam splitting structure has a substrate made of inorganic glass or transparent plastic. Here, the semi-transmissive and semi-reflective mirror can be advantageously used to partially transmit and partially reflect the light emitted by the projection device 2. The semi-transmissive and semi-reflective mirror can be made by applying a dielectric film or a metal film, especially a dot matrix metal film, on a substrate made of inorganic glass or transparent plastic. The beam splitting prism is formed by gluing two isosceles right prisms with their inclined surfaces into a cube or a cuboid, and a dielectric film or a metal film, especially a dot matrix metal film, is also applied on the inclined surface. The assembly of the projection system 100 can be further simplified and the optical accuracy can be ensured by the external shape of the beam splitting prism. When the beam splitting structure is configured as a semi-transmissive and semi-reflective mirror or a beam splitting prism, the beam splitting structure can have a transmittance between 35% and 65%, preferably between 40% and 60%, and particularly preferably 50%. Correspondingly, in the case of neglecting absorption losses, the above transmittance means that the reflectivity of the beam splitting structure can be 35% to 65%, preferably between 40% and 60%, and particularly preferably 50%. It can also be said that the beam splitting ratio of the beam splitting structure is between 7:13 and 13:7, preferably between 2:3 and 3:2, and particularly preferably 1:1. The electrochromic optical device can, for example, achieve a total reflection effect and a total transmission effect respectively without applying a voltage and when applying a voltage, and the proportion of transmission and reflection can be adjusted by adjusting the applied voltage. By using the electrochromic optical device, the number of images can be advantageously set or the brightness ratio of each image can be advantageously distributed. In addition, the inorganic glass as the substrate refers to an amorphous solid mainly made of silicate non-metallic materials. The transparent plastic as the substrate refers to a plastic with a high visible light transmission ability, which includes, for example: plexiglass (i.e., polymethyl methacrylate, PMMA, commonly known as acrylic), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), transparent acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), styrene-methyl methacrylate copolymer (MS), poly-4-methyl-1-pentene, transparent polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polysulfone, polyterephthalate and transparent epoxy resin, etc. In addition, a microstructure can be further arranged on the beam splitting structure to optimize the optical effect.

[0051] According to the provisions of the present invention, a first reflection structure 4 is provided downstream of the first beam splitting structure 3, and a first lens structure 5 is provided between the first beam splitting structure 3 and the first reflection structure 4. This means that after the light beam is emitted from the projection device 2 and passes through the first beam splitting structure 3, it is at least partially incident on the first lens structure 5, and the first lens structure 5 can advantageously optically adjust the light beam from the first beam splitting structure 3. Subsequently, the optically adjusted light beam will be incident on the first reflection structure 4, and the first reflection structure 4 can reflect the optically adjusted light beam. The projection system 100 can have a first window in the optical path of the part of the light beam reflected by the first reflection structure 4 to allow the second image F2 to be projected at a second position different from the first position by the one projection device 2. It should be understood that the first window and the second window can be on the same side (as shown in Figure 2 ). In other embodiments, the second window can be provided on the opposite side of the first window. Additionally or alternatively, the projection system 100 can be provided with a first window and a second window on each of the two sides respectively, and the imaging positions of the first image F1 and the second image F2 can be adjusted by adjusting the reflection directions of the incident light beam by the first beam splitting structure 3 and the first reflection structure 4. In this way, the variable presentation positions of the first image F1 and the second image F2 can be flexibly achieved by the one projection device 2, and at the same time, the imaging effect of the second image F2 at the second position can be advantageously adjusted by the optical adjustment of the first lens structure 5.

[0052] In some embodiments of the present invention, the reflection structure can be configured as a plane mirror, a curved mirror (such as a concave mirror, a convex mirror) or a reflection prism. Preferably, the reflection structure can be configured to be fully reflective or coated with a fully reflective layer (such as having a reflectivity of 90% or more than 95%), thereby ensuring as little light loss as possible. In some embodiments, the reflection structure can have a substrate made of inorganic glass, transparent plastic or metal. Here, different types of reflection structures can be used to match the optical path requirements, for example, using a plane mirror to produce specular reflection, using a concave mirror to produce a converging effect of the light beam, using a convex mirror to produce a diverging effect of the light beam, and using a reflection prism to produce one or more reflections of the light beam. Here, the reflection prism can involve an isosceles right prism, an isosceles prism, a Dove prism, a pentagonal prism, a rhombic prism, a Schmidt prism, etc. In addition, a micro-structure can be provided on the reflection structure to optimize the optical effect.

[0053] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first lens structure 5 can be configured as a converging lens, such as a convex lens, particularly a plano-convex lens, a biconvex lens, a meniscus convex lens, etc. The converging lens can be arranged to perform condensing adjustment on the light beam emitted from the first beam splitting structure 3, whereby the incident area of the light beam emitted from the converging lens and incident on the first reflection structure 4 can be reduced, and thus the second image F2 at the second position can be advantageously reduced. In some cases, by setting the focal length of the converging lens and / or the positioning of the converging lens between the first beam splitting structure 3 and the first reflection structure 4, the imaging effect of the second image F2 at the second position can be advantageously adjusted. In some embodiments, the second image F2 at the second position is reduced in such a way that the size of the second image F2 is substantially the same as that of the first image F1. In some embodiments, the second image F2 at the second position is reduced in such a way that the size of the second image F2 is smaller than that of the first image F1. In some embodiments, the second image F2 at the second position is reduced in such a way that the second image F2 is partially reduced but still larger than the size of the first image F1.

[0054] As Figure 3A shown, the first lens structure 5 can be configured as a converging lens having a first focal length. The converging lens having the first focal length can be configured as a collimator for collimating the light beam from the first beam splitting structure 3 (as shown by the solid arrow line), so that the second image F2 is configured as an image having substantially the same size as the first image F1.

[0055] As Figure 3B shown, the first lens structure 5 can be configured as a converging lens having a second focal length. The converging lens having the second focal length can be configured as an inverter for inverting the light beam from the first beam splitting structure 3 (as shown by the solid arrow line), so that the second image F2 is configured as an inverted image of the first image F1.

[0056] As Figure 3A shown, the first lens structure 5 can be configured as a converging lens having a third focal length. The converging lens having the third focal length can be configured as a reducer for reducing the light beam from the first beam splitting structure 3 (as shown by the dashed arrow line), so that the second image F2 is configured as a reduced image.

[0057] In other embodiments, it is also possible that the first lens structure 5 can be configured as a diverging lens, such as a concave lens, in particular a plano-concave lens, a bi-concave lens, a convex-concave lens, etc. The diverging lens can be arranged to perform a divergence adjustment on the light beam emitted from the first beam splitting structure 3, whereby the second image F2 at the second position can be further enlarged. The imaging effect of the second image F2 at the second position is advantageously adjusted by setting the focal length of the diverging lens and / or the positioning of the diverging lens between the first beam splitting structure 3 and the first reflecting structure 4. To this end, the first lens structure 5 can be configured as a diverging lens having a fourth focal length, and the diverging lens can be configured as an amplifier for amplifying the light beam from the first beam splitting structure 3, such that the second image F2 is configured as an enlarged image. An application example of this embodiment can be to project two images of different sizes, such as a larger image for the co-pilot and a smaller image for the driver, using a projection device. Thereby, the interference to the driver is reduced and the presentation experience of the co-pilot is improved.

[0058] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first lens structure 5 can be configured as or include a variable focal length lens structure. Arranging a variable focal length lens structure between the first beam splitting structure 3 and the first reflecting structure 4 can advantageously achieve a variable image projection effect at the second position. Advantageously, the focal length of the first lens structure 5 can be adjusted in consideration of the specific road conditions and / or the projection settings. Preferably, it can be stipulated that the first lens structure 5 can be arranged to be: a converging lens having a first focal length for performing a first focusing adjustment on the light beam from the first beam splitting structure 3, such that the second image F2 has a first imaging effect at the second position; and / or a converging lens having a second focal length for performing a second focusing adjustment on the light beam from the first beam splitting structure 3, such that the second image F2 has a second imaging effect at the second position; and / or a converging lens having a third focal length for performing a third focusing adjustment on the light beam from the first beam splitting structure 3, such that the second image F2 has a third imaging effect at the second position; and / or a diverging lens having a fourth focal length for performing a divergence adjustment on the light beam from the first beam splitting structure 3, such that the second image F2 has a fourth imaging effect at the second position.

[0059] In some embodiments, the first lens structure 5 can be configured as or include a liquid lens structure, and the liquid lens structure can achieve a variable focal length by changing the curvature of the liquid. For example, a variable focal length lens structure can be realized by means of the principle of electrowetting on dielectric, that is, the shape of the liquid droplet can be changed by applying an external voltage with a manipulating device, such as a voltage generating device, and thus its focal length can be changed.

[0060] Figure 4 Fig. shows a schematic optical path diagram of a projection system 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention. As Figure 4As shown by the dashed arrow line in [Figure 0], the first lens structure 5 can be movably disposed between the first beam splitting structure 3 and the first reflecting structure 4. Different optical adjustment effects can be achieved by adjusting the positioning of the first lens structure 5 between the first beam splitting structure 3 and the first reflecting structure 4.

[0061] To ensure the precise and efficient positioning of the first lens structure 5, the projection system 100 can be provided with a guide rail, particularly a linear guide rail, between the first beam splitting structure 3 and the first reflecting structure 4, and the first lens structure 5 can be mounted on the guide rail. For this purpose, the projection system 100 can have a manipulation device 6, and the manipulation device, such as an electric driver, can be configured to drive the movement of the first lens structure 5 on the guide rail.

[0062] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an exemplary linear guide rail 7 is shown. The linear guide rail 7 can include a linear track 701 and a slide 702 movably supported on the linear track 701, and the first lens structure 5 can be individually or with the aid of a bracket structure mounted to the slide 702. The manipulation device can first cause the slide 702 to move on the linear track 701, thereby driving the movement of the first lens structure 5 on the guide rail 7. The linear guide rail can be advantageously used in high-precision or high-speed linear reciprocating motion applications to achieve high-precision linear motion, thereby achieving precise optical adjustment effects.

[0063] Additionally or alternatively, the projection system 100 can include another guide rail or a lateral guide rail (not shown), and the another guide rail can extend transversely to, for example, the guide rail between the first beam splitting structure 3 and the first reflecting structure 4 (which can be referred to as a longitudinal guide rail if such a guide rail exists). That is, the another guide rail allows the first lens structure 5 to move transversely. The lateral guide rail can similarly include a linear track and a slide movably supported on the linear track. For this purpose, the projection system 100 can have a manipulation device, and the manipulation device, such as an electric driver, can be configured to first cause the slide to move on the linear track, thereby driving the movement of the first lens structure 5 on the guide rail.

[0064] In some embodiments, the longitudinal guide rail and the lateral guide rail can be integrated into a planar guide rail assembly. For example, the linear track of the longitudinal guide rail can be mounted to the slide of the lateral guide rail, and the first lens structure 5 is mounted on the slide of the longitudinal guide rail. Alternatively, the linear track of the lateral guide rail can be mounted to the slide of the longitudinal guide rail, and the first lens structure 5 is mounted on the slide of the lateral guide rail. The integrated multi-functional guide rail assembly is advantageous because it allows the first lens structure 5 to move not only longitudinally but also transversely within a compact space, thereby allowing the first lens structure 5 to act with different optical adjustment effects between the first beam splitting structure 3 and the first reflecting structure 4.

[0065] Additionally or alternatively, as Figure 6A , 6B and 6C, the first lens structure 5 may be configured as or include a plurality of lens portions 501, in particular lens portions 501 having different focal lengths. In some embodiments, the first lens structure 5 may be configured as or include a microlens array, which may include a plurality of lens portions each having a different focal length. At least some of the different optical adjustment effects listed above can be achieved by moving different lens portions into the optical path. For this purpose, the projection system 100 may have a manipulation device, which, for example, an electric drive, may be configured to drive the rotation and / or translational movement of the microlens array for transferring at least one of the plurality of lens portions into the optical path or out of the optical path. In some embodiments, the plurality of lens portions 501 each correspond to a sub-segment of the first lens structure 5, preferably the plurality of lens portions are configured to be arranged coplanarly with each other, as Figure 6A and 6B shown. In some embodiments, the plurality of lens portions 501 may be configured to be arranged in sequence along the optical path with each other, as Figure 6C shown.

[0066] Figure 7 shows a schematic optical path diagram of the projection system 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention. As Figure 7 shown, the projection system 100 may further include a second beam splitting structure 8 disposed between the first lens structure 5 and the first reflection structure 4, and the second beam splitting structure 8 may be configured to partially reflect and partially transmit the optically adjusted beam transmitted by the first lens structure 4 for projecting a third image F3 at a third position different from the first position and the second position through the one projection device 2. For this purpose, the projection system 100 may be provided with a third window at a corresponding position. Additionally, a second lens structure 9 may be additionally disposed between the first reflection structure 4 and the second beam splitting structure 8 for adjusting the imaging effect of the second image. It should be understood that the implementation of the second lens structure 9 may be achieved with reference to what has been described regarding the first lens structure 5. It should be understood that the projection system 100 may also be provided with more optical devices to achieve more optical adjustment and / or image imaging, which will not be elaborated herein.

[0067] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 7, the various optical components of the projection system 100 shown can be arranged substantially linearly in sequence. This allows the projection system 100 to be deployed at locations with limited space, especially limited height space, such as on the ceiling, dashboard, center console, front of the vehicle, or rear of the vehicle. This linear arrangement is particularly beneficial for improving the flexibility of the installation position of the projection device 2, especially for reducing the installation height requirement of the projection device 2. This is particularly advantageous, for example, when the projection system 100 is used as a head-up display, because the projection device 2 can be arranged in the lateral direction of the vehicle without the need to provide a deep installation hole for the projection device 2 behind the dashboard.

[0068] In some embodiments, the various optical components of the projection system 100 shown can be linearly arranged at a distance from each other by means of respective support structures.

[0069] In some embodiments, some of the optical components of the projection system 100 shown can be combined with each other into an optical assembly. This allows for a more compact arrangement. In some embodiments, the first beam splitting structure 3 and the first lens structure 5 can be integrated into an integrated optical structure. Preferably, the first beam splitting structure 3 can be configured as a beam splitting layer facing the projection device 2 of the integrated optical structure, the beam splitting layer preferably having a flat surface, and the first lens structure 5 can be configured as a lens layer of the integrated optical structure facing away from the projection device 2, the lens layer preferably having a convex surface. In some embodiments, the first beam splitting structure 3, the first lens structure 5, and the first reflection structure 4 can be integrated into an integrated optical structure. Preferably, the first beam splitting structure 3 can be configured as a beam splitting layer facing the projection device 2 of the integrated optical structure, the beam splitting layer preferably having a flat surface, the first reflection structure 4 is configured as a reflection layer of the integrated optical structure facing away from the projection device 2, the reflection layer preferably having a flat surface, and the first lens structure 5 is configured as a lens layer of the integrated optical structure between the beam splitting layer and the reflection layer.

[0070] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a vehicle V according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown. As Figure 8As shown, the vehicle V may include at least one projection system 100. The projection system 100 according to the present invention may be integrated within the dashboard, ceiling, center console, front of the vehicle or rear of the vehicle. Preferably, the projection system 100 is arranged to project an image onto the windshield, dashboard, window, door, backrest of the seat, ceiling, front road surface or rear road surface. In particular, the projection system 100 may project two images onto the left and right halves of the windshield respectively, onto the left and right halves of the dashboard respectively, onto the left and right doors respectively, onto the left and right windows respectively, onto the backrests of the driver's seat and the front passenger's seat respectively, or onto the front windshield and the rear windshield respectively.

[0071] According to an embodiment form of the present invention, the images presented by the projection system 100 may be used to present vehicle information, operation interfaces, entertainment content, ambient lighting, prompt graphics and / or decorative elements. Here, the projection system 100 according to the present invention may be used to present: vehicle information such as vehicle speed, motor speed, fuel tank or battery level, navigation route, etc.; operation interfaces such as interfaces for operating vehicle comfort components, interfaces for operating the infotainment system, interfaces for inputting information, etc.; entertainment content such as photos, videos, animations, etc.; ambient lighting such as illuminated areas with colors; prompt graphics such as safety tips, operation guides, indicative patterns, etc.; decorative elements such as patterns, motifs, etc.

[0072] Referring to Figure 8 , the vehicle V may further include a control device 10 that communicates with the projection system 100 (such as a corresponding manipulation device). The control device 10 may be configured to generate control instructions for the projection system 100 to prompt, for example, the first lens structure 5 to adjust the imaging effect of the second image F2 at the second position.

[0073] Advantageously, the control device 10 may be configured to obtain ambient environment data in order to identify the road conditions in which the vehicle is currently traveling. The ambient environment data may include driving lane data, other traffic participant data, and / or real-time traffic condition data, etc.

[0074] Additionally or alternatively, the control device 10 may be configured to obtain vehicle driving state data in order to identify the current driving state of the vehicle. The vehicle driving state data may include the currently activated driving mode (such as different levels of autonomous driving mode, manual driving mode, automatic cruise mode, etc.), current software and / or hardware fault information of the vehicle, vehicle driving route, vehicle driving speed, etc.

[0075] Additionally or alternatively, the control device 10 may be configured to obtain user input for the projection system 100 from a human-machine interface. The human-machine interface may have a plurality of selectable triggering areas corresponding to a control instruction respectively, and the control device may be configured to obtain a selection signal for a triggering area, and generate a corresponding control instruction based on the triggering area associated with the selection signal.

[0076] In some embodiments, the human-machine interface may be configured as a touch screen installed in the cockpit, and the mode parameters for the projection system 100 may be selected on the touch screen. In some embodiments, the human-machine interface may be configured as a switch or a knob installed in the cockpit, and the mode parameters for the projection system 100 may be selected by operating the corresponding switch or knob. It should be understood that the human-machine interface may have a variety of variant possibilities. In some embodiments, the human-machine interface may be configured as a gesture recognition device or a language recognition device. At this time, different gestures or words may be associated with different modes.

[0077] Additionally or alternatively, the control device 10 may be configured to obtain image effect information to be projected by the projection system 100. The image effect information may be predetermined by the vehicle entertainment system or specified by regulations, for example.

[0078] Advantageously, the control device 10 may be configured to generate control instructions for the projection system 100 based on the surrounding environment data, the vehicle driving state data, the user input, and / or the image effect information. In some embodiments, the control device may be configured to generate a first control instruction, prompting the operating device to adjust the first lens structure 5 so that the second image F2 has a first imaging effect at the second position, for example, so that the second image F2 is constituted as the same image as the first image F1. In some embodiments, the control device may be configured to generate a second control instruction, prompting the operating device to adjust the first lens structure 5 so that the second image F2 has a second imaging effect at the second position, for example, so that the second image F2 is constituted as an inverted image of the first image F1. In some embodiments, the control device may be configured to generate a third control instruction, prompting the operating device to adjust the first lens structure 5 so that the second image F2 has a third imaging effect at the second position, for example, so that the second image F2 is constituted as a reduced image. In some embodiments, the control device may be configured to generate a fourth control instruction, prompting the operating device to adjust the first lens structure 5 so that the second image F2 has a fourth imaging effect at the second position, for example, so that the second image F2 is constituted as an enlarged image.

[0079] Additionally or alternatively, in order to achieve Figure 8For the mirror image presentation shown, additional reflection mechanisms can also be added to the first image F1 or the second image F2, which will not be elaborated here.

[0080] As an example, if the control device determines based on the ambient environment data that there are other traffic participants at a first distance ahead and the first distance is less than a set distance threshold, then the control device can be configured to generate a third control instruction to cause the manipulation device to adjust the first lens structure such that the second image is further reduced.

[0081] As an example, if the control device identifies the imaging relationship between the first image and the second image in the image effect information based on the image effect information to be projected by the projection system, then the control device can be configured to automatically generate corresponding control instructions based on the identified imaging relationship. For example, when the control device identifies an inverted display relationship between the first image and the second image based on the image effect information, then the control device can be configured to generate a second control instruction to cause the manipulation device to adjust the first lens structure such that the second image is configured as an inverted image of the first image.

[0082] In addition, for example, when the control device identifies a tapered or zoomed display relationship between the first image F1 and the second image F2 based on the image effect information, then the control device can be configured to generate corresponding control instructions.

[0083] As an example, if the control device determines based on the image effect information that the first image and the second image should be kept consistent according to regulations, then the control device can be configured to generate a first control instruction to cause the manipulation device to adjust the first lens structure such that the second image is configured as the same image as the first image.

[0084] As an example, if the control device determines that the current vehicle has detected software and / or hardware failures, then the control device can be configured to generate a fourth control instruction to cause the image for warning to be presented in an enlarged manner.

[0085] As an example, if the control device determines that the autonomous driving mode or an autonomous driving mode above a specific level (e.g., above level L3) is activated, then the control device can be configured to generate a fourth control instruction to cause the image to be presented in an enlarged manner.

[0086] As an example, if the control device determines based on the image effect information that the resolution of the image should meet a predetermined requirement according to regulations, then the control device can be configured to generate a third control instruction to cause the second image to be configured as a reduced image in order to improve the resolution of the second image.

[0087] The present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but includes or extends to all technical equivalents that may fall within the scope of the appended claims. The references such as above, below, left, right, etc. described at the selected positions in the specification refer to the direct description and the illustrated drawings and can be transferred to new positions according to the meaning when the positions change.

[0088] The features disclosed in this application document are important and can be implemented not only individually but also in any combination for the implementation of the embodiments in different design aspects.

[0089] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make possible changes and modifications to the technical solutions of the present invention by using the methods and technical contents disclosed above without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, any simple modification, equivalent change and modification made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solutions of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. A projection system for a vehicle, characterized in that, The projection system includes: A projection device; A first beam-splitting structure; A first reflection structure disposed downstream of the first beam-splitting structure; and A first lens structure disposed between the first beam-splitting structure and the first reflection structure, wherein the first beam-splitting structure is configured to partially transmit and partially reflect the light beam emitted by the projection device for projecting a first image at a first position through the projection device, wherein the first lens structure is configured to optically adjust the light beam transmitted or reflected by the first beam-splitting structure, wherein the first reflection structure is configured to reflect the optically adjusted light beam transmitted by the first lens structure for projecting a second image at a second position different from the first position through the projection device, and wherein the imaging effect of the second image at the second position can be adjusted through the optical adjustment of the first lens structure.

2. The projection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The projection device, the first beam-splitting structure, the first lens structure, and the first reflection structure are arranged in sequence substantially linearly, and preferably, the projection device, the first beam-splitting structure, the first lens structure, and the first reflection structure are linearly arranged at intervals from each other.

3. The projection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first beam-splitting structure and the first lens structure are integrated into an integral optical structure, preferably, the first beam-splitting structure is configured as a beam-splitting layer facing the projection device of the integral optical structure, the beam-splitting layer preferably has a flat surface, and the first lens structure is configured as a lens layer facing away from the projection device of the integral optical structure, the lens layer preferably has a convex surface.

4. The projection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first beam-splitting structure, the first lens structure, and the first reflection structure are integrated into an integral optical structure, preferably, the first beam-splitting structure is configured as a beam-splitting layer facing the projection device of the integral optical structure, the beam-splitting layer preferably has a flat surface, the first reflection structure is configured as a reflection layer facing away from the projection device of the integral optical structure, the reflection layer preferably has a flat surface, and the first lens structure is configured as a lens layer between the beam-splitting layer and the reflection layer of the integral optical structure.

5. The projection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first reflection structure is configured as a total-reflection plane mirror or curved mirror.

6. The projection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first lens structure is configured as or includes a zoom lens structure, preferably, the first lens structure can be set to: A converging lens with a first focal length for performing a first light-condensing adjustment on the light beam transmitted or reflected by the first beam-splitting structure; and / or A converging lens with a second focal length for performing a second light-condensing adjustment on the light beam transmitted or reflected by the first beam-splitting structure; and / or A converging lens with a third focal length for performing a third light-condensing adjustment on the light beam transmitted or reflected by the first beam-splitting structure; and / or A diverging lens with a fourth focal length for performing a diverging adjustment on the light beam transmitted or reflected by the first beam-splitting structure.

7. The projection system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The converging lens with a first focal length is configured as a collimator for collimating the light beam transmitted or reflected by the first beam-splitting structure, such that the second image is configured as the same image as the first image; and / or A converging lens with a second focal length is configured as an image inverter for inverting the light beam transmitted or reflected by the first beam splitting structure, such that the second image is formed as an inverted image of the first image; and / or A converging lens with a third focal length is configured as a reducer for reducing the light beam transmitted or reflected by the first beam splitting structure, such that the second image is formed as a reduced image; and / or A diverging lens with a fourth focal length is configured as an amplifier for amplifying the light beam transmitted or reflected by the first beam splitting structure, such that the second image is formed as an enlarged image.

8. The projection system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The first lens structure is configured as or includes a liquid lens structure and / or a microlens array.

9. The projection system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The first lens structure includes a plurality of lens parts, in particular lens parts with different focal lengths, and the projection system further includes a manipulation device configured to transfer at least one of the plurality of lens parts into or out of the optical path.

10. The projection system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The plurality of lens parts respectively correspond to a sub-segment of the first lens structure. Preferably, the plurality of lens parts are configured to be arranged coplanarly with each other, or The plurality of lens parts are configured to be arranged in sequence along the optical path with respect to each other, wherein the manipulation device is configured to transfer at least one of the plurality of lens parts into or out of the optical path.

11. The projection system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The projection system includes a manipulation device configured to adjust the positioning of the first lens structure between the first beam splitting structure and the first reflecting structure. Preferably, a guide rail is provided between the first beam splitting structure and the first reflecting structure, and the first lens structure is mounted on the guide rail, and the manipulation device is configured to drive the movement of the first lens structure on the guide rail.

12. The projection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The projection system further includes: A second beam splitting structure provided between the first lens structure and the first reflecting structure; A second lens structure between the first reflecting structure and the second beam splitting structure, wherein the second beam splitting structure is arranged such that the optically adjusted light beam transmitted by the first lens structure is partially reflected and partially transmitted, Preferably, the one projection device, the first beam splitting structure, the first lens structure, the second beam splitting structure, the second lens structure and the first reflecting structure are arranged substantially linearly in sequence.

13. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes at least one projection system according to any one of claims 1 to 12. Preferably, the projection system is integrated in the instrument panel, the roof lining, the center console, the front part or the rear part of the vehicle.

14. The vehicle according to claim 13, characterized in that, The vehicle includes a control device in communication with the projection system, the control device being configured to: Obtain ambient data to identify the road conditions of the vehicle's current travel; Obtain vehicle travel state data to identify the vehicle's current travel state; Obtain user input for the projection system from a human-machine interface; and / or Obtain image effect information to be projected by the projection system, wherein the control device is configured to generate a control instruction for the projection system based on the ambient data, the vehicle travel state data, the user input, and / or the image effect information.

15. The vehicle according to claim 14, characterized in that, The control device is configured to, based on the ambient data, the vehicle travel state data, the user input, and / or the image effect information: Generate a first control instruction to cause the manipulation device to adjust the first lens structure such that the second image is formed as the same image as the first image; and / or Generate a second control instruction to cause the manipulation device to adjust the first lens structure such that the second image is formed as an inverted image of the first image; and / or Generate a third control instruction to cause the manipulation device to adjust the first lens structure such that the second image is formed as a reduced image; and / or Generate a fourth control instruction to cause the manipulation device to adjust the first lens structure such that the second image is formed as an enlarged image.

Images