A projection distance variable head-up display assembly and head-up display system

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of projection distance variable head-up display assembly and head-up display system.The head-up display assembly is applied to windshield glass, comprising: light input unit, light transmission unit and curvature adjustable lens;Light input unit is used to issue image light containing image information;The light input port of light transmission unit is cooperatively arranged with light input unit, receives image light and is transmitted to the light output port of light transmission unit, to output image light by light output port;Curvature adjustable lens is between the light output port of light transmission unit and windshield glass, image light is output corresponding emergent light to windshield glass after curvature adjustable lens, to image by windshield glass;Wherein, curvature adjustable lens is used to adjust emergent light when adjusting curvature, to adjust the position of imaging.The utility model is implemented without moving optical element to realize different projection distance, and system stability is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of head-up display technology, and more specifically, to a head-up display component and system with variable projection distance. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional HUDs (Head-Up Displays) utilize the principle of reflection, typically using a magnifying mirror to project an image onto the windshield. To achieve different projection distances, the position of the Projection Unit (PGU) or the entire PGU and first-stage mirror are usually moved to change the system's optical path. Limited by geometric optics, achieving a larger field of view (FOV) and a longer lens image (VID) in a traditional HUD necessitates an increase in mirror size and overall HUD volume. Furthermore, if high-precision positioning cannot be guaranteed when moving the PGU or the entire PGU and first-stage mirror to achieve different projection distances, the system is prone to instability and poor image quality. Utility Model Content

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a head-up display component and head-up display system with variable projection distance, in view of the above-mentioned technical defects of the prior art.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is: to construct a head-up display component with variable projection distance and apply it to a windshield. The head-up display component includes: a light input unit, a light transmission unit and a curvature adjustable lens.

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

[0006] The light input port of the light transmission unit is configured to cooperate with the light input unit to receive the image light and transmit it to the light output port of the light transmission unit so as to output the image light through the light output port;

[0007] The curvature-adjustable lens is located between the light output port of the light transmission unit and the windshield. The image light passes through the curvature-adjustable lens and outputs a corresponding outgoing light to the windshield to form an image through the windshield.

[0008] The curvature-adjustable lens is used to adjust the emitted light when adjusting the curvature, thereby adjusting the position of the image.

[0009] Preferably, in one embodiment of the head-up display component of this utility model, a voltage generation unit is further included;

[0010] The voltage generation unit is used to receive a trigger signal to generate a corresponding driving voltage;

[0011] The curvature-adjustable lens receives the driving voltage and adjusts its curvature according to the driving voltage.

[0012] Preferably, in one embodiment of the head-up display component of this utility model, the voltage generation unit includes a voltage regulator chip of model LM317HV.

[0013] Preferably, in one embodiment of the head-up display component of this utility model, the light transmission unit includes an optical waveguide;

[0014] The coupling inlet of the optical waveguide is the light input port of the light transmission unit, and the coupling outlet of the optical waveguide is the light output port of the light transmission unit. The image light output through the coupling outlet of the optical waveguide is parallel light.

[0015] Preferably, in one embodiment of the head-up display component of this utility model, the optical waveguide is a diffractive optical waveguide or a holographic optical waveguide.

[0016] Preferably, in one embodiment of the head-up display assembly of the present invention, the light transmission unit includes a beam splitter;

[0017] The image light is sequentially split into several parallel beams as it is transmitted in the beam splitter, and then emitted to the curvature adjustable lens at different positions of the beam splitter.

[0018] Preferably, in one embodiment of the head-up display assembly of the present invention, the beam splitting element includes a light transmission channel with parallel upper and lower surfaces, and a plurality of inclined surfaces arranged at a preset angle to the surface of the light transmission channel within the light transmission channel;

[0019] The image light undergoes total internal reflection on the upper and lower surfaces of the optical transmission channel, and during its transmission through the optical transmission channel, the image light is partially reflected sequentially by the inclined surface to generate several parallel lights, which then exit from the upper surface of the optical transmission channel to the curvature adjustable lens.

[0020] Preferably, in one embodiment of the head-up display assembly of the present invention, the curvature-adjustable lens includes a convex lens, a concave lens, or a Fresnel lens with adjustable curvature.

[0021] Preferably, in one embodiment of the head-up display assembly of the present invention, the light input unit includes an optomechanical module comprising TFTLCD, DLP or LCoS circuitry.

[0022] This invention also constructs a head-up display system with a variable projection distance, including a windshield and a head-up display component as described above.

[0023] The head-up display component and system with variable projection distance according to this utility model have the following advantages: different projection distances can be achieved without moving optical elements, and the system has high stability. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. In the accompanying drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the head-up display component with variable projection distance according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a structure of an embodiment of a medium curvature adjustable lens;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the head-up display component with variable projection distance according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the head-up display component with variable projection distance according to the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of a beam splitter. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of this utility model, the specific embodiments of this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] like Figure 1 The diagram illustrates an embodiment of a head-up display (HUD) component with a variable projection distance according to this invention. This HUD component is used on a windshield 4 to project an image through the windshield 4, ultimately displaying relevant information. This relevant information can be understood as information set by the user as needed. Figure 1In an embodiment of the present invention, a head-up display component with variable projection distance is shown. The head-up display component includes: a light input unit 1, a light transmission unit 2, and a curvature-adjustable lens 3. The light input unit 1 is used to emit image light containing image information. The light input port of the light transmission unit 2 is configured to cooperate with the light input unit 1 to receive the image light and transmit it to the light output port of the light transmission unit 2, so as to output the image light through the light output port. The curvature-adjustable lens 3 is located between the light output port of the light transmission unit 2 and the windshield 4. After the image light passes through the curvature-adjustable lens 3, a corresponding outgoing light is output to the windshield 4 to form an image through the windshield 4. The curvature-adjustable lens 3 is used to adjust the outgoing light when adjusting the curvature to adjust the position of the image.

[0032] Specifically, the light input unit 1 is used to generate image light containing image information required by the HUD parameters. The light input unit 1 typically consists of a display chip, electronic system, optical structure, etc. In the specific image light generation process, the light input unit 1 can receive image data from an external device and emit corresponding image light based on the image data. In one specific embodiment, the light input unit 1 can display an image based on the received image data through internal circuitry, and project the image display using internal light-emitting circuitry. In this case, the light emitted by the light input unit 1 can be understood as containing the image display information, i.e., the required image information. In one specific embodiment, the light input unit 1 includes an optomechanical module containing TFTLCD, DLP, or LCoS circuitry.

[0033] The light input port of the light transmission unit 2 is configured in conjunction with the light input unit 1, allowing the image light emitted from the light input unit 1 to enter the light transmission unit 2 through the light input port. The light is then transmitted within the light transmission unit 2 and finally output through the light output port to the curvature-adjustable lens 3. This curvature-adjustable lens 3 then produces corresponding outgoing light which is reflected by the windshield 4 and onto a preset eye-box area 5. The image light is then visualized by the human eye through the windshield 4, thus providing the desired display information. Because the curvature of the curvature-adjustable lens 3 is adjustable, the projection angle of the outgoing light relative to the windshield 4 is adjusted by changing the curvature of the lens 3, thereby adjusting the imaging position of the outgoing light as it passes through the windshield 4. This process achieves a variable projection distance without moving optical components, resulting in high stability.

[0034] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2As shown, the curvature-adjustable lens 3 can be made entirely of transparent materials such as glass or plastic to ensure light transmission. It also serves as containers 1a and 2a for the liquids. Container 1a contains a conductive liquid (such as NaCl solution), while container 2a contains an insulating liquid (such as silicone oil or mineral oil). The two liquids are incompatible. Because the two liquids have different refractive indices, refraction occurs at their interface. By applying a voltage to the voltage input terminal 3a of the curvature-adjustable lens 3, the surface molecules of the conductive liquid are acted upon, increasing the wettability of the liquid and reducing the repulsive force of the previously dormant surface on the conductive liquid, making it easier for the liquid to spread on the surface. This changes the interface curvature of the two liquids, achieving the desired adjustment effect. In other words, the desired curvature can be precisely controlled by the control voltage input through the voltage input terminal 3a.

[0035] Based on the above process, in one embodiment, the head-up display component of this utility model further includes a voltage generation unit; the voltage generation unit is used to receive a trigger signal to generate a corresponding driving voltage; the curvature-adjustable lens 3 receives the driving voltage and adjusts its curvature according to the driving voltage. Specifically, in this head-up display component, a voltage generation unit is provided, which generates the required driving voltage according to the received trigger signal, and the curvature-adjustable lens 3 adjusts its curvature through the driving voltage. The trigger signal can be generated by the user or the host as needed.

[0036] In one specific embodiment, the voltage generation unit includes a voltage regulator chip of model LM317HV. The adjustment signal input pin of this voltage regulator chip receives an adjustment signal and outputs a corresponding voltage according to the adjustment signal to provide the required voltage to the curvature-adjustable lens 3. In one specific embodiment, a digital potentiometer can be used to provide the corresponding level to achieve the voltage regulation process of the voltage regulator chip. In other embodiments, a similar voltage regulator chip can be used to replace the LM317HV.

[0037] In one specific embodiment, the input voltage to the curvature-adjustable lens 3 is adjusted by the voltage generation unit, so that the surface curvature of the curvature-adjustable lens 3 satisfies a first curvature state 31, a second curvature state 32, and a third curvature state 33, respectively. When the surface curvature of the curvature-adjustable lens 3 is adjusted to the first curvature state 31, the light passing through the curvature-adjustable lens 3 is emitted at a first angle to reach the windshield 4, and then reflected onto the preset eye box area 5, with the corresponding projected virtual image position being the first position 61. When the surface curvature of the curvature-adjustable lens 3 is adjusted to the second curvature state 32, the light passing through the curvature-adjustable lens 3 is emitted at a second angle to reach the windshield 4, and then reflected onto the preset eye box area 5, with the corresponding projected virtual image position being the second position 62. When the surface curvature of the curvature-adjustable lens 3 is adjusted to the third curvature state 33, the light passing through the curvature-adjustable lens 3 is emitted at a third angle to reach the windshield 4, and then reflected onto the preset eye box area 5, with the corresponding projected virtual image position being the third position 63. Ultimately, the projection distance can be smoothly changed by smoothly adjusting the surface curvature of the curvature-adjustable lens 3.

[0038] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the light transmission unit 2 includes an optical waveguide; the coupling entrance of the optical waveguide is the light input port of the light transmission unit 2, and the coupling exit of the optical waveguide is the light output port of the light transmission unit 2, and the image light output through the coupling exit of the optical waveguide is parallel light. That is, the light transmission unit 2 is an optical waveguide, and the coupling entrance of the optical waveguide serves as the light input port of the light transmission unit 2, used to receive the image light emitted by the light input unit 1. The image light, after being transmitted in the optical waveguide, forms parallel light at the coupling exit of the optical waveguide, and this parallel light is output to the curvature-adjustable lens 3 through the coupling exit of the optical waveguide. In one embodiment, the optical waveguide is a diffractive optical waveguide or a holographic optical waveguide. In another embodiment, the optical waveguide can be an arrayed optical waveguide. In a specific embodiment, the coupling area of ​​the optical waveguide can be increased by using an arrayed optical waveguide to expand the light output area.

[0039] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the light transmission unit 2 includes a beam splitter; when the image light is transmitted through the beam splitter, it is sequentially split into several parallel beams, and then emitted to the curvature-adjustable lens 3 through different positions of the beam splitter. Specifically, when the image light is transmitted in the light transmission unit 2, it can be split by the beam splitter, so that the image light is split into several parallel beams, and then emitted to the curvature-adjustable lens 3 through the corresponding splitting position of the beam splitter. That is, it can be understood that by setting the splitting position of the beam splitter, the image light enters the curvature-adjustable lens 3 from different positions. In this embodiment, a beam splitter is used to expand the light output area, and only one element is used to achieve the effect of two mirrors in a traditional HUD. Under the same specifications, this embodiment can reduce the size of the HUD system.

[0040] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the beam splitter includes a light transmission channel with parallel upper and lower surfaces, and several inclined surfaces arranged at a preset angle to the surface of the light transmission channel within the light transmission channel; the image light is transmitted by total internal reflection on the upper and lower surfaces of the light transmission channel, and during the transmission of the image light in the light transmission channel, it is partially reflected by the inclined surfaces in sequence to generate several parallel lights and exit from the upper surface of the light transmission channel to the curvature adjustable lens 3.

[0041] Specifically, the beam splitter has a structure consisting of a light transmission channel with parallel upper and lower surfaces. Several inclined surfaces are arranged within the light transmission channel. After the image light enters the beam splitter, it undergoes total internal reflection within the light output channel via the upper and lower surfaces for transmission. When the image light encounters an inclined surface during transmission, it undergoes partial reflection. This reflected light exits through the upper surface of the light transmission channel and reaches the curvature-adjustable lens 3. The preset angle α between the inclined surface and the surface of the light transmission channel can be adjusted so that the image light, after reflection by the inclined surface, exits the light transmission channel as parallel light and enters the curvature-adjustable lens 3. To ensure that the image light is transmitted via total internal reflection through the light transmission channel, the angle β of light propagation within the beam splitter must satisfy the following relationship: β = 2α. Assuming the refractive index of the beam splitter medium is n and the field of view of the image generation unit is θ, the following relationship must be satisfied to ensure total internal reflection within the beam splitter:

[0042] In one specific embodiment, the curvature-adjustable lens 3 includes a convex lens, a concave lens, or a Fresnel lens with adjustable curvature.

[0043] Furthermore, the head-up display system of this utility model includes the aforementioned head-up display component and a windshield. Specifically, the head-up display component transmits image light, which is then reflected by the windshield so that the reflected image can be seen in a predetermined eye-viewing area. The aforementioned head-up display component allows for adjustment of the imaging position of the head-up display system, ensuring that the imaging effect meets user needs.

[0044] It is understood that the above embodiments only illustrate preferred embodiments of the present utility model, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present utility model patent. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, the above technical features can be freely combined, and several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present utility model, all of which fall within the protection scope of the present utility model. Therefore, all equivalent transformations and modifications made within the scope of the claims of the present utility model should fall within the coverage of the claims of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A head-up display component with variable projection distance, characterized in that, For use in windshields, the head-up display assembly includes: a light input unit, a light transmission unit, and a curvature-adjustable lens; The light input unit is used to emit image light containing image information; The light input port of the light transmission unit is configured to cooperate with the light input unit to receive the image light and transmit it to the light output port of the light transmission unit so as to output the image light through the light output port; The curvature-adjustable lens is located between the light output port of the light transmission unit and the windshield. The image light passes through the curvature-adjustable lens and outputs corresponding outgoing light to the windshield to form an image through the windshield. The curvature-adjustable lens is used to adjust the emitted light when adjusting the curvature, thereby adjusting the position of the image.

2. The head-up display component according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a voltage generation unit; The voltage generation unit is used to receive a trigger signal to generate a corresponding driving voltage; The curvature-adjustable lens receives the driving voltage and adjusts its curvature according to the driving voltage.

3. The head-up display component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The voltage generation unit includes a voltage regulator chip of model LM317HV.

4. The head-up display component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light transmission unit includes an optical waveguide; The coupling inlet of the optical waveguide is the light input port of the light transmission unit, and the coupling outlet of the optical waveguide is the light output port of the light transmission unit. The image light output through the coupling outlet of the optical waveguide is parallel light.

5. The head-up display component according to claim 4, characterized in that, The optical waveguide is either a diffractive optical waveguide or a holographic optical waveguide.

6. The head-up display component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light transmission unit includes a beam splitter; The image light is sequentially split into several parallel beams as it is transmitted in the beam splitter, and then emitted to the curvature adjustable lens at different positions of the beam splitter.

7. The head-up display component according to claim 6, characterized in that, The beam splitter includes a light transmission channel with parallel upper and lower surfaces, and several inclined surfaces arranged at a preset angle to the surface of the light transmission channel within the light transmission channel; The image light undergoes total internal reflection on the upper and lower surfaces of the optical transmission channel, and during its transmission through the optical transmission channel, the image light is partially reflected sequentially by the inclined surface to generate several parallel lights, which then exit from the upper surface of the optical transmission channel to the curvature adjustable lens.

8. The head-up display component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The curvature-adjustable lens includes a convex lens, a concave lens, or a Fresnel lens with adjustable curvature.

9. The head-up display component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light input unit includes an optomechanical module containing TFTLCD, DLP, or LCoS circuitry.

10. A head-up display system with variable projection distance, characterized in that, It includes a windshield and a head-up display assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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