Driving method, image modulation method, related equipment and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a driving method, an image modulation method, related equipment and a storage medium, and effectively improves the emergent brightness of an image modulation module under the condition that an image modulator is driven through supersaturation voltage. The method comprises the steps that firstly, a first frame corresponding to a target pixel is obtained, the first frame corresponds to a first driving voltage, and the first driving voltage corresponds to a first bit value; the first driving voltage is the supersaturation voltage of the target pixel modulation light beam. Secondly, M target subframes are inserted into the first frame to obtain a second frame, M is any integer larger than 1, and the target subframes correspond to second driving voltage; the first driving voltage corresponds to a first bit value, the second driving voltage corresponds to a second bit value, and in the M target subframes, two adjacent target subframes are spaced by a subframe of the first frame, or two adjacent target subframes are spaced by a part of the subframe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of optical communication technologies and image display, and in particular, to a driving method, an image modulation method, related devices, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] To achieve projection imaging, an image modulation module is required to modulate a light beam. For example, the image modulation module can be a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS). The LCOS is driven to modulate the light beam in a digital driving manner. For example, the digital driving method is pulse width modulation (PWM).

[0003] To make the image of the LCOS projection imaging have sufficient brightness, it is necessary to increase the brightness of the modulated light beam emitted by the LCOS. For this purpose, the LCOS converts the driving voltage into a first saturation voltage, a second saturation voltage, and a third saturation voltage through a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Among them, the first saturation voltage is the voltage for the LCOS to modulate the red light beam to emit the maximum brightness, the second saturation voltage is the voltage for the LCOS to modulate the green light beam to emit the maximum brightness, and the third saturation voltage is the voltage for the LCOS to modulate the blue light beam to emit the maximum brightness. Then, the LCOS modulates the red light beam, the green light beam, and the blue light beam through the first saturation voltage, the second saturation voltage, and the third saturation voltage respectively.

[0004] However, during the process of the LCOS modulating the light beam, the switching speed of different saturation voltages is very fast, often reaching a speed of 240 hertz (Hz) or even 360 Hz. The driving circuit provides the driving voltage for the LCOS. The driving circuit has parasitic capacitance, and the parasitic capacitance causes the saturation voltage to be unable to be switched quickly. Moreover, the parasitic capacitance causes the driving voltage to drop slowly, resulting in unstable voltage reflectivity (VR) characteristics and poor direct current (DC) balance, reducing the life of the liquid crystal in the LCOS. Frequent switching of the driving voltage to different saturation voltages through the DAC will increase the power consumption of the DAC. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present application provide a driving method, an image modulation method, related devices, and a storage medium, which can effectively increase the brightness of the light beam emitted by the image modulation module when driving the image modulator through an over-saturation voltage.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a driving method, which is used for an image modulation module. The image modulation module includes a plurality of pixels, and each pixel includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a liquid crystal located between the first electrode and the second electrode. The method includes: First, obtain a first frame corresponding to a target pixel. The target pixel is one of the plurality of pixels. The first frame corresponds to a first driving voltage, and the first driving voltage is the absolute value of the difference between the voltage applied to the first electrode and the voltage applied to the second electrode. The first driving voltage corresponds to a first bit value, so that the target pixel to which the first driving voltage is applied is in an on state to emit modulated light beams, so that the modulated light beams emitted by the target pixel can be projected and imaged. For example, the first bit value is bit 1. The first driving voltage is the over-saturation voltage for modulating the light beam of the target pixel. Second, insert M target sub-frames into the first frame to obtain a second frame. M is any integer greater than 1. The target sub-frame corresponds to a second driving voltage, and the second driving voltage is the absolute value of the difference between the voltage applied to the first electrode and the voltage applied to the second electrode. The second driving voltage corresponds to a second bit value. For example, the second bit value is bit 0. And among the M target sub-frames, between two adjacent target sub-frames, there is an interval part of the first frame. For example, between two adjacent target sub-frames, there is an interval of sub-frames of the first frame. Another example is that between two adjacent target sub-frames, there is an interval of a part of the sub-frame. Finally, drive the target pixel through the second frame.

[0007] Using the method shown in the aspect, the controller drives the image modulator to perform image modulation through a digital driving method. By using the digital driving method, the driving voltage applied to the target pixel is fixed, and there is no need to switch the magnitude of the driving voltage, thus avoiding the instability caused by the parasitic capacitance of the driving circuit during the voltage conversion process, and improving the stability of the VR curve and the DC balance. Since there is no need to switch the magnitude of the driving voltage, the power consumption caused by switching the driving voltage is reduced, and the modulation of red light beams, blue light beams, and green light beams can be switched at any time according to actual needs, without restricting the timing of modulation between light beams, improving the flexibility of color sequence design during image modulation. Moreover, for light beams of different wavelengths, they are uniformly driven by the over-saturation voltage, which can also ensure that the maximum brightness value emitted by each pixel of the image modulator is basically not lost, effectively improving the maximum brightness value emitted by the image modulator.

[0008] Based on the first aspect, in an alternative implementation, after obtaining the first frame corresponding to the target pixel, the method further includes: dividing the first frame into N sub-frames, where N is any integer greater than 1. Among them, the N sub-frames include a first sub-frame and a second sub-frame that are adjacent in time. The first sub-frame corresponds to a first polarity of the first driving voltage, and the second sub-frame corresponds to a second polarity of the first driving voltage, and the first polarity is opposite to the second polarity.

[0009] With this implementation, since the first polarity is opposite to the second polarity, the aggregation effect of liquid crystal ions can be avoided, ensuring that the liquid crystal has a long lifespan.

[0010] Based on the first aspect, in an alternative implementation, the inserting M target sub-frames into the first frame to obtain the second frame includes: inserting one of the target sub-frames between the first sub-frame and the second sub-frame.

[0011] With this implementation, the target sub-frames can be inserted into the first frame at a high frequency, so as to ensure that when driving the target pixel with an oversaturated voltage, the maximum brightness value emitted by each pixel of the image modulator is basically not lost, effectively improving the maximum brightness value emitted by the image modulator.

[0012] Based on the first aspect, in an alternative implementation, the M target sub-frames include a first target sub-frame and a second target sub-frame that are adjacent in time. The first target sub-frame corresponds to a third polarity of the second driving voltage, and the second target sub-frame corresponds to a fourth polarity of the second driving voltage, and the third polarity is opposite to the fourth polarity.

[0013] With this implementation, since the third polarity is opposite to the fourth polarity, the aggregation effect of liquid crystal ions can be avoided, ensuring that the liquid crystal has a long lifespan.

[0014] Based on the first aspect, in an alternative implementation, the inserting M target sub-frames into the first frame to obtain the second frame includes: inserting the M target sub-frames into the first frame, and there are K sub-frames between any two adjacent target sub-frames in time, where K is any integer greater than 1.

[0015] With this implementation, it is ensured that multiple target sub-frames are inserted into the first frame in a uniform manner, ensuring the maximum brightness value emitted by the image modulator.

[0016] Based on the first aspect, in an alternative implementation, the inserting M target sub-frames into the first frame to obtain the second frame includes: randomly inserting the target sub-frames between two adjacent sub-frames in time among the N sub-frames.

[0017] By adopting this implementation manner, the target sub-frame can be randomly inserted into the first frame as needed, improving the efficiency of obtaining the second frame.

[0018] Based on the first aspect, in an optional implementation manner, inserting M target sub-frames into the first frame to obtain the second frame includes: inserting at least one of the target sub-frames into an imaging sub-frame, where the imaging sub-frame is each sub-frame of the N sub-frames, or the imaging sub-frame is a part of the N sub-frames.

[0019] Between two adjacent target sub-frames, spacing a part of the sub-frame includes: between two adjacent target sub-frames, spacing a part of the imaging sub-frame.

[0020] By adopting this implementation manner, the target sub-frame can be inserted into the first frame at a relatively high frequency, so as to ensure that when driving the target pixel with an oversaturated voltage, the maximum brightness value emitted by each pixel of the image modulator is basically not lost, effectively improving the maximum brightness value emitted by the image modulator.

[0021] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for image modulation. The method is applied to an image modulation module, and the image modulation module includes a pixel array and a controller. The pixel array includes a plurality of pixels. The method includes: the controller obtains a first frame corresponding to a target pixel, where the target pixel is one of the plurality of pixels, the first frame corresponds to a first driving voltage, the first driving voltage corresponds to a first bit value, and the first driving voltage is an oversaturated voltage for modulating the light beam of the target pixel; the controller inserts M target sub-frames into the first frame to obtain a second frame, where M is any integer greater than 1, the target sub-frame corresponds to a second driving voltage, the second driving voltage corresponds to a second bit value, and between any two adjacent target sub-frames among the M target sub-frames, the sub-frame of the first frame is spaced, or between two adjacent target sub-frames, a part of the sub-frame is spaced; the controller drives the target pixel through the second frame; the pixel array receives a target light beam; the target pixel to which the second frame is applied modulates the target light beam to emit a modulated light beam, and the modulated light beam is used for projection imaging. For the description of the beneficial effects of this aspect, please refer to the first aspect and will not be elaborated here.

[0022] Based on the second aspect, in an alternative implementation, after the controller obtains the first frame corresponding to the target pixel, the method further includes: the controller divides the first frame into N sub-frames, where N is any integer greater than 1. Among them, the N sub-frames include a first sub-frame and a second sub-frame that are adjacent in time. The first sub-frame corresponds to a first polarity of the first driving voltage, and the second sub-frame corresponds to a second polarity of the first driving voltage, and the first polarity is opposite to the second polarity.

[0023] Based on the second aspect, in an alternative implementation, the controller inserts M target sub-frames into the first frame to obtain the second frame, including: the controller inserts one of the target sub-frames between the first sub-frame and the second sub-frame.

[0024] Based on the second aspect, in an alternative implementation, the M target sub-frames include a first target sub-frame and a second target sub-frame that are adjacent in time. The first target sub-frame corresponds to a third polarity of the second driving voltage, and the second target sub-frame corresponds to a fourth polarity of the second driving voltage, and the third polarity is opposite to the fourth polarity.

[0025] Based on the second aspect, in an alternative implementation, the inserting M target sub-frames into the first frame to obtain the second frame includes:

[0026] Insert the M target sub-frames into the first frame, and there are K sub-frames between any two adjacent target sub-frames in time, where K is any integer greater than 1.

[0027] Based on the second aspect, in an alternative implementation, the inserting M target sub-frames into the first frame to obtain the second frame includes:

[0028] Randomly insert the target sub-frames between two adjacent sub-frames in time among the N sub-frames.

[0029] Based on the second aspect, in an alternative implementation, the inserting M target sub-frames into the first frame to obtain the second frame includes:

[0030] Insert at least one of the target sub-frames into the imaging sub-frame, where the imaging sub-frame is each of the N sub-frames, or the imaging sub-frame is some of the N sub-frames.

[0031] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, including a communication interface and a controller connected to the communication interface. The communication interface is used for inputting and / or outputting signaling or data; the controller is used to execute a computer-executable program so that the method according to any item of the first aspect is executed.

[0032] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a projection system, including a light source, a polarization conversion module, a lens, a controller, and a pixel array. The controller and the pixel array are configured to execute the method according to any one of the above second aspects; the light source is configured to transmit an input light beam to the polarization conversion module; the polarization conversion module is configured to convert the polarization state of the input light beam to obtain the target light beam;

[0033] The lens is configured to receive the modulated light beam from the pixel array and emit an imaging light beam according to the modulated light beam, and the imaging light beam is used for projection imaging. For the description of the beneficial effects of this aspect, please refer to those shown in the first aspect and will not be elaborated here.

[0034] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a head-up display system, including a light deflection module and the projection system according to the fourth aspect; the projection system is configured to transmit the imaging light beam to the light deflection module; the light deflection module is configured to transmit the magnified imaging light beam to a windshield, and the imaging light beam forms a virtual image through the windshield.

[0035] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a vehicle lamp, including a fixed seat and the projection system according to the fourth aspect, and the fixed seat is configured to fix the projection system on a vehicle.

[0036] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a vehicle, including a vehicle body and a windshield. The vehicle further includes the head-up display system according to the fifth aspect and / or the vehicle lamp according to the sixth aspect; the controller is configured to obtain vehicle driving-related information; the controller is further configured to drive the pixel array to modulate the vehicle driving-related information on the target light beam to obtain the modulated light beam.

[0037] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a smart glasses, which includes a frame, lenses, a light source, a controller, and a pixel array. The controller and the pixel array are configured to execute the method according to any one of the above second aspects. The frame is configured to fix the lenses, the light source, the controller, and the pixel array; the light source is configured to transmit the input light beam to the pixel array; the lenses are configured to receive the modulated light beam from the pixel array and project and image the modulated light beam.

[0038] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are called by a computer, the method according to any one of the above first aspects is executed. Description of the Drawings

[0039] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the first embodiment structure of the projection system provided by this application;

[0040] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of an embodiment structure of the LCOS provided by this application;

[0041] Figure 3 An example diagram of the VR curve of the LCOS provided by this application;

[0042] Figure 4 Flowchart of the steps of an embodiment of the driving method provided by this application;

[0043] Figure 5 Shown is an example diagram of multiple target image sub - frames;

[0044] Figure 6 Shown is an example diagram of a dark - state sub - frame;

[0045] Figure 7 Shown is an example diagram of the first frame;

[0046] Figure 8 The first example diagram of the second frame provided by this application;

[0047] Figure 9 Shown is an example diagram of the liquid - crystal state under different driving voltages provided by this application;

[0048] Figure 10 The second example diagram of the second frame provided by this application;

[0049] Figure 11 Example diagram of the brightness contrast of the LCOS emission;

[0050] Figure 12 The third example diagram of the second frame provided by this application;

[0051] Figure 13 Example diagram of the VR curve of the target pixel provided by this application;

[0052] Figure 14 Example diagram of the Gamma curve of the target pixel;

[0053] Figure 15 Flowchart of the steps of an embodiment of the image modulation method provided by this application;

[0054] Figure 16 Schematic diagram of the second embodiment structure of the projection system provided by this application;

[0055] Figure 17 Schematic diagram of an embodiment structure of the chip provided by this application;

[0056] Figure 18 This is a structural example diagram of an embodiment of the head-up display system provided by this application;

[0057] Figure 19 This is a structural example diagram of an embodiment of the projection headlight provided by this application;

[0058] Figure 20 This is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of the vehicle provided by this application. Detailed implementation manners

[0059] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of this application.

[0060] The embodiment of this application provides a projection system. The projection system shown in this embodiment can be applied to portable projectors, home theaters, commercial projections (such as light shows, concerts), outdoor projections, conference presentations, classroom presentations, cinema projections, intelligent gesture interaction projections, head-up displays (HUDs), augmented reality-head up display systems (AR-HUDs), AR glasses, and virtual reality (VR) glasses, etc., without specific limitations. Figure 1 This is a structural example diagram of the first embodiment of the projection system provided by this application. The projection system includes a light source 101, a polarization conversion module 104, an image modulation module 105, and a lens 106.

[0061] The light source 101 shown in this embodiment is used to emit an input light beam. The input light beam is white light, which can also be referred to as white light, achromatic light, or colorless light. The input light beam is the result of mixing multiple colored lights in a certain proportion. The light source 101 can be an incandescent lamp (e.g., a tungsten halogen lamp), a gas discharge lamp (e.g., a high-pressure mercury lamp and a xenon lamp), a metal halide lamp, or a fluorescent lamp, etc. A beam processing system may also be included between the light source 101 and the polarization conversion module 104. For example, the beam processing system includes a light homogenizing device for homogenizing the input light beam. For example, the light homogenizing device can be a fly-eye lens, a free-form surface lens, or a light homogenizing rod, etc. The beam processing system also includes a lens group, and the lens group is used to collimate the input light beam to the polarization conversion module 104. A filter color wheel may also be included between the light source 101 and the polarization conversion module 104 shown in this embodiment. The filter color wheel can rotate. Blue, green, and red films are coated on the filter color wheel. In the first time period, the blue coating of the filter color wheel rotates into the transmission optical path of the white light. Then, only the blue light beam can pass through the filter color wheel and be transmitted to the polarization conversion module 104. In the second time period, the green coating of the filter color wheel rotates into the transmission optical path of the white light. Then, only the green light beam can pass through the filter color wheel and be transmitted to the polarization conversion module 104. In the third time period, the red coating of the filter color wheel rotates into the transmission optical path of the white light. Then, only the red light beam can pass through the filter color wheel and be transmitted to the polarization conversion module 104. The intersection of any two of the first time period, the second time period, and the third time period shown in this example is empty on the time axis. It can be understood that the polarization conversion module 104 receives the blue light beam, the green light beam, and the red light beam in a time-sharing manner.

[0062] The above example takes the light emitted by the light source 101 as white light as an example. In other examples, the light source 101 can also be a laser array or a light-emitting diode (LED)-based emitter. The laser array may include one or more lasers, and the lasers can be laser diodes (LDs), vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs), or Fabry-Perot lasers, etc. Then, the input light beam emitted by the light source 101 is a laser beam. Optionally, a beam combining module may be included between the light source 101 and the polarization conversion module 104, and the beam combining module is used to combine the input light beams and transmit the combined input light beam to the polarization conversion module 104.

[0063] In this example, the polarization conversion module 104 is taken as a polarization beam splitter (PBS). The polarization conversion module 104 splits the blue light beam to obtain s-polarized light (light with a polarization direction perpendicular to the incident plane) and p-polarized light (light with a polarization direction parallel to the incident plane). Only the s-polarized light is reflected by the polarization conversion module 104 to the image modulation module 105. The image modulation module 105 performs image modulation on the blue s-polarized light to output a first modulated light beam. Similarly, the image modulation module 105 performs image modulation on the green s-polarized light from the polarization conversion module 104 to output a second modulated light beam, and the image modulation module 105 performs image modulation on the red s-polarized light from the polarization conversion module 104 to output a third modulated light beam. Each image modulation module shown in this embodiment can be an LCOS or a liquid crystal display (LCD), or any type of image modulation module that performs image modulation based on the included liquid crystal. Since the image modulation module 105 receives the blue light beam, the green light beam, and the red light beam in a time-division manner, the image modulation module 105 transmits the first modulated light beam in blue, the second modulated light beam in green, and the third modulated light beam in red to the lens in a time-division manner.

[0064] The lens 106 receives the first modulated light beam in blue, the second modulated light beam in green, and the third modulated light beam in red. The lens 106 images the first modulated light beam in blue, the second modulated light beam in green, and the third modulated light beam in red respectively to output an imaging light beam. The imaging light beam specifically includes a first imaging light beam in blue, a second imaging light beam in green, and a third imaging light beam in red. The first imaging light beam in blue, the second imaging light beam in green, and the third imaging light beam in red are emitted from the lens 106 in a time-division manner. The switching time between the first imaging light beam, the second imaging light beam, and the third imaging light beam is relatively fast. Superimposing the integration effect of the human eye, people subjectively think that they see the red, green, and blue colors modulated simultaneously, and thus view a color image. The lens 106 includes one or more lenses. The lenses image the first modulated light beam in blue, the second modulated light beam in green, and the third modulated light beam in red respectively to form enlarged real images. Among them, the lens can be a convex lens or a concave lens. Optionally, the projection system shown in this embodiment may further include a projection screen. Then, the real images corresponding to the first imaging light beam, the second imaging light beam, and the third imaging light beam emitted by the lens 106 can be displayed on the projection screen.

[0065] The projection system shown in this example further includes a controller connected to each image modulation module. The controller is used to control the voltage applied to each image modulation module. Among them, the controller can be implemented by one or more chips or one or more integrated circuits. For another example, the controller can be one or more optical digital signal processors (oDSP), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), system on chip (SoC), central processor unit (CPU), network processor (NP), microcontroller unit (MCU), programmable logic device (PLD), network card chip, storage interface chip, or one or more of other integrated chips, which will not be elaborated here. In this embodiment, each image modulation module is an LCOS. The LCOS has the advantages of small pixel size, small pixel pitch, and high background reflectivity, and is widely used in the field of projection display, with characteristics of high resolution, high contrast, and high brightness. Figure 2 It is a structural example diagram of an embodiment of the LCOS provided in this application. Among them, Figure 2 The left side shows a top view structural example diagram of the pixel array 210 included in the LCOS. The pixel array 210 specifically includes a plurality of pixels, and each pixel supports independent adjustment. By controlling the liquid crystal phase in the pixel, the phase modulation amount of the pixel for modulating the light beam can be adjusted. Figure 2 The right side is a side view structural example diagram of any pixel 211 included in the pixel array 210. The pixel 211 includes a second panel 201, a first panel 202, a liquid crystal layer 203, a driving circuit ( Figure 2not shown), and two layers of alignment films 206. The second panel 201 is disposed opposite to the first panel 202. The second panel 201 is parallel to the first panel 202. The second panel 201 can be a silicon backplane, and the first panel 202 can be a light-transmitting glass substrate. The liquid crystal layer 203 is located between the second panel 202 and the second panel 201, and contains a plurality of liquid crystals. The liquid crystals will deflect when a voltage is applied to the electrode layer. The driving circuit is used to generate an electric field to control the deflection of the liquid crystals in the liquid crystal layer 203. The two layers of alignment films 206 are respectively located on opposite sides of the liquid crystal layer 203. One of the two layers of alignment films 206 is located between the liquid crystal layer 203 and the second panel 201, and the other alignment film 206 is located between the liquid crystal layer 203 and the first panel 202. The alignment film 206 is used to make the liquid crystals in the liquid crystal layer 203 have an initial orientation. Specifically, the driving circuit includes a second electrode 205 and a first electrode 204. The second electrode 205 is located between the liquid crystal layer 203 and the second panel 201. The first electrode 204 is located between the liquid crystal layer 203 and the first panel 202. The two layers of alignment films 206 are located between the second electrode 205 and the first electrode 204. When the second electrode 205 and the first electrode 204 are energized, the deflection of the liquid crystals in the liquid crystal layer 203 is controlled. In this embodiment, the first electrode 204 is an indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent electrode, and the second electrode 205 is a pixel electrode as an example.

[0066] A first voltage is applied to the first electrode 204, and a second voltage is applied to the second electrode 205. The absolute value of the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is different, which will cause different electric fields to be formed between the first electrode 204 and the second electrode 205. Under the action of different electric fields in the liquid crystal layer 203, the liquid crystals included in the liquid crystal layer 203 will deflect at different angles. Since the liquid crystal is a birefringent material, the liquid crystal deflection will bring about a change in the equivalent birefringence, thereby realizing different degrees of phase modulation amounts for the received light beam.

[0067] Figure 3 This is an example diagram of the VR curve of the LCOS provided by this application. Specifically, Figure 3 The shown coordinate system includes a first curve 301, a second curve 302, and a third curve 303. Among them, Figure 3 The ordinate of the shown coordinate system is the LCOS normalized reflectance. The larger the normalized reflectance of the LCOS, the greater the brightness emitted from the LCOS. Figure 3The abscissa shown is the difference in drive voltage, where the difference in drive voltage is the absolute value of the difference between the first voltage applied to the first electrode and the second voltage applied to the second electrode. The first curve 301 is the brightness of the first modulated beam that is blue in color emitted from the LCOS, as the difference in drive voltage of the LCOS changes from small to large. The second curve 302 is the brightness of the second modulated beam that is green in color emitted from the LCOS, as the difference in drive voltage of the LCOS changes from small to large. The third curve 303 is the brightness of the third modulated beam that is red in color emitted from the LCOS, as the difference in drive voltage of the LCOS changes from small to large. From the comparison of the first curve 301, the second curve 302, and the third curve 303, it can be seen that as the difference in drive voltage of the LCOS increases, the normalized reflectivity also increases, and then, the brightness of the modulated beam emitted from the LCOS also increases. However, when the difference in drive voltage reaches a specific value, the brightness of the beam emitted from the LCOS reaches the maximum. If the difference in drive voltage continues to increase, the brightness of the beam emitted from the LCOS will instead decrease. This difference in drive voltage that makes the brightness of the beam emitted from the LCOS reach the maximum is called the saturation voltage, the voltage smaller than the saturation voltage is called the under-saturation voltage, and the voltage larger than the saturation voltage is called the over-saturation voltage. The saturation voltages for different wavelengths are different. The shorter the wavelength, the smaller the saturation voltage. For example, for the first curve 301 that is blue in color, when the difference in drive voltage is 4.9V, the brightness of the first modulated beam emitted from the LCOS is the maximum. When the difference in drive voltage is greater than 4.9V, the brightness of the first modulated beam emitted from the LCOS decreases. Then, for the first modulated beam, if the difference in drive voltage is 4.9V, it is the saturation voltage. If the difference in drive voltage is less than 4.9V, it is the under-saturation voltage. If the difference in drive voltage is greater than 4.9V, it is the over-saturation voltage. The saturation voltage of the second curve 302 that is green in color is greater than the saturation voltage of the first curve 301 that is blue in color, and the saturation voltage of the third curve 303 that is red in color is greater than the saturation voltage of the second curve 302 that is green in color.

[0068] Because there is an over-saturation phenomenon in the liquid crystal layer 203, and the saturation points for different wavelengths of light are different, this results in that if the same drive voltage (i.e., the absolute value of the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage) is given to the liquid crystal layer 203, if the green channel is at the saturation voltage, then the red channel voltage is under-saturated and the blue channel voltage is over-saturated. Both under-saturation and over-saturation will cause loss of brightness and reduce the usage efficiency of the LCOS.

[0069] An embodiment of the present application provides a driving method. The driving method shown in this embodiment is used to apply a voltage to an LCOS, so that the LCOS can modulate the received light beam to emit a modulated light beam. The method shown in this embodiment can ensure the stability of VR characteristics and DC balance performance while ensuring that the emitted brightness of the image modulation module is basically not lost, and improve the service life of the image modulation module. Figure 4 It is a flowchart of the steps of an embodiment of the driving method provided by the present application.

[0070] Step 401, the controller obtains a target image sub-frame.

[0071] The controller shown in this embodiment can be a device inside the LCOS or can be externally placed on the LCOS, and is not specifically limited as long as the controller can apply a voltage to the LCOS. Figure 5 The figure shows an example diagram of multiple image sub-frames. To implement the image modulation of the LCOS, the controller obtains an image frame from an image source. The image frame includes multiple image sub-frames arranged in sequence on the time axis. For example, Figure 5 The controller shown converts an image frame into image sub-frame 501, image sub-frame 502, and image sub-frame 503 arranged in sequence at time t, and so on, up to image sub-frame 504, image sub-frame 505, and image sub-frame 506, and so on, up to image sub-frame 507, image sub-frame 508, and image sub-frame 509. Among them, image sub-frame 501, image sub-frame 502, and image sub-frame 503, etc., are used to modulate the red light beam. Image sub-frame 504, image sub-frame 505, and image sub-frame 506, etc., are used to modulate the blue light beam. Image sub-frame 507, image sub-frame 508, and image sub-frame 509 are used to modulate the green light beam. Among them, the image source can be a video or a picture. For example, if the controller is located inside the LCOS, then the LCOS includes an external interface. The controller receives the image source from any electronic device through this external interface. This external interface is connected to the electronic device. This external interface can be an external bus interface, a front-side bus, a display interface, a video display interface, or a graphics interface, etc. Among them, the video display interface can be a digital visual interface (DVI), a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), or a video graphics array (VGA), etc. Optionally, the LCOS can include an internal interface. The memory of the LCOS is connected to the controller through the internal interface. The controller receives the image source from the memory through this internal interface. Among them, the internal interface can be a bus, a local input / output (I / O) bus, a hub interface bus, etc.

[0072] The target image sub-frame shown in this embodiment can be obtained by the controller, such as Figure 5 any one of the multiple image sub-frames shown.

[0073] Step 402: The controller determines whether the target pixel is in the on state. If not, step 403 is executed; if so, step 405 is executed.

[0074] The target pixel shown in this embodiment is any one of the multiple pixels included in the pixel array of the LCOS. For example, the target pixel can be Figure 2 the pixel 211 shown. The controller drives the pixel in a digital driving manner such as PWM. For this purpose, the controller obtains the bit corresponding to the target pixel according to the target image sub-frame. For example, when the controller determines that the target image sub-frame is image sub-frame 501, when the controller determines the modulated image sub-frame 501, the bit corresponding to the target pixel is 0. Then it means that the target pixel is in the off state corresponding to the second bit value. When the controller determines that the target pixel corresponds to the second bit value, the controller applies a voltage to the target pixel according to the second bit value, which will make the target pixel in the off state. The controller determines that when modulating image sub-frame 501, the bit corresponding to the target pixel is 1. Then it means that the target pixel is in the on state corresponding to the first bit value. When the controller determines that the target pixel corresponds to the first bit value, the controller applies a voltage to the target pixel according to the first bit value, which will make the target pixel in the on state. In this embodiment, the first bit value is taken as bit 1 as an example, and there is no specific limitation. In this embodiment, the second bit value is taken as bit 0 as an example, and there is no specific limitation.

[0075] For example, when the controller determines that the target image sub-frame is image sub-frame 501, and the LCOS includes P pixels, the controller divides image sub-frame 501 into P regions. Specifically, for example, in the P regions, each region can be a pixel. The P regions in image sub-frame 501 correspond one-to-one to the P pixels included in the LCOS. Specifically, the controller obtains the target region included in image sub-frame 501, where the target region is the region corresponding to the target pixel of the LCOS among the P regions. The controller determines the state of the target pixel according to the target region. The target pixel has two states, one is the on state and the other is the off state. If the target region does not perform projection imaging, it is determined that the bit corresponding to the target pixel is 0. Therefore, the target pixel is in the off state. The off state means that the liquid crystal included in the target pixel does not deflect. Therefore, combined with Figure 1As shown, the target pixel of the LCOS does not emit light beams towards the lens. If projection imaging is performed on the target area, it is determined that the bit corresponding to the target pixel is 1. Therefore, the target pixel is in the on state. The on state means that the liquid crystal included in the target pixel deflects, thereby changing the phase difference of the light beam passing through the target pixel. Then, by controlling the phase of the light beam, the modulation of the light beam by the target pixel is achieved. Therefore, combined with Figure 1 As shown, the modulated light beam emitted by the target pixel will be transmitted towards the lens.

[0076] Step 403: The controller obtains the dark sub-frame corresponding to the target pixel.

[0077] When the controller determines that the target pixel is in the off state, the controller obtains the dark sub-frame corresponding to the off state. Then, the controller applies a voltage to the target pixel according to the dark sub-frame to make the target pixel in the off state. For the description of this dark sub-frame, please refer to Figure 6 As shown, where Figure 6 Shown is an example diagram of the dark sub-frame. When the controller drives the target pixel through the dark sub-frame, the target pixel is in the off state. The dark sub-frame includes the correspondence between the first voltage and time, and the dark sub-frame also includes the correspondence between the second voltage and time. Among them, the first voltage is the voltage applied by the controller to the first electrode of the target pixel, and the second voltage is the voltage applied by the controller to the second electrode of the target pixel. In this embodiment, when the controller drives the target pixel through the dark sub-frame, a driving voltage will be applied to the target pixel, and the driving voltage is the absolute value of the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage. The magnitude of the driving voltage is not limited in this embodiment, as long as the target pixel is in the off state when the driving voltage is applied to the target pixel. For example, the driving voltage can be 0, etc. In this embodiment, the driving voltage is taken as 1.1V as an example.

[0078] Combined with Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, if the target pixel corresponding to the image sub-frame 501 is in the off state, the dark sub-frame is Figure 6 The dark sub-frame 601 shown. The duration of the dark sub-frame 601 starts from t0 until t1. It should be clear that the duration of the dark sub-frame 601 is not limited in this embodiment. In the dark sub-frame 601, the first voltage is 0V and the second voltage is -1.1V. Then, when the controller modulates the image sub-frame 501, 0V is applied to the first electrode and -1.1V is applied to the second electrode. Then, the driving voltage corresponding to the dark sub-frame 601 is |0 - (-1.1)| = 1.1. By analogy, if the target pixel corresponding to the image sub-frame 502 is in the off state, the dark sub-frame is Figure 6The dark state sub-frame 602 shown. The duration of the dark state sub-frame 602 starts from t1 and ends at t2. It should be clear that in this embodiment, the duration of the dark state sub-frame 602 is not limited. In the dark state sub-frame 602, the first voltage is 4.7V and the second voltage is 5.8V. Then, when the controller modulates the image sub-frame 502, it applies 4.7V to the first electrode and 5.8V to the second electrode. Then, the driving voltage corresponding to the second dark state sub-frame 602 is |4.7 - 5.8| = 1.1.

[0079] In this embodiment, to avoid the aggregation effect of liquid crystal ions and ensure that the liquid crystal has a long lifespan, it is necessary to periodically reverse the polarity of the liquid crystal driving electric field, that is, the positive and negative of the liquid crystal driving voltage, so that the driving voltage of the target pixel undergoes periodic reversal, thereby effectively improving the lifespan of the liquid crystal. For example, when the controller obtains two adjacent image sub-frames on the time axis, namely the image sub-frame 501 and the image sub-frame 502. Moreover, the target pixels corresponding to the image sub-frame 501 and the image sub-frame 502 are both in the off state. Then, the polarity of the dark state sub-frame 601 corresponding to the image sub-frame 501 is opposite to the polarity of the dark state sub-frame 602 corresponding to the image sub-frame 502. Continuing to refer to Figure 6 As shown, the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage of the dark state sub-frame 601 is positive, such as Figure 6 As shown, the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage of the dark state sub-frame 601 is 0 - (-1.1) = 1.1. While the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage of the adjacent dark state sub-frame 602 is negative. Such as Figure 6 As shown, the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage of the dark state sub-frame 602 is 4.7 - 5.8 = -1.1. Because the polarity of the applied driving voltage is opposite between two adjacent dark state sub-frames, the lifespan of the liquid crystal is effectively improved.

[0080] Step 404: The controller drives the target pixel according to the dark state sub-frame.

[0081] For example Figure 6 As shown, if the target image sub-frame is the image sub-frame 501, and the controller obtains the corresponding dark state sub-frame 601 according to the target pixel of the target image sub-frame 501, then, during the duration from time t0 to time t1, the controller does not apply power to the first electrode and applies a voltage of -1.1V to the second electrode. It can be understood that during the duration of the dark state sub-frame 601, the target pixel is always in the off state.

[0082] Step 405: The controller obtains the first frame corresponding to the target pixel.

[0083] The controller is used to apply a voltage to the target pixel according to the first frame so that the target pixel is in the on state. For the description of this first frame, please refer to Figure 7 As shown, whereFigure 7 Shown is an example diagram of the first frame. When the controller drives the target pixel through the first frame, the target pixel is in the on state. The first frame includes the correspondence between the first voltage and time, and the first frame also includes the correspondence between the second voltage and time. For the description of the first voltage and the second voltage, please refer to what is shown in step 403, and no specific details will be elaborated here. In this embodiment, when the controller drives the target pixel through the first frame, a first driving voltage will be applied to the target pixel. From the above description, it can be seen that in order to make the target pixel in the on state, the first driving voltage corresponds to bit 1. In this embodiment, the magnitude of the first driving voltage is not limited, as long as the target pixel is in the on state when the first driving voltage is applied to it. For example, the first driving voltage can be 4.9V.

[0084] In this embodiment, the first frame corresponding to bit 1 includes N sub-frames, where N is any integer greater than 1, and the specific value of N is not limited in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the duration of the first frame is not limited. For example, the duration of the N sub-frames starts from t0 and ends at tM. Figure 7 In the shown example, taking N as 7, then the first frame includes 7 sub-frames. That is, the first sub-frame 701, the second sub-frame 702, the third sub-frame 703, the fourth sub-frame 704, the fifth sub-frame 705, the sixth sub-frame 706, and the seventh sub-frame 707. In this example, taking the first driving voltage corresponding to each sub-frame as 4.9V, for example, in the first sub-frame 701, the first voltage is 4.7V and the second voltage is -1.1V, then the first driving voltage corresponding to the first sub-frame 701 is |4.7 - (-1.1)| = 5.8. In the second sub-frame 702, the first voltage is 0V and the second voltage is 5.8V, then the first driving voltage corresponding to the second sub-frame 702 is |0 - 5.8| = 5.8.

[0085] In this embodiment, in order to avoid the aggregation effect of liquid crystal ions and ensure that the liquid crystal has a long lifespan, it is necessary to periodically reverse the polarity of the liquid crystal driving electric field, that is, the positive and negative nature of the liquid crystal driving voltage, so that the driving voltage of the target pixel undergoes periodic reversal, thereby effectively improving the lifespan of the liquid crystal. That is, in the first frame, the polarities of two adjacent sub-frames are opposite. For example, in the first sub-frame 701, the first polarity is positive (that is, the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage in the first sub-frame 701 is positive), while in the adjacent second sub-frame 702, the second polarity is negative (that is, the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage in the second sub-frame 702 is negative). As Figure 7As shown, the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage of the first sub-frame 701 is 4.7 - (-1.1) = 5.8, while the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage of the second sub-frame 702 is 0 - 5.8 = -5.8. It can be understood that in the first frame shown in this embodiment, the absolute values of the first driving voltages of different sub-frames are all 5.8V, so that when the controller drives the target pixel according to each sub-frame, a first driving voltage of 5.8V can be applied to the target pixel. Moreover, between two adjacent sub-frames (such as the first sub-frame 701 and the second sub-frame 702), the polarities of the applied first driving voltages are opposite, effectively improving the lifespan of the liquid crystal.

[0086] The first driving voltage shown in this embodiment is the over-saturation voltage for modulating the light beam of the target pixel. For the description of the over-saturation voltage, please refer to Figure 3 the corresponding description, which will not be elaborated here specifically. From Figure 3 as shown, when the over-saturation voltage is applied to the target pixel, it will instead cause the brightness of the light emitted by the target pixel to decrease. By adopting the steps shown in the following of this embodiment, it can be ensured that when the over-saturation voltage is applied to the target pixel, the brightness of the light emitted by the target pixel is not lost or hardly lost, improving the brightness of the light emitted by the target pixel.

[0087] Step 406: The controller converts the first frame into a second frame.

[0088] As can be seen from step 405, if the controller drives the target pixel according to the first frame, it will cause the target pixel not to emit the modulated light beam with the maximum brightness. Therefore, the controller shown in this embodiment converts the first frame into a second frame. Then, if the controller drives the target pixel according to the second frame, it will cause the target pixel to emit the modulated light beam with the maximum brightness. Specifically, the controller inserts M target sub-frames in the first frame to obtain the second frame, where M is any integer greater than 1. The target sub-frame corresponds to a second driving voltage, the second driving voltage corresponds to bit 0, and between any two adjacent target sub-frames among the M target sub-frames, there is an interval part of the first frame. In this embodiment, the first frame can be converted into the second frame through various optional methods, and the specific description is as follows:

[0089] Optional method 1

[0090] Combined with Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown, where Figure 8 is the first example diagram of the second frame provided by this application shown. As shown in this example, among the N sub-frames included in the first frame, a target sub-frame is inserted between any two adjacent sub-frames in time. In Figure 7Based on what is shown, between the first sub-frame 701 and the second sub-frame 702, insert the first target sub-frame 801. Between the second sub-frame 702 and the third sub-frame 703, insert the second target sub-frame 802. Between the third sub-frame 703 and the fourth sub-frame 704, insert the third target sub-frame 803. Between the fourth sub-frame 704 and the fifth sub-frame 705, insert the fourth target sub-frame 804. Between the fifth sub-frame 705 and the sixth sub-frame 706, insert the fifth target sub-frame 805. Between the sixth sub-frame 706 and the seventh sub-frame 707, insert the sixth target sub-frame 806. The specific insertion method can be, for example, taking the first sub-frame 701 and the second sub-frame 702 as an example, replacing the corresponding relationship between the voltage and time of the part of the first sub-frame 701 adjacent to the second sub-frame 702 with the first target sub-frame 801. For example, the duration of the first sub-frame starts from the moment t0 to the moment t2. The time period between the moment t1 and the moment t2 included in the first sub-frame is adjacent to the second sub-frame 702. In this example, the controller replaces the time period between the moment t1 and the moment t2 included in the first sub-frame 701 with the first target sub-frame 801. Another example, taking the first sub-frame 701 and the second sub-frame 702 as an example, the corresponding relationship between the voltage and time of the part of the second sub-frame 702 adjacent to the first sub-frame 701 can be replaced with the first target sub-frame 801. Another example, taking the first sub-frame 701 and the second sub-frame 702 as an example, both the corresponding relationship between the voltage and time of the part of the first sub-frame 701 adjacent to the second sub-frame 702 and the corresponding relationship between the voltage and time of the part of the second sub-frame 702 adjacent to the first sub-frame 701 are replaced with the first target sub-frame 801.

[0091] Each target sub-frame shown in this embodiment corresponds to a second driving voltage respectively, and the second driving voltage corresponds to bit 0. In this embodiment, taking the second driving voltage as 1.1V as an example, the magnitude of the second driving voltage in this embodiment is not limited, as long as the second driving voltage corresponds to bit 0. For example, if the controller drives the target pixel according to the first target sub-frame 801, then the controller does not apply power to the first electrode, and the second voltage applied to the second electrode is -1.1V. Therefore, the second driving voltage = |0 - (-1.1)| = 1.1V.

[0092] Explain the function of converting the first frame to the second frame. Figure 9 The following shows an example diagram of the liquid crystal state under different driving voltages provided by this application.

[0093] When the controller applies a second driving voltage (e.g., 1.1V) to the target pixel, the liquid crystal of the target pixel is in state A. When the controller applies a first driving voltage (e.g., 5.8V) to the target pixel pair, the liquid crystal of the target pixel is in state C. The first driving voltage shown in this embodiment is an oversaturated voltage, and the second driving voltage is an undersaturated voltage. When the voltage applied to the target pixel is the second driving voltage, the liquid crystal is in a pretilt state. As the driving voltage increases, the deflection angle of the liquid crystal becomes larger. When it reaches state B, the modulation amplitude reaches the maximum, and this voltage is called the saturation voltage. The deflection state of the liquid crystal is called steady state B. In this example, the saturation voltage of the target pixel is taken as 4.9V. When the driving voltage further increases, such as reaching the oversaturated voltage of 5.8, the deflection angle of the liquid crystal further increases, and the amplitude of the modulation output of the target pixel decreases instead. Therefore, the brightness of the light emitted by the target pixel also decreases accordingly. This oversaturated state is described as state C. It can be understood that steady state B is a state between state A and state C. If the liquid crystal is switched between state A and state C at a high frequency, using the viscous characteristics of the liquid crystal, the liquid crystal can be dynamically stabilized in steady state B. For the controller shown in this embodiment, if the target pixel is driven according to the second frame, then the oversaturated voltage (i.e., the second driving voltage) and the undersaturated voltage (i.e., the first driving voltage) will be switched at a high frequency and applied to the target pixel, so that the liquid crystal of the target pixel emits the modulated light beam in steady state B to ensure that the target pixel emits the modulated light beam with the maximum brightness.

[0094] Combined with Figure 10 and Figure 11 as described above, Figure 10 Figure 2 shows the second example diagram of the second frame provided by the present application. Figure 11 It is a brightness comparison example diagram of the LCOS output. Figure 10 Taking the second frame shown as an example, the target subframe is inserted into the first frame at a high frequency to obtain the second frame. Figure 10 In the second frame shown, there is a target subframe interval between two adjacent subframes. In the example shown, the subframe corresponds to bit 1, and the target subframe corresponds to bit 0. Figure 10 In the example shown, the duty cycle is taken as 95%. Figure 11 The waveform 1101 shown means an example where the controller only applies the oversaturated voltage to the target pixel. It can be seen that the target pixel is always in state C, so the brightness of the light emitted by the target pixel is always lower than the brightness when it is in steady state B. Figure 11 The waveform 1102 shown means an example where the controller applies the second frame shown above to the target pixel. It can be seen that the target pixel always fluctuates slightly near steady state B, so the brightness of the light emitted by the target pixel is always the maximum brightness. Using the embodiment shown, even if the oversaturated voltage is applied to the target pixel, the brightness of the light emitted by the target pixel is almost at the maximum value, ensuring that the brightness of the light emitted by the target pixel is basically not lost.

[0095] As shown in this embodiment, among the M target sub-frames inserted into the first frame, the polarities of the second driving voltages corresponding to any two adjacent target sub-frames in time are opposite. For example, the M target sub-frames include a first target sub-frame and a second target sub-frame adjacent in time. The first target sub-frame corresponds to a third polarity of the second driving voltage, and the second target sub-frame corresponds to a fourth polarity of the second driving voltage, and the third polarity is opposite to the fourth polarity. For the description of the third polarity being opposite to the fourth polarity, please refer to the description of the first polarity being opposite to the second polarity above, and details will not be elaborated here. Since the polarities of the second driving voltages corresponding to two adjacent target sub-frames shown in this embodiment are opposite, even if target sub-frames are inserted at high frequency within the first frame, the DC balance will not be disrupted.

[0096] Alternative 2

[0097] As shown in this example, the second frame includes N sub-frames and M target sub-frames. Between any two adjacent target sub-frames in time, there are K sub-frames spaced apart, where K is any integer greater than 1. For example, Figure 12 The third example diagram of the second frame provided by the present application is shown. Figure 12 In the example shown, between any two adjacent target sub-frames, there are two sub-frames spaced apart. For example, the second sub-frame sequentially includes a first sub-frame, a second sub-frame, a third sub-frame, and a fourth sub-frame, and so on. There is a first target sub-frame spaced between the second sub-frame and the third sub-frame, and a second target sub-frame spaced between the fourth sub-frame and the fifth sub-frame. It can be seen that among the M target sub-frames shown in this embodiment, between any two adjacent target sub-frames in time, there are two sub-frames spaced apart. The value of K in this embodiment is not limited. It can be understood that with the second frame shown in this example, the M target sub-frames are evenly distributed in the second frame. For the description of the target sub-frames and each sub-frame included in the first frame, and the description of inserting the target sub-frames, please refer to that shown in Alternative 1, and details will not be elaborated here.

[0098] Alternative 3

[0099] As shown in this example, the target sub-frames can be randomly inserted between the N sub-frames included in the first frame, between any two adjacent sub-frames in time. For the description of the target sub-frames and each sub-frame included in the first frame, and the description of inserting the target sub-frames, please refer to that shown in Alternative 1, and details will not be elaborated here.

[0100] Alternative 4

[0101] In the above optional mode 1 and optional mode 3, taking the example of inserting the target sub-frame between two adjacent sub-frames in time, in this optional mode, the target sub-frame can be inserted inside the sub-frame. Specifically, the first frame includes imaging sub-frames, and the imaging sub-frame is each sub-frame among the N sub-frames, or the imaging sub-frame is part of the N sub-frames. The controller inserts at least one target sub-frame into the imaging sub-frame. If the controller inserts multiple target sub-frames into the imaging sub-frame, they are inserted into the same imaging sub-frame, and between two adjacent target sub-frames, there is an interval of some imaging sub-frames. For the description of the target sub-frame and each sub-frame included in the first frame, and the description of inserting the target sub-frame, please refer to what is shown in optional mode 1, and details are not elaborated here.

[0102] Step 407, the controller drives the target pixel through the second frame.

[0103] For example, if the second frame refers to Figure 8 the example shown, then, within the duration of the first sub-frame 701, a voltage of 4.7V is applied to the first electrode, and a voltage of -1.1V is applied to the second electrode. Within the duration of the first target sub-frame 801, no voltage is applied to the first electrode, and a voltage of -1.1V is applied to the second electrode, and so on, without specific limitation.

[0104] Figure 13 This is an example diagram of the VR curve of the target pixel provided by this application. As Figure 13 shown, the saturation voltage for the target pixel to modulate the light beam is 4.9V. When a saturation voltage (i.e., 4.9V) is applied to the target pixel, the brightness of the emitted target light beam is 78 nits (nit). That is, 78 nit is the maximum value of the brightness of the light emitted by the target pixel.

[0105] Figure 14 This is an example diagram of the Gamma curve of the target pixel. Among them, the abscissa of the Gamma curve is the gray value from 0 to 255, Figure 14 for the curve 1401 shown, when driving the target pixel to emit light through the over-saturation voltage, the maximum brightness value of the light emitted by the target pixel is 71.76 nit, then the maximum brightness loss of the light emitted by the target pixel is about 8%. And for the curve 1402, when driving the target pixel to emit light through the second frame shown in this embodiment, the maximum brightness value of the light emitted by the target pixel is 77.49 nit, then the maximum brightness loss of the light emitted by the target pixel is about 0.65%, and basically there is no loss of the maximum brightness value of the light emitted by the target pixel.

[0106] Using the method shown in this embodiment, the controller drives an image modulator (such as an LCOS) to perform image modulation through a digital driving method. With the digital driving method, the driving voltage applied to the target pixel is fixed, and there is no need to switch the magnitude of the driving voltage, thus avoiding the instability caused by the parasitic capacitance of the driving circuit during the voltage conversion process, and improving the stability of the VR curve and the DC balance. Since there is no need to switch the magnitude of the driving voltage, the power consumption caused by switching the driving voltage is reduced, and the modulation of red light beams, blue light beams, and green light beams can be switched at any time according to actual needs, without restricting the timing of modulation between the light beams, improving the flexibility of color sequence design during image modulation. Moreover, using the method shown in this embodiment, for light beams of different wavelengths, they are uniformly driven by an oversaturation voltage, and it can also ensure that the maximum brightness value emitted by each pixel of the image modulator is basically not lost, effectively improving the maximum brightness value emitted by the image modulator. From the above Figure 3 corresponding description, it can be seen that the saturation voltage for modulating the blue light beam, the saturation voltage for modulating the green light beam, and the saturation voltage for modulating the red light beam increase in sequence. If the first driving voltage is equal to the saturation voltage for modulating the red light beam, then the first driving voltage is the oversaturation voltage for modulating the green light beam and the blue light beam. Since the first driving voltage is the saturation voltage for modulating the red light beam, the controller can directly apply the first driving voltage to the image modulation module, ensuring the brightness value emitted from the image modulation module after modulating the light color beam. In the case where the image modulation module needs to modulate the blue light beam and the green light beam, the controller can convert the first frame into a second frame, and the controller drives the image modulation module to modulate the green light beam and the blue light beam through the second frame. Then, in the case of driving the image modulation module with an oversaturation voltage, it is ensured that the brightness value emitted from the image modulation module after modulating the blue light beam and the green light beam is basically not lost, and thus even when driving the image modulation module with an oversaturation voltage, the image modulation module can still emit the modulated light beam with the maximum brightness value. Another example is that if the first driving voltage is the oversaturation voltage for modulating the red light beam, the green light beam, and the blue light beam respectively, then the controller can convert the first frame into a second frame, and the controller drives the image modulation module to modulate the red light beam, the green light beam, and the blue light beam through the second frame. Then, in the case of driving the image modulation module with an oversaturation voltage, it is ensured that the brightness value emitted from the image modulation module after modulating the red light beam, the blue light beam, and the green light beam is basically not lost, and thus even when driving the image modulation module with an oversaturation voltage, the image modulation module can still emit the modulated light beam with the maximum brightness value.

[0107] This application also provides an image modulation method. The image modulation module executes the image modulation method shown in this embodiment, and can modulate the light beam to emit a modulated light beam. The lens can project and image the modulated light beam. For the description of the imaging, please refer toFigure 1 The corresponding description will not be elaborated here. Figure 15 It is a flowchart of the steps of an embodiment of the image modulation method provided by this application.

[0108] Step 1501: The controller obtains the target image sub-frame.

[0109] Step 1502: The controller determines whether the target pixel is in the on state. If not, step 1503 is executed; if so, step 1505 is executed.

[0110] Step 1503: The controller obtains the dark state sub-frame corresponding to the target pixel.

[0111] Step 1504: The controller drives the target pixel according to the dark state sub-frame.

[0112] Step 1505: The controller obtains the first frame corresponding to the target pixel.

[0113] Step 1506: The controller converts the first frame into the second frame.

[0114] Step 1507: The controller drives the target pixel through the second frame.

[0115] For the description of the execution process of steps 1501 to 1507 shown in this embodiment, please refer to Figure 4 The corresponding steps 401 to 407 shown, and the details will not be elaborated here.

[0116] Step 1508: The image modulation module receives the light beam.

[0117] Step 1509: The image modulation module modulates the light beam to output the modulated light beam.

[0118] In this embodiment, after step 1504 is executed, the target pixel to which the dark state sub-frame is applied, or, after step 1507 is executed, the target pixel to which the second frame is applied, modulates the light beam to output the modulated light beam. For the description of the image modulation module modulating the light beam, please refer to Figure 1 The corresponding description will not be elaborated here.

[0119] The projection system provided by the embodiment of this application takes Figure 1 shown as an example, and is not limited. The projection system provided by the embodiment of this application can also be referred to Figure 16 shown, where Figure 16 is a structural example diagram of the second embodiment of the projection system provided by this application.

[0120] The projection system shown in this embodiment includes a light source 1601, a beam splitting component 1602, a first polarization conversion module 1603a, a first image modulation module 1604a, a second polarization conversion module 1603b, a second image modulation module 1604b, a third polarization conversion module 1603c, a third image modulation module 1604c, a light combining module 1605, and a lens 1607. For the specific descriptions of each device, please refer to Figure 1 the corresponding descriptions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0121] The light source 1601 shown in this embodiment is used to emit an input beam. For the description of the input beam, please refer to Figure 1 the corresponding embodiment, which will not be elaborated here. The beam splitting component 1602 is used to split the input beam to obtain a blue beam, a green beam, and a red beam. The first polarization conversion module 1603a is used to receive the blue beam and perform beam splitting. The third polarization conversion module 1603c is used to receive the red beam and perform beam splitting. The second polarization conversion module 1603b is used to receive the green beam and perform beam splitting. The target beam received by the first image modulation module 1604a is the S-polarized light of blue color after beam splitting, the target beam received by the second image modulation module 1604b is the S-polarized light of green color after beam splitting, and the target beam received by the third image modulation module 1604c is the S-polarized light of red color after beam splitting. The light combining module 1605 receives the modulated beams from the first image modulation module 1604a, the modulated beams from the second image modulation module 1604b, and the modulated beams from the third image modulation module 1604c, and combines the modulated beams to obtain an imaging beam. The light combining module 1605 can be a prism or the like. The light combining module 1605 can adopt light combining methods such as spectral light combining, polarization light combining, or aperture light combining to output the modulated beam, and the specific light combining method is not limited. The lens 1607 receives the modulated beam and emits the imaging beam according to the modulated beam, and the imaging beam is used for projection imaging. The projection system shown in this embodiment further includes a controller. For the description of the controller driving each image modulation module, please refer to any of the above embodiments, which will not be elaborated here.

[0122] This application embodiment also provides a chip, where Figure 17 is a structural example diagram of an embodiment of the chip provided by this application. The chip shown in this embodiment includes a controller 1702 and a communication interface 1701, where the controller 1702 is connected to the communication interface 1701. The controller 1702 realizes the interaction of signaling and data through the communication interface 1701. For example, it obtains an image source from the communication interface 1701. The controller 1702 is used to execute computer programs or instructions, so that the chip can execute the above Figure 4 or Figure 15The method shown in the embodiment. Optionally, the chip shown in this embodiment may include a memory 1703 for storing computer programs or instructions, and may also be used to store the image source shown in the above embodiment.

[0123] An embodiment of the present application also provides an image modulator. For the description of the image modulator, please refer to the description of the LCOS structure above, and details are not described herein.

[0124] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which when called by a computer, execute the above Figure 4 or Figure 15 The method shown in the embodiment.

[0125] Figure 18 This is a structural example diagram of an embodiment of the head-up display system provided by the present application. The head-up display (HUD) system shown in this embodiment includes a projection system 1801 and a light deflection module 1803. For the description of the structure of the projection system 1801, please refer to Figure 1 or Figure 16 Any of the embodiments shown, and details are not described herein. The HUD system projects vehicle-related information in front of the driver's field of vision. The vehicle-related information may be instrument information (such as vehicle speed) or navigation information, etc. Then, the driver can see the vehicle-related information in front of the field of vision without having to look down at the instrument panel or the center control display below the steering wheel, thereby improving the braking reaction time in an emergency and enhancing driving safety.

[0126] The projection system 1801 shown in this embodiment is capable of modulating vehicle-related information on the target beam and emitting an imaging beam 1811. The light deflection module 1803 is capable of forming an enlarged virtual image 1812 of the imaging beam in front of the vehicle. Among them, the light deflection module 1803 shown in this embodiment may be a curved mirror. The curved mirror transmits the spot of the enlarged imaging beam 1811 to the windshield 1805 of the vehicle. The windshield 1805 reflects the imaging beam 1811 to the driver's binoculars for imaging. That is, the virtual image 1812 is formed in front of the vehicle at the reverse extension line of the image formed in the driver's binoculars. This embodiment takes the application of the HUD system to a vehicle as an example. In other examples, the HUD system can also be applied to driving tools such as ships, airplanes, and helicopters that require a driver to drive.

[0127] This embodiment also provides a vehicle. The vehicle includes Figure 18 The HUD system and windshield shown. Of course, the vehicle may also include other devices, such as a steering wheel, a processor, a memory, a wireless communication device, and sensors, etc., which are not limited in this embodiment.

[0128] Figure 19 This is an example diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the projection lamp provided in this application. The projection lamp includes a fixing base and a projection system 1901. The fixing base can fix the projection system 1901 on the vehicle. For a description of the projection system 1901, please refer to Figure 1 or Figure 16 As shown in any embodiment, the details are not repeated here. The projection system 1901 modulates the target light beam to output an imaging light beam. The imaging light beam emitted from the projection system 1901 can be imaged on the road surface on which the vehicle is traveling. Specifically, the imaging light beam displays a target light type in the road surface projection area of ​​the road surface to form an image. The target light type formed by the imaging light beam can be a light blanket displayed in the road surface projection area. The light blanket prompts the driver with the vehicle's advanced driving assistance system (ADAS) information, the main data on the vehicle dashboard (fuel consumption, engine speed, temperature, etc.), vehicle speed information, steering wheel angle information or vehicle body posture data, etc. through the modulated image, color, light type, etc., which is not limited in this embodiment. The imaging light beam displayed in the target light type emitted by the projection lamp shown in this embodiment can also be used to illuminate the road surface around the vehicle, etc., to improve driving safety or navigation efficiency.

[0129] The projection lamp shown in this embodiment is used for vehicle lighting and image projection, and can be a low beam lamp or an adaptive high beam lamp to realize vehicle assisted automatic driving. The vehicle can be an autonomous vehicle (autonomous vehicles; self-piloting automobile) also known as an unmanned vehicle, and the vehicle can also be a car, truck, motorcycle, public vehicle, lawn mower, recreational vehicle, amusement park vehicle, tram, golf cart, train, or cart, etc.

[0130] The present embodiment provides a pair of smart glasses, and the smart glasses shown in the present embodiment may be AR glasses or VR glasses. Smart glasses are a technology that cleverly integrates virtual information with the real world. It widely uses a variety of technical means such as multimedia, three-dimensional modeling, real-time tracking and registration, intelligent interaction, and sensing to simulate computer-generated virtual information such as text, images, three-dimensional models, music, and videos, and apply them to the real world. The two types of information complement each other, thereby achieving "enhancement" of the real world. With the enrichment of the variety of smart products, it is becoming more and more convenient for users to use. The smart glasses include a frame, lenses, a light source, a controller, and a pixel array. For a description of the light source, controller, and pixel array, please refer to the above. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 ,Figure 8 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 15 or Figure 16 As shown in any of the embodiments, details are not described herein. The lens, light source, controller, and pixel array are fixed on the frame. The light source is used to transmit the input beam to the pixel array. The lens is used to receive the modulated beam from the pixel array and project an image of the modulated beam. Specifically, the pixel array projects the modulated beam onto the lens on the side facing the wearer's eyes, and uses the reflection function of the lens to reflect the modulated beam into the wearer's eyes.

[0131] The present application also provides a vehicle. Figure 20 It is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of the vehicle provided by the present application. In one embodiment, the vehicle 2000 is configured to be in a fully or partially autonomous driving mode. The vehicle shown in this embodiment includes a vehicle body, which is used to fix the sensor system 2020, ADAS 2010, peripheral device 2030, computer system 2040, projection headlight 2050, and HUD system 2060.

[0132] The sensor system 2020 includes several sensors that sense information about the environment around the vehicle 2000. For example, the sensor system 2020 may include a positioning system (the positioning system can be a Global Positioning System (GPS), or it can be a Beidou system or other positioning systems), an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), radar, a lidar, and a camera, etc. The sensor system 2020 may also include sensors for monitoring the internal systems of the monitored vehicle 2000 (such as an in-vehicle air quality monitor, a fuel gauge, an oil temperature gauge, etc.). Sensor data from one or more of these sensors can be used to detect objects and their corresponding characteristics (position, shape, orientation, speed, etc.). Such detection and identification are key functions for the safe operation of the autonomous vehicle 2000. The positioning system can be used to estimate the geographical location of the vehicle 2000. The IMU is used to sense changes in the position and orientation of the vehicle 2000 based on inertial acceleration. In one embodiment, the IMU can be a combination of an accelerometer and a gyroscope. Radar can use radio signals to sense objects within the surrounding environment of the vehicle 2000. In some embodiments, in addition to sensing objects, radar can also be used to sense the speed and / or forward direction of the objects. The specific type of radar in this embodiment is not limited. For example, the radar can be a millimeter-wave radar or a lidar, etc. The lidar can use lasers to sense objects in the environment where the vehicle 2000 is located. In some embodiments, the lidar may include one or more laser sources, a laser scanner, and one or more detectors, as well as other system components. The camera can be used to capture multiple images of the surrounding environment of the vehicle 2000. The camera can be a static camera, a video camera, a mono / stereo camera, or an infrared imager.

[0133] ADAS 2010 senses the surrounding environment at any time during vehicle driving, collects data, conducts identification, detection, and tracking of static and dynamic objects, and combines navigation map data to perform system operation and analysis, so as to let the driver perceive possible dangers in advance and effectively improve the comfort and safety of vehicle driving. For example, ADAS 2010 can control the vehicle through the data obtained by the sensing system 2020. Another example is that ADAS 2010 can control the vehicle through in-vehicle data, where the in-vehicle data can be the main data on the vehicle dashboard (fuel consumption, engine speed, temperature, etc.), vehicle speed information, steering wheel angle information, or vehicle body attitude data, etc.

[0134] Vehicle 2000 interacts with external sensors, other vehicles, other computer systems, or users through peripheral device 2030. Peripheral device 2030 may include a wireless communication system, an in-vehicle computer, a microphone, and / or a speaker. In some embodiments, peripheral device 2030 provides a means for the user of vehicle 2000 to interact with the user interface. For example, the in-vehicle computer may provide information to the user of vehicle 2000. The user interface may also operate the in-vehicle computer to receive user input. The in-vehicle computer may be operated through a touch screen. In other cases, peripheral device 2030 may provide a means for vehicle 2000 to communicate with other devices located inside the vehicle. For example, the microphone may receive audio from the user of vehicle 2000 (e.g., voice commands or other audio inputs). Similarly, the speaker may output audio to the user of vehicle 2000. The wireless communication system may wirelessly communicate with one or more devices directly or via a communication network.

[0135] Some or all of the functions of vehicle 2000 are controlled by computer system 2040. Computer system 2040 may control the functions of vehicle 2000 based on inputs received from various systems (e.g., sensing system 2020, ADAS 2010, peripheral device 2030) and from the user interface. Computer system 2040 may include at least one processor that executes instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as a memory. Computer system 2040 may also be multiple computing devices that control individual components or subsystems of vehicle 2000 in a distributed manner. The type of processor is not limited in this embodiment. For the description of the type of processor, please refer to the description of the controller included in the light source above, and details will not be elaborated here.

[0136] The processor is capable of obtaining vehicle driving-related information from peripheral device 2030, sensing system 2020, and / or ADAS 2010, and sending it to projection headlight 2050. For the description of projection headlight 2050, please refer to Figure 19 as shown, and details will not be elaborated here. The processor sends the vehicle driving-related information to HUD system 2060. For the description of HUD system 2060, please refer to Figure 18 as shown, and details will not be elaborated here.

[0137] As mentioned above, the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit it; although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that: they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements on some of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A driving method, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtaining a first frame corresponding to a target pixel, where the target pixel is one of a plurality of pixels for modulating a light beam, the first frame corresponds to a first driving voltage, the first driving voltage corresponds to a first bit value, and the first driving voltage is the oversaturation voltage for the target pixel to modulate the light beam; Inserting M target sub-frames into the first frame to obtain a second frame, where M is any integer greater than 1, the target sub-frame corresponds to a second driving voltage, the second driving voltage corresponds to a second bit value, and among the M target sub-frames, between two adjacent target sub-frames, there is an interval of a sub-frame of the first frame, or, between two adjacent target sub-frames, there is an interval of a part of the sub-frame; Driving the target pixel through the second frame.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After obtaining the first frame corresponding to the target pixel, the method further includes: Dividing the first frame into N sub-frames, where N is any integer greater than 1, and among the N sub-frames, there are a first sub-frame and a second sub-frame adjacent in time, the first sub-frame corresponds to a first polarity of the first driving voltage, the second sub-frame corresponds to a second polarity of the first driving voltage, and the first polarity and the second polarity are opposite.

3. The driving method according to claim 2, characterized in that The interval of a sub-frame of the first frame between two adjacent target sub-frames includes: The target sub-frame is located between the first sub-frame and the second sub-frame.

4. The driving method according to claim 3, characterized in that The M target sub-frames include a first target sub-frame and a second target sub-frame adjacent in time, the first target sub-frame corresponds to a third polarity of the second driving voltage, the second target sub-frame corresponds to a fourth polarity of the second driving voltage, and the third polarity and the fourth polarity are opposite.

5. The driving method according to claim 2, wherein Inserting M target sub-frames into the first frame to obtain a second frame includes: Inserting the M target sub-frames into the first frame, and between two adjacent target sub-frames in time, there is an interval of K sub-frames, where K is any integer greater than 1.

6. The driving method according to claim 2, characterized in that Inserting M target sub-frames into the first frame to obtain a second frame includes: Randomly inserting the target sub-frame between two adjacent sub-frames in time among the N sub-frames.

7. The driving method according to claim 2, characterized in that Inserting M target sub-frames into the first frame to obtain a second frame includes: Inserting at least one target sub-frame into an imaging sub-frame, where the imaging sub-frame is each of the N sub-frames, or, the imaging sub-frame is a part of the N sub-frames.

8. The driving method according to claim 7, wherein The interval of a part of the sub-frame between two adjacent target sub-frames includes: Between two adjacent target sub-frames, there is an interval of a part of the imaging sub-frame.

9. A method for image modulation, characterized in that, The method is applied to an image modulation module, the image modulation module includes a pixel array and a controller, the pixel array includes a plurality of pixels, and the method includes: The controller obtains a first frame corresponding to a target pixel, where the target pixel is one of the plurality of pixels, the first frame corresponds to a first driving voltage, the first driving voltage corresponds to a first bit value, and the first driving voltage is the oversaturation voltage for the target pixel to modulate the light beam; The controller inserts M target sub - frames into the first frame to obtain a second frame, where M is any integer greater than 1. The target sub - frames correspond to a second driving voltage, the second driving voltage corresponds to a second bit value, and among the M target sub - frames, between two adjacent target sub - frames, there is an interval of sub - frames of the first frame, or, between two adjacent target sub - frames, there is an interval of a part of the sub - frames; The controller drives the target pixels through the second frame; The pixel array receives a target light beam; The target pixels to which the second frame is applied modulate the target light beam to emit a modulated light beam, and the modulated light beam is used for projection imaging.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, After the controller obtains the first frame corresponding to the target pixels, the method further includes: The controller divides the first frame into N sub - frames, where N is any integer greater than 1. Among them, the N sub - frames include a first sub - frame and a second sub - frame that are adjacent in time. The first sub - frame corresponds to a first polarity of a first driving voltage, the second sub - frame corresponds to a second polarity of the first driving voltage, and the first polarity is opposite to the second polarity.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Among the two adjacent target sub - frames, the interval of the sub - frames of the first frame includes: The target sub - frame is located between the first sub - frame and the second sub - frame.

12. The driving method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The M target sub - frames include a first target sub - frame and a second target sub - frame that are adjacent in time. The first target sub - frame corresponds to a third polarity of the second driving voltage, the second target sub - frame corresponds to a fourth polarity of the second driving voltage, and the third polarity is opposite to the fourth polarity.

13. A chip, characterized in that, It includes a communication interface and a controller connected to the communication interface. The communication interface is used for inputting and / or outputting signaling or data; The controller is used to execute a computer - executable program, so that the method described in any one of claims 1 to 8 is executed.

14. A projection system, characterized in that, It includes a light source, a polarization conversion module, a lens, a controller, and a pixel array. The controller and the pixel array are used to execute the method described in any one of claims 9 - 12; The light source is used to transmit an input light beam to the polarization conversion module; The polarization conversion module is used to convert the polarization state of the input light beam to obtain the target light beam; The lens is used to receive the modulated light beam from the pixel array and emit an imaging light beam according to the modulated light beam. The imaging light beam is used for projection imaging.

15. A head-up display system, characterized in that, It includes a light deflection module and the projection system described in claim 14; The projection system is used to transmit the imaging light beam to the light deflection module; The light deflection module is used to transmit the magnified imaging light beam to the windshield, and the imaging light beam forms a virtual image through the windshield.

16. A vehicle lamp, characterized in that, It includes a fixing base and the projection system described in claim 14. The fixing base is used to fix the projection system on the vehicle.

17. A vehicle, characterized in that, It includes a vehicle body and a windshield. The vehicle further includes the head - up display system described in claim 15 and / or includes the vehicle lamp described in claim 16; The controller is used to obtain vehicle driving - related information; The controller is further configured to drive the pixel array, modulate the vehicle driving related information onto the target light beam to obtain the modulated light beam.

18. An intelligent glasses, characterized in that, The smart glasses include a frame, lenses, a light source, a controller, and a pixel array. The controller and the pixel array are configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 9-12. The frame is configured to fix the lenses, the light source, the controller, and the pixel array; The light source is configured to transmit the input light beam to the pixel array; The lenses are configured to receive the modulated light beam from the pixel array and project and image the modulated light beam.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when called by a computer, cause the method according to any one of claims 1-8 to be executed.

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