Head-up display assembly and head-up display system

Abstract

The invention relates to a head-up display assembly and a head-up display system. The head-up display assembly is applied to windshield glass and comprises a light input unit and a light transmission unit, the light input unit is used for generating image light containing image information; the light transmission unit comprises a light transmission channel of which the upper surface and the lower surface are parallel, and a light leading-in part and a plurality of light leading-out parts which are arranged in the light transmission channel; wherein the light input unit is matched with the light transmission unit, so that image light enters the light transmission channel through the upper surface of the light transmission channel and is reflected by the light guide-in part to form total reflection transmission in the light transmission channel; in the transmission process of the light transmission channel, the image light is partially reflected through the light guide-out part in sequence and is output to the windshield glass through the upper surface of the light transmission channel, so that the image light enters the preset eye box area after being reflected by the windshield glass. According to the invention, miniaturization of the HUD can be realized on the premise of matching an automobile windshield and a lower visual angle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of head-up display, and more particularly to a head-up display component and a head-up display system. Background Art

[0002] In order to provide users with a better user experience, traditional automotive HUDs (Head-Up Displays) usually have a downward viewing angle so that the driver can see the display clearly when relaxed. However, in order to match the car windshield to achieve a downward viewing angle, the head-up display device often needs to be tilted as a whole. The field of view (FOV) of traditional head-up displays is generally 5-10°, the volume can reach more than 10L, the virtual image distance is usually only about 4m, and the realization of its functions requires expensive optical components and precise manufacturing processes, which makes its cost high. Although there are some optical waveguide HUDs that can solve the above problems to a certain extent, they are limited by the current optical waveguide principles and structures. The light path output angle does not match the windshield slope, resulting in the HUD optical system needing to be tilted at a certain angle if the HUD downward viewing angle needs to be met, which in turn leads to a waste of volume. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a head-up display component and a head-up display system in response to some of the above technical defects of the prior art.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the technical problem is: constructing a head-up display assembly, which is applied to a windshield, and the head-up display assembly includes: a light input unit and a light transmission unit;

[0005] The light input unit is used to generate image light containing image information;

[0006] The light transmission unit includes a light transmission channel with upper and lower surfaces parallel to each other, and a light introduction portion and a plurality of light output portions arranged in the light transmission channel;

[0007] The light input unit is cooperatively arranged with the light transmission unit so that the image light enters the light transmission channel through the upper surface of the light transmission channel and is reflected by the light introduction portion to form total reflection transmission in the light transmission channel;

[0008] During the transmission process of the light transmission channel, the image light is partially reflected by the light emitting portion in sequence and output to the windshield through the upper surface of the light transmission channel, so as to enter the preset eye box area after being reflected by the windshield.

[0009] Preferably, in the embodiment of the head-up display assembly of the present invention, the light transmission unit includes a first optical prism and a plurality of second optical prisms;

[0010] The first optical prism and a plurality of the second optical prisms are connected in sequence to form the light transmission channel;

[0011] The first surface of the first optical prism is the light introduction portion, and the corresponding connecting surface of the second optical prism is the light output portion;

[0012] The connecting surface corresponding to the second optical prism includes the connecting surface between the second optical prism and the first optical prism and / or the connecting surface between the second optical prism and the second optical prism.

[0013] Preferably, in the embodiment of the head-up display assembly of the present invention, the first surface of the first optical prism is provided with a high-reflection film.

[0014] Preferably, in the embodiment of the head-up display assembly of the present invention, the connecting surface corresponding to the second optical prism is provided with a selective reflective film.

[0015] Preferably, in the embodiment of the head-up display component described in the present invention, the first surface of the first optical prism and the upper surface of the light transmission channel are set at a first angle in a preset direction, and the corresponding connecting surface of the second optical prism and the upper surface of the light transmission channel are set at a second angle in the opposite direction of the preset direction.

[0016] Preferably, in the embodiment of the head-up display assembly of the present invention, the first angle and the second angle are the same in size.

[0017] Preferably, in the embodiment of the head-up display assembly described in the present invention, the first angle and the second angle are set according to the incident angle of the image light entering the light transmission channel and the field angle of the image light, so that the image light forms total reflection transmission in the light transmission channel.

[0018] Preferably, in the embodiment of the head-up display assembly described in the present invention, the light input unit is set according to the target downward viewing angle of the head-up display assembly, so that the image light enters the upper surface of the light transmission channel at a preset incident angle.

[0019] Preferably, in the embodiment of the head-up display assembly of the present invention, the intervals between the light emitting portions are equal or unequal.

[0020] In addition, the present invention provides a head-up display system, comprising the head-up display assembly and a windshield as described above.

[0021] A head-up display assembly and head-up display system implementing the present invention have the following beneficial effects: miniaturization of the HUD can be achieved while matching the windshield and downward viewing angle of the car. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a head-up display assembly of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of an embodiment of a head-up display assembly of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 It is a partial structural diagram of another embodiment of a head-up display assembly of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of light transmission in the light introduction part;

[0027] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of light transmission in the light output part;

[0028] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the transmission of image light in the light introduction part;

[0029] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the transmission of light after it is emitted from the light transmission unit;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of image light transmission of an embodiment of a head-up display assembly of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of image formation of an embodiment of a head-up display assembly of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of image light transmission of an embodiment of a head-up display assembly of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of image formation of a head-up display assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In order to have a clearer understanding of the technical features, purposes and effects of the present invention, specific embodiments of the present invention are now described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] like Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a head-up display assembly of the present invention, wherein the head-up display assembly is used for a windshield 301 to realize the display of useful information by imaging the windshield 301. Figure 1 In an embodiment of a head-up display component of the present invention shown, the head-up display component includes: a light input unit 101 and a light transmission unit; the light input unit 101 is used to generate image light containing image information; the light transmission unit includes a light transmission channel 201 with parallel upper and lower surfaces, and a light introduction part 202 and a plurality of light output parts 203 arranged in the light transmission channel 201; wherein, the light input unit 101 is arranged in conjunction with the light transmission unit so that the image light enters the light transmission channel 201 through the upper surface of the light transmission channel 201, and is reflected by the light introduction part 202 to form total reflection transmission in the light transmission channel 201; during the transmission process of the light transmission channel 201, the image light is partially reflected by the light output part 203 in sequence and output to the windshield 301 through the upper surface of the light transmission channel 201, so as to enter the preset eye box area 401 after being reflected by the windshield 301.

[0036] Specifically, the light input unit 101 is used to generate image light that meets the image information containing HUD parameter requirements. The optical input unit can generally be composed of a display chip, an electronic system, an optical structure, etc. In the specific image light generation process, the light input unit 101 can be used to receive image data corresponding to an external device and emit corresponding image light according to the image data. In a specific embodiment, the light input unit 101 can display an image based on the received image data through an internal circuit, and project the image display through an internal light-emitting circuit. At this time, the light emitted by the light input unit 101 can be understood as containing the image display information, that is, the required image information.

[0037] The light transmission unit is used to transmit and output the input image light. The image light output by the light transmission unit is projected onto the windshield 301, where it is reflected by the windshield 301. The resulting reflected light enters the preset eyebox area 401. At this point, when the human eye is positioned within the preset eyebox area 401, the image in the forward area can be viewed, ultimately achieving a heads-up display. In one embodiment, the preset eyebox area 401 can be configured based on the driver's position to facilitate viewing of the required image information without affecting driving operations.

[0038] The specific structure of the light transmission unit is a light transmission channel 201 with parallel upper and lower surfaces. A light introduction portion 202 and a plurality of light output portions 203 are provided within the light transmission channel 201. It is understood that the light transmission channel 201 has an input end for inputting image light and an output end for outputting image light. The light introduction portion 202 corresponds to the input end of the light transmission channel 201, and the light output portion 203 corresponds to the output end of the light transmission channel 201. The position of the light input unit 101 corresponds to the light introduction portion 202, so that the image light emitted by the light input unit 101 can be guided by the light introduction portion 202 to form a total internal reflection transmission mode within the light transmission channel 201. In other words, it can be understood that the image light is transmitted forward within the light transmission channel 201 by total internal reflection. The light introduction portion 202 is used to adjust the angle at which the image light enters the light transmission channel 201, so that the image light can be totally reflected within the light transmission channel 201.

[0039] While the image light is being transmitted within the optical transmission channel 201, it can also be sequentially guided out through the light guiding sections 203. The light guiding sections 203 are capable of partial reflection. Specifically, a portion of the image light is reflected by the light guiding sections 203 onto the upper surface of the optical transmission channel 201, where it is emitted from the upper surface and then transmitted to the windshield 301. Another portion of the light penetrates the light guiding sections 203 and continues to travel within the optical transmission channel 201. Upon encountering the next light guiding section 203, the same process occurs. Image light reflected from several light guiding sections 203 onto the windshield 301, after reflection from the windshield 301, converges at the pre-set eyebox area 401 to form the final image.

[0040] like Figure 2As shown, in one embodiment, the light transmission unit includes a first optical prism 211 and a plurality of second optical prisms 212; the first optical prism 211 and the plurality of second optical prisms 212 are sequentially connected to form the light transmission channel 201; the first surface 2111 of the first optical prism 211 serves as the light introduction portion 202, and the corresponding connection surface 2112 of the second optical prism 212 serves as the light output portion 203, wherein the connection surface 2112 corresponding to the second optical prism 212 includes the connection surface 2112 between the second optical prism 212 and the first optical prism 211 and the connection surface between the second optical prism 212 and the second optical prism 212. Specifically, the light transmission unit is composed of the first optical prism 211 and the plurality of second optical prisms 212. The first optical prism 211 and several second optical prisms 212 are connected in sequence. It can be understood that the first optical prism 211 corresponds to the input end of the light transmission channel 201. The image light input through the light input unit 101 is reflected on the first surface 2111 of the first optical prism 211, which is equivalent to the first surface 2111 of the first optical prism 211 forming the light introduction part 202. The other surface of the first optical prism 211 is also connected to a second optical prism 212. The connecting surface 2112 of the second optical prism 212 and the first optical prism 211 constitutes the light output part 203. When there are more than one second optical prism, the second optical prism 212 is connected to the other second optical prisms 212 in sequence. The connecting surface 2112 of each of the two second optical prisms 212 can also form a light decoupling portion 203. That is, the image light transmitted in the light transmission channel 201 is partially reflected at the connecting surface 2112 between the second optical prism 212 and the first optical prism 211, and at the connecting surface 2112 between the second optical prism 212 and the second optical prism 212, so as to guide the image light out of the upper surface of the light transmission channel 201. It can be understood that the two opposing side surfaces of the first optical prism 211 and the second optical prism 212 respectively form the upper and lower surfaces of the light transmission channel 201.

[0041] like Figure 3As shown, the light transmission unit includes a first optical prism 211 and a plurality of second optical prisms 212; the first optical prism 211 and the plurality of second optical prisms 212 are sequentially connected to form the light transmission channel 201; the first surface of the first optical prism 211 is the light introduction portion 202, and the connecting surface 2112 corresponding to the second optical prism 212 is the light output portion 203; wherein, the connecting surface 2112 corresponding to the second optical prism 212 includes the connecting surface 2112 between the second optical prism 212 and the second optical prism 212. Specifically, the light transmission unit is composed of the first optical prism 211 and the plurality of second optical prisms 212. The first optical prism 211 and several second optical prisms 212 are connected in sequence. It can be understood that the first optical prism 211 corresponds to the input end of the light transmission channel 201. The image light input through the light input unit 101 is reflected on the first surface 2111 of the first optical prism 211, which is equivalent to the first surface 2111 of the first optical prism 211 forming the light introduction part 202. All second optical prisms 212 are connected in sequence, and the connecting surface 2112 of each two second optical prisms 212 constitutes the light output part 203. That is, the image light transmitted in the light transmission channel 201 is partially reflected at the connecting surface 2112 of the second optical prism 212, so that the image light is output from the upper surface of the light transmission channel 201. It can be understood that the two opposite sides of the first optical prism 211 and the second optical prism 212 respectively form the upper surface and lower surface of the light transmission channel 201.

[0042] It is understood that the connecting surface 2112 formed between the second optical prism 212 and the first optical prism 211 or the connecting surface 2112 formed between the second optical prism 212 and the second optical prism 212 can be understood as the connecting surface 2112 corresponding to the second optical prism 212. Furthermore, all the connecting surfaces 2112 corresponding to the second optical prism 212 can serve as the light derivation portion 203 of the light transmission unit.

[0043] In one embodiment, the first surface 2111 of the first optical prism 211 is provided with a high-reflection film. That is, the high-reflection film is provided on the first surface 2111 of the first optical prism 211 so that the image light can be totally reflected on the first surface 2111 of the first optical prism 211. The high-reflection film, also called a high-reflection film, refers to an optical film with an enhanced reflective function. It is generally divided into two categories: metal reflective film and all-dielectric reflective film, or a metal-dielectric reflective film that combines the two. The high-reflection film can be provided on the first surface 2111 of the first optical prism 211 by pasting, or it can be directly formed as a covering layer on the first surface 2111 of the first optical prism 211 by spraying to form a high-reflection film coating.

[0044] In one embodiment, the connecting surface 2112 corresponding to the second optical prism 212 is provided with a selective reflective film. Specifically, a selective reflective film is a special optically functional film that selectively reflects light of a specific wavelength band by precisely controlling the material structure, while allowing light of other wavelength bands to pass through or absorb. Providing the selective reflective film on the connecting surface 2112 corresponding to the second optical prism 212 enables image light to be selectively reflected at the connecting surface 2112, thereby reflecting a portion of the image light to the upper surface of the optical transmission channel 201. This image light then passes through the upper surface of the optical transmission channel 201 and is transmitted to the windshield 301. The selective reflective film can be applied to the surface corresponding to the first optical prism 211 or the second optical prism 212 by adhesive bonding, or can be directly applied to the surface corresponding to the first optical prism 211 or the second optical prism 212 by spraying to form a covering layer to form a selective reflective film layer.

[0045] In one embodiment, the first surface 2111 of the first optical prism 211 is arranged at a first angle with the upper surface of the light transmission channel 201 in a preset direction, and the connecting surface 2112 corresponding to the second optical prism 212 is arranged at a second angle with the upper surface of the light transmission channel 201 in a direction opposite to the preset direction. Specifically, the inclination of the first surface of the first optical prism 211 can be set with the direction opposite to the transmission direction of the image light in the light transmission channel 201 as the preset direction, so that the angle between the first surface of the first optical prism 211 and the upper surface of the light transmission channel 201 is the first angle. By setting the first angle, the image light can be transmitted by total reflection within the light transmission channel 201 after being totally reflected by the first surface 2111 of the first optical prism 211. At the same time, the connecting surface 2112 corresponding to the second optical prism 212 is set at a second angle with the upper surface of the light transmission channel 201 in a direction opposite to the preset direction. By using the device at the second angle, the image light can be emitted from the upper surface of the light transmission channel 201 after passing through the connecting surface 2112 corresponding to the second optical prism 212 without total reflection.

[0046] In a specific setting, in order to facilitate the control of the image light transmission path, the first angle and the second angle are set to be the same.

[0047] The spacing between the light emitting portions 203 can be equal or unequal. In one embodiment, the spacing between the light emitting portions 203 can be gradually varied according to a predetermined pattern. That is, the spacing between the light emitting portions 203 can be set based on the reflectivity of each light emitting portion 203 to ensure uniform brightness and color of the image light emitted by all the light emitting portions 203, thereby improving the imaging effect of the image light.

[0048] In one embodiment, the first angle and the second angle can be set according to the incident angle of the image light entering the light transmission channel 201 and the field angle of the image light, so that the image light forms a total reflection transmission in the light transmission channel 201. Specifically, Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, assuming that the first angle and the second angle are both θ, the central light of the image light enters the light transmission channel 201 at an incident angle α, and the incident angle on the first surface of the first optical prism 211 is β, where n is the refractive index of the first optical prism 211 and the second optical prism 212. After being reflected by the first surface 2111 of the first optical prism 211, the incident angle at the upper and lower surfaces of the light transmission channel 201 is δ, where At the same time, the incident angle of the image light on the connecting surface 2112 corresponding to the second optical prism 212 is also β. After passing through the connecting surface 2112 corresponding to the second optical prism 212, it is output from the upper surface of the light transmission channel 201 at an output angle α. In order to make the image light totally reflected on the upper and lower surfaces of the light transmission channel 201, the incident angle is set to be greater than or equal to the critical angle of the upper and lower surfaces of the light transmission channel 201. At the same time, Figure 6 As shown, considering that the image light has a field of view angle FOV (corresponding parameter is fov) when it is incident on the light transmission channel 201, that is, the image light will be symmetrically distributed with the central light as the reference. In order to transmit the image light, it is necessary to ensure that all light rays corresponding to the image light satisfy total internal reflection when contacting the upper and lower surfaces of the light transmission channel 201. Therefore, when the first angle and the second angle are both set to θ, the following expression must be satisfied:

[0049] In one embodiment, the light input unit 101 is positioned according to the target downward viewing angle of the head-up display assembly so that the image light enters the upper surface of the light transmission channel 201 at a preset incident angle. Specifically, when the position of the light input unit 101 is positioned, the target downward viewing angle of the head-up display assembly can be referred to. When the target downward viewing angle is γ, Where K is the slope of the central ray of the image light entering the windshield. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 2 , taking the central ray of image light as an example, the central ray is emitted from the upper surface of the optical transmission channel 201, contacts the windshield 301, is reflected by the windshield 301, and then continues to transmit forward and enters the human eye. The angle between the light reflected by the windshield 301 and the horizontal is the lower angle γ. The slope of the central ray at the point of incidence on the windshield 301 is K. is the angle between the tangent line of the incident point and the horizontal, and ω is the incident angle of the central light at the windshield 301.

[0050] In a specific embodiment, the target viewing angle γ is 3°, and the parameters are adjusted according to the following table.

[0051] parameter FOV θ α n K index 10°*4° 25° 3° 1.52 -1

[0052] The field of view FOV is based on the maximum angle of 10°. Downward perspective The simulation is performed according to the parameters, where Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the image light transmission process when the incident angle α is 0, Figure 9 The display effect at the human eye is as follows: the light is perpendicular to the surface of the human eye and there is no downward viewing angle; Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the image light transmission process when the incident angle α is 3°, Figure 11 For the display effect at the corresponding human eye, the light forms a 3° angle with the surface of the human eye, that is, the system can provide a 3° downward viewing angle.

[0053] The head-up display system of the present invention includes the aforementioned head-up display assembly and a windshield 301. Specifically, image light is transmitted through the head-up display assembly, and after reflection from the windshield 301, the image reflected from the windshield 301 is visible in a predetermined eyebox area 401. The head-up display assembly allows for adjustment of the angle of light output from the head-up display system, increasing the flexibility of the entire head-up display system and reducing its overall size, providing greater flexibility for subsequent product design.

[0054] It is understandable that the above embodiments only express the preferred implementation modes of the present invention, and the description thereof is relatively specific and detailed, but it cannot be understood as limiting the patent scope of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this field, without departing from the concept of the present invention, the above technical features can be freely combined, and several deformations and improvements can be made, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent changes and modifications made to the scope of the claims of the present invention should fall within the scope of coverage of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A head-up display assembly, characterized in that: Applied to a windshield, the head-up display assembly comprises: a light input unit and a light transmission unit; The light input unit is used to generate image light containing image information; The light transmission unit includes a light transmission channel with upper and lower surfaces parallel to each other, and a light introduction portion and a plurality of light output portions arranged in the light transmission channel; The light input unit is cooperatively arranged with the light transmission unit so that the image light enters the light transmission channel through the upper surface of the light transmission channel and is reflected by the light introduction portion to form total reflection transmission in the light transmission channel; During the transmission process of the light transmission channel, the image light is partially reflected by the light emitting portion in sequence and output to the windshield through the upper surface of the light transmission channel, so as to enter the preset eye box area after being reflected by the windshield.

2. The head-up display assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light transmission unit includes a first optical prism and a plurality of second optical prisms; The first optical prism and a plurality of the second optical prisms are connected in sequence to form the light transmission channel; The first surface of the first optical prism is the light introduction portion, and the corresponding connecting surface of the second optical prism is the light output portion; The connecting surface corresponding to the second optical prism includes the connecting surface between the second optical prism and the first optical prism and / or the connecting surface between the second optical prism and the second optical prism.

3. The head-up display assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: A high-reflection film is provided on the first surface of the first optical prism.

4. The head-up display assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connecting surface corresponding to the second optical prism is provided with a selective reflection film.

5. The head-up display assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first surface of the first optical prism and the upper surface of the light transmission channel are set at a first angle in a preset direction, and the corresponding connecting surface of the second optical prism and the upper surface of the light transmission channel are set at a second angle in the opposite direction of the preset direction.

6. The head-up display assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first angle and the second angle are the same in size.

7. The head-up display assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first angle and the second angle are set according to the incident angle of the image light entering the light transmission channel and the field angle of the image light, so that the image light forms total reflection transmission in the light transmission channel.

8. The head-up display assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The light input unit is set according to the target downward viewing angle of the head-up display assembly, so that the image light enters the upper surface of the light transmission channel at a preset incident angle.

9. The head-up display assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The distances between the light emitting portions are equal or unequal.

10. A head-up display system, characterized in that: The invention comprises a head-up display assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and a windshield.

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