Virtual image display device and vehicle

The virtual image display device with a folding mechanism addresses the large volume issue of reflective displays by allowing the second housing to fold, maintaining image formation while reducing volume and thickness, thus improving portability and integration.

JP2025538109APending Publication Date: 2025-11-26YINWANG INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGIES CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025524475
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-10-27
Filing Date
2023-06-26
Publication Date
2025-11-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Reflective display devices, such as head-up displays, have a fixed light path that results in a large overall volume, making them unsuitable for in-vehicle and mobile scenarios with high volume requirements.

Method used

A virtual image display device with a folding mechanism that allows the second housing to move relative to the first housing, switching between an operating state and a folded state to reduce volume and thickness, facilitating integration into the surrounding environment and improving portability.

Benefits of technology

The folding mechanism enables the device to maintain image formation while reducing volume and thickness, enhancing portability and integration into various environments.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 2025538109000001_ABST
    Figure 2025538109000001_ABST
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Abstract

[0003] An embodiment of the present application discloses a virtual image display device and a vehicle to reduce the volume of the display device and enable the housing of the display device to adapt to the surrounding environment. The virtual image display device provided in one embodiment of the present application includes a first housing (2100), a second housing (2200), a folding mechanism (2300) connecting the first housing (2100) to the second housing (2200), and a display system (2400). The display system (2400) includes an image source (2410), a transmission-reflection unit (2420), and a reflection unit (2430). The image source (2410) and the reflection unit (2430) are connected to the inner wall of the first housing (2100), and the transmission-reflection unit (2420) is connected to the second housing (2200). The second housing (2200) moves toward or away from the first housing (2100) under the action of the folding mechanism (2300).
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of displays, and in particular to virtual image displays and vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] With the development of optical display technology, display devices are gradually used in various scenarios, such as in-vehicle and mobile scenarios, where the volume of the display device needs to be as small as possible. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] In a reflective display device, such as a head-up display (HUD), the light path is fixed, resulting in a large overall volume, which makes the display device unsuitable for the aforementioned in-vehicle and mobile scenarios, which have high volume requirements for the display device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] Embodiments of the present application provide a virtual image display device and vehicle to reduce the volume and thickness of the display device, thereby facilitating the device's integration into the surrounding environment and improving the device's portability.

[0005] According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a virtual image display device 2000. The virtual image display device 2000 includes a first housing 2100, a second housing 2200, a folding mechanism 2300, and a display system 2400. The folding mechanism 2300 is configured to connect the first housing 2100 and the second housing 2200. The display system 2400 includes an image source 2410, a transmission-reflection unit 2420, and a reflection unit 2430. The image source 2410 and the reflection unit 2430 are connected to an inner wall of the first housing 2100, and the transmission-reflection unit 2420 is connected to the second housing 2200. The second housing 2200 may move toward or away from the first housing 2100 under the action of the folding mechanism 2300.

[0006] In this embodiment of the present application, the second housing 2200 moves toward or away from the first housing 2100 under the action of the folding mechanism 2300, thereby switching the virtual image display device 2000 between an operating state and a folded state. In the operating state, the second housing 2200 is separated from the first housing 2100, and the distance between the components in the display system 2400 is long, thereby satisfying the image formation positional relationship and allowing the display system 2400 to perform imaging of image-forming light to the human eye. In the folded state, the second housing 2200 is close to the first housing 2100, thereby reducing the volume and thickness of the virtual image display device 2000, thereby facilitating integration of the virtual image display device 2000 into its surrounding environment and improving the portability of the virtual image display device 2000.

[0007] Optionally, the transmission-reflection unit 2420 may be a semi-transmission and semi-reflection unit, or a transmission-reflection unit with another ratio (e.g., 40% transmission and 60% reflection, or 55% transmission and 45% reflection), or may be a polarization transmission-reflection unit (e.g., transmits S-polarized light and reflects P-polarized light, or transmits P-polarized light and reflects S-polarized light), which is not limited in this application. Optionally, the reflection unit 2430 may be a curved mirror.

[0008] In an optional implementation, the folding mechanism 2300 includes a rotating shaft 2310 and a power unit 2320. The rotating shaft 2310 is configured to connect the first housing 2100 and the second housing 2200, and the power unit 2320 is connected to the second housing 2200. The power unit 2320 is configured to drive the second housing 2200 to move toward or away from the first housing 2100.

[0009] In this embodiment of the application, the rotating shaft 2310 is matched with the power unit 2320. The rotating shaft 2310 may be the center of rotation, and the power unit 2320 may be the power source for effecting movement of the second housing 2200 relative to the first housing 2100, such that the second housing 2200 moves away from the first housing 2100 or moves closer to the first housing 2100.

[0010] In an optional implementation, the folding mechanism 2300 further includes a first connecting rod 2330, and the power unit 2320 is connected to the second housing 2200 via the first connecting rod 2330.

[0011] In this embodiment of the present application, the power supplied or transmitted by the power unit 2320 is transmitted to the second housing 2200 via the first connecting rod 2330. If the direction of action of the power is compatible with the movement trajectory of the second housing 2200, the requirements for the magnitude of the power provided by the power unit 2320 can be reduced.

[0012] In an optional implementation, the virtual image display device 2000 further includes a connection unit 2340 , and the first connecting rod 2330 is connected to the second housing 2200 via the connection unit 2340 .

[0013] In an optional implementation, the virtual image display device 2000 further includes a first connection unit 2341, and the first connection rod 2330 is connected to the second housing 2200 via the first connection unit 2341.

[0014] In this embodiment of the present application, the direction of the first connecting rod 2330 is related to the moving direction of the second housing 2200 (for example, the directions are parallel to each other, or there is a certain included angle between the directions, or the extension direction is parallel to the tangent of a point on the moving trajectory of the second housing 2200). This allows the first connecting rod 2330 to be fastened to the second housing 2200. This allows the acting direction of the power of the power unit 2320 to be better adapted to the moving direction of the second housing 2200. This further saves the power of the power unit 2320.

[0015] In an optional implementation, the folding mechanism 2300 further includes a second connection unit 2342 that connects the first connecting rod 2330 to the second housing 2200. The second connection unit 2342 is configured to change the connection angle between the first connecting rod 2330 and the second housing 2200.

[0016] In this embodiment of the present application, the second connection unit 2342 is used to connect the first connecting rod 2330 to the second housing 2200. When the distance between the first housing 2100 and the second housing 2200 is short (e.g., in the folded state), the surface of the first connecting rod 2330 may be parallel to the surface of the second housing 2200, or the first connecting rod 2330 may be close to the second housing 2200. This reduces the thickness and volume of the virtual image display device 2000 occupied by the first connecting rod 2330.

[0017] In an optional implementation, the folding mechanism 2300 further includes a second connecting rod 2350 connecting the rotating shaft 2310 to the connecting unit 2340.

[0018] In an optional implementation, the power unit 2320 includes a power source mechanism, which is configured to move the second housing 2200.

[0019] In this embodiment of the present application, the power source mechanism may be a motor, a pneumatic / hydraulic transmission mechanism, etc. By using the power source mechanism, the position of the second housing 2200 may be automatically controlled to perform intelligent operations (e.g., auto-unfolding or auto-folding) on ​​the virtual image display device 2000.

[0020] In an optional implementation, the power unit 2320 includes a traction mechanism, and a user may move the second housing 2200 by using the traction mechanism.

[0021] In this embodiment of the present application, the user may autonomously determine the position of the second enclosure 2200 by using a traction mechanism, thereby allowing the user to control the virtual image display device 2000.

[0022] In an optional implementation, the virtual image display device 2000 further includes a flexible seal unit 2500. The flexible seal unit 2500, together with the first housing 2100 and the second housing 2200, form a limited space, and the display system 2400 is within this limited space.

[0023] In this embodiment of the present application, in the process of the second housing 2200 moving toward or away from the first housing 2100, the flexible seal unit 2500 may be flexibly deformed to ensure airtightness of the limited space and ensure dustproof and waterproof performance of the components in the display system 2400 within the limited space.

[0024] In an optional implementation, the virtual image display device 2000 further includes a rotation structure 2600, which is configured to drive the first housing 2100 to rotate.

[0025] In this embodiment of the present application, the rotation structure 2600 rotates the first housing 2100, so that the virtual image display device 2000 can meet different requirements in different scenarios. For example, in the working state, the rotation structure 2600 rotates the first housing 2100 may be rotated to move the image source 2410 to a target image source position corresponding to the position of a human eye. In this manner, the optical imaging system formed by the entire display system 2400 performs imaging of image-forming light to a human eye. For example, in the folded state, the rotating structure 2600 may rotate the first housing 2100 to drive the second housing 2200 to change its position. In this manner, the outer wall of the second housing 2200 conforms to the surrounding environmental surface.

[0026] In an optional implementation, the virtual image display device 2000 further includes a holder 2700. The holder 2700 is connected to the rotating structure 2600, and the holder 2700 is configured to support the first housing 2100.

[0027] In this embodiment of the present application, the structure of the virtual image display device 2000 including the holder 2700 may be used as a portable display device.

[0028] According to a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a vehicle. The vehicle includes a structural device and the virtual image display device 2000 according to the first aspect. The virtual image display device 2000 is disposed in an accommodation space of the structural device.

[0029] In optional implementations, the structural device includes at least one of a dashboard console, a seat back, an interior wall of the vehicle, an operation console, and a processing console.

[0030] For example, the operation console may be a rescue operation console of an ambulance or a kitchen operation console of a trailer, and the processing console may be a bar console of a trailer, a dining table in a passenger cabin, or an office desk, which is not limited in this application.

[0031] In an optional implementation, the rotating shaft 2310 of the virtual image display device 2000 is positioned inside the structural device.

[0032] In an optional implementation, the folding mechanism 2300 is configured to move the second housing 2200 into and out of the storage space of the structural device.

[0033] In an optional implementation, the rotation structure 2600 is configured to drive and rotate the first housing 2100 to rotate the folded virtual image display device 2000 into the storage space of the structural device.

[0034] In an optional implementation, the rotation structure 2600 is configured to drive and rotate the first housing 2100 to enable the outer wall of the second housing 2200 to conform to the surrounding environmental surface of the structural device.

[0035] In an optional implementation, the rotation structure 2600 is configured to drive and rotate the first housing 2100, thereby allowing the image source 2410 on the first housing 2100 to move to a target image source position corresponding to the position of a human eye. The folding mechanism 2300 is configured to allow the second housing 2200 to move away from the first housing 2100, such that the transmission-reflection unit 2420 on the second housing 2200 moves to a transmission-reflection unit position corresponding to the target image source position.

[0036] In this embodiment of the present application, under the action of the rotation structure 2600 and the folding mechanism 2300, components within the display system 2400 move to positions corresponding to the positions of the human eyes to effect imaging of the image-forming light to the human eyes.

[0037] In an optional implementation, the vehicle further includes a detection unit, the detection unit configured to detect a position of the person's eyes. Optionally, the position of the person's eyes may be used to determine the target image source position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram of the structure of a reflective display device according to the present application; [Figure 2] 20 is a diagram of the structure of a virtual image display device 2000 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 3] 20A-20C are diagrams of a virtual image display device 2000 in different states according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 4] FIG. 23 is a diagram of a structure of a folding mechanism 2300 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 5] FIG. 23 is a diagram of the structure of a power source mechanism 2321 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 6] FIG. 23 is a diagram of the structure of a traction mechanism 2322 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a structure of a virtual image display device 2000 including a first connecting rod 2330 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the structure of a virtual image display device 2000 including a movable connection unit 2340 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9] FIG. 20 is a thickness diagram of a virtual image display device 2000 with a variable connection angle according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a structure of a virtual image display device 2000 including a second connecting rod 2350 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 11] 2 is a diagram of a structure of a virtual image display device 2000 with a folding mechanism 2300 on a first housing 2100 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 12] 25 is a diagram of a structure of a virtual image display device 2000 including a flexible seal unit 2500 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 13] 26 is a diagram of a structure of a virtual image display device 2000 including a rotation structure 2600 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 14] 20A-20C are diagrams of a virtual image display device 2000 in different states according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 15]27 is a diagram of a structure of a virtual image display device 2000 including a holder 2700 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 16] 1 is a diagram of a vehicle structure according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 17] FIG. 20 is a circuit diagram of a virtual image display device 2000 according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] The following describes embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art can understand that with the development of technology and the emergence of new scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to similar technical problems.

[0040] In the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc. are intended to distinguish between similar objects, but do not necessarily indicate a particular order or sequence. It should be understood that terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and are merely a form of identification used when describing objects with the same attributes in the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, the terms "comprise," "have," and any other variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that a process, method, system, product, or apparatus comprising a set of units is not necessarily limited to those units and may include other units not explicitly listed or inherent in such process, method, system, product, or apparatus. Additionally, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. The term "and / or" describes an associative relationship between related objects and indicates that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may indicate the following cases: when only A is present, when both A and B are present, and when only B is present, in which case A and B may be singular or plural. The character " / " typically indicates an "or" relationship between related objects. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions means a singular item or any combination of these items, including any combination of multiple items. By way of example, at least one item (portion) of a, b, or c may refer to a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c, where a, b, and c may be singular or plural.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a reflective display device. As shown in FIG. 1, the reflective display device includes an image source, a reflection unit, and a transmission-reflection unit. Image-forming light emitted from the image source is projected onto a human eye via optical paths in the transmission-reflection unit, the reflection unit, and the transmission-reflection unit, thereby forming an image. In the optical system of the display device, there is a specific optical path length for the image-forming light from the image source to each surface of the transmission-reflection unit and the reflection unit. Therefore, a specific distance is required between the image source and the transmission-reflection unit and the reflection unit. As a result, the reflective display device has a large volume.

[0042] In-vehicle scenarios, mobile scenarios, and the like impose high requirements on the volume of the display device. For example, in an in-vehicle scenario, the display device may be a head-up display (HUD) device, which may be attached to the dashboard console or the seat back. Because the HUD has a large volume, a large space must be reserved in the dashboard console or the seat back for the HUD to be attached. This significantly restricts the design of the interior structure of the dashboard console or the seat back. Alternatively, the HUD may protrude from the surface of the dashboard console or the seat back. However, this may result in the occupation of space inside the vehicle. For example, in a mobile scenario, if the display device has a large volume, portability is affected.

[0043] To solve the problem of the large volume of the reflective display device, one embodiment of the present application provides a virtual image display device, which is folded in an inactive state using a folding mechanism to reduce the thickness of the device, thereby facilitating the device's integration with the surrounding environment, improving the portability of the device, and reducing the volume of the device.

[0044] 2, a virtual image display device 2000 provided in one embodiment of the present application includes a first housing 2100, a second housing 2200, a folding mechanism 2300, and a display system 2400. The display system 2400 includes an image source 2410, a transmission-reflection unit 2420, and a reflection unit 2430. The image source 2410 and the reflection unit 2430 are connected to the inner wall of the first housing 2100, and the transmission-reflection unit 2420 is connected to the second housing 2200. The folding mechanism 2300 is configured to connect the first housing 2100 and the second housing 2200. . The second housing 2200 moves toward or away from the first housing 2100 under the action of the folding mechanism 2300 .

[0045] In an embodiment of the present application, an operating state and a folded state of the virtual image display device 2000 may be defined. As shown in FIG. 3 , in the operating state, the second housing 2200 is separated from the first housing 2100, and the positional relationship between the image source 2410, the transmission-reflection unit 2420, and the reflection unit 2430 in the display system 2400 satisfies the positional relationship for image formation, and the image-forming light emitted from the image source 2410 is projected to the human eye via the transmission-reflection unit 2420 and the reflection unit 2430, thereby imaging the image-forming light to the human eye. In the folded state, the first housing 2100 is brought close to the second housing 2200, thereby folding the virtual image display device and thereby reducing the volume of the virtual image display device.

[0046] 3, the first housing 2100 approaches the second housing 2200 under the action of the folding mechanism 2300. The thickness of the entire virtual image display device 2000 is reduced from d1 in the operating state to d2 in the folded state. Compared with the operating state, the volume and thickness in the folded state are smaller.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present application, the second housing 2200 moves toward or away from the first housing 2100 under the action of the folding mechanism 2300, thereby switching the virtual image display device 2000 between an operating state and a folded state. In the operating state, the display system 2400 may operate normally to image the image-forming light to the human eye. In the folded state, the volume and thickness of the virtual image display device 2000 may be reduced.

[0048] The above describes the overall structure of the virtual image display device 2000 provided in this embodiment of the present application. Below, each component of the virtual image display device 2000 (e.g., the folding mechanism 2300 and the display system 2400) will be described in detail.

[0049] With respect to the display system 2400, the image source 2410 may be a thin film transistor (TFT), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a submillimeter light-emitting diode (mini LED), a micron light-emitting diode (micro LED), a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS), a digital micromirror device (DMD), a projector, etc., and the transflective unit 2420 may be a planar transflective unit, an arcuate transflective unit, etc., which are not limited in this application.

[0050] Optionally, the image source 2410 and the reflection unit 2430 may be integrated into the inner wall of the first housing 2100 by screws, fasteners, adhesive bonding, etc. This is not limited in the present application. Also, the transmission-reflection unit 2420 may be integrated into the second housing by adhesive bonding, fastening to a structural frame, etc. This is not limited in the present application.

[0051] Optionally, the transmission-reflection unit 2420 may be a semi-transmission and semi-reflection unit, or a transmission-reflection unit with another ratio (e.g., 40% transmission and 60% reflection, or 55% transmission and 45% reflection), or may be a polarization transmission-reflection unit (e.g., transmits S-polarized light and reflects P-polarized light, or transmits P-polarized light and reflects S-polarized light), which is not limited in this application. Optionally, the reflection unit 2430 may be a curved mirror.

[0052] Regarding the folding mechanism 2300, in one example, the folding mechanism 2300 may include a rotating shaft 2310 and a power unit 2320. As shown in FIG. 4 , the rotating shaft 2310 is configured to connect the first housing 2100 and the second housing 2200. The second housing 2200 may rotate about the rotating shaft 2310 to change the positional relationship between the second housing 2200 and the first housing 2100. The power unit 2320 is connected to the second housing 2200 and configured to drive and move the second housing 2200. In this manner, the second housing 2200 moves toward or away from the first housing 2100 to switch between the above-described operating state and the folded state.

[0053] In the folding mechanism 2300, the rotating shaft 2310 may have different forms. For example, the rotating shaft 2310 may be a shaft on the first housing 2100, and the second housing 2200 may have a hole that matches the rotating shaft 2310. The second housing 2200 may rotate around the rotating shaft 2310 by matching the hole with the rotating shaft 2310, thereby changing the positional relationship between the second housing 2200 and the first housing 2100.

[0054] Optionally, the rotating shaft 2310 may alternatively be a shaft on the second housing 2200, with the first housing 2100 including a hole that matches with the rotating shaft 2310. Alternatively, the rotating shaft 2310 may be a shaft that is independent of the first housing 2100 and the second housing 2200, with each of the first housing 2100 and the second housing 2200 being provided with a hole that corresponds to the rotating shaft 2310. This is not a limitation in the present application.

[0055] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 4, the rotating shaft 2310 may be located at one end of the first housing 2100 and the second housing 2200 (i.e., at the position of point A in FIG. 4). Display System The rotating shaft 2310 may be in another position, such as the position of point B or the position of point C in FIG. 4, provided that it is on the same side as the components of 2400 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4, the rotating shaft 2310 is below the image source 2410, the transmission-reflection unit 2420, and the reflection unit 2430), which is not a limitation of the present application.

[0056] In the folding mechanism 2300, the power unit 2320 may be in different forms, for example, a power source mechanism 2321 shown in FIG. 5 or a traction mechanism 2322 shown in FIG.

[0057] For example, the power unit 2320 may be a power source mechanism 2321, which is configured to supply power to perform the movement of the second housing 2200. Optionally, the power source mechanism 2321 may be a motor, a pneumatic / hydraulic transmission mechanism, or the like, which is not limited in the present application.

[0058] Optionally, the power source mechanism 2321 may cause the second housing 2200 to move relative to the first housing 2100. For example, the power source mechanism 2321 may be a motor on the first housing 2100, which transmits power to the second housing 2200 via a transmission mechanism to cause the second housing 2200 to move relative to the first housing 2100. Alternatively, the power source mechanism 2321 may be a motor in the surrounding environment of the virtual image display device 2000 (e.g., the backrest of a vehicle), which transmits power to the second housing 2200 via a transmission mechanism to cause the second housing 2200 to move relative to the first housing 2100.

[0059] Optionally, the power source mechanism 2321 may cause the first housing 2100 to move relative to the second housing 2200. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , the power source mechanism 2321 may be a motor on the second housing 2200, which transmits power to the first housing 2100 via a transmission mechanism to cause the first housing 2100 to move relative to the second housing 2200. Alternatively, the power source mechanism 2321 may be a motor in the surrounding environment of the virtual image display device 2000 (e.g., the backrest of a vehicle), which transmits power to the first housing 2100 via a transmission mechanism to cause the first housing 2100 to move relative to the second housing 2200.

[0060] Optionally, other than a motor, the power source mechanism 2321 may be a pneumatic / hydraulic transmission mechanism, etc., which is not limited in the present application.

[0061] Optionally, the transmission mechanism can transmit power via a belt transmission, a sprocket, a rack and pinion, a worm gear and worm, a screw, a crank, a cam, etc. This is not limited in this application.

[0062] For example, the power unit 2320 may be a traction mechanism 2322, and a user may use the traction mechanism 2322 to move the second housing 2200. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 6, the traction mechanism 2322 may be a protrusion (as shown in FIG. 6a) or a slot (as shown in FIG. 6b) on the second housing 2200. This is not limited in the present application.

[0063] The movement of the second housing 2200 may be implemented based on the aforementioned folding mechanism 2300 including the rotating shaft 2310 and the power unit 2320. In this manner, the second housing 2200 moves toward or away from the first housing 2100. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 7 , the folding mechanism 2300 may further include a first connecting rod 2330. The extension direction of the first connecting rod 2330 is related to the direction in which the second housing 2200 moves toward or away from the first housing 2100 (e.g., the directions are parallel to each other, or there is a specific included angle between the directions, or the extension direction is parallel to a tangent to a point on the movement trajectory of the second housing 2200). The power unit 2320 is connected to the second housing 2200 via the first connecting rod 2330. In this embodiment of the present application, the power provided or transmitted by the power unit 2320 is transmitted to the second housing 2200 via the first connecting rod 2330, so that the acting direction of the power on the second housing 2200 matches the movement trajectory of the second housing 2200. In this way, the requirement for the magnitude of the power provided by the power unit 2320 can be reduced.

[0064] For example, if the power unit 2320 is a motor, the first connecting rod 2330 can reduce the power requirement of the motor and reduce friction generated when the motor moves, thereby extending the life of the motor and the entire virtual image display device 2000. If the power unit 2320 is a traction mechanism, the first connecting rod 2330 can save the user effort. Due to the presence of the first connecting rod 2330, the user can drive and move the second housing 2200 by applying a small force.

[0065] In this embodiment of the present application, the connection between the first connecting rod 2330 and the second housing 2200 may be implemented using a connecting unit 2340. In the embodiment of the present application, the method of connecting the first connecting rod 2330 to the second housing 2200 is not limited. Optionally, the connecting unit 2340 may include a first connecting unit 2341 and a second connecting unit 2342.

[0066] 7, the first connection unit 2341 is configured to fasten the first connecting rod 2330 to the second housing 2200. Specifically, in the process of the power unit 2320 and the first connecting rod 2330 driving the second housing 2200 to move closer to or away from the first housing 2100, the connection angle between the first connecting rod 2330 and the second housing 2200 remains unchanged due to the fastening of the first connection unit 2341. The connection structure is simple and easy to implement.

[0067] The direction of the first connecting rod 2330 is related to the moving direction of the second housing 2200. This allows the first connecting rod 2330 to be fastened to the second housing 2200. This allows the acting direction of the power of the power unit 2320 to be more adapted to the moving direction of the second housing 2200. This further saves the power of the power unit 2320.

[0068] 8 , the connection unit 2340 connecting the first connecting rod 2330 and the second housing 2200 may alternatively be movable, and the second connection unit 2342 is configured to change the connection angle between the first connecting rod 2330 and the second housing 2200. For example, the second connection unit 2342 may be a protruding shaft on the second housing 2200, and the first connecting rod 2330 is provided with a hole matching the shaft. In the process of moving the second housing 2200 toward or away from the first housing 2100, the connection angle between the first connecting rod 2330 and the second housing 2200 may be changed.

[0069] In this embodiment of the present application, the length of the first connecting rod 2330 may be determined based on mechanical design, etc. As shown in Fig. 9a, when the determined length of the first connecting rod 2330 is short, the first connecting rod 2330 may be fastened to the second housing 2200 (i.e., the fastening shown in Fig. 7), and the thickness of the virtual image display device 2000 changes from d1 to d2 by folding.

[0070] 9b, if the determined length of the first connecting rod 2330 is long, the connection angle between the first connecting rod 2330 and the second housing 2200 may be changed (i.e., the movable connection shown in FIG. 8). In the folding process, the connection angle between the first connecting rod 2330 and the second housing may be further changed, so that the first connecting rod 2330 is folded toward the second housing 2200. The thickness of the virtual image display device 2000 changes from d1 to d2 due to the folding and the change in the connection angle.

[0071] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 10, the folding mechanism 2300 may further include a second connecting rod 2350, which is configured to connect the rotation shaft to the first connecting rod.

[0072] Optionally, as shown in Fig. 11 , the folding mechanism 2300 may be arranged on the first housing 2100 so that the first housing 2100 moves toward or away from the second housing 2200. This is not a limitation in the present application. When the folding mechanism 2300 is arranged on the first housing 2100, the power unit 2320, the first connecting rod 2330, the second connecting rod 2350, etc. are also connected to the first housing 2100. For the connection relationship, please refer to the descriptions of Figs. 2 to 10. Details will not be repeated here.

[0073] The structure of the folding mechanism 2300 has been described above. Below, other components of the virtual image display device 2000 will be described in detail. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 12 , the virtual image display device 2000 may further include a flexible seal unit 2500. The flexible seal unit 2500 is configured to protect components within the display system 2400. Specifically, the flexible seal unit 2500 forms a limited space together with the first housing 2100 and the second housing 2200, and the display system 2400 is located within this limited space. In the process of the second housing 2200 moving toward or away from the first housing 2100, the flexible seal unit 2500 may be flexibly deformed to ensure airtightness of the limited space and dustproof and waterproof performance of the components within the display system 2400 within the limited space.

[0074] Optionally, as shown in Fig. 13, the virtual image display device 2000 may further include a rotation structure 2600. The rotation structure 2600 is configured to drive and rotate the first housing 2100, so that the virtual image display device 2000 conforms to a corresponding positional relationship in different states (e.g., an actuated state or a folded state).

[0075] 14a, in an actuated state, the rotation structure 2600 may rotate the first housing 2100 to drive the image source 2410 to change its position, so that the image source 2410 moves to a target image source position corresponding to the position of a human eye. In this way, the optical imaging system formed by the entire display system 2400 performs imaging of the image-forming light to the human eye.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 14b, the second housing 2200 is close to the first housing 2100, and the virtual image display device 2000 is in a folded state. In this case, the outer wall of the second housing 2200 does not conform to the surrounding environment surface. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 14c, the rotation structure 2600 rotates the first housing 2100 and drives the second housing 2200 to change its position. In this way, the outer wall of the second housing 2200 conforms to the surrounding environment surface.

[0077] The ambient environment surface here may be an extension of the ambient environment surface shown in Fig. 14c. For example, if the vertical surface in Fig. 14c is the surface of the backrest, the ambient environment surface may be an extension of the backrest surface. Optionally, other than the backrest surface, the ambient environment surface may be an extension of another surface, for example, an extension of a dashboard console surface or a center console surface. This is not a limitation in the present application.

[0078] Optionally, other than the extension surface of the surrounding environment surface, the surrounding environment surface may be a preset mounting surface or the like. This is not limited in the present application. For example, if the virtual image display device 2000 is a HUD whose height is adjustable in a vehicle, the HUD is placed on a preset mounting surface when the HUD is not in use, and is raised to a height that can be seen by the human eye when the HUD is in use. In this case, the surrounding environment surface may be the preset mounting surface.

[0079] Optionally, in the process of switching the virtual image display device 2000 from the operating state to the folded state, as shown in Fig. 14, the virtual image display device 2000 may be folded and then rotated, or may be rotated and then folded, or may be folded while rotating. This is not limited in the present application. Correspondingly, in the process of switching the virtual image display device 2000 from the folded state to the operating state, the order of unfolding and rotating is also not limited.

[0080] Optionally, the rotating structure 2600 may be a rotating shaft, and a transmission mechanism may be used to drive and rotate the rotating shaft, thereby driving and rotating the first housing 2100. Optionally, the transmission mechanism may be a gear, a worm gear and worm, a flexible shaft, etc. This is not limited in the present application.

[0081] Optionally, as shown in Fig. 15, the virtual image display device 2000 may further include a holder 2700. The holder 2700 is connected to the rotating structure 2600 and configured to support the first housing 2100. The structure of the virtual image display device 2000 shown in Fig. 15 may be used as a portable display device.

[0082] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present application, in addition to being used as a portable display device, the virtual image display device 2000 may be used in a vehicle. As shown in Fig. 16, one embodiment of the present application further provides a vehicle. The vehicle includes a dashboard console and the above-described virtual image display device 2000. The virtual image display device 2000 is disposed in a storage space of the dashboard console.

[0083] Optionally, the rotating shaft 2310 of the virtual image display device 2000 may be located inside the dashboard console.

[0084] Optionally, the folding mechanism 2300 may allow the second housing 2200 to move in and out of the storage space of the structural device to switch the virtual image display device 2000 between its folded state and its operating state.

[0085] Optionally, when entering the operating state, the rotation structure 2600 in the virtual image display device 2000 may drive and rotate the first housing 2100, allowing the image source 2410 on the first housing 2100 to move to a target image source position corresponding to the position of a human eye. The folding mechanism 2300 may allow the second housing 2200 to move away from the first housing 2100, so that the transmission-reflection unit 2420 on the second housing 2200 moves to a transmission-reflection unit position corresponding to the target image source position.

[0086] Optionally, the vehicle may further include a detection unit configured to detect the position of the person's eyes. The position of the person's eyes may be used to determine the target image source position. After the detection unit detects the position of the person's eyes, a processor of the virtual image display device 2000 (e.g., the host processor 1101 in FIG. 17 ) may adjust the rotation angle of the rotating structure 2600 based on the position of the person's eyes. That is, the pitch angle of the virtual image display device 2000 may be automatically adjusted based on the actual position of the person's eyes.

[0087] Optionally, when entering the folded state, the rotation structure 2600 in the virtual image display device 2000 may drive and rotate the first housing 2100 to rotate the folded virtual image display device 2000 so as to enter the storage space in the dashboard console. Furthermore, the rotation structure 2600 may drive and rotate the first housing 2100 to enable the outer wall of the second housing 2200 to conform to the surrounding environmental surface of the dashboard console.

[0088] Optionally, in addition to being mounted on the dashboard console, the virtual image display device 2000 provided in this embodiment of the present application may also be mounted on another structural device of the vehicle, such as a seat back, an interior wall of the vehicle, an operation console, or a processing console, which is not limited in this application.

[0089] Optionally, when the virtual image display device 2000 is attached to a seat back / interior wall of a vehicle / operation console / processing console, the rotation structure 2600 may drive and rotate the first housing 2100 to enable the outer wall of the second housing 2200 to conform to the surface of the seat back / interior wall of a vehicle / operation console / processing console.

[0090] Optionally, the operation console may be a rescue operation console of an ambulance or a kitchen operation console of a trailer, etc., and the processing console may be a bar console of a trailer, a dining table in a passenger cabin, or an office desk, etc. This is not limited in the present application.

[0091] Optionally, the vehicle provided in this embodiment of the present application may be a car, a train, an airplane, etc., which is not limited in the present application.

[0092] 17 is a circuit diagram of a virtual image display device 2000 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 17, the circuit in the virtual image display device 2000 mainly includes a host processor (host CPU) 1101, an external memory interface 1102, an internal memory 1103, an audio module 1104, a video module 1105, a power module 1106, a wireless communication module 1107, an I / O interface 1108, a video interface 1109, a display circuit 1110, a modulator 1111, etc. The host processor 1101 and its peripheral components, such as the external memory interface 1102, the internal memory 1103, the audio module 1104, the video module 1105, the power module 1106, the wireless communication module 1107, the I / O interface 1108, the video interface 1109, and the display circuit 1110, may be connected via a bus. The host processor 1101 may also be referred to as a front-end processor.

[0093] Additionally, the circuit diagrams in this embodiment of the present application do not constitute any particular limitations on the virtual image display device 2000. In some other embodiments of the present application, the virtual image display device 2000 may include more or fewer components than those shown in the diagram, may combine some components, may split some components, or may have a different component arrangement. The components shown in the diagram may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0094] The host processor 1101 includes one or more processing units. For example, the host processor 1101 may include 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). The different processing units may be separate components or may be integrated into one or more processors.

[0095] Memory may also be located within the host processor 1101 and configured to store instructions and data. In some embodiments, the memory within the host processor 1101 is a cache. The memory may store instructions or data that have just been used or that are used periodically by the host processor 1101. When the host processor 1101 needs to use the instructions or data again, the host processor may retrieve the instructions or data directly from the memory. This avoids repeated accesses and reduces the latency of the host processor 1101, thereby improving system efficiency.

[0096] In some embodiments, the virtual image display device 2000 may further include a plurality of input / output (I / O) interfaces 1108 connected to the host processor 1101. The I / O interfaces 1108 may include an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) interface, an inter-integrated circuit sound (I2S) interface, a pulse code modulation (PCM) interface, a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART) interface, a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI), a general-purpose input / output (GPIO) interface, a subscriber identity module (SIM) interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, etc. The I / O interface 1108 may be connected to devices such as a mouse, touchpad, keyboard, camera, speaker / phone, or microphone, or may be connected to physical buttons on the virtual image display device 2000 (e.g., volume buttons, brightness control buttons, or on / off buttons).

[0097] The external memory interface 1102 may be configured to connect to an external storage card, for example, a Micro SD card, to expand the storage capabilities of the virtual image display device 2000. The external memory card communicates with the host processor 1101 via the external memory interface 1102 to perform data storage functions.

[0098] The internal memory 1103 may be configured to store computer-executable program code. The executable program code includes instructions. The internal memory 1103 may include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store applications required by an operating system, at least one function (e.g., a call function or a time setting function), and the like. The data storage area may store data generated when the virtual image display device 2000 is in use (e.g., a phone book or a world clock). Additionally, the internal memory 1103 may include high-speed random access memory or non-volatile memory, such as at least one magnetic disk storage device, flash memory component, or universal flash storage (UFS). The host processor 1101 executes instructions stored in the internal memory 1103 and / or instructions stored in memory located on the host processor 1101 to perform various functional applications and data processing of the virtual image display device 2000.

[0099] The virtual image display device 2000 may implement audio functions, such as music playback and voice calls, by using an audio module 1104, an application processor, etc.

[0100] The audio module 1104 is configured 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 1104 may be further configured to encode and decode audio signals, for example, to play audio or record audio. In some embodiments, the audio module 1104 may be located on the host processor 1101, or some functional modules within the audio module 1104 may be located on the host processor 1101.

[0101] The video interface 1109 may receive audio and video signals from the outside, specifically, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a digital visual interface (DVI), a video graphics array (VGA), a display port (DP), etc. Alternatively, the video interface 1109 may output video. When the virtual image display device 2000 is used as a head-up display, the video interface 1109 may receive speed signals and battery level signals input from peripheral devices, or may receive AR video signals input from the outside. When the virtual image display device 2000 is used as a projector, the video interface 1109 may receive video signals input by an external computer or terminal device.

[0102] The video module 1105 may decode the video input by the video interface 1109, for example, may perform H.264 decoding. The video module may also encode the video collected by the virtual image display device 2000, for example, may perform H.264 encoding on the video collected by an external camera. The host processor 1101 may also decode the video input by the video interface 1109 and then output the decoded image signal to the display circuit 1110.

[0103] The display circuit 1110 and the modulator 1111 are configured to display a corresponding image. In this embodiment, the video interface 1109 receives an externally input video source signal, the video module 1105 performs decoding and / or digitization processing, and outputs one or more image signals to the display circuit 1110. The display circuit 1110 drives the modulator 1111 based on the input image signal to form an image on the incident polarized light, and outputs image-forming light. In addition, the host processor 1101 may also output an image signal to the display circuit 1110.

[0104] The power module 1106 is configured to supply power to the host processor 1101 and the light source 110 based on an input power (e.g., direct current). The power module 1106 may include a rechargeable battery, which may supply power to the host processor 1101 and the light source 110. Light emitted by the light source 110 is transmitted to a modulator 1111 to form an image light signal for image formation.

[0105] The wireless communication module 1107 may enable the virtual image display device 2000 to wirelessly communicate with the outside world, and may provide wireless local area networks (WLANs) (e.g., wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks), Bluetooth (BT), global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), frequency modulation (FM), near field communication (NFC) technology, infrared (IR) technology, etc. The wireless communication module 1107 may be one or more devices incorporating at least one communication processor module. The wireless communication module 1107 receives electromagnetic waves via an antenna, performs frequency modulation and filtering on the electromagnetic wave signals, and transmits the processed signals to the host processor 1101. The wireless communication module 1107 may further receive signals to be transmitted from the host processor 1101, perform frequency modulation and amplification on the signals, and convert the processed signals into electromagnetic waves for emission via the antenna.

[0106] In addition, the video data decoded by the video module 1105 may be input via the video interface 1109, or may be received wirelessly via the wireless communication module 1107 or read from an external memory. For example, the virtual image display device 2000 may receive video data from a terminal device or an in-vehicle infotainment system via a wireless local area network within the vehicle. The virtual image display device 2000 may also read audio and video data stored in an external memory.

[0107] For ease of explanation, the detailed working processes of the aforementioned systems, devices and units should refer to the corresponding processes of the aforementioned method embodiments, and the details will not be described again here, as will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art.

[0108] In some embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the described device embodiments are merely examples. For example, the division of units is merely a logical division of functions, and other divisions may be used in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not implemented. In addition, the shown or discussed mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections may be implemented using some interfaces. Indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be implemented in electronic, mechanical, or other forms.

[0109] The units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and the parts shown as units may or may not be physical units, and may be located in one place or distributed over multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected based on actual requirements to achieve the objectives of the solutions of the embodiments.

[0110] In addition, the functional units in the embodiments of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, each unit may exist physically alone, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional unit.

[0111] When the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, the integrated unit may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application may essentially, or a portion contributing to the current art, or all or a portion of the technical solution may be implemented in the form of a software product. The computer software product includes several instructions stored in a storage medium and instructing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, a network device, etc.) to perform all or a portion of the steps of the method described in the embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes any medium capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a removable hard disk drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 110 Light source 1101 Host Processor 1102 External Memory Interface 1103 Internal Memory 1104 Audio Module 1105 Video Module 1106 Power Module 1107 Wireless Communication Module 1108 I / O Interface 1109 Video Interface 1110 Display circuit 1111 Modulator 2000 Virtual Image Display Device 2100 First enclosure 2200 Second enclosure 2300 Folding mechanism 2310 Rotating shaft 2320 Power Unit 2321 Power source mechanism 2322 Traction mechanism 2330 First connecting rod 2340 Connection Unit 2341 First Connection Unit 2342 Second Connection Unit 2350 Second connecting rod 2400 Display System 2410 Image Source 2420 Transmission / Reflection Unit 2430 Reflection Unit 2500 Flexible Seal Unit 2600 Rotating Structure 2700 holder d1 Working thickness d2 Thickness in folded state

Claims

1. A virtual image display device (2000) comprising a first housing (2100), a second housing (2200), a folding mechanism (2300) connecting the first housing (2100) and the second housing (2200), and a display system (2400), The display system (2400) comprises an image source (2410), a transmission-reflection unit (2420), and a reflection unit (2430), wherein the image source (2410) and the reflection unit (2430) are connected to an inner wall of the first housing (2100), and the transmission-reflection unit (2420) is connected to the second housing (2200); A virtual image display device (2000) in which the second housing (2200) moves toward or away from the first housing (2100) under the action of the folding mechanism (2300).

2. The folding mechanism (2300) comprises a rotating shaft (2310) connecting the first housing (2100) and the second housing (2200), and a power unit (2320) connected to the second housing (2200); 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power unit (2320) is configured to drive the second housing (2200) to move toward or away from the first housing (2100).

3. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the folding mechanism (2300) further comprises a first connecting rod (2330), and the power unit (2320) is connected to the second housing (2200) via the first connecting rod (2330).

4. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a first connection unit (2341) configured to connect the first connecting rod (2330) to the second housing (2200).

5. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the folding mechanism (2300) further comprises a second connection unit (2342) that connects a first connecting rod (2330) to the second housing (2200), and the second connection unit (2342) is configured to change the connection angle between the first connecting rod (2330) and the second housing (2200).

6. 6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the folding mechanism (2300) further comprises a second connecting rod (2350) connecting the rotating shaft (2310) to a connecting unit (2340).

7. 7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the power unit (2320) comprises a power source mechanism or a traction mechanism, the power source mechanism or the traction mechanism being configured to move the second housing (2200).

8. 8. The device of claim 1, further comprising a flexible seal unit (2500), the flexible seal unit (2500) forming a confined space together with the first housing (2100) and the second housing (2200), and the display system (2400) being within the confined space.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a rotation structure (2600) for driving the first housing (2100) to rotate.

10. 10. The device of claim 9, further comprising a holder (2700), the holder (2700) being connected to the rotating structure (2600), the holder (2700) being configured to support the first housing (2100).

11. A vehicle comprising a structural device and a virtual image display device (2000) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the virtual image display device (2000) is arranged in an accommodation space of the structural device.

12. The structural device comprises: The vehicle of claim 11 , comprising at least one of a dashboard console, a seat back, an interior wall of the vehicle, an operating console, and a processing console.

13. 13. The vehicle of claim 11 or 12, wherein a rotating shaft (2310) of the virtual image display device (2000) is arranged inside the structural device.

14. The folding mechanism (2300) is configured to move the second housing (2200) in and out of the storage space. A vehicle according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

15. a rotation structure (2600) configured to drive and rotate the first housing (2100) to rotate the folded virtual image display device (2000) so as to enter the storage space; 15. The vehicle of claim 14.

16. The vehicle of claim 14 , further comprising a detection unit, the detection unit configured to detect a position of a person's eyes.

Citation Information

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