A display element, a projection lens, a projection device, and a vehicle

Abstract

This application provides a display element, a projection lens, a projection device, and a vehicle. The display element provided by this application combines polarization conversion and pixel expansion functions, and when applied to a projection unit (PGU), it can optimize the PGU design and reduce the PGU's size. The display element includes an optical medium and a moving component. Specifically, the optical medium is used to polarize a first light beam incident on the optical medium to generate a second light beam. The moving component is used to change the exit position of the second light beam from the optical medium by moving the optical medium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of display technology and the field of intelligent vehicle driving technology, and more specifically, to a display element, a projection lens, a projection device, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The picture generating unit (PGU) module, as the core component of a projection device, is responsible for converting information into images or text output sources. Currently, PGU module designs typically use expanded pixel resolution (XPR) components for pixel expansion. However, since these pixel expansion components can only be placed in the back focus area, and the back focus space of the PGU is limited, optimizing the PGU design and improving space utilization is a problem that needs to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a display element, a projection lens, a projection device, and a vehicle. The display element provided by this application combines polarization conversion and pixel expansion functions, which can optimize the design of the PGU and reduce its size.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a display element. The display element is used in a projection device (or projection apparatus). The display element includes: an optical medium and a moving component, wherein the optical medium is used to polarize a first light beam incident on the optical medium to generate a second light beam; and the moving component is used to change the position at which the second light beam exits the optical medium by moving the optical medium.

[0005] The display element provided in this application can be applied to projection devices. It employs an optical medium capable of polarization conversion and a moving component that allows the optical medium to change the position of the emitted light beam, thereby achieving image movement. In other words, polarization conversion and image expansion are achieved simultaneously through a single display element. When applied to projection devices, the display element provided in this application simplifies the design of the projection device and reduces its size.

[0006] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the display element is arranged between the image source of the image generation unit (PGU) module and the lens of the PGU.

[0007] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the display element is arranged in an image generation unit (PGU) module, and the change in the position of the second light beam exiting the optical medium is related to the pixel size of the image source of the PGU module.

[0008] Based on the above solution, the display element provided in this application can achieve pixel-level movement, thereby achieving the effect of pixel expansion.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the display element further includes a structural frame, the movable component is disposed on the structural frame, and the structural frame is used to provide support for the display element.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the thickness of the optical medium ranges from [0.7 mm to 3.0 mm].

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the refractive index of the optical medium is in the range of [1, 2].

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the incident angle of the first beam is in the range of [0.3°, 0.7°].

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the optical medium is square, and the side length of the optical medium is in the range of [5mm, 20mm].

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the display element is square, and the side length of the display element is 1.5 to 2 times the side length of the optical medium.

[0015] Secondly, this application provides a projection lens. The projection lens includes a display element provided in the first aspect or any implementation thereof, and at least one projection lens.

[0016] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the display element is positioned in front of the first projection lens of the projection lens along the transmission direction of the second beam.

[0017] Thirdly, this application provides a projection device. The projection device includes a display element, a projection lens, and an image source as provided in the first aspect or any implementation thereof. The image source is used to generate a first light beam carrying image information and project the first light beam onto the display element; the projection lens is used to receive a second light beam from the display element and generate a projection beam based on the second light beam.

[0018] Fourthly, this application provides a projection device. The projection device includes a projection lens and an image source provided in the second aspect or any implementation thereof. The image source is used to generate a first light beam carrying image information and to project the first light beam to the projection lens; the projection lens is used to receive the first light beam from the image source and to generate a projection beam based on the first light beam.

[0019] In conjunction with the third aspect or the fourth aspect described above, in some implementations of the third aspect or the fourth aspect described above, the projection device further includes a processor. The processor is configured to provide the image information to the image source.

[0020] In some embodiments, the projection device provided in this application can project an emitted projection beam onto various display media, such as the ground, projection screen, canopy, vehicle window, holographic display element, etc., with the specific display media depending on the scenario in which the projection device is used. For example, when the projection device is a pixelated headlight, the pixelated headlight can project a pattern onto the ground, wall, screen, etc. When the projection device is a home projector, the home projector can project a pattern onto a wall, screen, etc.

[0021] In other embodiments, the projection device provided in this application may include a first display medium. For example, when the projection device is a head-up display (HUD), the first display medium is a windshield; when the projection device is an in-vehicle cinema projector, the first display medium may be a screen, etc.

[0022] Fifthly, this application provides a means of transportation. The means of transportation includes a display element provided in the first aspect or any implementation thereof, or a projection lens provided in the second aspect or any implementation thereof, or a projection device provided by a display element provided in the third aspect or the fourth aspect, or any implementation thereof.

[0023] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the vehicle further includes a second display medium, and the projection device is used to project the projection beam onto the second display medium. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram of a vehicle 100 to which this application embodiment applies.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the application scenario of HUD devices to which the embodiments of this application apply.

[0026] Figure 3This is a schematic structural diagram of a display element 200 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the display element 200 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic block diagram of a projection lens 600 applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a projection device 700 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a display device 800 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 8 A circuit diagram of a display device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a possible functional framework for a means of transportation provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] The following description is provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application.

[0035] First, the terms "first," "second," and various numerical designations used in the textual descriptions or drawings of the embodiments of this application shown below are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to describe a specific order or sequence, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, "first beam" and "second beam" are used to distinguish different beams.

[0036] Second, the terms “comprising” and “having” and any variations thereof in the embodiments of this application shown below are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such processes, methods, products or devices.

[0037] Third, in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Embodiments or designs described as "exemplarily" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. The use of words such as "exemplarily" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0038] Fourth, in the embodiments of this application, image light refers to light carrying an image (or image information) used to generate an image, and can also be called imaging light.

[0039] Fifth, in the accompanying drawings of this application, the thickness, size, and shape of the various optical elements have been slightly exaggerated for ease of illustration. Specifically, the shapes of the optical elements shown in the drawings are illustrated by way of example. Furthermore, the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not drawn strictly to scale.

[0040] Sixth, unless otherwise specified, all terms used in this application (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. It should also be understood that terms (e.g., those defined in common dictionaries) shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.

[0041] It is understood that the embodiments described in this application are only some of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, with the development of technology and the emergence of new scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram of a vehicle 100 to which this application embodiment applies. Specifically, the vehicle 100 may include a sensing system 120, a display device 130, and a computing platform 150. The sensing system 120 may include one or more sensors for sensing information about the environment surrounding the vehicle 100. For example, the sensing system 120 may include a positioning system, which may be a Global Positioning System (GPS), a BeiDou system, or another positioning system. As another example, the sensing system 120 may include one or more of the following: an inertial measurement unit (IMU), lidar, millimeter-wave radar, ultrasonic radar, and a camera device.

[0043] Some or all of the functions of vehicle 100 can be controlled by computing platform 150. Computing platform 150 may include one or more processors, such as processor 151, processors 152 to 15n (n being a positive integer). A processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a type of microprocessor), or digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. These logical relationships are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor may be a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). In reconfigurable hardware circuits, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement some or all of the functions of the aforementioned units. In addition, it can also be hardware circuitry designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), tensor processing unit (TPU), deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc. Furthermore, the computing platform 150 may also include a memory for storing instructions. Some or all of the processors 151 to 15n can call and execute the instructions in the memory to achieve the corresponding functions.

[0044] The in-cabin display devices 130 are mainly divided into two categories: the first is the in-vehicle display screen, and the second is the projection display screen, such as the head-up display (HUD). An in-vehicle display screen is a physical display screen and an important component of the in-vehicle infotainment system. Multiple displays can be installed in the cabin, such as the digital instrument cluster display, the central control screen, the display screen in front of the front passenger (also known as the front-seat passenger), the display screen in front of the left rear passenger, the display screen in front of the right rear passenger, and even the car window can be used as a display screen. A head-up display, also known as a head-up display system, is mainly used to display driving information such as speed and navigation on a display device in front of the driver (such as the windshield). This reduces the driver's eye-shift time, avoids pupil changes caused by eye-shifting, and improves driving safety and comfort. HUDs include, for example, combiner-HUD (C-HUD) systems, windshield-HUD (W-HUD) systems, and augmented reality HUD (AR-HUD) systems. It should be understood that HUDs can evolve into other types of systems as technology progresses, and this application does not limit them. The above description of the display device 130 uses an in-vehicle display screen and a projection display screen as examples, and the embodiments of this application are not limited to these. For example, the display device 130 can also be a light display screen or a projection screen.

[0045] It is understood that the display element, projection lens, and projection device provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to, for example... Figure 1 In the vehicle shown. The projection device provided in this embodiment can be... Figure 1 One example of the display device 130 is, for example, the projection device 700 in the following embodiments, which can be... Figure 1 The display device 130 shown, or included in the display device 130, i.e. Figure 1 The display device 130 shown may have all or part of the structure and function of the projection device in the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, the projection device provided in this application can be applied to both left-hand drive and right-hand drive vehicles. The embodiments of this application do not limit the type of vehicle.

[0046] It should be understood that when the projection device 700 provided in the embodiments of this application is applied in a HUD scenario, the projection device 700 is used in conjunction with the windshield of a vehicle (an example of a second display medium).

[0047] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating several application scenarios applicable to the embodiments of this application. Specifically, in Figure 2In embodiment (a) of this application, the HUD device is applicable to a vehicle. The HUD device projects vehicle status information, external object indications, and navigation information through the vehicle's windshield into the driver's field of vision. Status information includes, but is not limited to, driving speed, mileage, fuel level, coolant temperature, and headlight status. External object indications include, but are not limited to, safe following distance, surrounding obstacles, and reversing camera image. Navigation information includes, but is not limited to, directional arrows, distance, and travel time. The virtual images corresponding to the navigation information and external object indications can be superimposed on the real environment outside the vehicle, providing the driver with augmented reality visual effects, such as AR navigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. Because the virtual images corresponding to the navigation information can be combined with the real-world scene, the HUD device is typically used in conjunction with the vehicle's advanced driving assistance system (ADAS). It should be noted that the above... Figure 2 The provided HUD device is a single-focal-plane display, but this application is not limited to this. That is, the HUD device applicable to the embodiments of this application can also be a HUD device in multi-focal-plane application scenarios, etc.

[0048] exist Figure 2 In (b) of this application, the embodiment applies to automotive pixelated projection headlights. For example, it can constitute an adaptive driving beam (ADB) system. The ADB system is used to determine the position and distance of oncoming vehicles by inputting video camera signals, and adjust the light illumination area accordingly, turning off or dimming the light illumination of oncoming vehicles to avoid glare, while maximizing the driver's visibility needs. In addition to implementing ADB, the embodiment of this application applicable to automotive pixelated projection headlights can also project high-definition symbols and icons on the ground to improve driving safety, and project images and videos to realize rich intelligent vehicle lighting interaction scenarios.

[0049] exist Figure 2 In (c) of this application, the embodiment applies to a projector in an in-vehicle projection system. In this projection system, a screen is installed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, allowing rear passengers to view videos projected by the projector. The projector can be installed on the inside of the vehicle's roof.

[0050] It is understood that the above application scenarios are all illustrated using the embodiments of this application applied to vehicles as examples. The term "vehicle" is used in a broad sense and can refer to means of transportation (such as commercial vehicles, passenger cars, trains, etc.), amusement equipment, toy vehicles, etc. This application does not specifically limit the type of vehicle. The scenarios applicable to this application include, but are not limited to, road vehicles, water vehicles, air vehicles, or entertainment equipment. For example, it includes, but is not limited to, driving vehicles such as airplanes or ships.

[0051] Furthermore, the display element, projection lens, and projection device provided in this application can also be applied to other display systems, namely the aforementioned... Figure 1 and Figure 2 This application only applies to in-vehicle application scenarios in the embodiments of this application, but the application scenarios of this application include, but are not limited to, in-vehicle display systems.

[0052] XPR technology is a technique that improves image resolution through pixel shifting and has been widely used in various fields, such as home projectors, cinema projection systems, and laser TVs. XPR technology relies on an XPR module, which consists of optical and electromagnetic components. Typically, the optical component is made of a specially processed glass to guide light; the electromagnetic component consists of four electromagnetic coils that control the movement of the glass, thereby achieving horizontal and vertical image shifting. Currently, the XPR module is designed into the PGU module, located at the back focal distance of the PGU. Since the back focal distance of the PGU is limited, the addition of the XPR module increases the back focal distance. This is especially true for PGU modules using polarized light, where the limited space also needs to accommodate polarization elements (such as analyzers), which not only affects lens yield but also increases design costs.

[0053] Therefore, this application integrates the two components by using the polarizer as the physical medium for deflecting light in the XPR component, thereby freeing up the back focal space of the PGU.

[0054] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of a display element 200 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 As shown, the display element 200 includes an optical medium 210 and a moving component 220. Specifically, the optical medium 210 is used to polarize a first light beam incident on the optical medium 210 to generate a second light beam. The moving component 220 is used to change the position at which the second light beam exits the optical medium 210 by moving the optical medium 210.

[0055] In some embodiments, the moving component 220 may be a driving component for driving the optical medium 210, that is, the moving component 220 is only used to move the optical medium 210. In this case, the display element 200 may further include a structural frame 230, which provides support for the display element 200. The moving component 220 may be disposed on the structural frame 230 or disposed separately from the structural frame 230. In other embodiments, the moving component 220 is also used to provide support for the display element 200. In this case, the optical medium 210 is fixed by the moving component 220.

[0056] In this application, the optical medium 210 realizes the polarization conversion function, which can be achieved by a phase retardation plate, such as a half-wave plate, a quarter-wave plate, a metal wire grid, a phase retardation film, etc., and this application does not limit it.

[0057] It should be noted that this application does not limit the materials and types of the optical medium 210, the moving component 220 and the structural frame 230. The materials and types of the optical medium 210, the moving component 220 and the structural frame 230 can be reasonably selected according to the application scenario of the display element 200.

[0058] Next, examples will be given of the materials or types used in the structural frame 230, the moving component 220, and the optical medium 210.

[0059] For example, Table 1 shows the materials that can be used in the structural frame 230 provided in the embodiments of this application and the corresponding characteristics of each material.

[0060] Table 1

[0061]

[0062]

[0063] It should be noted that this application does not limit the materials used in the structural frame 230; that is, Table 1 is merely illustrative and does not limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0064] For example, Table 2 shows the types of driving methods that the mobile component 220 provided in the embodiments of this application can adopt, and the corresponding descriptions and materials for each driving method.

[0065] Table 2

[0066]

[0067] It is understood that Table 2 is merely illustrative and does not limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0068] For example, Table 3 shows the materials that can be used for the optical medium 210 provided in the embodiments of this application and a description of each material.

[0069] Table 3

[0070]

[0071] It should be noted that this application does not limit the material used for the optical medium 210; that is, Table 3 is merely illustrative and does not limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0072] In this application, the optical medium 210, in addition to performing polarization conversion on the incident first beam, can also move the position of the emitted second beam. In other words, the moving component 220 can move the optical medium 210 to allow the second beam to exit from different positions on the optical medium 210. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, the display element 200 operates by laterally moving the incident light beam. Specifically, a first light beam is incident on the optical medium 210, and a second light beam exits from the optical medium 210. For different incident angles of the first light beam, the displacement Δy of the exiting second light beam is different. The relationship between the incident angle θ and the beam displacement Δy satisfies the following equation (1). t represents the thickness of the optical medium 210, n represents the refractive index of the optical medium 210, and * represents multiplication.

[0073]

[0074] It is understandable that when the display element 200 is applied in the PGU, the exit position of the second beam is different at different tilt angles (which can be understood as the moving component 220 moving the optical medium 210 at different positions). If the change in the exit position of the second beam at different tilt angles is related to the pixel size of the image source of the PGU module, that is, when the second beam moves at the pixel level, the function of the XPR component can be realized. For example, when the second beam moves according to... Figure 4 When the four positions shown are moved, the display element 200 will achieve a resolution increase of 4 times.

[0075] It should be noted that when the display element 200 is applied in the PGU, it is positioned between the image source and the lens of the PGU module. The light beam emitted from the image source travels a certain distance before entering the optical medium 210 of the display element 200. Because the light beam emitted from the image source has a divergence angle during transmission, the light spot increases when it enters the optical medium 210. In this case, the change in the position of the second light beam is related to the pixel size of the image source in the PGU module, or more specifically, to the size of the light spot on the optical medium 210 for each pixel in the image source. Therefore, the pixel increase achieved by the display element 200 can be understood as an improvement in the resolution of the pixel light spot on the optical medium 210.

[0076] Understandably, in Figure 4 The example given is the movement of the second beam along the y-axis. For the optical medium 210, tilting along different coordinate axes will cause the second beam to move along different coordinate axes.

[0077] Next, taking the application of the display element 200 provided in this application in a PGU as an example, the design of the display element provided in this application will be described in detail. It should be noted that when the display element 200 provided in this application is applied in a PGU, the display element 200 can be part of the PGU lens, or it can be separated from the PGU lens and set up independently. It is understood that the PGU lens includes at least one projection lens, and the display element 200 is arranged in front of the first projection lens. This first projection lens is defined as the lens in which the second beam emitted from the display element 200 first enters along the transmission direction of the second beam.

[0078] When the display element 200 provided in this application is applied in a PGU module, by systematically considering the offset of the principal optical axis of the lens in the PGU module and the range of extinction ratio under the change of the critical ray angle (CRA), and by systematically adjusting the F-number and lens design, when the angle range of the incident angle of the first beam is designed to be [0.3°, 0.7°], the display element 200 provided in this application has multiple parameter ranges. Specifically, the thickness range of the optical medium 210 is [0.7mm, 3.0mm]. The refractive index range of the optical medium 210 is [1, 2]. It should be understood that this application does not limit the shape of the optical medium 210 and the display element 200. For example, the optical medium 210 can be square, and when the optical medium 210 is square, its side length ranges to [5mm, 20mm]. For example, the display element 200 can be square, and when the display element 200 is square, its side length ranges to 1.5-2 times the side length range of the optical medium 210.

[0079] For example, Table 4 shows relevant optical data of the first display element 200 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0080] Table 4

[0081] incident angle θ 0.35° or 0° or -0.35° pixel size 0.00425mm The displacement Δy of the second beam 0.002125mm The refractive index n of optical medium 210 material 1.4876mm The thickness of optical medium 210 material 1.061286mm Deflection angle α 0.235277° Relative angle (θ-α) 0.114723°

[0082] It should be noted that in Table 4, the deflection angle α is defined as the angle between the beam and the normal of the optical medium 210 after the first beam enters the optical medium 210. The relative angle is defined as the difference between the incident angle θ and the deflection angle α. The incident angle θ is related to the mechanical design of the display element 200. According to the above formula (1), θ determines the size of the pixels that the display element 200 can move. In the design of the first display element 200 shown in Table 4, the F number Fno = 2.4 (NA = 0.2068) and the back focal distance of the PGU module are designed to be 32mm. If the image source diagonal is 9.39mm, then the size of the light window (i.e., the effective area in the optical medium 210 actually used for light) is approximately 25×tan(12.025°) + 9.39 = 14.472mm. Therefore, the side length of the optical medium 210 is expected to be 17-18mm and the thickness is 1.06mm. If the weight of the optical medium 210 is 0.85g, then the driving mode of the first display element 200 is set to coil driving. This first display element 200 can be applied to smart cars, has high reliability specifications, can support high luminous flux, and has good versatility.

[0083] For example, Table 5 shows relevant optical data for the second display element 200 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0084] Table 5

[0085] movable angle of incident angle 0.5° or 0° or -0.35° pixel size 0.00425mm The displacement Δy of the second beam 0.002125mm The refractive index n of optical medium 210 material 1.4876mm The thickness of optical medium 210 material 0.742894mm Deflection angle α 0.33611° Relative angle (θ-α) 0.16389°

[0086] It should be noted that in the design of the second type of display element 200 shown in Table 5, an F-number Fno = 2.4 (NA = 0.2068) and a back focal distance of 32mm for the PGU module are used. If the image source diagonal is 9.39mm, the aperture size is approximately 25 × tan(12.025°) + 9.39 = 14.472mm. Therefore, the side length of the optical medium 210 is expected to be 17-18mm, and the thickness 0.74mm. If the weight of the optical medium 210 is 0.5g, the driving mode of the second type of display element 200 is set to PCB driving. This second type of display element 200 has a smaller size, thinner profile, and lower cost.

[0087] When the display element 200 provided in this application is applied to a projection lens... Figure 5 This is a schematic block diagram of a projection lens 600 applicable to an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 As shown, the projection lens 600 includes a display element 620 and at least one projection lens 610. The display element 620 may be the display element 200 provided in the embodiments of this application, or a display element included within the scope of protection of this application but not shown in the embodiments of this application. The at least one projection lens 610 is used to generate a projection beam based on the second beam emitted from the display element 620, and to emit the projection beam. The display element 620 may be integrated with the at least one projection lens 610 to reduce the size of the projection lens 600, or they may be separately configured to facilitate component replacement and design.

[0088] Optionally, in order to control the propagation path of the beam, adjust the amount of light entering the system, and optimize the imaging quality, the projection lens 600 may also include an aperture stop.

[0089] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a first projection device 700 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 As shown, the projection device 700 includes a display element 730, a projection lens 710, and an image source 720. The display element 730 may be the display element 200 provided in the embodiments of this application, or a display element included within the scope of protection of this application but not shown in the embodiments of this application. Specifically, the image source 720 is used to generate a first light beam carrying image information and emit the first light beam to the display element 730. The display element 730 is used to generate a second light beam based on the first light beam and emit the second light beam to the projection lens 710. The projection lens 710 includes at least one projection lens, used to generate a projection beam based on the second light beam emitted from the display element 730, and to emit the projection beam.

[0090] It should be noted that this application does not limit the image source 720. Exemplarily, the image source 720 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) display, a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, a micro light emitting diode (Micro-LED) display, a display using mini light emitting diode (mini-LED) display technology, a display using digital light processing (DLP) projection technology, or a display using micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a second projection device 800 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 As shown, the projection device 800 includes a projection module 810 and a processor 820. The projection module 810 can be the projection device 700 provided in the above embodiments of this application or a projection device not provided in the embodiments of this application. The processor 820 provides image information to the image source in the projection module 810, so that the projection beam emitted from the projection module 810 carries the image information.

[0091] Optionally, the projection device 800 further includes a first display medium 830. In this case, the projection beam emitted from the projection module 810 is projected onto the first display medium 830, causing the first display medium 830 to display a target image. The image information corresponding to the target image is provided by a processing device. It should be understood that this application does not limit the type of the first display medium 830; the first display medium can be a projection screen or a holographic display element, etc. Specifically, the first medium is related to the usage scenario of the projection device 800.

[0092] Figure 8 A circuit diagram of the projection device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8As shown, the circuitry in the projection device mainly includes a main processor (host CPU) 1201, an external memory interface 1202, an internal memory 1203, an audio module 1204, a video module 1205, a power supply module 1206, a wireless communication module 1207, an I / O interface 1208, a video interface 1209, a display circuit 1210, and a modulator 1212. The main processor 1201 and its peripheral components, such as the external memory interface 1202, the internal memory 1203, the audio module 1204, the video module 1205, the power supply module 1206, the wireless communication module 1207, the I / O interface 1208, the video interface 1209, and the display circuit 1210, can be connected via a bus. The main processor 1201 can be referred to as a front-end processor.

[0093] Furthermore, the circuit diagrams illustrated in the embodiments of this application do not constitute a specific limitation on the projection device. In other embodiments of this application, the projection device may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine some components, or split some components, or have different component arrangements. The illustrated components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0094] The main processor 1201 includes one or more processing units, such as an application processor (AP), a modem processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a controller, a video codec, a digital signal processor (DSP), a baseband processor, and / or a neural network processing unit (NPU). These different processing units can be independent devices or integrated into one or more processors.

[0095] The main processor 1201 may also include a memory for storing instructions and data. In some embodiments, the memory in the main processor 1201 is a cache memory. This memory can store instructions or data that the main processor 1201 has just used or is recurring. If the main processor 1201 needs to use the instruction or data again, it can directly retrieve it from the memory. This avoids repeated accesses, reduces the waiting time of the main processor 1201, and thus improves the efficiency of the system.

[0096] In some embodiments, the projection device may further include multiple input / output (I / O) interfaces 1208 connected to the main processor 1201. Interfaces 1208 may include Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) interfaces, Inter-Integrated Circuit Sound (I2S) interfaces, Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) interfaces, Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART) interfaces, Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI) interfaces, General-Purpose Input / Output (GPIO) interfaces, Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) interfaces, and / or Universal Serial Bus (USB) interfaces, etc. The aforementioned I / O interfaces 1208 can connect to devices such as mice, touchpads, keyboards, cameras, speakers, microphones, etc., and can also connect to physical buttons on the projection device (e.g., volume buttons, brightness adjustment buttons, power buttons, etc.).

[0097] The external memory interface 1202 can be used to connect an external memory card, such as a Micro SD card, to expand the storage capacity of the projection device. The external memory card communicates with the main processor 1201 through the external memory interface 1202 to perform data storage.

[0098] Internal memory 1203 can be used to store computer executable program code, which includes instructions. Internal memory 1203 may include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system, at least one application program required for a function (such as a call function, time setting function, etc.), etc. The data storage area may store data created during the use of the projection device (such as a phone book, world time, etc.). Furthermore, internal memory 1203 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, Universal Flash Storage (UFS), etc. The main processor 1201 executes various functional applications and data processing of the projection device by running instructions stored in internal memory 1203 and / or instructions stored in memory located in the main processor 1201.

[0099] The projection device can implement audio functions, such as music playback and phone calls, through the audio module 1204 and application processor.

[0100] The audio module 1204 is used to convert digital audio information into analog audio signals for output, and also to convert analog audio input into digital audio signals. The audio module 1204 can also be used for encoding and decoding audio signals, such as for playback or recording. In some embodiments, the audio module 1204 may be located in the main processor 1201, or some functional modules of the audio module 1204 may be located in the main processor 1201.

[0101] The video interface 1209 can receive external audio and video signals, specifically including High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Digital Visual Interface (DVI), Video Graphics Array (VGA), and DisplayPort (DP). The video interface 1209 can also output video. When the projection device is used as a vehicle display, the video interface 1209 can receive speed and power signals from peripheral devices, as well as external VR video signals. When the projection device is in use, the video interface 1209 can receive video signals from an external computer or terminal device.

[0102] The video module 1205 can decode the video input from the video interface 1209, such as performing H.264 decoding. The video module can also encode video captured by the projection device, such as performing H.264 encoding on video captured by an external camera. Furthermore, the main processor 1201 can also decode the video input from the video interface 1209 and then output the decoded image signal to the display circuit 1210.

[0103] The display circuit 1210 and modulator 1212 are used to display the corresponding image. In this embodiment, the video interface 1209 receives an externally input video source signal. After decoding and / or digitizing the video module 1205, it outputs one or more image signals to the display circuit 1210. The display circuit 1210 drives the modulator 1212 to image the incident polarized light according to the input image signal, and then outputs the image light. In addition, the main processor 1201 can also output one or more image signals to the display circuit 1210.

[0104] In this embodiment, the display circuit 1210 and the modulator 1212 are electronic components in the image generation module described above. The display circuit 1210 can be referred to as the driving circuit.

[0105] The power module 1206 provides power to the main processor 1201 and the light source 1200 based on the input power (e.g., DC power). The power module 1206 may include a rechargeable battery, which can provide power to the main processor 1201 and the light source 1200. The light emitted by the light source 1200 can be transmitted to the modulator 1212 for imaging, thereby forming an image light signal.

[0106] The wireless communication module 1207 enables the projection device to communicate wirelessly with the outside world. It can provide solutions for wireless communication such as Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) (e.g., Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi)), Bluetooth (BT), Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Frequency Modulation (FM), Near Field Communication (NFC), and Infrared (IR). The wireless communication module 1207 can be one or more devices integrating at least one communication processing module. The wireless communication module 1207 receives electromagnetic waves via an antenna, modulates and filters the electromagnetic wave signal, and sends the processed signal to the main processor 1201. The wireless communication module 1207 can also receive signals to be transmitted from the main processor 1201, modulate and amplify them, and then convert them into electromagnetic waves for radiation via the antenna.

[0107] In addition, the video data decoded by the video module 1205 can be input not only through the video interface 1209, but also wirelessly received through the wireless communication module 1207 or read from an external memory. For example, the projection device can receive video data from the terminal device or the in-vehicle entertainment system through the vehicle's wireless local area network. The projection device can also read audio and video data stored in the external memory.

[0108] The above-mentioned projection device can be installed on vehicles; please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a possible functional framework for a means of transportation provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0109] like Figure 9As shown, the functional framework of a vehicle may include various subsystems, such as the sensor system 12, control system 14, one or more peripheral devices 16 (one is shown as an example), power supply 18, computer system 20, and in-vehicle display system 22. Optionally, the vehicle may also include other functional systems, such as an engine system that provides power to the vehicle, etc., which are not limited herein.

[0110] The sensor system 12 may include several detection devices that can sense the measured information and convert the sensed information into electrical signals or other required forms of information output according to a certain rule. As shown in the figure, these detection devices may include a global positioning system (GPS), a vehicle speed sensor, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a radar unit, a laser rangefinder, a camera device, a wheel speed sensor, a steering sensor, a gear sensor, or other components used for automatic detection, etc., and this application does not limit them.

[0111] The control system 14 may include several components, such as the steering unit, braking unit, lighting system, automatic driving system, map navigation system, network time synchronization system, and obstacle avoidance system shown in the figure. Optionally, the control system 14 may also include components such as a throttle controller and an engine controller for controlling the vehicle's speed; this application is not limiting.

[0112] Peripheral device 16 may include several components, such as the communication system, touch module, user interface, microphone, and speaker shown in the figure. The communication system is used to enable network communication between the vehicle and other devices. In practical applications, the communication system can employ wireless or wired communication technologies to achieve network communication between the vehicle and other devices. The wired communication technology can refer to communication between the vehicle and other devices via network cables or fiber optic cables.

[0113] Power source 18 represents a system that provides electricity or energy to the vehicle, which may include, but is not limited to, rechargeable lithium batteries or lead-acid batteries. In practical applications, one or more battery components in the power source are used to provide electrical energy or power for vehicle startup, and the type and materials of the power source are not limited in this application.

[0114] Several functions of the vehicle are controlled and implemented by the computer system 20. The computer system 20 may include one or more processors 2001 (the figure shows one processor as an example) and a memory 2002 (also called a storage device). In practical applications, the memory 2002 may be located inside the computer system 20 or outside the computer system 20, for example, as a cache in the vehicle, etc., which is not limited in this application.

[0115] in,

[0116] Processor 2001 may include one or more general-purpose processors, such as a graphics processing unit (GPU). Processor 2001 can be used to run relevant programs or instructions corresponding to programs stored in memory 2002 to implement the corresponding functions of the vehicle.

[0117] The memory 2002 may include volatile memory, such as RAM; it may also include non-volatile memory, such as ROM, flash memory, HDD, or SSD; or it may include a combination of the above types of memory. The memory 2002 can be used to store a set of program code or instructions corresponding to the program code, so that the processor 2001 can call the program code or instructions stored in the memory 2002 to implement the corresponding functions of the vehicle. In this application, the memory 2002 may store a set of program code for vehicle control. The processor 2001 can call this program code to control the safe driving of the vehicle. The specific details of how to achieve safe vehicle driving are described below in this application.

[0118] Optionally, in addition to storing program code or instructions, the memory 2002 may also store information such as road maps, driving routes, and sensor data. The computer system 20 can be integrated with other components in the vehicle functional framework diagram, such as sensors in the sensor system and GPS, to realize the vehicle's related functions. For example, the computer system 20 can control the vehicle's direction of travel or speed based on data input from the sensor system 12; this application does not impose limitations on this.

[0119] The in-vehicle display system 22 may include several components, such as a controller and an in-vehicle display. The controller 222 generates images (e.g., images of VR content) according to user instructions and sends these images to the in-vehicle display for display. The in-vehicle display may include an image generation module, a window module, and a touch window module. Passengers can view the target image displayed on the in-vehicle display through the window module. Alternatively, passengers can interact with the in-vehicle display through a touch window module. The functions of some components in the in-vehicle display system can also be implemented by other subsystems of the vehicle; for example, the controller can also be a component within the control system.

[0120] Among them, this application Figure 9 The illustration shows four subsystems: sensor system 12, control system 14, computer system 20, and in-vehicle display system 22. This is merely an example and does not constitute a limitation. In practical applications, vehicles can combine several components according to different functions to obtain subsystems with corresponding functions. In practical applications, vehicles may include more or fewer systems or components, and this application does not impose any limitations.

[0121] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The above description is merely one embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made based on this application shall be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A display element, characterized in that, include: Optical media and moving components, The optical medium is used to perform polarization conversion on the first light beam incident on the optical medium to generate a second light beam; The moving component is used to change the position where the second light beam exits from the optical medium by moving the optical medium.

2. The display element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display element is arranged between the image source of the image generation unit (PGU) module and the lens of the PGU.

3. The display element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display element is arranged in the image generation unit (PGU) module, and the change in the position of the second beam exiting the optical medium is related to the pixel size of the image source of the PGU module.

4. The display element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The display element also includes a structural frame, and the movable component is disposed on the structural frame. The structural frame is used to provide support for the display element.

5. The display element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The thickness of the optical medium ranges from 0.7 mm to 3.0 mm.

6. The display element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The refractive index of the optical medium is in the range of [1, 2].

7. The display element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The incident angle of the first beam is in the range of [0.3°, 0.7°].

8. The display element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The optical medium is square, and the side length of the optical medium is in the range of [5mm, 20mm].

9. The display element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The display element is square, and the side length of the display element is 1.5 to 2 times the side length of the optical medium.

10. A projection lens, characterized in that, It includes a display element as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 and at least one projection lens.

11. The projection lens according to claim 10, characterized in that, Along the transmission direction of the second light beam, the display element is positioned in front of the first projection lens of the projection lens.

12. A projection device, characterized in that, Includes the display element, projection lens, and image source as described in any one of claims 1 to 3. The image source is used to generate the first light beam carrying image information and to emit the first light beam to the display element; The projection lens is used to receive the second light beam from the display element and generate a projection beam based on the second light beam.

13. A projection device, characterized in that, Including the projection lens and image source as described in claim 10 above, The image source is used to generate the first light beam carrying image information and to project the first light beam onto the projection lens; The projection lens is used to receive the first light beam from the image source and generate a projection beam based on the first light beam.

14. The projection device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The projection device also includes a processor. The processor is used to provide the image information to the image source.

15. A means of transportation, characterized in that, It includes the display element as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, or the projection lens as described in claim 10, or the projection device as described in claim 12.

16. The means of transport according to claim 15, characterized in that, The vehicle also includes a display medium. The projection device is used to project the projection beam onto the display medium.

Images