Display optical module and display device

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of display, in particular to a display optical module and a display device. The display optical module comprises a polarization light splitting array, a light modulation element and a projection optical lens. The polarization light splitting array has a plurality of polarization light splitting surfaces, the plurality of polarization light splitting surfaces are used in cooperation for reflecting first polarized light and the projection optical lens, the light modulation element is used for modulating the first polarized light reflected by the polarization light splitting array into target polarized light carrying image information, and the target polarized light is reflected to the polarization light splitting array to be output through the polarization light splitting array; the projection optical lens is used for receiving the target polarized light output through the polarization light splitting array and performing projection output. The application is beneficial to reducing the overall volume and weight of the display optical module, and realizing the lightweight and small-size design of the equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of display technology, and more specifically, to a display optical module and display device. Background Technology

[0002] In a polarization display optical module, the initial beam emitted by the light source is collimated and homogenized before being incident on a polarizing beam splitter (PBS). The PBS guides the predetermined polarized light in the incident beam to a reflective light modulator based on liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS). After the reflective light modulator modulates the image, it returns the image beam to the PBS, which then guides the image beam to the projection lens. Because both the illumination and imaging optical paths must be arranged around the PBS, the beam must propagate back and forth between the PBS and the reflective light modulator, resulting in a complex optical path layout and a large space requirement, thus making the overall size and weight of the polarization display optical module large. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a display optical module and display device, which aims to solve the technical problems of large overall size and heavy weight of polarization display optical modules in related technologies.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows: This application provides a display optical module including: a polarization beam splitter array, an optical modulation element, and a projection optical lens; The polarization beam splitter array has multiple polarization beam splitter surfaces, which work together to reflect the first polarized light. The optical modulation element is used to modulate the first polarized light reflected by the polarization beam splitter into target polarized light carrying image information, and reflect the target polarized light back to the polarization beam splitter for transmission and output via the polarization beam splitter; The projection optical lens is used to receive the target polarized light output through the polarization beam splitter array and project it out.

[0005] In some implementations, the display optical module further includes a beam generating unit for generating and outputting an incident beam, which is transmitted along a first direction to the polarization beam splitter array. The incident beam includes first polarized light transmitted toward the polarization beam splitter array, and the incident beam also includes second polarized light, the polarization direction of which is different from that of the first polarized light.

[0006] In some implementations, the beam generation unit includes a light source, a light collimating element, and a light homogenizing element. The light emitted by the light source is processed by the light collimating element and the light homogenizing element to form the incident beam.

[0007] In some implementations, the display optical module further includes a polarization conversion component, and the polarization beam splitter array and the polarization conversion component are distributed sequentially along a first direction; The polarization conversion component is used to convert the second polarized light transmitted through the polarization beam splitter array in the incident beam into the first polarized light, and to transmit the converted first polarized light to the polarization beam splitter array. The polarization beam splitter array is used to reflect the first polarized light, which has been converted by the polarization conversion component, to the optical modulation element.

[0008] In some implementations, the polarization conversion component includes a first quarter-wave plate and a reflector, the surface of which is perpendicular to the first direction; In the first direction, the polarization beam splitter array, the first quarter-wave plate, and the reflector are arranged sequentially.

[0009] In some implementations, the plurality of polarization beam-splitting surfaces include at least one first beam-splitting surface and at least one second beam-splitting surface; The first beam-splitting surface and the second beam-splitting surface are symmetrically arranged about the first axis of symmetry. The angle between the first beam-splitting surface and the first axis of symmetry is 45°; The first axis of symmetry is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0010] In some implementations, there are multiple first beam-splitting surfaces and multiple second beam-splitting surfaces; Along the first direction, the reflectivity of the plurality of first beam-splitting surfaces for the first polarized light gradually increases; Along a direction opposite to the first direction, the reflectivity of the plurality of second beam-splitting surfaces for the first polarized light gradually increases.

[0011] In some implementations, the display optical module includes two beam generating units; in the first direction, the two beam generating units are respectively located on opposite sides of the polarization beam splitter array; Multiple first beam-splitting surfaces are used to reflect first polarized light in the incident beam output by one of the beam-generating units; Multiple second beam-splitting surfaces are used to reflect the first polarized light in the incident beam output by another beam-generating unit.

[0012] In some implementations, the multiple polarization beam-splitting surfaces are arranged parallel to each other; Along the first direction, the reflectivity of the plurality of polarization beam-splitting surfaces for the first polarized light gradually increases.

[0013] In some implementations, the display optical module further includes a first polarization selection element, which is disposed between each beam generating unit and the polarization beam splitter array to allow the first polarized light to pass through and reflect the second polarized light.

[0014] In some implementations, the first polarization selection element includes a second quarter-wave plate and a polarization reflection element arranged in parallel.

[0015] In some implementations, the optical modulation element is an LCOS reflective optical modulation element; The display optical module further includes a second polarization selection element, which is disposed between the polarization beam splitter array and the projection optical lens, for transmitting the target polarized light and blocking stray light with a polarization direction different from that of the target polarized light.

[0016] In some implementations, the second polarization selection element includes a polarization absorption element; and / or, the second polarization selection element includes a third quarter-wave plate and a polarization diffraction element arranged in parallel.

[0017] This application also provides a display device, including: the display optical module described in any of the above implementations.

[0018] The main advantages of the display optical module and display device provided in this application are: The display optical module of this application utilizes a combined design of a polarization beam splitter array, an optical modulation element, and a projection optical lens. The polarization beam splitter array, with multiple polarization splitting surfaces, reflects the first polarized light, effectively achieving polarization beam splitting and reducing the thickness and volume required for individual polarization splitting elements. This array-based structural design shortens the round-trip propagation distance of the beam between elements, thereby optimizing the layout space of the illumination and imaging optical paths. This reduces the complexity of the system's optical path structure, contributing to a reduction in the overall size and weight of the display optical module and enabling lightweight and miniaturized design. Furthermore, by distributing the optical load across multiple polarization splitting surfaces, the polarization beam splitter array increases the heat dissipation contact area and reduces the risk of localized heat accumulation, thus extending the lifespan of the display optical module. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first type of display optical module provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second type of display optical module provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third type of display optical module provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth type of display optical module provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fifth type of display optical module provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0021] Explanation of key figure labels: 10. Display optical module; 11. Beam generating unit; 111. Incident beam; 1111. First polarized light; 1112. Second polarized light; 112. Light source; 1121. Beam; 113. Optical collimating element; 114. Optical homogenizing element; 12. Polarization beam splitting array; 1211. First beam splitting surface; 1211a. First end beam splitting surface; 1212. Second beam splitting surface; 1212a. Second end beam splitting surface; 13. Optical modulation element; 131. Liquid crystal layer; 1311. Pixel unit; 132. Indium tin oxide glass; 133. Silicon-based driving substrate; 134. Target polarized light; 135. Stray light; 14. Projection optical lens; 15. Polarization conversion component; 151. First quarter-wave plate; 152. Mirror; 16. Second polarization selection element; 161. Polarization absorption element; 162. Third quarter-wave plate; 163. Polarization diffraction element; 17. First polarization selection element; 171. Second quarter-wave plate; 172. Polarization reflection element. Detailed Implementation

[0022] In related technologies, the initial beam emitted by the light source of the polarization display optical module is collimated and homogenized before being incident on a polarizing beam splitter (PBS). The polarizing beam splitter guides the predetermined polarized light in the incident beam to a reflective light modulation element based on liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS). After the reflective light modulation element modulates the image, it returns the image beam to the polarizing beam splitter, which then guides the image beam to the projection lens. Because both the illumination and imaging optical paths need to be arranged around the polarizing beam splitter, the beam needs to propagate back and forth between the polarizing beam splitter and the reflective light modulation element, resulting in a complex system optical path layout and a large space occupation, thus making the overall size and weight of the polarization display optical module large.

[0023] Therefore, this application provides a display optical module and a display device to solve the problems in the related art.

[0024] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects to be solved by this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first type of display optical module 10 provided in the embodiments of this application; see also Figure 1 As shown, the display optical module 10 provided in this embodiment of the application is used to realize the image display function. The display optical module 10 includes: a polarization beam splitter array 12, an optical modulation element 13, and a projection optical lens 14; the polarization beam splitter array 12 has multiple polarization beam splitting surfaces, which work together to reflect first polarized light 1111; the optical modulation element 13 is used to modulate the first polarized light 1111 reflected by the polarization beam splitter array 12 into target polarized light 134 carrying image information, and reflect the target polarized light 134 back to the polarization beam splitter array 12 for transmission and output via the polarization beam splitter array 12; the projection optical lens 14 is used to receive the target polarized light 134 output through the polarization beam splitter array 12 and project it.

[0026] Through the above-described configuration, the coordinated design of the polarization beam splitter array 12, the light modulation element 13, and the projection optical lens 14, with the polarization beam splitter array 12 having multiple polarization beam splitting surfaces reflecting the first polarized light 1111, not only effectively achieves the polarization beam splitting function but also reduces the thickness and volume required for a single polarization beam splitting element. The array structure of multiple polarization beam splitting surfaces facilitates the folding arrangement of the optical path, shortens the round-trip propagation distance of the beam 1121 between elements, thereby optimizing the layout space of the illumination and imaging optical paths. This reduces the complexity of the system's optical path structure and allows the optical path length and overall structure of the display optical module 10 to be compressed to about half of related technologies, effectively reducing the overall volume and weight of the display optical module 10, thus achieving lightweighting and miniaturization of the device. It also helps to increase the display field of view and improve the clarity and contrast of the projected image. Furthermore, by distributing the light load to multiple polarization beam splitting surfaces, the polarization beam splitter array 12 helps to expand the heat dissipation contact area and reduce the risk of local heat accumulation, thereby extending the service life of the display optical module 10.

[0027] For example, the display optical module 10 can be a polarization display optical module; the display optical module 10 can be applied to near-eye display scenarios such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR), and can also be applied to display systems such as light field display and 3D display. This application embodiment does not limit this. The display optical module 10 can be a light field display, a near-eye display, or other display devices that use polarization modulation to display images.

[0028] See Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the display optical module 10 further includes a beam generation unit 11, which generates and outputs an incident beam 111. The incident beam 111 is transmitted along a first direction to the polarization beam splitter array 12. The incident beam 111 includes first polarized light 1111 transmitted toward the polarization beam splitter array 12, and also includes second polarized light 1112, the polarization direction of which is different from that of the first polarized light 1111. The configuration of the multi-polarization beam 1121 provides a physical basis for the subsequent selective reflection and transmission of the polarization beam splitter array 12, which is beneficial to improving the overall utilization efficiency of light energy.

[0029] See Figure 1As shown, exemplarily, the beam generating unit 11 and the polarization beam splitter array 12 are arranged sequentially along a first direction, so that the incident beam 111 output by the beam generating unit 11 can be transmitted to the polarization beam splitter array 12. The polarization direction of the first polarized light 1111 is perpendicular to the polarization direction of the second polarized light 1112. The light modulation element 13, the polarization beam splitter array 12, and the projection optical lens 14 are distributed sequentially along a second direction; the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0030] The second polarized light 1112 can pass through the polarization beam splitter array 12 and undergo polarization conversion by other optical elements to convert its polarization direction to the same direction as the first polarized light 1111, for use in subsequent optical paths. Alternatively, the second polarized light 1112 can also be blocked by other optical elements after exiting the beam generation unit 11 and before reaching the polarization beam splitter array 12, so that the beam 1121 entering the polarization beam splitter array 12 mainly consists of the first polarized light 1111.

[0031] See Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the beam generation unit 11 includes a light source 112, a collimating element 113, and a uniform light element 114. The light emitted from the light source 112 is processed by the collimating element 113 and the uniform light element 114 to form an incident beam 111, which is beneficial for converting the initial light into an incident beam 111 with uniform light intensity distribution and high collimation. The uniform light element 114 can effectively improve the uniformity of light intensity distribution, while the collimating element 113 can reduce the divergence angle of the beam 1121. The combination of the two can provide illumination light with consistent angle and balanced energy for the subsequent polarization beam splitting array 12, which is beneficial for comprehensively improving the uniformity of image modulation and ensuring the brightness of the image edges.

[0032] For example, the light source 112 can be a laser light source, a light-emitting diode (LED) light source, a micro light-emitting diode (MicroLED) light source, or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) light source, etc. This application embodiment does not limit the specific type of light source. The number of beam generating units 11 can be one or more, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 As shown, the number of beam generating units 11 is 1.

[0033] The light source 112, the optical collimating element 113, and the optical homogenizing element 114 are arranged sequentially along a first direction. The optical collimating element 113 is located between the light source 112 and the optical homogenizing element 114, so that the light beam 1121 output from the light source 112 is collimated by the optical collimating element 113 and then transmitted to the optical homogenizing element 114. The collimating element can be a collimating lens, and the homogenizing element can be a compound eye lens or an integrating light bar. It is understood that in some other embodiments, the light source 112, the optical homogenizing element 114, and the optical collimating element 113 can also be arranged sequentially along the first direction, so that the light beam 1121 output from the light source 112 first passes through the optical homogenizing element 114 and then enters the optical collimating element 113. The specific arrangement order of the light source 112, the optical collimating element 113, and the optical homogenizing element 114 is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0034] See Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the plurality of polarization beam-splitting surfaces include at least one first beam-splitting surface 1211 and at least one second beam-splitting surface 1212; the first beam-splitting surface 1211 and the second beam-splitting surface 1212 are symmetrically arranged about a first axis of symmetry; the angle between the first beam-splitting surface 1211 and the first axis of symmetry is 45°; the first axis of symmetry is perpendicular to a first direction. Thus, by symmetrically arranging the first beam-splitting surface 1211 and the second beam-splitting surface 1212 about the first axis of symmetry and maintaining a 45° angle between the first beam-splitting surface 1211 and the first axis of symmetry, it is beneficial to realize that the first polarized light 1111 is reflected by the first beam-splitting surface 1211 and the second beam-splitting surface 1212 toward the light modulation element 13.

[0035] For example, the polarization beam splitter maintains a high transmittance of the target polarized light 134 within the operating wavelength and corresponding incident angle range, for example, greater than 98%, thereby enabling the target polarized light 134 to pass smoothly through the polarization beam splitter array 12 for output, reducing energy loss caused by the target polarized light 134 being split or reflected again, and improving light energy utilization and imaging brightness. The first axis of symmetry is parallel to the second direction; the angle between the second beam splitter 1212 and the first axis of symmetry is 45°, and the first beam splitter 1211 and the second beam splitter 1212 are located on opposite sides of the first axis of symmetry. The number of first beam splitters 1211 can be one or more; when there are multiple, the specific number can be 2, 3, 4, 5 or more, such as 18, etc., which is not limited in this embodiment. The number of second beam splitters 1212 can be one or more; when there are multiple, the specific number can be 2, 3, 4, 5 or more, such as 18, etc., which is not limited in this embodiment. The number of the first beam-splitting surface 1211 and the number of the second beam-splitting surface 1212 can be the same, or they can be set to different numbers according to the optical path design requirements. See [link / reference] Figure 1 As shown, there is one first beam-splitting surface 1211 and one second beam-splitting surface 1212.

[0036] See Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the display optical module 10 further includes a polarization conversion component 15, a polarization beam splitter array 12, and the polarization conversion component 15 are sequentially distributed along a first direction; the polarization conversion component 15 is used to convert the second polarized light 1112 transmitted through the polarization beam splitter array 12 in the incident beam 111 into the first polarized light 1111, and transmit the converted first polarized light 1111 to the polarization beam splitter array 12; the polarization beam splitter array 12 is used to reflect the first polarized light 1111 converted by the polarization conversion component 15 to the light modulation element 13, which is beneficial to further utilize the beam 1121 that was not originally modulated, thereby improving the light energy utilization rate and illumination efficiency, and helping to maintain the projection brightness.

[0037] See Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the polarization conversion component 15 includes a first quarter-wave plate 151 and a reflector 152, the surface of which is perpendicular to a first direction. In the first direction, the polarization beam splitter array 12, the first quarter-wave plate 151, and the reflector 152 are arranged in sequence, which is beneficial to realize that the second polarized light 1112 that originally passed through the polarization beam splitter array 12 is converted back into the first polarized light 1111 after polarization conversion and reflected back to the light modulation element 13, thereby realizing the recycling of the second polarized light 1112 and improving the light energy utilization rate.

[0038] For example, in the first direction, the beam generating unit 11, the polarization beam splitting array 12, and the polarization conversion component 15 are arranged sequentially, with the beam generating unit 11 and the polarization conversion component 15 located on opposite sides of the polarization beam splitting array 12; the first quarter-wave plate 151 can be arranged parallel to the surface of the reflector 152. The beam generating unit 11, the first beam splitting surface 1211, the second beam splitting surface 1212, the first quarter-wave plate 151, and the reflector 152 are arranged sequentially along the first direction.

[0039] See Figure 1As shown, in some embodiments, the light modulation element 13 can be an LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) reflective light modulation element 13. The LCOS reflective light modulation element includes a liquid crystal layer 131, indium tin oxide (ITO) glass 132, and a silicon-based driving substrate 133. This structure can be integrated into a single unit through a packaging process. The ITO glass, as a transparent conductive substrate, can be used to form a common electrode and provide an electric field to the liquid crystal layer 131. The liquid crystal layer 131 includes multiple pixel units 1311 arranged in an array, each pixel unit 1311 being electrically connected to a driving circuit integrated into the silicon-based driving substrate 133. During operation, the driving circuit provides driving signals to the corresponding pixel unit 1311 according to control data, causing a change in the arrangement state of the liquid crystal molecules in the corresponding region of each pixel unit 1311. Each pixel unit 1311 can independently control its modulation state to perform pixelated modulation of the incident polarized light and reflect the modulated light for output.

[0040] For example, the orthographic projection of the first beam-splitting surface 1211 and the orthographic projection of the second beam-splitting surface 1212 in the projection plane together cover the orthographic projections of the multiple arrayed pixel units 1311 in the liquid crystal layer 131 in the projection plane. The projection plane is parallel to the first direction and perpendicular to the second direction, so that the first beam-splitting surface 1211 and the second beam-splitting surface 1212 correspondingly cover the multiple pixel units 1311 in the liquid crystal layer 131, and the beam 1121 transmitted via the polarization beam-splitting array 12 corresponds to the pixel array of the liquid crystal layer 131.

[0041] See Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the display optical module 10 further includes a second polarization selection element 16, which is disposed between the polarization beam splitter array 12 and the projection optical lens 14. It is used to transmit the target polarized light 134 and block stray light 135 with a polarization direction different from that of the target polarized light 134. This can reduce the impact of stray light 135 on the image quality, help improve the contrast and display effect of the projected image, and at the same time help maintain the stability of the optical path transmission.

[0042] For example, in the second direction, the light modulation element 13, the polarization beam splitter array 12, the second polarization selection element 16 and the projection optical lens 14 are distributed in sequence.

[0043] In some embodiments, the second polarization selection element 16 includes a polarization absorption element 161, and / or the second polarization selection element 16 includes a third quarter-wave plate 162 and a polarization diffraction element 163 arranged in parallel. This facilitates the transmission of the target polarized light 134 and the absorption or modulation of the non-target polarized light 134, thereby reducing the impact of stray light 135 on the imaging quality and helping to improve the contrast of the projected image.

[0044] For example, see Figure 1 As shown, the second polarization selection element 16 in the display optical module 10 includes a polarization absorption element 161. The polarization absorption element 161 can be a polarization absorber, a polarizing film, or a dichroic polarizer. During operation, the light beam 1121 transmitted through the polarization beam splitter array 12 is incident on the polarization absorption element 161. The polarization absorption element 161 allows the target polarized light 134 to pass through and absorbs light of other polarization states.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first polarized light 1111 can be S-light and the second polarized light 1112 can be P-light. Taking the target polarized light 134 as an example of P-light, the operation of the display optical module 10 will be described. It is understood that in other embodiments, the first polarized light 1111 can be P-light and the second polarized light 1112 can be S-light, in which case the target polarized light 134 can correspond to S-light. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0046] See Figure 1 As shown, the working process of the display optical module 10 is as follows: The incident beam 111 generated by the beam generation unit 11 includes a first polarized light 1111 and a second polarized light 1112, wherein the first polarized light 1111 is S-beam and the second polarized light 1112 is P-beam. After the first polarized light 1111 is incident on the polarization beam splitter array 12, it is reflected by the first beam splitter surface 1211 to the light modulation element 13. The light modulation element 13 modulates the first polarized light 1111 according to the display data, converting it into a target polarized light 134 carrying image information. The target polarized light 134, after being reflected by the light modulation element 13, returns to the polarization beam splitter array 12, passes through the first beam splitter surface 1211, and is selectively transmitted by the second polarization selection element 16 before being projected onto the projection optical lens 14, where it is projected and output.

[0047] The second polarized light 1112 in the incident beam 111 passes sequentially through the first beam splitter 1211 and the second beam splitter 1212, exits from the polarization beam splitting array 12, and enters the first quarter-wave plate 151. After passing through the first quarter-wave plate 151, the second polarized light 1112 is incident on the reflector 152, reflected by the reflector 152, and then passes through the first quarter-wave plate 151 again, where it is converted into first polarized light 1111. The converted first polarized light 1111 is again incident on the polarization beam splitting array 12 and reflected by the second beam splitter 1212 to the optical modulation element 13. The optical modulation element 13 modulates the converted first polarized light 1111 according to the display data, converting the first polarized light 1111 into target polarized light 134 carrying image information. The target polarized light 134 is reflected by the light modulation element 13 and returns to the polarization beam splitter array 12. It passes through the second beam splitter surface 1212, and is selectively transmitted by the second polarization selection element 16 before being projected onto the projection optical lens 14 and output by the projection optical lens 14.

[0048] In the above process, the light modulation element 13 modulates the polarization state corresponding to each pixel. The target polarized light 134, after being selectively transmitted by the polarization beam splitter array 12, forms the corresponding pixel light intensity distribution and is projected by the projection optical lens 14 to form an image. The formed image can be a real image or a virtual image.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second type of display optical module 10 provided in the embodiments of this application; and Figure 1 Compared to the display optical module 10 shown, Figure 2 The main difference between the optical modules 10 shown is the structure of the polarization beam splitter array 12. For the same or corresponding structures, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 The relevant descriptions of the corresponding embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0050] See Figure 2 As shown, in some other embodiments, there are multiple first beam-splitting surfaces 1211 and multiple second beam-splitting surfaces 1212; along the first direction, the reflectivity of the multiple first beam-splitting surfaces 1211 for the first polarized light 1111 gradually increases; along the direction opposite to the first direction, the reflectivity of the multiple second beam-splitting surfaces 1212 for the first polarized light 1111 gradually increases, so that the first polarized light 1111 is reflected by each beam-splitting surface according to a preset ratio, so as to achieve gradient distribution of light energy, improve the light energy distribution in each region, and improve the uniformity of illumination.

[0051] For example, multiple first beam-splitting surfaces 1211 and multiple second beam-splitting surfaces 1212 can have different beam-splitting characteristics for the first polarized light 1111 and the second polarized light 1112. Specifically, the multiple first beam-splitting surfaces 1211 and multiple second beam-splitting surfaces 1212 can reflect the first polarized light 1111 according to a preset reflectivity, while maintaining a high transmittance for the second polarized light 1112, so that the second polarized light 1112 passes through the polarization beam-splitting array 12 and enters the polarization conversion component 15. The spacing between adjacent first beam-splitting surfaces 1211 can be set to be equal. Similarly, the spacing between adjacent second beam-splitting surfaces 1212 can be set to be equal.

[0052] Multiple first beam-splitting surfaces 1211 have different splitting ratios, different reflectivities for first polarized light 1111, and maintain high transmittance for second polarized light 1112. Similarly, multiple second beam-splitting surfaces 1212 have different splitting ratios, different reflectivities for first polarized light 1111, and maintain high transmittance for second polarized light 1112. Among the multiple first beam-splitting surfaces 1211 arranged along a first direction, the first beam-splitting surface 1211 located at the end of the first direction has the highest reflectivity for first polarized light 1111. Among the multiple second beam-splitting surfaces 1212 arranged in the opposite direction to the first direction, the second beam-splitting surface 1212 located at the end has the highest reflectivity for first polarized light 1111, and both of these highest reflectivities can be greater than 95%. Both the multiple first beam-splitting surfaces 1211 and the multiple second beam-splitting surfaces 1212 have high transmittance and low reflectivity for second polarized light 1112; the transmittance for second polarized light 1112 can be greater than 95%.

[0053] For ease of explanation, the definition is... Figure 2 The first beam-splitting surface 1211 located at the end of the first direction is the first end beam-splitting surface 1211a; the second beam-splitting surface 1212 located at the end in the opposite direction to the first direction is the second end beam-splitting surface 1212a.

[0054] It should be noted that in some other possible embodiments, the spacing between two adjacent first beam splitting surfaces 1211 can be gradually increased along the first direction; the spacing between two adjacent second beam splitting surfaces 1212 can be gradually increased along the opposite direction to the first direction, so that the distribution of each polarization beam splitting surface matches the light intensity of the incident beam 111 which gradually decreases along the propagation direction, thereby making the light energy borne by each polarization beam splitting surface more balanced, improving the light energy distribution in each region, and improving the uniformity of illumination.

[0055] In some embodiments, the polarization beam splitter array 12 can be formed by arranging and bonding multiple microprism units with 45° inclined surfaces in a predetermined direction, with the bonding interface of adjacent microprism units forming a polarization beam splitting surface; or, the polarization beam splitter array 12 can be formed by stacking multiple layers of flat glass substrates and then obliquely cutting and polishing them; or, the polarization beam splitter array 12 can be implemented using a thin and light flat plate structure such as a volume holographic optical element (VHOE) or a polarization reflection grating array, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this. In the above various structures, each polarization beam splitting surface can be formed by multilayer dielectric film coating, or it can be formed using a subwavelength grating structure, a wire grid polarizer (WGP) structure, a photonic crystal structure, a liquid crystal polarization structure, or other micro / nano optical structures with polarization selection characteristics, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0056] See Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 The diagram shows the working process of the optical module 10 and... Figure 1 The optical module 10 shown is basically the same as the one shown, except that the polarization beam splitting array 12 includes multiple first beam splitting surfaces 1211 and multiple second beam splitting surfaces 1212.

[0057] During operation, the incident beam 111 generated by the beam generation unit 11 includes first polarized light 1111 and second polarized light 1112. Since the multiple first beam splitting surfaces 1211 and the multiple second beam splitting surfaces 1212 have different reflectivities, after the first polarized light 1111 is incident on the polarization beam splitting array 12, it is reflected by the multiple first beam splitting surfaces 1211 according to their respective reflectivities and then directed towards the light modulation element 13 according to a preset optical path. The light modulation element 13 modulates the first polarized light 1111 according to the display data, converting it into target polarized light 134 carrying image information. After being reflected by the light modulation element 13, the target polarized light 134 is again incident on the polarization beam splitting array 12, passes through the multiple first beam splitting surfaces 1211, and is selectively transmitted by the second polarization selection element 16 before being directed towards the projection optical lens 14, where it is projected and output.

[0058] The second polarized light 1112 in the incident beam 111 passes sequentially through multiple first beam-splitting surfaces 1211 and multiple second beam-splitting surfaces 1212, exits from the polarization beam-splitting array 12, and enters the first quarter-wave plate 151. After passing through the first quarter-wave plate 151, the second polarized light 1112 is incident on the reflector 152, reflected by the reflector 152, and then passes through the first quarter-wave plate 151 again, causing the second polarized light 1112 to be converted into first polarized light 1111. The converted first polarized light 1111 is again incident on the polarization beam-splitting array 12, and is reflected by multiple second beam-splitting surfaces 1212 according to their respective reflectivities before being directed towards the optical modulation element 13. The optical modulation element 13 modulates the converted first polarized light 1111 according to the display data, modulating the first polarized light 1111 into target polarized light 134 carrying image information. The target polarized light 134 is reflected by the light modulation element 13 and returns to the polarization beam splitter array 12. It passes through multiple second beam splitter surfaces 1212, and is selectively transmitted by the second polarization selection element 16 before being projected onto the projection optical lens 14, where it is projected and output.

[0059] In the above process, multiple first beam-splitting surfaces 1211 and multiple second beam-splitting surfaces 1212 respectively perform gradient distribution on the first polarized light 1111 according to a preset reflectivity, so that the beam-splitting surfaces at different positions bear the corresponding proportion of light energy, so as to realize the gradient beam splitting of the illumination beam 1121 by the polarization beam-splitting array 12.

[0060] It is understood that in some other embodiments, the spatial energy distribution of the first polarized light 1111 can be further adjusted by combining the change in the spacing between adjacent beam splitting surfaces, so that the beam splitting mode of the polarization beam splitting array 12 is adapted to the energy distribution of the incident beam 111.

[0061] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third type of display optical module 10 provided in the embodiments of this application; and Figure 2 Compared to the display optical module 10 shown, Figure 3 The main difference between the optical modules 10 shown is the structure of the second polarization selection element 16. For the same or corresponding structures and operating processes, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 The relevant descriptions of the corresponding embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0062] See Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, the second polarization selection element 16 includes a third quarter-wave plate 162 and a polarization diffraction element 163 arranged in parallel. The third quarter-wave plate 162 is used to convert the target polarized light 134 emitted from the polarization beam splitter array 12 and other polarization states of light into circularly polarized light with different rotation directions; the polarization diffraction element 163 is used to diffract the circularly polarized light into different directions according to the rotation direction, so that the beam 1121 corresponding to the target polarized light 134 enters the projection optical lens 14, while the beams 1121 corresponding to other polarization states deviate from the projection optical lens 14, thereby reducing the impact of stray light 135 on image quality and improving the contrast of the projected image.

[0063] For example, the polarization diffraction element 163 can be a polarization diffraction grating, a geometric phase grating, or a liquid crystal polarization diffraction grating. Along the second direction, the polarization beam splitter array 12, the third quarter-wave plate 162, the polarization diffraction element 163, and the projection optical lens 14 are distributed sequentially.

[0064] See Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 The diagram shows the working process of the optical module 10 and... Figure 2 The optical module 10 shown is basically the same, except that after the target polarized light 134 is transmitted through the polarization beam splitter array 12, it no longer enters the polarization absorption element 161, but instead enters the third quarter-wave plate 162 and the polarization diffraction element 163 in sequence.

[0065] During operation, the beam 1121 emitted from the polarization beam splitter array 12 includes target polarized light 134 and light of other polarization states. These lights of different polarization states are incident on the third quarter-wave plate 162, where they are converted into circularly polarized light with different rotation directions, such as left-handed and right-handed circularly polarized light. Subsequently, the circularly polarized light with different rotation directions is incident on the polarization diffraction element 163 and diffracted in different directions. The circularly polarized light converted from target polarized light 134 is diffracted by the polarization diffraction element 163 and then directed towards the projection lens 14, where it is projected to form an image. The circularly polarized light converted from light of other polarization states is diffracted by the polarization diffraction element 163 and deviates from the projection lens 14, not participating in subsequent imaging.

[0066] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth type of display optical module 10 provided in the embodiments of this application; and Figure 2 Compared to the display optical module 10 shown, Figure 4 The main difference between the optical modules 10 shown is the structure of the polarization beam splitter array 12, and... Figure 4 The diagram shows that the optical module 10 does not have a polarization conversion component 15. For the same or corresponding structure and operation process, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2The relevant descriptions of the corresponding embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0067] See Figure 4 As shown, in some other embodiments, multiple polarization beam splitters are arranged parallel to each other; along the first direction, the reflectivity of the multiple polarization beam splitters gradually increases, thereby gradient-distributing the first polarization light 1111, so that the first polarization light 1111 is reflected by each polarization beam splitter according to a preset ratio, so that the light energy distribution in each region is more balanced and the illumination uniformity is improved.

[0068] For example, the plurality of polarization beam-splitting surfaces may consist only of a plurality of first beam-splitting surfaces 1211; along the first direction, the reflectivity of the plurality of first beam-splitting surfaces 1211 for the first polarized light 1111 gradually increases. The plurality of first beam-splitting surfaces 1211 may have different beam-splitting characteristics for the first polarized light 1111 and the second polarized light 1112, wherein the plurality of first beam-splitting surfaces 1211 may reflect the first polarized light 1111 according to a preset reflectivity, while maintaining a high transmittance for the second polarized light 1112, allowing the second polarized light 1112 to pass through the polarization beam-splitting array 12 and propagate along a preset optical path. The spacing between any two adjacent first beam-splitting surfaces 1211 may be set to be equal.

[0069] It should be noted that in some other possible embodiments, along the first direction, the spacing between two adjacent first beam splitting surfaces 1211 can be gradually increased, so that the distribution of multiple first beam splitting surfaces 1211 matches the light intensity of the incident beam 111 which gradually decreases along the propagation direction, thereby making the light energy borne by each polarization beam splitting surface more balanced, improving the light energy distribution in each region, and improving the uniformity of illumination.

[0070] It is understood that in some other embodiments, the multiple polarization beam splitting surfaces may also include only multiple second beam splitting surfaces 1212, which are arranged sequentially along the first direction. The reflectivity of each second beam splitting surface 1212 to the first polarized light 1111 may gradually increase along the first direction. This application does not limit this aspect.

[0071] See Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 The diagram shows the working process of the optical module 10 and... Figure 2 The optical module 10 shown is basically the same as the one shown, except that the polarization beam splitting array 12 includes multiple polarization beam splitting surfaces, and the optical module 10 does not have a polarization conversion component 15.

[0072] During operation, the incident beam 111 generated by the beam generation unit 11 includes a first polarized light 1111 and a second polarized light 1112. Multiple polarization beam splitters reflect the first polarized light 1111 according to their respective reflectivities, causing the first polarized light 1111 to be directed towards the light modulation element 13 according to a preset ratio. The light modulation element 13 modulates the first polarized light 1111 according to display data, converting it into target polarized light 134 carrying image information. After being reflected by the light modulation element 13, the target polarized light 134 is again incident on the polarization beam splitter array 12, passes through multiple polarization beam splitters, and is selectively transmitted through the second polarization selection element 16 before being directed towards the projection optical lens 14, where it is projected and output.

[0073] because Figure 4 The optical module 10 shown does not have a polarization conversion component 15. After the second polarized light 1112 passes through multiple polarization beam splitters, it does not undergo polarization conversion and returns to the optical modulation element 13. Instead, it continues to propagate along the transmission direction or is processed by other optical structures. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0074] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fifth type of display optical module 10 provided in this application embodiment; and Figure 4 Compared to the display optical module 10 shown, Figure 5 The main difference in the optical module 10 shown is that the polarization beam splitter array 12 adopts a different structural form and is equipped with two beam generating units 11 and two first polarization selection elements 17. For the same or corresponding structures and working processes, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 The relevant descriptions of the corresponding embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0075] See Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the display optical module 10 includes two beam generating units 11; in a first direction, the two beam generating units 11 are located on opposite sides of the polarization beam splitting array 12. The polarization beam splitting array 12 includes a plurality of first beam splitting surfaces 1211 and a plurality of second beam splitting surfaces 1212; the plurality of first beam splitting surfaces 1211 are used to reflect the first polarized light 1111 in the incident beam 111 output by one of the beam generating units 11; the plurality of second beam splitting surfaces 1212 are used to reflect the first polarized light 1111 in the incident beam 111 output by the other beam generating unit 11, so that the first polarized light 1111 output by the two beam generating units 11 is reflected to the light modulation element 13 by the corresponding beam splitting surfaces, thereby improving the light energy utilization rate of the illumination beam 1121.

[0076] Understandably, the description of the structure of multiple second beam-splitting surfaces 1212 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2The description in the text will not be repeated here.

[0077] In some other embodiments, the display optical module 10 further includes two first polarization selection elements 17, each first polarization selection element 17 being disposed between a beam generating unit 11 and a polarization beam splitter array 12. The first polarization selection element 17 is used to polarize the incident beam 111, so that the first polarized light 1111 is transmitted to the polarization beam splitter array 12 and the second polarized light 1112 is reflected, so that the beam 1121 entering the polarization beam splitter array 12 has a preset polarization state.

[0078] For example, the first polarization selection element 17 includes a second quarter-wave plate 171 and a polarization reflection element 172 arranged in parallel. The polarization reflection element 172 can be a reflective polarizer or a wire grid polarizer. During operation, the incident beam 111 passes through the second quarter-wave plate 171 and the polarization reflection element 172 in sequence. The beams 1121 with different polarization states are converted by the second quarter-wave plate 171 and then transmitted or reflected by the polarization reflection element 172 respectively, so as to achieve polarization selection of the incident beam 111.

[0079] It should be noted that in some other embodiments, for Figure 5 The optical module 10 shown may further include a polarization reflection grating and / or a second polarization selection element 16 between the polarization beam splitter array 12 and the projection optical lens 14 in the second direction. This embodiment does not limit the specific arrangement of these elements. The polarization reflection grating can be a subwavelength linear grating polarization reflection grating, a dielectric polarization reflection grating, or a photonic crystal polarization reflection grating. When both the polarization reflection grating and the second polarization selection element 16 are simultaneously arranged, they can be sequentially arranged along the second direction, and their relative positions can be adjusted according to the optical path design. This embodiment does not limit the specific arrangement of these elements. The polarization reflection grating can selectively reflect the beam 1121 according to its polarization state to reduce the influence of stray light 135 on imaging and improve the contrast of the projected image. The second polarization selection element 16 can selectively transmit the target polarized light 134 and suppress non-target polarized light 134 to further improve the display quality of the projected image.

[0080] See Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 The diagram shows the working process of the optical module 10 and... Figure 4 The optical module 10 shown is basically the same as the one shown, except that... Figure 5 The optical module 10 shown includes two beam generating units 11 and two first polarization selection elements 17, and the polarization beam splitting array 12 includes multiple first beam splitting surfaces 1211 and multiple second beam splitting surfaces 1212.

[0081] During operation, the two beam generating units 11 generate incident beams 111, each of which includes a first polarized light 1111 and a second polarized light 1112. The two first polarization selection elements 17 perform polarization selection on the incident beams 111 output by the corresponding beam generating units 11, so that the first polarized light 1111 is transmitted to the polarization beam splitter array 12 and the second polarized light 1112 is reflected.

[0082] In this process, the first polarized light 1111 output from one beam generating unit 11 is incident on the polarization beam splitting array 12, and is reflected by multiple first beam splitting surfaces 1211 according to their respective reflectivities, and then directed towards the light modulation element 13. Similarly, the first polarized light 1111 output from another beam generating unit 11 is incident on the polarization beam splitting array 12, and is reflected by multiple second beam splitting surfaces 1212 according to their respective reflectivities, and then directed towards the light modulation element 13. The light modulation element 13 modulates the two first polarized lights 1111 according to the display data, converting them into target polarized light 134 carrying image information.

[0083] The target polarized light 134 is reflected by the light modulation element 13 and then incident again on the polarization beam splitter array 12, and is emitted through the corresponding plurality of first beam splitter surfaces 1211 and the corresponding plurality of second beam splitter surfaces 1212. Subsequently, the target polarized light 134 is processed by the second polarization selection element 16 and / or the polarization reflection grating and then directed towards the projection optical lens 14, and is projected and output by the projection optical lens 14.

[0084] In the above process, the two beam generating units 11 respectively provide first polarized light 1111 to the polarization beam splitting array 12, and are respectively distributed by multiple first beam splitting surfaces 1211 and multiple second beam splitting surfaces 1212 to form two incident beams 111, which together act on the optical modulation element 13, thereby improving the light energy utilization rate of the incident beam 111.

[0085] This application also provides a display device, including: the display optical module in any of the above embodiments. The above display device has the same technical effects as the display optical module provided in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be described again here.

[0086] For example, the display device may further include a housing, a control module, and a heat dissipation module; the control module and the display optical module are mounted in the housing. The heat dissipation module is used to dissipate heat from the display optical module, for example, at least to dissipate heat from the light source; the control module is electrically connected to the light source and the light modulation element respectively, and the control module is used to control the light source to emit light and to control the light modulation element to perform light modulation.

[0087] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed connection," "contact," etc., should be interpreted broadly. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the various terms in the embodiments of this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0088] For example, the "connection" can be a fixed connection, a rotating connection, a flexible connection, a sliding connection, a one-piece molding, an electrical connection, a contact connection, or other connection methods; it can be a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components or an interaction between two components.

[0089] For example, a "fixed connection" can be a component that can be directly or indirectly fixedly connected to another component; a fixed connection can include mechanical connection, welding, bonding or integral molding, etc., wherein mechanical connection can include riveting, bolting, threaded connection, keying, snap-fit ​​connection, locking connection, plugging, etc., and bonding can include adhesive bonding and solvent bonding, etc.

[0090] It should also be understood that the “parallel” or “perpendicular” described in the embodiments of this application can be understood as “approximately parallel” or “approximately perpendicular”.

[0091] It should also be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Features specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0092] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature and the second feature are in direct contact, or that the first feature and the second feature are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0093] It should also be understood that the terms “length,” “width,” “up,” “down,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” and “outer,” etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship (if any) based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0094] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of protection of the claims. In summary, the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the technical solution of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A display optical module, characterized in that, include: A polarization beam splitter array having multiple polarization beam splitting surfaces, the multiple polarization beam splitting surfaces working together to reflect a first polarized light; An optical modulation element is used to modulate the first polarized light reflected by the polarization beam splitter into target polarized light carrying image information, and to reflect the target polarized light back to the polarization beam splitter for transmission and output via the polarization beam splitter. A projection optical lens is used to receive the target polarized light output through the polarization beam splitter array and project it out.

2. The display optical module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The display optical module further includes a beam generation unit, which generates and outputs an incident beam, and the incident beam is transmitted to the polarization beam splitter along a first direction. The incident beam includes first polarized light transmitted toward the polarization beam splitter array, and the incident beam also includes second polarized light, the polarization direction of which is different from that of the first polarized light.

3. The display optical module as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The beam generation unit includes a light source, a light collimating element, and a light homogenizing element. The light emitted by the light source is processed by the light collimating element and the light homogenizing element to form the incident beam.

4. The display optical module as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The display optical module further includes a polarization conversion component, and the polarization beam splitter array and the polarization conversion component are distributed sequentially along a first direction; The polarization conversion component is used to convert the second polarized light transmitted through the polarization beam splitter array in the incident beam into the first polarized light, and to transmit the converted first polarized light to the polarization beam splitter array. The polarization beam splitter array is used to reflect the first polarized light, which has been converted by the polarization conversion component, to the optical modulation element.

5. The display optical module as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The polarization conversion component includes a first quarter-wave plate and a reflector, the surface of which is perpendicular to the first direction; In the first direction, the polarization beam splitter array, the first quarter-wave plate, and the reflector are arranged sequentially.

6. The display optical module as described in any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The plurality of polarization beam-splitting surfaces include at least one first beam-splitting surface and at least one second beam-splitting surface; The first beam-splitting surface and the second beam-splitting surface are symmetrically arranged about the first axis of symmetry. The angle between the first beam-splitting surface and the first axis of symmetry is 45°. The first axis of symmetry is perpendicular to the first direction.

7. The display optical module as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The number of the first beam-splitting surfaces is multiple, and the number of the second beam-splitting surfaces is multiple; Along the first direction, the reflectivity of the plurality of first beam-splitting surfaces for the first polarized light gradually increases; Along a direction opposite to the first direction, the reflectivity of the plurality of second beam-splitting surfaces for the first polarized light gradually increases.

8. The display optical module as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The display optical module includes two beam generating units; in the first direction, the two beam generating units are respectively located on opposite sides of the polarization beam splitting array; Multiple first beam-splitting surfaces are used to reflect first polarized light in the incident beam output by one of the beam-generating units; Multiple second beam-splitting surfaces are used to reflect the first polarized light in the incident beam output by another beam-generating unit.

9. The display optical module as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The multiple polarization beam-splitting surfaces are arranged parallel to each other; Along the first direction, the reflectivity of the plurality of polarization beam-splitting surfaces for the first polarized light gradually increases.

10. The display optical module as described in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The display optical module further includes a first polarization selection element, which is disposed between each beam generating unit and the polarization beam splitting array to allow the first polarized light to pass through and reflect the second polarized light.

11. The display optical module as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The first polarization selection element includes a second quarter-wave plate and a polarization reflection element arranged in parallel.

12. The display optical module as described in any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The optical modulation element is an LCOS reflective optical modulation element; The display optical module further includes a second polarization selection element, which is disposed between the polarization beam splitter array and the projection optical lens, for transmitting the target polarized light and blocking stray light with a polarization direction different from that of the target polarized light.

13. The display optical module as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The second polarization selection element includes a polarization absorption element; and / or, the second polarization selection element includes a third quarter-wave plate and a polarization diffraction element arranged in parallel.

14. A display device, characterized in that, include: The display optical module as described in any one of claims 1-13.

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