Optical waveguide-type augmented reality head-up display system, display device, and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of vehicle-mounted head-up display, disclose a kind of light waveguide type augmented reality head-up display system, display device and vehicle, wherein, light waveguide type augmented reality head-up display system includes optical machine, magnifying device and light waveguide module, magnifying device is located on the light path of optical machine;Magnifying device is used to couple into the light beam that optical machine shoots and is along one dimension direction and is expanded pupil;The image coupling-in area of light waveguide module is directly opposite the light exit area of magnifying device, and light waveguide module is used to be expanded pupil along another dimension direction and is coupled out light beam. Light is realized by one-dimensional expansion pupil in two different directions twice, instead of lens and two-dimensional expansion pupil light waveguide in the conventional head-up display system, to reduce system volume, reduce difficulty of color combination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle head-up display technology, and in particular to an optical waveguide type augmented reality head-up display system, display device and vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Head-up displays (HUDs) reduce the likelihood of drivers looking down at the dashboard and missing their surroundings, increasing driving safety and thus are widely used in modern vehicles. The mainstream augmented reality head-up display (AR-HUD) system uses augmented reality technology to overlay virtual information onto the driver's field of vision. Compared to traditional HUDs, it dynamically integrates road environment and navigation information; the core difference lies in its virtual-real interaction capabilities and information presentation methods.

[0003] However, existing AR-HUDs require lens groups to magnify the image, increasing the size of the device; alternatively, two-dimensional pupil-expanding waveguides can be used to magnify the image, but color combining of two-dimensional pupil-expanding waveguides is difficult, increasing the manufacturing difficulty of color waveguides.

[0004] Therefore, existing technologies still need to be improved and developed. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an optical waveguide type augmented reality head-up display system, display device and vehicle, which aims to solve the problem that existing vehicle head-up displays are difficult to balance multiple dimensions of product requirements such as size and color matching difficulty in the process of image magnification and coupling.

[0006] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows: An optical waveguide-type augmented reality head-up display system, comprising: Optical mechanism; An amplification device is disposed in the output optical path of the optical engine; the amplification device is used to couple the light beam emitted by the optical engine and expand the pupil along one dimension. An optical waveguide module, wherein the image coupling area of ​​the optical waveguide module is directly opposite the light output area of ​​the amplification device, and the optical waveguide module is used to expand the pupil and couple out the light beam along another dimension.

[0007] The aforementioned waveguide-type augmented reality head-up display system, wherein the amplification device includes: A base, one end of which is provided with a wedge angle; A coupling element is disposed on the inclined surface of the wedge angle; the coupling element is directly opposite the output optical path of the optomechanism and is used to couple light rays to the substrate; The substrate has a coupling element located at the image coupling area of ​​the optical waveguide module, and the coupling element is used to realize one-dimensional pupil expansion of the light beam.

[0008] In the aforementioned waveguide-type augmented reality head-up display system, the coupling element is a reflector, an anti-reflection coating, or a prism.

[0009] In the aforementioned waveguide-type augmented reality head-up display system, the coupling element is composed of multiple semi-transparent and semi-reflective units arranged sequentially along the optical path propagation direction within the substrate; The reflectivity of the semi-transparent and semi-reflective unit gradually increases along the direction away from the coupling element.

[0010] In the aforementioned waveguide-type augmented reality head-up display system, the coupling element is a holographic grating or a surface relief grating.

[0011] The aforementioned optical waveguide-type augmented reality head-up display system includes an optical waveguide module comprising a first optical waveguide sheet, a second optical waveguide sheet, and a third optical waveguide sheet stacked together. The image coupling area of ​​the first optical waveguide sheet is used to couple red light; the image coupling area of ​​the second optical waveguide sheet is used to couple green light; and the image coupling area of ​​the third optical waveguide sheet is used to couple blue light.

[0012] In the aforementioned optical waveguide-type augmented reality head-up display system, the image coupling regions of the first optical waveguide sheet, the second optical waveguide sheet, and the third optical waveguide sheet overlap.

[0013] In the aforementioned waveguide-type augmented reality head-up display system, the optical engine is a Micro LED optical engine, an LBS optical engine, or a Micro OLED optical engine.

[0014] This application also discloses a display device, which includes an optical waveguide type augmented reality head-up display system as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0015] This application also discloses a vehicle, which includes: The vehicle body includes a driver's cab, and a windshield is located in front of the driver's cab. The waveguide-type augmented reality head-up display system as described in any of the preceding claims is located in the driver's cab; The windshield is used to reflect the image coupled out by the optical waveguide module to the human eye.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the embodiments of this utility model have the following advantages: This invention discloses a waveguide-based augmented reality head-up display system that emits a beam of light carrying image information via an optomechanical system. After initial pupil expansion in an amplification device, the beam is coupled into the waveguide module for a second pupil expansion. The two pupil expansions occur in different directions, ultimately achieving a two-dimensional pupil expansion effect. During one-dimensional pupil expansion within the waveguide module, color combining of the three waveguide sheets is more easily achieved. In summary, because it reduces product size and simplifies color combining, it makes it easier to manufacture color waveguides that meet usage requirements and offer high control precision, thereby enhancing the product's market competitiveness. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the structure of the optical waveguide-type augmented reality head-up display system of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path of the optomechanical system and amplification device in this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path of the optomechanical and amplification devices in another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path of the optomechanical and amplification devices in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Among them, 10 is an optomechanical device; 20 is an amplification device; 21 is a substrate; 22 is a coupling element; 23 is a coupling element; 231 is a semi-transparent and semi-reflective unit; 30 is an optical waveguide module; 31 is a first optical waveguide sheet; 32 is a second optical waveguide sheet; and 33 is a third optical waveguide sheet. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] Variations in the shapes shown in the accompanying drawings may occur due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the accompanying drawings, but include variations in shape that occur during manufacturing. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one of the relevant items listed and any combination of two or more of them.

[0022] Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used herein to describe individual components, assemblies, regions, layers, or parts, these components, assemblies, regions, layers, or parts are not limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are used only to distinguish one component, assembly, region, layer, or part from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein, the first component, assembly, region, layer, or part referred to as the second component, assembly, region, layer, or part may also be referred to as the second component, assembly, region, layer, or part.

[0023] For ease of description, spatial relational terms such as “above,” “upper,” “below,” and “lower” are used herein to describe the relationship between one element and another, as shown in the accompanying drawings. Such spatial relational terms are intended to encompass not only the orientation depicted in the drawings but also different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as being “above” or “upper” relative to another element will subsequently be “below” or “lower” relative to that other element. Therefore, the term “above” includes both “above” and “below” orientations depending on the spatial orientation of the device. The device may also be positioned in other ways, and the spatial relational terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0024] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various examples only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” enumerate the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof.

[0025] The most significant advantage of existing waveguide-based AR-HUD systems compared to freeform surface AR-HUDs is their smaller size. Therefore, waveguide-based AR-HUD systems have a brighter future. However, waveguide-based AR-HUD systems typically require a lens group between the micro-optical engine and the coupling grating of the waveguide. The size of this lens group needs to be approximately the same as the size of the coupling grating to gradually magnify the beam emitted by the micro-optical engine to the size of the coupling grating. Thus, the presence of the lens group partially offsets the size advantage of waveguide-based HUDs. Some existing waveguide-based AR-HUD systems use two-dimensional pupil-expanding waveguides, which eliminate the need for a lens group. While two-dimensional pupil-expanding waveguides do not have the large size issue, they present challenges in color bonding, leading to greater manufacturing difficulties for color waveguides. In conclusion, existing waveguide-based AR-HUD systems still suffer from incompatibility with multiple product requirements.

[0026] See Figure 1 In one embodiment of this utility model application, an optical waveguide type augmented reality head-up display system is disclosed, which includes an optical engine 10, an amplification device 20, and an optical waveguide module 30. The amplification device 20 is disposed on the light output path of the optical engine 10. The amplification device 20 is used to couple the light beam emitted by the optical engine 10 and expand the pupil along one dimension. The image coupling area of ​​the optical waveguide module 30 is directly opposite the light output area of ​​the amplification device 20. The optical waveguide module 30 is used to expand the pupil along another dimension and couple out the light beam.

[0027] The optical waveguide-type augmented reality head-up display system disclosed in this embodiment emits a beam of light carrying image information through the optomechanical 10. After being expanded once in the amplification device 20, it is coupled into the optical waveguide module 30 for a second expansion. The two expansions are in different directions, and finally, a two-dimensional expansion effect can be achieved.

[0028] The thickness of the amplification device 20 can be set to be relatively small. For example, it can be made of a waveguide sheet with a thickness of only 1 mm to replace a large lens, which helps to reduce the size of the entire system. Moreover, the optical waveguide module 30 adopts a one-dimensional pupil expander, and it is easier to achieve color matching when three optical waveguides are superimposed.

[0029] In summary, because it can reduce the size of the product and reduce the difficulty of color matching, it is easier to manufacture colored optical waveguides that meet a variety of usage requirements and have high control precision, thereby enhancing the product's market competitiveness.

[0030] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in another embodiment of this application, the amplification device 20 is disclosed to include a substrate 21, a coupling element 22, and a coupling element 23. One end of the substrate 21 is provided with a wedge angle; the coupling element 22 is disposed on the inclined surface of the wedge angle; the coupling element 22 is directly opposite the light output path of the optomechanical 10 and is used to couple light into the substrate 21; the coupling element 23 is provided on the substrate 21 at a position directly opposite the image coupling area of ​​the optical waveguide module 30, and the coupling element 23 is used to realize one-dimensional pupil expansion of the light beam.

[0031] The amplification device 20 disclosed in this embodiment can be made of optical glass as the substrate 21, with a wedge angle formed at the end of the substrate 21 and the coupling element 22 attached thereto, so that the optomechanism 10 can be placed on the side of the substrate 21 and emit a light beam toward the coupling element 22. That is to say, the substrate 21 and the optomechanism 10 are placed on the same plane, which helps to reduce the space occupied and the volume.

[0032] The magnification device 20 disclosed in this embodiment can expand the pupil along the propagation direction of light within the substrate 21. The coupling element 22 couples the light beam emitted from the optomechanical system 10 into the interior of the substrate 21 for total internal reflection propagation within the substrate 21. When the light beam passes through the coupling element 23, one-dimensional pupil expansion is achieved, and the beam is coupled outward. It can be seen that along the propagation direction of light, the size of the substrate 21 is slightly larger than the size of the image coupling area of ​​the optical waveguide module 30. However, because it is a one-dimensional pupil expansion, the light propagates on a plane, so the thickness of the substrate 21 can be significantly reduced. Theoretically, the thickness of the substrate 21 is related to the design and manufacturing process, and currently, it can be as low as 1 millimeter.

[0033] Specifically, as another embodiment of this application, the optical engine 10 is disclosed as a Micro LED optical engine 10, an LBS optical engine 10, or a Micro OLED optical engine 10. The optical engine 10 disclosed in this embodiment can be a small-sized, high-brightness, and long-life Micro LED optical engine 10, an LBS optical engine 10, or a Micro OLED optical engine 10, which is beneficial for further reducing the system size.

[0034] Specifically, as another embodiment of this application, the coupling element 22 is disclosed as a mirror, an anti-reflection coating, or a prism. In this embodiment, a wedge angle is set at the end of the substrate 21 to form a slope. The angle of the slope is designed so that the angle of light inside 21 satisfies the conditions for total internal reflection propagation. Figure 2 As shown, the optomechanical system 10 can be positioned directly opposite the inclined surface of the wedge. Light rays are transmitted through the wedge-shaped surface and incident on the upper surface of the substrate 21 at a total internal reflection angle. The light is reflected at the substrate-air interface on the upper surface and then propagates within the substrate 21 through total internal reflection. At this time, the coupling element 22 is set as an antireflection film to increase the light energy transmitted into the interior of the substrate 21 and improve the light energy utilization rate.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, in another embodiment of this invention, the optomechanical system 10 can be disposed on one side of the substrate 21, corresponding to the bottom edge (or plane) of the wedge. Light rays are incident perpendicularly onto the substrate 21, pass through the bottom edge of the wedge, and are incident on the inclined surface of the wedge. They are then reflected back to the upper surface of the substrate 21 by a reflector, reflected at the substrate-air interface on the upper surface, and then propagated by total internal reflection within the substrate 21. In this case, the coupling element 22 is set as a reflector to ensure that all light rays are reflected into the interior of the substrate 21, thereby improving the light energy utilization rate.

[0036] In another embodiment of this invention, a prism is provided on the side of the substrate 21 to change the direction of light propagation, so that the light can be totally internally reflected within the substrate 21 regardless of which side the optical engine 10 enters from.

[0037] In summary, the coupling element 22 provided in this embodiment can fit the inclined surface of the wedge angle and play the role of coupling light. Depending on the relative position of the optomechanical system 10 and the amplification device 20, different types of coupling elements 22 can be provided, which is beneficial to improve the flexibility of optical path design, meet the design requirements of optical system, and make each component as compact as possible to reduce the system size.

[0038] For example Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in another embodiment of this application, the coupling element 23 is disclosed to be composed of a plurality of semi-transparent and semi-reflective units 231 arranged sequentially along the optical path propagation direction within the substrate 21; the reflectivity of the semi-transparent and semi-reflective units 231 gradually increases along the direction away from the coupling element 22. The coupling element 23 disclosed in this embodiment is formed by an array of a plurality of semi-transparent and semi-reflective units 231, forming an arrayed optical waveguide structure.

[0039] It should be noted that the semi-transparent and semi-reflective unit described in this application does not specifically refer to an optical element with 50% transmittance and 50% reflectance, but rather to an optical element that can simultaneously transmit and reflect some light.

[0040] Specifically, the semi-transparent and semi-reflective unit 231 disclosed in this embodiment is a semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirror, which is obliquely disposed on the substrate 21. Multiple semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirrors are arranged in parallel and closely fitted to form the array-type optical waveguide structure. Within the substrate 21, when light propagates to the semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirror, part of the reflected light will couple out perpendicularly to the surface of the substrate 21, while part of the transmitted light will continue to propagate to the next semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirror. Furthermore, along the direction away from the coupling element 22, the reflectivity of the semi-transparent and semi-reflective unit 231 gradually increases and the transmittance gradually decreases, so as to make the output image brightness uniform.

[0041] like Figure 4As shown, in another embodiment of this application, the coupling element 23 is disclosed as a holographic grating or a surface relief grating. The amplification device 20 disclosed in this embodiment can also adopt a diffraction waveguide structure, that is, use a holographic grating or a surface relief grating as the coupling element 22 or the coupling element 23 to realize one-dimensional pupil expansion of the beam within the amplification device 20.

[0042] As another embodiment of this application, the optical waveguide module 30 is disclosed as a diffractive optical waveguide, including an insertion region and an exit region. An insertion grating and an exit grating are respectively provided on the insertion region and the exit region. Depending on the type of grating, the optical waveguide module 30 can be a volume holographic optical waveguide or a surface relief optical waveguide.

[0043] For example Figure 1 As shown in another embodiment of this application, the optical waveguide module 30 includes a first optical waveguide sheet 31, a second optical waveguide sheet 32, and a third optical waveguide sheet 33 stacked together. The image coupling region of the first optical waveguide sheet 31 is used to couple red light; the image coupling region of the second optical waveguide sheet 32 ​​is used to couple green light; and the image coupling region of the third optical waveguide sheet 33 is used to couple blue light. The first optical waveguide sheet 31, the second optical waveguide sheet 32, and the third optical waveguide sheet 33 all include coupling regions and coupling regions, and the coupling regions and coupling regions of the three optical waveguide sheets overlap spatially. The difference lies in the different sensitive wavelengths of the coupling gratings and coupling gratings. The coupling gratings and coupling gratings on the first optical waveguide sheet 31 are sensitive to red light, the coupling gratings and coupling gratings on the second optical waveguide sheet 32 ​​are sensitive to green light, and the coupling gratings and coupling gratings on the third optical waveguide sheet 33 are sensitive to blue light.

[0044] It should be noted that the stacking order of the first optical waveguide 31, the second optical waveguide 32, and the third optical waveguide 33 is not limited in this application.

[0045] The optical waveguide module 30 disclosed in this embodiment only needs to expand the pupil of the beam in one dimension. On this basis, in order to manufacture a color AR-HUD system, a first optical waveguide 31, a second optical waveguide 32 and a third optical waveguide 33 are set to couple red light, green light and blue light respectively, thereby reducing the difficulty of controlling each color beam and further reducing the difficulty of color combination.

[0046] Specifically, as another embodiment of this application, the image coupling regions of the first optical waveguide 31, the second optical waveguide 32, and the third optical waveguide 33 overlap. In this embodiment, the first optical waveguide 31, the second optical waveguide 32, and the third optical waveguide 33 each couple out beams of different colors. Stacking the three together and aligning them in the image coupling region facilitates color matching in the image coupling region, improves the color uniformity of the final coupled beam, and reduces optical loss.

[0047] This application also discloses a display device, which includes an optical waveguide type augmented reality head-up display system as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0048] This application also discloses a vehicle, which includes a vehicle body and a waveguide-type augmented reality head-up display system as described in any of the preceding claims. A driver's cab is provided inside the vehicle body, and a windshield is provided in front of the driver's cab. The waveguide-type augmented reality head-up display system is located inside the driver's cab. The windshield is used to reflect the image coupled out of the waveguide module 30 to the human eye.

[0049] In summary, this application discloses an optical waveguide-type augmented reality head-up display system, comprising an optical engine 10, an amplification device 20, and an optical waveguide module 30. The amplification device 20 is disposed in the output optical path of the optical engine 10. The amplification device 20 is used to couple the light beam emitted from the optical engine 10 and expand the pupil along one dimension. The image coupling area of ​​the optical waveguide module 30 is directly opposite the output area of ​​the amplification device 20, and the optical waveguide module 30 is used to expand the pupil along another dimension and couple out the light beam. The optical engine 10 emits a light beam carrying image information, which undergoes one pupil expansion in the amplification device 20, and then couples into the optical waveguide module 30 for a second pupil expansion. The two pupil expansions occur in different directions, ultimately achieving a two-dimensional pupil expansion effect. When performing one-dimensional pupil expansion in the optical waveguide module, it is easier to achieve color combining of the three optical waveguide sheets. In general, because it reduces the product size and lowers the difficulty of color combining, it is easier to manufacture color optical waveguides that meet usage requirements and have high control precision, thereby enhancing the product's market competitiveness.

[0050] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0051] It should be noted that this utility model uses an optical waveguide type augmented reality head-up display system, display device, and vehicle as examples to introduce the specific structure and working principle of this utility model. However, the application of this utility model is not limited to optical waveguide type augmented reality head-up display systems, display devices, and vehicles, and can also be applied to the production and use of other similar workpieces.

[0052] It should be understood that this invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this invention is limited only by the appended claims.

[0053] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A waveguide-type augmented reality head-up display system, characterized in that, include: Optical mechanism; An amplification device is located on the output optical path of the optical engine; The amplification device is used to couple the light beam emitted by the optomechanism and expand the pupil along one dimension. An optical waveguide module, wherein the image coupling area of ​​the optical waveguide module is directly opposite the light output area of ​​the amplification device, and the optical waveguide module is used to expand the pupil and couple out the light beam along another dimension.

2. The waveguide-type augmented reality head-up display system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The amplification device includes: A base, one end of which is provided with a wedge angle; A coupling element is disposed on the inclined surface of the wedge angle; the coupling element is directly opposite the output optical path of the optomechanism and is used to couple light rays to the substrate; The substrate has a coupling element located at the image coupling area of ​​the optical waveguide module, and the coupling element is used to realize one-dimensional pupil expansion of the light beam.

3. The waveguide-type augmented reality head-up display system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The coupling element is a reflector, an anti-reflective coating, or a prism.

4. The waveguide-type augmented reality head-up display system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The coupling element is composed of multiple semi-transparent and semi-reflective units arranged sequentially along the optical path propagation direction within the substrate; The reflectivity of the semi-transparent and semi-reflective unit gradually increases along the direction away from the coupling element.

5. The waveguide-type augmented reality head-up display system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The coupling element is a holographic grating or a surface relief grating.

6. The waveguide-type augmented reality head-up display system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical waveguide module includes a first optical waveguide sheet, a second optical waveguide sheet, and a third optical waveguide sheet stacked together. The image coupling area of ​​the first optical waveguide sheet is used to couple red light; the image coupling area of ​​the second optical waveguide sheet is used to couple green light; and the image coupling area of ​​the third optical waveguide sheet is used to couple blue light.

7. The waveguide-type augmented reality head-up display system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The image coupling regions of the first optical waveguide, the second optical waveguide, and the third optical waveguide overlap.

8. The waveguide-type augmented reality head-up display system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The optical engine is a Micro LED optical engine, an LBS optical engine, or a Micro OLED optical engine.

9. A display device, characterized in that, Including the optical waveguide type augmented reality head-up display system as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, include: The vehicle body includes a driver's cab, and a windshield is located in front of the driver's cab. The waveguide-type augmented reality head-up display system as described in any one of claims 1 to 8 is disposed in the driver's cab; in, The windshield is used to reflect the image coupled out by the optical waveguide module to the human eye.

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