A new type of light field AR-HUD device integrated with double trifocal plane display

Abstract

This invention provides a novel light field AR-HUD device integrating dual-focal-plane and triple-focal-plane displays. In this invention, light from three different virtual image distances is emitted from the same image source. The light from the farthest focal plane passes through an adjustable optical path device and is transmitted together with the light from the intermediate focal plane to a small freeform surface mirror. The light from the closest focal plane is emitted by the PGU and transmitted to the small freeform surface mirror. Then, the light from all three focal planes is projected onto a large freeform surface mirror and reflected by the car windshield into the driver's eyes, allowing the driver to simultaneously see images from three different distances. This invention uses a single PGU and, through its optical structure, can achieve switching between dual-focal-plane and triple-focal-plane light field AR-HUD displays, meeting the needs of more driving scenarios, resulting in more layered images and superior display effects, while avoiding a significant increase in cost, providing a new solution for the development of HUD technology.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of head-up display technology, and more specifically, to a novel light field AR-HUD device integrating dual three-focal-plane displays. Background Technology

[0002] In the current HUD (Head-Up Display) product field, existing technologies mainly focus on single-image display solutions with a fixed virtual image distance. Specifically, w-HUD (windshield-mounted head-up display) generally employs a single-image display solution with a virtual image distance of less than 5 meters, while traditional AR-HUD (augmented reality head-up display) emphasizes providing a single-image display at a greater distance. With the continuous development of automotive technology and consumers' increasing demands for driving experience and safety, AR-HUD, with its ability to provide a more immersive and information-rich display effect, is gradually surpassing w-HUD in product numbers and becoming the market trend.

[0003] Existing technologies have the following drawbacks: In real-world driving scenarios, especially when following closely, traditional AR-HUDs, due to their long projection distance, cause the virtual image to merge with the vehicle in front. This can cause driver discomfort, interfere with the driver's judgment of road conditions, and reduce driving safety and comfort. Furthermore, the single-image display of a w-HUD with a virtual image distance of less than 5 meters cannot meet the diverse information display needs and struggles to provide sufficient effective information in complex road conditions.

[0004] While a few dual-view AR-HUDs exist on the market, improving vehicle tracking compared to traditional single-view HUDs and offering greater freedom in UI design, there is still significant room for improvement. Although these dual-view AR-HUDs can provide two views with different virtual image distances, their functionality and display effects are not yet perfect and cannot fully meet the needs of various complex driving scenarios.

[0005] Previous dual-focal-area HUD solutions primarily utilized waveplates and polarizing films to achieve dual-focal-area display. However, this approach has significant drawbacks. Firstly, the addition of waveplates and polarizing films substantially increases costs, making it unattractive to both HUD suppliers and OEM customers, hindering mass production and market adoption. Secondly, this solution only enables dual-focal-area display, failing to provide additional focal-area display capabilities, thus falling short in meeting complex vehicle usage scenarios and improving display quality.

[0006] To address the aforementioned shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention proposes a novel multi-view AR-HUD optical design. Employing a single PGU image generation unit and a unique optical design, it enables switching between dual-focal-plane and tri-focal-plane light field AR-HUD displays. This solution aims to meet the needs of various vehicle usage scenarios, resulting in more layered images and a more integrated display effect. Simultaneously, the unique optical design avoids increased costs, making it more price-competitive and providing consumers with a higher-quality, more cost-effective HUD solution. Therefore, we have made improvements and proposed a novel light field AR-HUD device integrating dual tri-focal-plane displays. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this utility model is to address the problems raised in the existing background technology. To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a novel light field AR-HUD device integrating dual three-focal-plane display, comprising a farthest virtual image plane, a middle-distance virtual image plane disposed in front of the farthest virtual image plane, a nearest virtual image plane disposed in front of the middle-distance virtual image plane, and a car windshield mounted on one side of the nearest virtual image plane, with the car windshield located inside the driver's cab at the driver's eye level.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the farthest virtual image surface, the intermediate virtual image surface, and the nearest virtual image surface are refracted by the light source.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the driver's eye position and perspective observe three different distances of the virtual image plane: the farthest virtual image plane, the intermediate virtual image plane, and the closest virtual image plane.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, a large freeform surface reflector is provided on the lower left side of the car windshield.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, a first small freeform surface mirror and a second small freeform surface mirror are respectively installed on the upper right side of the large freeform surface mirror.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the first small freeform surface reflector and the second small freeform surface reflector are symmetrically arranged, and the first small freeform surface reflector and the second small freeform surface reflector are located at the lower right of the car windshield.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, a PUG is provided on the lower right side of the large freeform surface reflector, and an optical device with adjustable optical path is provided on the PUG.

[0014] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the adjustable optical path optical device transmits the light rays from the farthest virtual image surface and the light paths from the intermediate virtual image surface together to the first small freeform surface mirror corresponding to the nearest virtual image surface.

[0015] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: This invention can achieve integrated display of dual-focal and tri-focal planes on a single HUD prototype. Compared with traditional HUDs that can only provide a single focal plane display, this device can simultaneously present three images at different distances, greatly enriching the display functions. During driving, it can simultaneously display navigation prompts at a distance (corresponding to the farthest virtual image plane), vehicle speed and other routine information at intermediate distances (corresponding to the intermediate distance virtual image plane), and emergency information such as warning icons at the closest distance, allowing the driver to obtain various key information more comprehensively and in a timely manner.

[0016] With adjustable optical path devices, drivers can independently adjust the display mode according to their actual driving needs, switching between dual-focal and triple-focal display functions. This allows the device to adapt to a wider range of driving scenarios, providing the most suitable display effect for the current situation, whether it's urban traffic congestion, long-distance highway driving, or driving in various weather conditions, thus improving driving safety and comfort.

[0017] This device achieves superior multi-focal plane display effects. Images at different distances are presented clearly and accurately in the driver's field of vision, reducing visual interference and confusion. For example, when multiple pieces of information are displayed simultaneously, information from different focal planes can be presented in layers, making it easier for the driver to distinguish and focus on important information, avoiding misjudgments caused by information overlap. This clear, layered display effect helps drivers receive and process information more quickly and accurately, thereby improving the accuracy of driving decisions.

[0018] This novel light field AR-HUD device achieves rich functionality and excellent display effects while only slightly increasing costs compared to ordinary AR-HUDs. Through ingenious optical system design and the use of adjustable optical path optics, it integrates dual-focal and triple-focal displays without significantly increasing costs. This makes the device highly cost-effective in the market, meeting consumer demand for high-quality, multi-functional display systems without imposing an excessive financial burden, thus facilitating the promotion and application of this technology. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall design layout structure provided for this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the principle of this utility model.

[0021] The image shows:

[0022] 1. The farthest virtual image plane; 2. The intermediate virtual image plane; 3. The closest virtual image plane; 4. Car windshield; 5. Driver's eye position; 6. Large freeform surface mirror; 7. First small freeform surface mirror; 8. Second small freeform surface mirror; 9. PUG; 10. Adjustable optical path optical device. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model.

[0024] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this utility model is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed utility model, but merely illustrates some embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features and technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0025] Example 1: A novel light field AR-HUD device integrating dual three-focal-plane display includes a farthest virtual image plane 1, a middle-distance virtual image plane 2 is provided at the front end of the farthest virtual image plane 1, and a nearest virtual image plane 3 is provided at the front end of the middle-distance virtual image plane 2. A car windshield 4 is installed on one side of the nearest virtual image plane 3, and a driver's eye position 5 is provided in the driver's cab of the car windshield 4.

[0026] The farthest virtual image plane 1, the intermediate virtual image plane 2, and the closest virtual image plane 3 can be refracted by the light source. From the driver's eye position 5, the driver can observe images at three different distances: the farthest virtual image plane 1, the intermediate virtual image plane 2, and the closest virtual image plane 3.

[0027] A large freeform surface reflector 6 is installed on the lower left side of the car windshield 4, and the large freeform surface reflector 6 is installed at a 45-degree angle. On the upper right side of the large freeform surface reflector 6, a first small freeform surface reflector 7 corresponding to the nearest virtual image plane, and a second small freeform surface reflector 8 corresponding to the middle and farthest virtual image planes are respectively installed.

[0028] The first small freeform surface mirror 7, which is closest to the virtual image plane, and the second small freeform surface mirror 8, which is the middle and the farthest, are symmetrically arranged at the lower right of the car windshield 4.

[0029] A PUG9 is located on the lower right side of the large freeform surface mirror 6, and an adjustable optical path optical device 10 is provided on the PUG9. The adjustable optical path optical device 10 can transmit the light rays from the farthest virtual image surface 1 and the light paths from the intermediate virtual image surface 2 together to the first small freeform surface mirror 7 corresponding to the nearest virtual image surface.

[0030] The working principle of the new light field AR-HUD device integrating dual three-focal-plane display: The same image source PUG9 emits light with three different virtual image distances, corresponding to the farthest virtual image plane 1, the middle virtual image plane 2, and the closest virtual image plane 3, respectively.

[0031] Light rays from the farthest virtual image surface 1, after passing through the adjustable optical path optics 10, are transmitted together with the light path from the intermediate virtual image surface 2 to the second small freeform surface mirror 8 corresponding to the intermediate and farthest virtual image surfaces. Light rays from the nearest virtual image surface 3 are emitted directly by PUG 9 and transmitted to the first small freeform surface mirror 7 corresponding to the nearest virtual image surface. After the above transmission, the light rays from the three focal surfaces corresponding to the three virtual image surfaces are jointly projected onto the large freeform surface mirror 6. The large freeform surface mirror 6 is installed at a 45-degree angle, reflecting the light towards the car windshield 4.

[0032] Light is reflected by the car's windshield 4 and enters the driver's eye position 5, allowing the driver to observe images at three different distances: the farthest virtual image plane 1, the intermediate-distance virtual image plane 2, and the closest virtual image plane 3. To achieve the function of having both a three-focal-plane and a dual-focal-plane simultaneously in the same HUD assembly, an adjustable optical path optics device 10 is used. This device can combine the farthest focal plane corresponding to the farthest virtual image plane 1 and the intermediate focal plane corresponding to the intermediate-distance virtual image plane 2.

[0033] Drivers can adjust the display mode independently through the adjustable optical path optical device 10 according to their actual driving needs, and switch between dual-focal and triple-focal display functions to adapt to more driving scenarios.

[0034] The working process of the new light field AR-HUD device integrating dual three-focal-plane display is as follows: PUG9 is used as the image source to emit light. These light rays contain light at three different virtual image distances, corresponding to the farthest virtual image plane 1, the intermediate virtual image plane 2, and the closest virtual image plane 3, which provides the basis for subsequent imaging.

[0035] After being emitted from the farthest virtual image plane 1, the light rays enter the adjustable optical path device 10. This device can adjust the optical path of the light rays to meet the needs of subsequent optical path merging and imaging.

[0036] Meanwhile, the light rays from the nearest virtual image plane 3 are emitted directly by PUG9 and transmitted to the first small freeform surface mirror 7 corresponding to the nearest virtual image plane. The light rays from the farthest virtual image plane 1, adjusted by the adjustable optical path optics 10, are merged with the light paths from the intermediate virtual image plane 2. This merging is achieved through the adjustable optical path optics 10 and is a key step in realizing the integrated display of dual-focal and triple-focal planes. The merged light rays are transmitted together to the second small freeform surface mirror 8 corresponding to the intermediate and farthest virtual image planes. Meanwhile, the light rays from the nearest virtual image plane 3 have already reached the first small freeform surface mirror 7 corresponding to the nearest virtual image plane. These two first small freeform surface mirrors 7 and 8 serve to change the direction of light propagation and optimize light characteristics, preparing for subsequent large-angle reflection and imaging.

[0037] The light rays, after being reflected by the first small freeform surface mirrors 7 and 8, corresponding to the three focal planes and corresponding to the three virtual image planes, are projected onto the large freeform surface mirror 6. Its shape and angle design allow for accurate reflection of the light rays towards the car windshield 4. Upon reaching the windshield 4, the light rays are reflected. The reflected light then enters the driver's eye position 5, forming three images at different distances in the driver's visual system: the farthest virtual image plane 1, the intermediate virtual image plane 2, and the closest virtual image plane 3, thus achieving a multi-focal surface display effect. The driver can adjust the display mode independently according to the actual driving scenario and needs using the adjustable optical path device 10. When a three-focal surface display is required, the adjustable optical path device 10 operates normally, ensuring that the light rays from the three virtual image planes are properly imaged.

[0038] If a dual-focal-plane display is required, the adjustable optical path optics 10 can merge the farthest focal plane corresponding to the farthest virtual image plane 1 and the intermediate focal plane corresponding to the intermediate virtual image plane 2, thereby changing the imaging effect to adapt to different usage scenarios and improve the practicality and flexibility of the device.

[0039] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present utility model and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, the present utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Therefore, any modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present utility model, and all technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the utility model, are covered within the scope of the claims of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A novel light field AR-HUD device integrating dual three-focal-plane display, comprising the farthest virtual image plane (1), characterized in that, The farthest virtual image surface (1) is provided with an intermediate virtual image surface (2) at its front end. The intermediate virtual image surface (2) is provided with a nearest virtual image surface (3) at its front end. A car windshield (4) is installed on one side of the nearest virtual image surface (3). The car windshield (4) is located in the driver's eye position (5) inside the driver's cab.

2. The novel light field AR-HUD device integrating dual three-focal-plane display according to claim 1, characterized in that, The farthest virtual image plane (1), the intermediate virtual image plane (2), and the nearest virtual image plane (3) are refracted by the light source.

3. A novel light field AR-HUD device integrating dual three-focal-plane display according to claim 2, characterized in that, The driver's eye position (5) observes three different distances from the virtual image plane (1), the intermediate virtual image plane (2), and the closest virtual image plane (3).

4. A novel light field AR-HUD device integrating dual three-focal-plane display according to claim 3, characterized in that, The car windshield (4) is provided with a large freeform surface reflector (6) on the lower left.

5. A novel light field AR-HUD device integrating dual three-focal-plane display according to claim 4, characterized in that, The large freeform surface reflector (6) has a first small freeform surface reflector (7) and a second small freeform surface reflector (8) installed on its upper right side.

6. A novel light field AR-HUD device integrating dual three-focal-plane display according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first small freeform surface reflector (7) and the second small freeform surface reflector (8) are symmetrically arranged, and the first small freeform surface reflector (7) and the second small freeform surface reflector (8) are located at the lower right of the car windshield (4).

7. A novel light field AR-HUD device integrating dual three-focal-plane display according to claim 6, characterized in that, A PUG (9) is provided on the lower right side of the large freeform surface mirror (6), and an optical device (10) with adjustable optical path is provided on the PUG (9).

8. A novel light field AR-HUD device integrating dual three-focal-plane display according to claim 7, characterized in that, The adjustable optical path optical device (10) transmits the light from the farthest virtual image surface (1) and the light path from the intermediate virtual image surface (2) together to the first small freeform surface mirror (7) corresponding to the nearest virtual image surface.

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