Obstacle-seeing device

Abstract

The present invention provides an obstacle-seeing device that displays a visual blind spot image in a visual blind spot area that is obstructed by an obstacle, when the user is unable to see the visual blind spot image. [Solution] The obstacle-seeing device includes a first composite polarizer and a second composite polarizer. The first composite polarizer is placed between the user and the obstacle and includes a first reflective polarizing layer and a first absorbing polarizing layer. The first reflective polarizing layer is used to separate the target incident light into target reflected light and target transmitted light, then reflect the target reflected light and transmit the target transmitted light to project it onto the viewing position. The first absorbing polarizing layer is used to separate the interference incident light into interference transmitted light and absorbed light, transmit the interference transmitted light, and absorb the absorbed light. The second composite polarizer is located between the first composite polarizer and the obstacle, is placed parallel to the first composite polarizer, and is used to reflect the target reflected light and project it onto the viewing position, and to absorb the interference transmitted light.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a perspective device, particularly an obstacle perspective device.

Background Art

[0002] During the driving process of a vehicle, due to the shielding of the A-pillar, it is often difficult for the driver to see pedestrians, road holes, or traffic signs blocked by the A-pillar, increasing the risk of traffic accidents. To solve the above problems, various solutions have been proposed in the prior art.

[0003] A general solution is to install a camera in the direction of the visual blind spot area of the vehicle body (i.e., the area blocked by the A-pillar) and transmit real-time images into the vehicle to assist the driver's judgment. However, the above solution has the following problems. First, the camera needs to consume additional vehicle power, increasing the energy burden. Second, there may be a delay in image transmission, which may affect the driver's immediate judgment.

[0004] Another general solution is to install a polyhedral mirror near the A-pillar and project an image of the visual blind spot area onto the driver's eyes using the principle of light reflection. However, this solution also has the following problems. First, the reflected image may be distorted or misaligned, which may affect driving judgment. Second, other light inside the vehicle may be reflected into the driver's eyes by the mirror, making it impossible for the driver to accurately grasp the situation behind the A-pillar.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Conventional technologies using mirrors suffer from problems such as image distortion, image misalignment, and unwanted light reflection into the driver's eyes. The main objective of the present invention is to provide an obstacle-seeing device that solves the above problems by providing a first composite polarizer and a second composite polarizer between the user and the obstacle, projecting the target incident light behind the obstacle to the user's visual position, and absorbing the interfering incident light that affects image formation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Based on this, the necessary technical means employed by the present invention to solve the problems of the prior art is to provide an obstacle-seeing device that displays a visual blind spot image when the user cannot see the visual blind spot image of a visual blind spot area that is obstructed by an obstacle.

[0007] The obstacle-seeing device includes a first composite polarizer and a second composite polarizer. The first composite polarizer is located between the user and the obstacle and is provided adjacent to the obstacle, and has a first side facing the visual blind spot region and a second side facing away from the visual blind spot region. The first composite polarizer includes a first reflective polarizing layer and a first absorbing polarizing layer.

[0008] The first reflective polarizing layer is adjacent to the first side and, when projected onto the first side through target incident light in a visual blind spot region, separates the target incident light into target reflected light and target transmitted light having different polarization directions. It then reflects the target reflected light from the first side and transmits the target transmitted light from the second side, projecting it to the user's visual position.

[0009] The first absorption polarizing layer is adjacent to the second side, and when interference incident light, which is away from the visual blind spot region, is projected onto the second side, it separates the interference incident light into interference transmitted light and absorbed light, which have different polarization directions, and transmits the interference transmitted light from the first side while absorbing the absorbed light.

[0010] Preferably, the first composite polarizer further includes a first transparent substrate, the first transparent substrate being provided adjacent to the first reflective polarizing layer or the first absorbing polarizing layer.

[0011] The second composite polarizer is positioned between the first composite polarizer and an obstacle, and is installed parallel to the first composite polarizer. When target reflected light is projected onto the second composite polarizer, it reflects the target reflected light and projects it to the visible position, and when interference transmitted light is projected onto the second composite polarizer, it absorbs the interference transmitted light. Here, when the target transmitted light and target reflected light are projected onto the visible position, the target transmitted light and target reflected light jointly form a visual blind spot image which is then visible to the user.

[0012] Based on the necessary technical means described above, the following dependent technical means can be further derived. Preferably, the second composite polarizer includes a second absorption polarizing layer and a light-reflecting layer. The second absorption polarizing layer is adjacent to the first side and is used to absorb interference-transmitted light. The light-reflecting layer is away from the first side and is used to reflect target reflected light and project it to the visual position.

[0013] Based on the above, preferably, the second composite polarizer further includes a second substrate, and the second substrate is provided adjacent to the second absorption polarizing layer or light reflection layer.

[0014] Based on the above, preferably, the angle between the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizing layer and the transmission axis of the first absorbing polarizing layer is less than 70 degrees, and the angle between the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizing layer and the transmission axis of the second absorbing polarizing layer is greater than 30 degrees.

[0015] Based on the necessary technical means described above, the following dependent technical means can be further derived. Preferably, the second composite polarizer includes a second reflective polarizing layer and a light-absorbing layer. The second reflective polarizing layer is adjacent to the first side and is used to reflect the target reflected light and project it to the visual position. The light-absorbing layer is away from the first side and absorbs the interference-transmitted light.

[0016] Based on the above, preferably, the second composite polarizer further includes a second substrate, and the second substrate is provided adjacent to the second reflective polarizing layer or light absorbing layer.

[0017] Based on the above, preferably, the angle between the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizing layer and the transmission axis of the first absorbing polarizing layer is less than 70 degrees, and the angle between the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizing layer and the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizing layer is less than 70 degrees. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] In summary, the obstacle-seeing device provided by the present invention solves the above problems by providing a first composite polarizer and a second composite polarizer between the user and the obstacle, projecting the target incident light behind the obstacle to the user's visual position, and absorbing the interfering incident light that affects image formation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This is a top view showing an obstacle-seeing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing an obstacle-seeing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing the projection of light from an obstacle-seeing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing the projection of light from an obstacle-seeing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to embodiments and figures.

[0021] The obstacle-seeing device provided by the present invention has a variety of possible structures, and therefore will not be described individually here. Only two preferred embodiments are illustrated, and these embodiments are used solely to conveniently and clearly illustrate the purpose and effects of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 1 is a top view showing an obstacle perspective device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the obstacle perspective device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the obstacle perspective device 100 is used to display a blind spot image in a blind spot area 400 blocked by an obstacle 300 when the user 200 cannot see the blind spot image of the blind spot area 400.

[0023] In this embodiment, the obstacle perspective device 100 is installed in a vehicle 302 (or other means of transportation) having a windshield 301. That is, the user 200 is a driver, the obstacle 300 is the A-pillar of the vehicle, and the blind spot image is an image formed by light reflected from a pedestrian 500 in the blind spot area 400. In fact, the blind spot image may be an image formed by light reflected from an obstacle on the road, a hole in the road, or a traffic sign in the blind spot area 400.

[0024] In other embodiments, the obstacle perspective device 100 can also be applied to other cases where it is necessary to display a blind spot image. For example, when the user 200 is a pedestrian, the obstacle 300 is a corner wall. Before turning, the pedestrian can use the obstacle perspective device 100 to check the blind spot in advance and avoid potential collision risks.

[0025] Subsequently, referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the light projection of the obstacle perspective device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Refer to FIGS. 1 and 2 together.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the obstacle perspective device 100 includes a first compound polarizer 1 and a second compound polarizer 2a. The first compound polarizer 1 is located between the user 200 and the obstacle 300, is provided adjacent to the obstacle 300, and has a first side S 1 facing the blind spot area 400 and a second side S 2 facing away from the blind spot area 400.

[0027] The first composite polarizer 1 includes a first reflective polarizing layer 11 and a first absorbing polarizing layer 12. The first reflective polarizing layer 11 is adjacent to the first side S1 and, when projected onto the first side S1 via target incident light 3 in the visual blind spot region 400, separates the target incident light 3 into target reflected light 31 and target transmitted light 32 having different polarization directions. It reflects the target reflected light 31 from the first side S1 and transmits the target transmitted light from the second side S2, projecting it onto the user's 200 visual position 201.

[0028] In this embodiment, when the pedestrian 500 is illuminated by light (sunlight, car headlights, or ambient light, etc.), the target incident light 3 and the target incident light 3' that was blocked by the obstacle 300 are reflected towards the user 200. Since the user 200 is a certain distance away from the pedestrian 500, the target incident light 3 can be considered as the target incident light 3'.

[0029] The first absorption polarizing layer 12 is adjacent to the second side S2 and is used to separate the interference incident light 4 (such as stray light inside the car) that is away from the visual blind spot region 400 and is projected onto the second side S2. The first absorption polarizing layer 12 is used to transmit the interference transmitted light 41, which has different polarization directions from each other, and absorb the absorbed light, and transmits the interference transmitted light 41 from the first side S1.

[0030] In this embodiment, the first composite polarizer 1 further includes a first transparent substrate 13, and the first transparent substrate 13 is provided adjacent to the first absorption polarizing layer 12, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the first transparent substrate 13 may be provided adjacent to the first reflection polarizing layer 11. As described above, the first transparent substrate 13 can be made of glass, acrylic, or polycarbonate (PC).

[0031] The second composite polarizer 2a is positioned between the first composite polarizer 1 and the obstacle 300 and is installed parallel to the first composite polarizer 1. In this invention, perfect parallelism (no angular deviation) is preferred. However, considering factors such as assembly tolerances and field of view adjustment, a certain angular deviation (e.g., a deviation of less than 5 degrees) is acceptable and is still considered to be installed parallel.

[0032] The second composite polarizer 2a is used to reflect the target reflected light 31 and project it to the visual position 201 when the target reflected light 31 is projected onto the second composite polarizer 2a, and is used to absorb the interference transmitted light 41 when the interference transmitted light 41 is projected onto the second composite polarizer 2a.

[0033] In this embodiment, the second composite polarizer 2a includes a second absorption polarizing layer 21a, a light reflection layer 22a, and a second substrate 23a. The second absorption polarizing layer 21a is adjacent to the first side S1 and is used to absorb interference transmitted light 41. The light reflection layer 22a is away from the first side S1 and is used to reflect target reflected light 31 and project it onto the viewing position 201. In this embodiment, the light reflection layer 22a is formed by plating with a light-reflecting metal or dielectric material such as silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), gold (Au), molybdenum (Mo), or a multilayer dielectric.

[0034] In this embodiment, the second substrate 23a is provided adjacent to the light reflection layer 22a (from left to right: the second substrate 23a, the light reflection layer 22a, and the second absorption polarizing layer 21a). In other embodiments, the second substrate 23a may be provided adjacent to the second absorption polarizing layer 21a (from left to right: the light reflection layer 22a, the second absorption polarizing layer 21a, and the second substrate 23a), or it may be provided between the light reflection layer 22a and the second absorption polarizing layer 21a (from left to right: the light reflection layer 22a, the second substrate 23a, and the second absorption polarizing layer 21a).

[0035] As described above, in embodiments where the second substrate 23a is provided adjacent to the light-reflecting layer 22a, the second substrate 23a can be made of glass, acrylic, polycarbonate (PC), various plastics, various types of wood, or metal. In embodiments where the second substrate 23a is provided adjacent to the second absorption-type polarizing layer 21a, the second substrate 23a needs to be transparent so as to transmit light, and can be made of glass, acrylic, polycarbonate (PC), or various plastics. In embodiments where the second substrate 23a is placed between the light-reflecting layer 22a and the second absorption-type polarizing layer 21a, the second substrate 23a also needs to be transparent so as to transmit light, and can be made of glass, acrylic, polycarbonate (PC), or various plastics.

[0036] In this embodiment, the polarizing layer is entirely a polarizing film and can be attached to a transparent substrate. The reflective polarizing film may be a cholesteric liquid crystal film, a multilayer birefringent film, or a wire-grid polarizing film, and is used to reflect light that cannot be transmitted. The absorptive polarizing film is used to absorb light that cannot be transmitted. The related structures of the polarizing films are prior art and will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0037] In other embodiments, the light-reflecting layer 22a may be used directly as the substrate (i.e., the second composite polarizer 2a does not include the second substrate 23a), in which case the light-reflecting layer 22a can be manufactured by directly polishing a metal.

[0038] In the first embodiment, the angle between the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizing layer 11 and the transmission axis of the first absorbing polarizing layer 12 is less than 70 degrees, and the angle between the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizing layer 11 and the transmission axis of the second absorbing polarizing layer 21a is greater than 30 degrees. Better optical quality can be obtained when the angle between the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizing layer 11 and the transmission axis of the first absorbing polarizing layer 12 is 0 degrees (i.e., parallel to each other), and the angle between the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizing layer 11 and the transmission axis of the second absorbing polarizing layer 21a is 90 degrees (i.e., perpendicular to each other).

[0039] When the target reflected light 31 and the target transmitted light 32 are projected onto the viewing position 201, a visual blind spot image is jointly formed and then viewed by the user 200. Furthermore, since the interference transmitted light 41 is absorbed, it does not affect the image quality of the visual blind spot image.

[0040] Referring to Figure 4, which is an explanatory diagram showing the projection of light in an obstacle-seeing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, also refer to Figures 1 to 3. As shown in Figure 4, the difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment lies in the structure of the second composite polarizer 2b. The remaining parts are similar to or identical to those of the first embodiment, so refer to the descriptions in the corresponding paragraphs. In this embodiment, the second composite polarizer 2b includes a second reflective polarizing layer 21b, a light-absorbing layer 22b, and a second substrate 23b.

[0041] The second reflective polarizing layer 21b is adjacent to the first side S1 and is used to reflect the target reflected light 31 and project it onto the viewing position 201. The light absorbing layer 22b is separated from the first side S1 to absorb the interference transmitted light 41. In this embodiment, the light absorbing layer 22b is made of a dark light absorbing material such as an ink, pigment, dye, or metal oxide film.

[0042] In this embodiment, the second substrate 23b is provided adjacent to the light absorption layer 22b (from left to right, the second substrate 23b, the light absorption layer 22b, and the second reflective polarizing layer 21b), but it is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the second substrate 23b is provided adjacent to the second reflective polarizing layer 21b (from left to right, the light absorption layer 22b, the second reflective polarizing layer 21b, and the second substrate 23b) or provided between the light absorption layer 22b and the second reflective polarizing layer 21b (from left to right, the light absorption layer 22b, the second substrate 23b, and the second reflective polarizing layer 21b).

[0043] As described above, in embodiments where the second substrate 23b is provided adjacent to the light-absorbing layer 22b, the second substrate 23b can be made of glass, acrylic, polycarbonate (PC), various plastics, various types of wood, or metal. In embodiments where the second substrate 23b is provided adjacent to the second reflective polarizing layer 21b, the second substrate 23b needs to be transparent so as to transmit light, and can be made of glass, acrylic, polycarbonate (PC), or various types of plastic. In embodiments where the second substrate 23b is provided between the light-absorbing layer 22b and the second reflective polarizing layer 21b, the second substrate 23b can transmit some or all of the light, and can be made of glass, colored glass, acrylic, colored acrylic, polycarbonate (PC), various types of plastic, or a haze substrate (e.g., a diffuser plate).

[0044] In other embodiments, the light-absorbing layer 22b may be used directly as the substrate (i.e., the second composite polarizer 2b does not include the second substrate 23b). In this case, the light-absorbing layer 22b may be, for example, a dark-colored light-absorbing acrylic plate, dark-colored glass, or a dark-colored light-absorbing plastic plate.

[0045] In the second embodiment, the angle between the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizing layer 11 and the transmission axis of the first absorbing polarizing layer 12 is less than 70 degrees, and the angle between the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizing layer 11 and the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizing layer 21b is less than 70 degrees. A more preferable optical quality is obtained when the angle between the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizing layer 11 and the transmission axis of the first absorbing polarizing layer 12 is 0 degrees (i.e., parallel to each other), and the angle between the first reflective polarizing layer 11 and the second reflective polarizing layer 21b is also 0 degrees (i.e., parallel to each other).

[0046] Similar to the first embodiment, when the target reflected light 31 and the target transmitted light 32 are projected onto the viewing position 201, a visual blind spot image is jointly formed and then viewed by the user 200. Furthermore, since the interference transmitted light 41 is absorbed, it does not affect the image quality of the visual blind spot image.

[0047] In summary, the obstacle-seeing device 100 provided by the present invention solves the above problem by providing a first composite polarizer 1 and a second composite polarizer 2a (or second composite polarizer 2b) between the user 200 and the obstacle 300, projecting the target incident light 3 behind the obstacle 300 onto the user 200's viewing position 201, and absorbing the interfering incident light 4 that affects image formation.

[0048] The above detailed description of preferred specific embodiments is intended to more clearly illustrate the features and spirit of the invention and does not limit the scope of the invention by the preferred specific embodiments disclosed above. On the contrary, it is intended to cover a variety of modifications and equivalent arrangements within the claims of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0049] 100 Obstacle-Seeing Device 200 users 201 Visual position 300 Obstacles 301 Windshield 302 vehicles 400 Visual blind spots 500 pedestrians 1. First composite polarizer 11 1st reflective polarizing layer 12. First absorption polarizing layer 13 First transparent substrate 2a 2nd composite polarizer 21a Second absorption polarizing layer 22a Light reflective layer 23a 2nd board 2b Second composite polarizer 21b Second reflective polarizing layer 22b Light-absorbing layer 23b 2nd board 3. Target incident light 3' Target incident light 31 Target reflected light 32 Target transmitted light 4 Interfering incident light 41 Interfering transmitted light S1 First side S2 Second Side

Claims

1. An obstacle-seeing device used to display a visual blind spot image when the user cannot see the visual blind spot image of a visual blind spot area obstructed by an obstacle, wherein the obstacle-seeing device is A first composite polarizer is positioned between the user and the obstacle, adjacent to the obstacle, and having a first side facing the visual blind spot region and a second side facing away from the visual blind spot region. A second composite polarizer is positioned between the first composite polarizer and the obstacle and installed parallel to the first composite polarizer, Includes, The first composite polarizer is, A first reflective polarizing layer adjacent to the first side, which, when projected to the first side through target incident light in the visual blind spot region, separates the target incident light into target reflected light and target transmitted light having different polarization directions, then reflects the target reflected light from the first side and transmits the target transmitted light from the second side and projects it to the user's visual position; A first absorption polarizing layer adjacent to the second side and away from the visual blind spot region, which separates the interference incident light into interference transmitted light and absorbed light having different polarization directions when the interference incident light is projected onto the second side, and which transmits the interference transmitted light from the first side and absorbs the absorbed light, Includes, The second composite polarizer reflects the target reflected light when it is projected onto the second composite polarizer and projects it onto the visible position, and absorbs the interference transmitted light when it is projected onto the second composite polarizer. Obstacle-seeing device wherein, when the target transmitted light and the target reflected light are projected onto the viewing position, the target transmitted light and the target reflected light jointly form the visual blind spot image, which is then visible to the user.

2. Obstacle-seeing device according to claim 1, wherein the first composite polarizer further includes a first transparent substrate, the first transparent substrate being provided adjacent to the first reflective polarizing layer or the first absorbing polarizing layer.

3. The second composite polarizer is, A second absorption polarizing layer adjacent to the first side and used to absorb the interference transmitted light, A light-reflecting layer, which is separated from the first side and used to reflect the target reflected light projected onto the visual position, The obstacle-seeing device according to claim 1, including the following:

4. The obstacle-seeing device according to claim 3, wherein the second composite polarizer further includes a second substrate, the second substrate being provided adjacent to the second absorbing polarizing layer or the light-reflecting layer.

5. The obstacle-seeing device according to claim 3, wherein the angle between the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizing layer and the transmission axis of the first absorbing polarizing layer is less than 70 degrees, and the angle between the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizing layer and the transmission axis of the second absorbing polarizing layer is greater than 30 degrees.

6. The second composite polarizer is, A second reflective polarizing layer adjacent to the first side, used to reflect the target reflected light and project it onto the visual position, A light-absorbing layer, which is separated from the first side and used to absorb the interference-transmitted light, Obstacle-seeing device according to claim 1, including the following:

7. The obstacle-seeing device according to claim 6, wherein the second composite polarizer further includes a second substrate, the second substrate being provided adjacent to the second reflective polarizing layer or the light-absorbing layer.

8. The obstacle-seeing device according to claim 6, wherein the angle between the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizing layer and the transmission axis of the first absorbing polarizing layer is less than 70 degrees, and the angle between the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizing layer and the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizing layer is less than 70 degrees.

Images