Projection device and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model provides a projection device and a vehicle. The projection device comprises a light machine, a first reflector, a reflection diffusion screen, a transmission diffusion screen, a second reflector and a third reflector. The ray machine emits a first beam and a second beam. The first reflector is located in a transmission path of the first light beam and reflects the first light beam to form a third light beam. The reflection diffusion screen is located in a propagation path of the second light beam and reflects the second light beam to form first image light. The transmission diffusion screen is located in the propagation path of the third light beam and refracts the third light beam to form second image light. The second reflector is located in the propagation path of the second image light and reflects the second image light to form third image light, and the optical path of the third image light is different from the optical path of the first image light. The third reflector can receive the first image light and the third image light and reflect the first image light and the third image light to the eye box. According to the embodiment of the invention, the projection device can project clear images of at least two different focal planes on the premise that the size of the projection device is not increased.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of projection devices, in particular to a projection device and a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, the application scenarios of projection devices such as head up display (HUD) are becoming more and more extensive in the intelligent development of vehicles and other vehicles. HUD can directly and accurately present information within the horizontal line of sight range, and the driver can obtain all important information such as speed, warning signals and navigation indication arrows without looking down at the combination instrument or auxiliary display.

[0003] For basic information of the vehicle (such as vehicle speed, driving mileage, fuel quantity, etc.), in order not to interfere with the road conditions, it is usually imaged in a region close to the vehicle. For information such as navigation and early warning that realizes augmented reality interaction, in order to better integrate with the external road surface, it is usually imaged in a region far from the vehicle. Therefore, it is necessary to project the picture to two different focal planes.

[0004] For the traditional head up display scheme, to realize double-focal-plane imaging, two optical machines and two sets of reflective optical systems are usually needed to realize two different projection distances, which undoubtedly increases the cost and the volume of the projection device. CONTENT OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Embodiments of the present application provide a projection device and a vehicle, which can project at least two different focal planes clearly without increasing the volume of the projection device.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a projection device, comprising an optical machine, a first reflector, a reflective diffusion screen, a transmissive diffusion screen, a second reflector and a third reflector. The optical machine can emit a first light beam and a second light beam. The first reflector is located in the transmission path of the first light beam, and the first reflector is used to reflect the first light beam to form a third light beam. The reflective diffusion screen is located in the propagation path of the second light beam, and the reflective diffusion screen can reflect the second light beam to form a first image light. The transmissive diffusion screen is located in the propagation path of the third light beam, and the transmissive diffusion screen can refract the third light beam to form a second image light. The second reflector is located in the propagation path of the second image light, and the second reflector is used to reflect the second image light to form a third image light, and the optical path of the third image light is different from that of the first image light. The third reflector can receive the first image light and the third image light, and is used to reflect to the eyebox of a user.

[0007] In the embodiment, the first light beam emitted by the light engine can pass through the first mirror, the transmission diffusion screen, the second mirror and the third mirror in sequence and form the third image light. The third image light can be reflected on the surface of the glass structure and then transmitted to the eyebox of the user. The second light beam emitted by the light engine can pass through the reflection diffusion screen and the third mirror in sequence and form the first image light. The third image light can be reflected on the surface of the glass structure and then transmitted to the eyebox of the user.

[0008] Since the optical path of the first light beam forming the third image light is different from the optical path of the second light beam forming the first image light, the focal length of the image formed by the third image light is different from the focal length of the image formed by the first image light. The image with a longer focal length can provide some information for navigation, early warning and other augmented reality interactions of the vehicle, and the interaction information can be displayed in a relatively far position of the vehicle, so as to better integrate with the external road surface. The image with a shorter focal length can provide some basic information (such as vehicle speed, driving mileage, oil quantity, etc.) of the vehicle. The basic information of the vehicle is displayed in a relatively close area of the vehicle, and the interaction information in the relatively far position is imaged at different focal lengths, so as to avoid interference with the interaction information such as navigation or early warning.

[0009] The projection assembly provided in the embodiment can form projection images with different focal lengths using a set of light engines. Reducing the number of light engines of the projection assembly can reduce the overall volume of the projection assembly, simplify the production cost of the projection assembly, and reduce the volume requirement of the installation space of the projection assembly, so that the projection assembly is convenient to install in more use scenarios.

[0010] In addition, the transmission diffusion screen in the embodiment can refract the third light beam to form the second image light, so that the propagation direction of the second light beam is changed. Through the refractive direction of the second image light by the transmission diffusion screen, the second image light can be bent towards the second mirror. The transmission diffusion screen can diffuse a single light beam into multiple imaging lights, improving the visual effect of the user. The diffusion screen can diffuse the light beam to the entire eyebox area, so that the user can watch the picture at different eye point positions in the eyebox without picture distortion or blur.

[0011] It can be known that generally, before the diffusion screen is installed, the distance between the light engine and the diffusion screen needs to be accurately measured, and the appropriate focal length is calculated according to the projection ratio of the projection device and the required picture size. The installation position of the diffusion screen needs to be at a specific focal length to ensure the quality and clarity of the projection picture.

[0012] The second reflector of the embodiment of the present application adjusts the propagation direction of the third image light and the optical path of the third image light. The adjustment of the propagation direction of the third image light can adjust the position of the image formed by the third image light, so that the position of the image formed by the third image light conforms to the use habit of the user. The adjustment of the optical path of the third image light can adjust the distance of the image position relative to the user. The second reflector can adjust the optical path so that the position of the image formed by the third image light and the position of the image formed by the first image light are on different focal planes, thereby facilitating the user to read the image information on one of the focal planes without being disturbed by the image information on the other focal plane.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the projection device further includes a light splitting mirror, the light splitting mirror is located in the propagation path of the first image light and the third image light, and the light splitting mirror is capable of reflecting the first image light so that the first image light is reflected from the light splitting mirror to the third reflector. The third image light is capable of transmitting through the light splitting mirror to propagate to the third reflector.

[0014] In the embodiment, the first image light can first propagate to the light splitting mirror and then propagate to the third reflector through the light splitting mirror. Since the optical path of the first image light can be folded by the light splitting mirror during propagation, the space required for the propagation of the first image light is reduced, so that the first image light can extend the optical path in a limited space, thereby increasing the distance between the position of the image formed by the first image light and the eyebox of the user, so that the image position of the first image light is formed at a farther position.

[0015] The third image light can transmit through the light splitting mirror, so that the optical path of the third image light does not limit the setting area of the light splitting mirror, so that the setting position of the light splitting mirror only needs to meet the propagation direction and the optical path of the first image light.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the transmission diffusion screen is located on the side of the light splitting mirror away from the reflection diffusion screen.

[0017] In the embodiment, the first reflector can separate the first light beam from the second light beam, so that the reflection diffusion screen and the transmission diffusion screen are located on different sides of the light splitting mirror, avoiding the reflection diffusion screen and the transmission diffusion screen being arranged side by side to occupy too much space. The installation space of the reflection diffusion screen and the transmission diffusion screen can be completely utilized, thereby reducing the volume of the projection assembly. The compact design enables the projection assembly to occupy less installation space, so that the projection assembly can be applied to the use scenarios with limited installation space.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the distance between the light exit surface of the light machine and the first reflector is less than the distance between the light exit surface of the light machine and the reflection diffusion screen.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the first reflector and the second reflector are located at opposite sides of the transmissive diffusion screen respectively.

[0020] In a possible implementation, the sum of the optical path of the first light beam, the optical path of the third light beam, the optical path of the second image light, and the optical path of the third image light is less than the sum of the optical path of the second light beam and the optical path of the first image light.

[0021] In the embodiment, the distance between the imaging focal plane of the third image light and the eyebox of the user is less than the distance between the imaging focal plane of the first image light and the eyebox of the user. That is, the imaging focal plane of the third image light can be at a focal plane closer to the user. The imaging focal plane of the first image light can be at a focal plane farther away from the user.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the sum of the optical path of the first light beam and the optical path of the third light beam is the same as the optical path of the second light beam.

[0023] In the embodiment, the optical engine can emit the first light beam and the second light beam through the same lens. Therefore, the optical engine does not need to make separate adjustments to the first light beam or the second light beam. Therefore, the light emitting process of the optical engine is relatively simple. The simpler the light emitting process of the optical engine is, the more simple the structure of the optical engine is, and therefore, the cooperation mode of the parts of the optical engine is relatively simple, and the working performance of the optical engine is relatively reliable.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the sum of the optical path of the second image light and the optical path of the third image light is less than the optical path of the first image light.

[0025] In the embodiment, the beam splitter can increase the optical path of the first image light, so that the imaging position of the first image light can be farther away from the user than the imaging position of the third image light.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the projection device further includes a fourth reflector, the fourth reflector is located in the propagation path of the second light beam, and the fourth reflector is capable of reflecting the second light beam toward the reflective diffusion screen.

[0027] In the embodiment, the fourth reflector can make the light of the optical engine not need to propagate directly toward the reflective diffusion screen, and therefore, the relative position of the optical engine and the reflective diffusion screen can be changed. The flexible setting of the position of the optical engine can make the projection assembly avoid the structure on the vehicle when the projection assembly is installed on the vehicle, so that the projection assembly can adapt to the installation space on the vehicle to change the shape.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the projection device further includes a first control structure, the first control structure is connected with the second reflector, and the first control structure is capable of moving and / or rotating the second reflector.

[0029] In the embodiment, the first control structure can translate or rotate the second mirror to change the optical path and the propagation angle of the third image light. When the optical path of the third image light changes, the image forming position of the third image light can be closer to or farther away from the eyebox of the user. When the angle of the third image light changes, the image forming position of the third image light can change in the height direction of the vehicle, so as to adjust the downward viewing angle of the user observing the image to make the image conform to the use habit of the user.

[0030] In a possible implementation, the projection device further includes a second control structure, the second control structure is connected with the first mirror, and the second control structure can move and / or rotate the first mirror.

[0031] In the embodiment, the angle and position of the first mirror can be adjusted to ensure that the third light beam reaches the transmission diffusion screen at a certain focal distance of the third light beam, so as to ensure that the third light beam can be correctly focused after passing through the transmission diffusion screen.

[0032] In a possible implementation, the projection device further includes a third control structure, the third control structure is connected with the beam splitter, and the third control structure can adjust the distance between the beam splitter and the third mirror.

[0033] In the embodiment, the position of the virtual image of the first image light can also be adjusted by adjusting the position of the beam splitter. For example, the beam splitter can be moved towards the third mirror to shorten the optical path of the first image light, so as to make the position of the virtual image of the first image light closer to the eyebox of the user. Alternatively, the beam splitter can be moved away from the third mirror to lengthen the optical path of the first image light, so as to make the position of the virtual image of the first image light farther away from the eyebox of the user.

[0034] In a second aspect, the present application provides a vehicle, including a body and the projection device as described above, and the projection device is installed on the body.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the body includes an imaging device, the imaging device can receive the first image light and the third image light reflected by the third mirror, so as to reflect the first image light and the third image light to the eyebox of the user through the imaging device, the first image light forms a first virtual image through the imaging device, and the third image light forms a second virtual image through the imaging device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, the drawings needed in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can also be obtained from these drawings without creative labor.

[0037] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a projection device and imaging device;

[0039] Figure 3 is Figure 2 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the projection device;

[0040] Figure 4 is Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a light emitting mode of the light machine;

[0041] Figure 5 is Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of another light emitting mode of the light machine;

[0042] Figure 6 is Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of still another light emitting mode of the light machine;

[0043] Figure 7 is Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a projection device and imaging device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The specific embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although the exemplary embodiments of the present application are shown in the drawings, it is understood that the present application can be implemented in other ways different from those described herein, and therefore the present application is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0045] For the convenience of understanding, the terms involved in the embodiments of the present application are first explained.

[0046] Multiple: means two or more than two.

[0047] Connection: should be understood broadly, for example, A and B are connected, which can be that A and B are directly connected, or A and B are indirectly connected through intermediate media.

[0048] Vertical: the vertical defined by the present application is not limited to the absolute vertical intersection (the angle is 90 degrees) relationship, which allows the not absolute vertical intersection relationship caused by factors such as assembly tolerance, design tolerance, structure flatness, allows the existence of a small angle range of error, for example, 80 degrees to 100 degrees range of assembly error range, which can be understood as vertical relationship.

[0049] Horizontal: The horizontal defined in the present application is not limited to an absolute plane parallel relationship (included angle of 0 degrees or 180 degrees), and allows for non-absolute horizontal state caused by assembly tolerance, design tolerance, structural deformation, gravity influence and environmental factors. In engineering practice, as long as the actual included angle deviates from the reference horizontal plane within a reasonable error range (such as ± 10 degrees, i.e. within the interval of 170 degrees to 190 degrees), it can be considered to meet the horizontal relationship. This definition aims to include the inevitable small angle deviation in the manufacturing and assembly process, and to ensure that the functional requirements are given priority over the absolute geometric accuracy.

[0050] The specific embodiments of the present application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle 1000 provided by an embodiment of the present application. Among them, the vehicle 1000 in the embodiment of the present application can be a known vehicle 1000 such as a car, an airplane, a ship, a rocket, etc. It can also be a new vehicle 1000 that will appear in the future. Among them, the car can be an electric car, a fuel car or a hybrid car, for example, a pure electric car, a range-extended electric car, a hybrid electric car, a fuel cell car, a new energy car, etc., which is not specifically limited by the present application. The following will be described taking the vehicle 1000 as a vehicle as an example.

[0052] The vehicle 1000 includes a vehicle body 100 and a projection device 200. The projection device 200 is installed in the vehicle body 100. Among them, Figure 1 The X direction shown is the width direction of the vehicle 1000. Figure 1 The Y direction shown is the length direction of the vehicle 1000. Figure 1 The Z direction shown is the height direction of the vehicle 1000.

[0053] It should be noted that Figure 1 The purpose of the above-mentioned is only to schematically describe the connection relationship between the vehicle body 100 and the projection device 200, and not to specifically limit the connection position, specific structure and number of each device. The structure shown in the embodiment of the present application does not constitute a specific limitation on the vehicle. In other embodiments of the present application, the vehicle can include more or fewer components than Figure 1 shown, or combine certain components, or split certain components, or different component arrangements.

[0054] The vehicle body 100 includes a vehicle body 110 and an imaging device 120. The imaging device 120 is connected to the vehicle body 110. The imaging device 120 serves as a carrier for projected images, clearly displaying the images projected by the projection device 200. The imaging device 120 can be a vehicle window glass, or a piece of transparent resin glass in front of the driver, etc. For ease of description, the following explanation will use a vehicle window glass as an example.

[0055] For example, the imaging device 120 can be a vehicle window such as a side window, windshield, rear window, or sunroof.

[0056] Specifically, when the imaging device 120 is the windshield, the projection device 200 can directly project important information such as vehicle speed, engine speed, fuel level, gear position, navigation instructions, traffic information, road speed limits, and / or driver assistance system status (such as lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control) onto the driver's front. This allows the driver to obtain this information in real time without looking down at the instrument panel or shifting their gaze, thereby improving driving safety and convenience.

[0057] When the imaging device 120 is a side window, the projection device 200 can project personalized welcome information, such as the owner's name, vehicle model, or customized pattern, onto the side window as the owner approaches or enters the vehicle, enhancing the owner's sense of ownership. When parking, the projection device 200 can project the size and location of the parking space, as well as guide lines, onto the side window, helping the driver complete the parking operation more easily. The projection device 200 can also support more entertainment and interactive functions, such as games and video playback, providing passengers with a richer and more diverse riding experience.

[0058] When the imaging device 120 is the rear windshield, the virtual image projected by the projection device 200 through the rear windshield can be observed by the driver using the vehicle's rearview mirror. At this time, the projection device 200 can combine the speed and position of vehicles behind the vehicle with the real scene to explain, so that the driver can better understand the position and speed of adjacent vehicles, thereby enabling the driver to better judge the timing of lane changes and improve the user's driving experience.

[0059] When the imaging device 120 is a skylight glass, the projection device 200 can project a virtual image upwards through the imaging device 120. The presented virtual image can interact with the sky or other external environment to create a realistic scene, providing entertainment or viewing functions for the user.

[0060] The following text and accompanying drawings use the imaging device 120 as an example of a windshield. However, it should be understood that the application scenarios of the imaging device 120 are not limited to this.

[0061] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a first embodiment of the projection device 200 and imaging device 120. The following description uses a head-up display device in a vehicle as an example of the projection device 200.

[0062] The projection device 200 includes a housing 210, an optical engine 220, and an optical path folding assembly 230. Both the optical engine 220 and the optical path folding assembly 230 are mounted on the housing 210. The optical engine 220 projects the information to be displayed (such as vehicle speed, navigation instructions, etc.) onto the optical path folding assembly 230 in the form of light. The optical path folding assembly 230 forms image information, and through optical magnification, zooming, and other processing, converts the information into a visible image, which is then projected onto the imaging device 120 in front of the driver or a specific location. In this way, the driver can directly see the required information without looking down at the instrument panel or shifting their gaze.

[0063] It should be noted that the housing 210 provided in this embodiment can provide an installation position for the optical engine 220 and the optical path folding assembly 230. Furthermore, the housing 210 can be installed with the vehicle body 100 to fix the projection device 200 to the vehicle body 110. The housing 210 can be any structure that satisfies the assembly requirements of the projection device 200. The housing 210 allows image light from the optical path folding assembly 230 to pass through, enabling the image light to propagate to the imaging device 120.

[0064] In the first possible embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of the projection device 200 is shown. The optical engine 220 is provided with a light-emitting surface 2201. For example, the optical engine 220 can be a picture generation unit (PGU). The optical engine 220 can use a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) image source or a digital light processing (DLP) image source.

[0065] In this embodiment, the LCOS image source features high resolution, high contrast, and high color saturation, providing excellent image display effects. The DLP image source, with its high brightness, high contrast, and accurate color reproduction, is more suitable for applications requiring high-brightness projection. The choice of image source should be based on factors such as the specific application scenario, product requirements, and cost budget.

[0066] The optical engine 220 can emit a first beam 221 and a second beam 222, which are emitted through the light-emitting surface 2201. The first beam 221 and the second beam 222 can be emitted from the same lens of the optical engine 220, and the first beam 221 and the second beam 222 can be light rays from different regions of the same beam.

[0067] For example, please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows a structural schematic of one emission mode of the optomechanism 220. The optomechanism 220 can emit light in the direction directly opposite the light-emitting surface 2201. Alternatively, please refer to... Figure 5 , Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows another light-emitting mode of the optical engine 220. The light beam of the optical engine 220 can be offset. Offset refers to an adjustment made to the overall image during image processing or display. The adjustment effect is similar to moving the entire image up or down without directly affecting the image's contrast or other properties. Alternatively, please refer to... Figure 6 , Figure 6 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows another light-emitting mode of the optical engine 220. The focal plane of the beam from the optical engine 220 can be tilted relative to the light-emitting surface 2201. This can be understood as the beam emission direction of the optical engine 220 being adaptively adjusted according to the focal plane or the optical path folding assembly 230.

[0068] The first beam 221 and the second beam 222 can be distributed along the Z-axis. The first beam 221 and the second beam 222 can carry image information. The image information carried by the first beam 221 and the second beam 222 is different. There can be dark light 223 between the first beam 221 and the second beam 222 that does not carry image information.

[0069] In this embodiment, the dark light 223 can separate the region of the first beam 221 and the region of the second beam 222.

[0070] Please refer to the following: Figure 3 The optical path folding assembly 230 includes a first reflector 231, a reflective diffuser 235, a transmissive diffuser 232, a second reflector 233, and a third reflector 234. The first reflector 231, the transmissive diffuser 232, the second reflector 233, and the third reflector 234 constitute the propagation path of the first beam 221. The reflective diffuser 235 and the third reflector 234 form the propagation path of the second beam 222.

[0071] It should be noted that the propagation path of a certain light beam refers to the bending path of the light beam as it propagates within the optical path folding assembly 230. The lens or mirror in the optical path folding assembly 230 is located within the propagation path of the light beam and is used to bend the optical path of the light beam, thereby changing the propagation direction of the light beam.

[0072] Specifically, the first reflector 231 is located within the transmission path of the first beam 221. The first reflector 231 reflects the first beam 221 to form a third beam 224, and directs the third beam 224 toward the transmission diffusion screen 232. The transmission diffusion screen 232 can refract the third beam 224 to form the second image light 225. For example, the transmission diffusion screen 232 can be located on one side of the first beam 221 and on the positive Z-axis side.

[0073] In this embodiment, the first reflector 231 can adjust the propagation angle of the third beam 224 so that the third beam 224 can propagate toward the transmission diffusion screen 232.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the projection device 200 further includes a second control structure (not shown), which is connected to the first reflector 231 and is capable of moving and / or rotating the first reflector 231.

[0075] In this embodiment, the angle and position of the first reflector 231 can be adjusted to ensure that when the third beam 224 reaches the transmission diffusion screen 232, the transmission diffusion screen 232 is located at a certain focal length of the third beam 224, so as to ensure that the third beam 224 can be correctly focused after passing through the transmission diffusion screen 232.

[0076] In this embodiment, the transmission diffusion screen 232 can refract the third beam 224 to form the second image light 225, thereby changing the propagation direction of the second beam 222. Through the refraction of the second image light 225 by the transmission diffusion screen 232, the second image light 225 can propagate towards the direction of the second reflector 233, thereby further folding the optical path and allowing the volume of the projection device 200 to be further reduced.

[0077] The transmissive diffuser 232 can diffuse a single beam of light into multiple imaging beams, improving the user's visual experience. The transmissive diffuser 232 can diffuse the beam across the entire eye box area, allowing the user to view the image from different eye positions within the eye box without distortion or blurring.

[0078] The second reflector 233 is located within the propagation path of the second image light 225. The second reflector 233 is used to reflect the second image light 225 to form the third image light 226. For example, the second reflector 233 is located on the side of the transmission diffusion screen 232 facing the Z direction. The second reflector 233 can be a plane reflector or a freeform mirror.

[0079] It is known that before installing a diffusion screen, it is generally necessary to accurately measure the distance between the optical engine and the diffusion screen, and calculate the appropriate focal length based on the projection ratio of the projection device and the required image size. The diffusion screen needs to be installed at a specific focal length to ensure the quality and clarity of the projected image.

[0080] The second reflector 233 in this embodiment of the application serves to adjust the propagation direction and optical path of the third image light 226. Adjusting the propagation direction of the third image light 226 allows for adjustment of the image position formed by the third image light 226, so that the position of the image formed by the third image light 226 conforms to the user's usage habits. Adjusting the optical path of the third image light 226 allows for adjustment of the distance between the image position and the user. By adjusting the optical path, the second reflector 233 ensures that the position of the image formed by the third image light 226 is on a different focal plane than the position of the image formed by the second beam 222, thereby preventing interference from the image information on the other focal plane when the user is reading the image information on one focal plane.

[0081] In addition, the optical path folding component 230 makes the optical path more compact, which can simultaneously have a small size and a long optical path, allowing the projection device 200 to have the advantages of small size and large screen.

[0082] In one possible implementation, the projection device 200 further includes a first control structure (not shown), which is connected to the second reflector 233 and is capable of moving and / or rotating the second reflector 233.

[0083] In this embodiment, the first control structure can translate or rotate the second reflector 233 to change the optical path and propagation angle of the third image light 226. When the optical path of the third image light 226 changes, the image position of the third image light 226 can be closer to or further away from the user's eye box. When the angle of the third image light 226 changes, the image position of the third image light 226 can change in the height direction of the vehicle 1000, thereby adjusting the user's downward viewing angle of the image so that the image position conforms to the user's usage habits.

[0084] The third reflector 234 is capable of receiving the third image light 226 and propagating the third image light 226 toward the imaging device 120, which in turn reflects the third image light 226 toward the user's eye box. For example, the third reflector 234 may be located on the side of the second reflector 233 facing the Y direction (front of the vehicle). The third reflector 234 may be a curved mirror.

[0085] In this embodiment, the first light beam 221 emitted by the optical engine 220 can pass sequentially through the first reflecting mirror 231, the transmission diffusion screen 232, the second reflecting mirror 233, and the third reflecting mirror 234 to form a third image light 226. The third image light 226 can be reflected on the surface of the imaging device 120, thereby being transmitted to the user's eye box.

[0086] The curved mirror, acting as the third reflecting mirror 234, magnifies the image generated by the optical engine 220, allowing the driver to see a larger and clearer virtual image. This magnification effect makes the virtual image farther away from the eye box, reducing the focusing time and eye fatigue caused by switching between near and far distances.

[0087] Because vehicle windshields have a certain curvature, projecting an image directly onto them may cause image distortion. The curved mirror design matches the curvature of the windshield, thus eliminating this distortion and ensuring that the virtual image generated by the optical engine 220 is accurately and clearly projected onto the windshield.

[0088] Please refer to the following: Figure 2 and Figure 3 The third image light 226 is reflected by the imaging device 120 through the car window to form a second virtual image 2261. The horizontal field of view of the second virtual image 2261 is greater than or equal to 13°. The vertical field of view of the second virtual image 2261 is greater than or equal to 3°.

[0089] In this embodiment, the wider field of view makes the HUD's information display more intuitive and richer, improving the user experience. Drivers can more easily obtain the information they need, reducing operational complexity and enhancing comfort and convenience during driving.

[0090] The reflective diffuser 235 reflects the second beam 222 to form the first image light 227. The distance between the reflective diffuser 235 and the light-emitting surface 2201 of the optomechanical system 220 is greater than the distance between the first reflector 231 and the light-emitting surface 2201 of the optomechanical system 220. The optical path length of the first image light 227 is different from that of the third image light 226.

[0091] Since the first beam 221 and the second beam 222 are emitted from lenses with the same focal length, they must meet the diffusion screen at the same optical path. Therefore, the distance from which the first beam 221 reaches the transmission diffusion screen 232 is the same as the distance from which the second beam 222 reaches the reflection diffusion screen 235. Because the first reflecting mirror 231 folds the optical path of the first beam 221, and is located in the optical path between the optical engine 220 and the transmission diffusion screen 232, the distance between the light-emitting surface 2201 of the optical engine 220 and the first reflecting mirror 231 is less than the distance between the light-emitting surface 2201 of the optical engine 220 and the reflection diffusion screen 235.

[0092] Because the optical path length of the third image light 226 formed by the first beam 221 is different from that of the first image light 227 formed by the second beam 222, the focal lengths of the images presented by the third image light 226 and the first image light 227 are different. The image with a longer focal length can provide information for augmented reality interactions such as vehicle navigation and warnings. This interactive information can be displayed at a greater distance from the vehicle, thus better blending with the external road surface. The image with a shorter focal length can provide basic vehicle information (such as speed, mileage, and fuel level). This basic vehicle information is displayed in an area closer to the vehicle, and can be imaged at different focal lengths with the interactive information at a greater distance, avoiding interference with navigation or warning interactions.

[0093] The projection device 200 provided in this application embodiment can form projection images with different focal planes using only one set of optical engines 220. Reducing the number of optical engines 220 in the projection device 200 can reduce the overall size of the projection device 200, simplify the production cost of the projection device 200, and reduce the volume requirements of the installation space for the projection device 200, so that the projection device 200 can be easily installed in more usage scenarios.

[0094] Please refer to the following: Figure 2 and Figure 3 The third reflector 234 can receive the first image light 227 reflected from the diffuser screen 235 and reflect it to the user's eye box. The first image light 227 is reflected by the imaging device 120 to form a first virtual image 2271. The horizontal field of view of the first virtual image 2271 is greater than or equal to 13°. The vertical field of view of the first virtual image 2271 is greater than or equal to 4°.

[0095] In this embodiment, the larger the horizontal field of view of the first virtual image 2271, the more information elements the HUD can display. This means that the driver can obtain more driving-related information without excessive distraction. A larger horizontal field of view helps the driver better perceive and understand the surrounding driving environment. By displaying important information in front of the driver's line of sight from a wider angle, the HUD can enhance the driver's situational awareness of the driving environment, thereby improving driving safety. A large horizontal field of view means that the driver does not need to frequently shift their gaze to view information in different locations. This helps reduce the number of times and the duration the driver's gaze leaves the road ahead, reducing safety hazards caused by gaze shifting.

[0096] A large vertical field of view allows the HUD to display more three-dimensional information. This helps drivers understand the information more intuitively, improving readability and comprehensibility. A larger vertical field of view also accommodates drivers of different heights. Drivers of different heights have different eye levels while driving. By adjusting the HUD's vertical field of view, it ensures that drivers of different heights can clearly see the information displayed on the HUD. A large vertical field of view also reduces the up-and-down head movement required for the driver to view information, thus improving driving comfort. Drivers can maintain a more natural sitting posture, reducing neck and back fatigue caused by prolonged periods of looking down or up at information.

[0097] In one possible implementation, the projection device 200 further includes a beam splitter 236 in the optical path of the second beam. The beam splitter 236 is located in the propagation path of the first image light 227 and the third image light 226. The beam splitter 236 can reflect the first image light 227, causing it to be reflected from the beam splitter 236 towards the third reflecting mirror 234. The third image light 226 can propagate through the beam splitter 236 to the third reflecting mirror 234. For example, the beam splitter 236 can be a plane mirror or a freeform mirror.

[0098] In this embodiment, the first image light 227 can propagate to the beam splitter 236, and then propagate to the third reflecting mirror 234 via the beam splitter 236. Because the optical path of the first image light 227 can be folded by the beam splitter 236 during propagation, the space required for the propagation of the first image light 227 is reduced, allowing the first image light 227 to extend its optical path within a limited space. This increases the distance between the position of the image formed by the first image light 227 and the user's eyepiece, resulting in the image of the first image light 227 being formed at a more distant position.

[0099] The third image light 226 can pass through the beam splitter 236. Therefore, the optical path of the third image light 226 will not restrict the setting area of ​​the beam splitter 236, so that the setting position of the beam splitter 236 only needs to satisfy the propagation direction and optical path of the first image light 227.

[0100] For example, the beam splitter 236 can be a polarizing beam splitter 236 or an intensity beam splitter 236.

[0101] A polarizing beam splitter 236 is an optical element used to separate the horizontal and vertical polarization of light. For example, the polarizing beam splitter 236 can achieve polarization splitting through surface coating (multilayer film) or coating (multilayer film). The third image light 226 can be P-polarized light, and the first image light 227 can be S-polarized light. The transmittance of P-polarized light can be 1, while the transmittance of S-polarized light can be less than 1, thereby achieving the effect that the beam splitter 236 allows the P-polarized component to pass through, while reflecting the vast majority of the S-polarized component.

[0102] An intensity beam splitter 236 is an optical element capable of reflecting and transmitting incident light according to a set intensity ratio. Precise splitting of light rays is achieved through a designed optical film layer. When light enters the intensity beam splitter 236, a portion of the first image light 227 is reflected back according to a set ratio, while a portion of the third image light 226 passes through.

[0103] For example, the beam splitter 236 may be located between the transmission diffuser 232 and the reflection diffuser 235.

[0104] In this embodiment, the first reflector 231 can separate the first beam 221 and the second beam 222, so that the reflective diffuser 235 and the transmission diffuser 232 are located on different sides of the beam splitter 236, avoiding the excessive space occupied by the reflective diffuser 235 and the transmission diffuser 232 being arranged side by side. Alternatively, it avoids the first beam 221 and the third beam 224 sharing a large area of ​​diffuser screen, thus avoiding excessive space occupation. By dividing the installation space of the reflective diffuser 235 and the transmission diffuser 232 into smaller parts, the internal space of the projection device 200 can be utilized more fully, thereby reducing the size of the projection device 200. The compact design allows the projection device 200 to occupy less installation space, enabling the projection device 200 to be used in scenarios with limited installation space.

[0105] The sum of the optical path lengths of the first beam 221, the third beam 224, the second image beam 225, and the third image beam 226 is less than the sum of the optical path lengths of the second beam 222 and the first image beam 227. Specifically, the sum of the optical path lengths of the first beam 221 and the third beam 224 is the same as the optical path length of the second beam 222. The sum of the optical path lengths of the second image beam 225 and the third image beam 226 is less than the optical path length of the first image beam 227.

[0106] In this embodiment, the optical engine 220 can emit a first beam 221 and a second beam 222 through the same lens. The image plane positions of the first beam 221 and the second beam 222 are the same. Therefore, the optical engine 220 does not need to make separate adjustments to the first beam 221 or the second beam 222. Thus, the light emission process of the optical engine 220 is relatively simple. The simpler the light emission process of the optical engine 220, the simpler the structure of the optical engine 220. Therefore, the coordination of the various parts of the optical engine 220 is relatively simple, and the working performance of the optical engine 220 is relatively reliable.

[0107] Beam splitter 236 and third beam 224 are spaced apart. Beam splitter 236 can reflect first image light 227. Beam splitter 236 can increase the optical path of first image light 227, so that the imaging position of first image light 227 can be farther away from the user compared to the imaging position of third image light 226. The distance between the imaging focal plane of third image light 226 and the user's eyepiece is less than the distance between the imaging focal plane of first image light 227 and the user's eyepiece. That is, the imaging focal plane of third image light 226 can be a focal plane closer to the user, while the imaging focal plane of first image light 227 can be a focal plane farther away from the user.

[0108] In some other embodiments, the position of the first virtual image 2271 of the first image light 227 can also be adjusted by adjusting the position of the beam splitter 236. For example, the beam splitter 236 can be moved closer to the third reflecting mirror 234 to shorten the optical path of the first image light 227, thereby bringing the position of the first virtual image 2271 of the first image light 227 closer to the user's eye box. Alternatively, the beam splitter 236 can be moved further away from the third reflecting mirror 234 to lengthen the optical path of the first image light 227, thereby moving the position of the first virtual image 2271 of the first image light 227 further away from the user's eye box.

[0109] In the second possible embodiment, please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a second embodiment of the projection device 200 and imaging device 120. Unlike the first embodiment of the projection device 200, the projection device 200 further includes a fourth reflector 237, which is located within the propagation path of the second beam 222 and can reflect the second beam 222 toward the reflective diffusion screen 235.

[0110] The optical engine 220 can be located on the side of the reflective diffuser 235 opposite to the Z direction (towards the bottom of the vehicle).

[0111] In this embodiment, the fourth reflector 237 allows the light from the optical engine 220 to propagate without directly to the reflective diffuser screen 235, thus enabling the relative positions of the optical engine 220 and the reflective diffuser screen 235 to be varied. This flexible positioning of the optical engine 220 allows the projection device 200 to avoid interference with other structures on the vehicle 1000 when installed thereon, allowing it to adapt to the changing shape within the vehicle 1000's installation space. For example, the projection device 200 may also include a control structure (not shown), which can be connected to the fourth reflector 237. The control structure can move or rotate the fourth reflector 237 to change its position and angle.

[0112] The above are exemplary embodiments of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of this application, and these improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A projection device, characterized by The projection device comprises: a light machine capable of emitting a first light beam and a second light beam; a first mirror located in a transmission path of the first light beam, the first mirror being used to reflect the first light beam to form a third light beam; a reflective diffusion screen located in a propagation path of the second light beam, the reflective diffusion screen being capable of reflecting the second light beam to form a first image light; a transmissive diffusion screen located in a propagation path of the third light beam, the transmissive diffusion screen being capable of refracting the third light beam to form a second image light; a second mirror located in a propagation path of the second image light, the second mirror being used to reflect the second image light to form a third image light, the optical path of the third image light being different from that of the first image light; a third mirror capable of receiving the first image light and the third image light, and being used to reflect to a user's eyebox.

2. The projection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The projection device further comprises a beam splitter located in the propagation paths of the first image light and the third image light, the beam splitter being capable of reflecting the first image light so that the first image light is reflected from the beam splitter to the third mirror; the third image light is capable of propagating to the third mirror through the beam splitter.

3. The projection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The transmissive diffusion screen is located on a side of the beam splitter away from the reflective diffusion screen.

4. The projection apparatus according to claim 3, wherein The distance between the light emitting surface of the light machine and the first mirror is less than the distance between the light emitting surface of the light machine and the reflective diffusion screen.

5. The projection apparatus according to claim 4, wherein The first mirror and the second mirror are respectively located on opposite sides of the transmissive diffusion screen.

6. The projection apparatus according to claim 5, wherein The sum of the optical path of the first light beam, the optical path of the third light beam, the optical path of the second image light, and the optical path of the third image light is less than the sum of the optical path of the second light beam and the optical path of the first image light.

7. The projection apparatus according to claim 6, wherein The sum of the optical path of the first light beam and the optical path of the third light beam is the same as the optical path of the second light beam.

8. The projection apparatus according to claim 7, wherein The sum of the optical path of the second image light and the optical path of the third image light is less than the optical path of the first image light.

9. The projection apparatus according to any of claims 1-8, wherein, The projection device further comprises a fourth mirror located in the propagation path of the second light beam, the fourth mirror being capable of reflecting the second light beam to the reflective diffusion screen.

10. The projection apparatus according to any of claims 1-8, wherein, The projection device further comprises a first control structure connected with the second mirror, the first control structure being capable of moving and / or rotating the second mirror.

11. The projection apparatus according to any of claims 1-8, wherein, The projection device further comprises a second control structure connected with the first mirror, the second control structure being capable of moving and / or rotating the first mirror.

12. The projection apparatus according to any one of claims 2-8, wherein, The projection device further comprises a third control structure connected with the beam splitter, the third control structure being capable of adjusting the distance between the beam splitter and the third mirror.

13. A vehicle, characterized by The projection device comprises a body and the projection device as claimed in any one of claims 1-12, the projection device being mounted on the body.

14. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein, The body includes an imaging device capable of receiving the first image light and the third image light reflected from the third mirror to cause the first image light and the third image light to be reflected by the imaging device toward an eyebox of a user, the first image light reflected by the imaging device forming a first virtual image, the third image light reflected by the imaging device forming a second virtual image.

Images