Head-up display device, vehicle, and control method for head-up display device

By using a light shield and a photosensitive element in the head-up display device, guiding sunlight and detecting its brightness, and using the controller to perform a cooling protection mechanism, the problem of heat damage caused by sunlight concentration is solved, and cost reduction and energy-saving effects are achieved.

WO2025054952A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-03-20HASCO VISION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/CN2023/119024
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-09-15
Publication Date
2025-03-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the existing head-up display device, the imaging unit is damaged due to sunlight focusing, and the cost of cold mirrors is high, resulting in an increase in production costs.

Method used

A head-up display device is designed, using a combination of a housing, an imaging unit, a light reflection unit, a light shield and a controller to guide sunlight to the photosensitive element through a light shield. The photosensitive element is electrically connected to the controller, and the controller performs active cooling and/or passive cooling to protect the imaging unit.

Benefits of technology

It effectively avoids the heat damage caused by sunlight concentration, reduces the production cost of the device, and achieves energy-saving effects.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A head-up display device (100), a vehicle, and a control method for the head-up display device (100). The head-up display device (100) comprises: a housing (110), an imaging unit (120) and a light reflection unit (130) provided in the housing (110), a light shield (140) provided on the housing (110), and a controller; the housing (110) is provided with a light outlet (111), and light emitted by the imaging unit (120) is reflected by the light reflection unit (130) and then forms a preset image in front of a front windshield (200); one end of the light shield (140) is provided with a light inlet (141), the other opposite end of the light shield (140) is provided with a photosensitive element (142), the light shield (140) is used for enabling sunlight (300) capable of heating and damaging the imaging unit (120) to be irradiated onto the photosensitive element (142), the photosensitive element (142) is electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is used for performing active cooling and / or passive cooling on the head-up display device (100).
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Description

Head-up display device, vehicle, and control method of head-up display device Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of head-up display, and in particular to a head-up display device, a vehicle, and a control method for the head-up display device. Background Art

[0002] The head-up display (HUD) technology used in today's vehicles is an optical system, generally consisting of two main components: an imaging unit and a light reflection unit. The imaging unit emits light, which is then projected onto the light reflection unit. After being reflected by the light reflection unit, the light passes through the inner surface of the windshield, forming a virtual image in front of the vehicle. The HUD is installed below the windshield. When sunlight enters at a specific angle, the light is focused by the light reflection unit onto the imaging unit's imaging panel, causing the panel to heat up rapidly and burn out.

[0003] Conventional technology typically uses a cold mirror in the light reflection unit to reflect visible light while allowing infrared light to pass through, thereby reducing the amount of sunlight energy entering the imaging unit. Furthermore, an infrared light sensor is positioned behind the cold mirror to detect the intensity of infrared light penetrating the cold mirror. If the intensity exceeds a preset threshold, the imaging panel backlight is reduced or shut off to protect the panel. However, this can lead to the problem of excessive backlight reduction or shutoff. Furthermore, cold mirrors are specialized mirrors with high costs, which can increase HUD production costs.

[0004] Application Contents

[0005] The purpose of this application is to address the deficiencies in the above-mentioned prior art and provide a head-up display device, a vehicle, and a control method for a head-up display device, which can prevent the imaging unit from being damaged by heat caused by focused sunlight and has low cost.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solutions adopted in the embodiments of the present application are as follows:

[0007] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a head-up display device is provided, comprising: a housing, an imaging unit and a light reflecting unit arranged in the housing, a light shield arranged on the housing, and a controller. The housing is provided with a light outlet, and light emitted by the imaging unit is reflected by the light reflecting unit and then emitted from the light outlet, passes through the windshield, and forms a preset image in front of the windshield; a light inlet is provided at one end of the light shield, and a photosensitive element is provided at the other opposite end, the light shield is used to allow sunlight that can cause heat damage to the imaging unit to irradiate the photosensitive element, the photosensitive element is electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is used to perform active cooling and / or passive cooling of the head-up display device.

[0008] Optionally, the central axis of the light shading hood is parallel to the main optical axis of the head-up display device. In the cross section of the plane where the central axis is located, the opening angle of the light shading hood corresponds to the angle at which the sunlight rotates in the plane where the cross section is located, and after being converged by the light reflection unit, it can cause the imaging unit to heat up and be damaged.

[0009] Optionally, the light shield has a first light shielding wall, a second light shielding wall, a third light shielding wall and a fourth light shielding wall, the first light shielding wall and the third light shielding wall are opposite to each other, the second light shielding wall and the fourth light shielding wall are opposite to each other, there is a first angle between the first light shielding wall and the third light shielding wall, there is a second angle between the second light shielding wall and the fourth light shielding wall, wherein the first angle corresponds to the angle at which the sunlight rotates along the first direction and can cause the imaging unit to heat up and be damaged after being converged by the light reflecting unit, the second angle corresponds to the angle at which the sunlight rotates along the second direction and can cause the imaging unit to heat up and be damaged after being converged by the light reflecting unit, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0010] Optionally, the light outlet and the light inlet of the light shield are located on the same surface of the housing.

[0011] Optionally, it further includes a thermal mirror, which is arranged at any position in the light path from the imaging unit to the light outlet; and / or a polarizer, which is arranged at any position in the light path from the imaging unit to the light outlet.

[0012] Optionally, the imaging unit is electrically connected to the controller, and the passive cooling includes: the controller controls the imaging unit to reduce brightness or turn off; the head-up display device also includes an active cooling device electrically connected to the controller, and the active cooling includes: the controller controls the active cooling device to start.

[0013] Optionally, the active cooling device is a fan, which is arranged on the side of the imaging unit, with the air outlet of the fan facing the imaging unit, and the fan is electrically connected to the controller.

[0014] Optionally, a temperature sensor is further included, which is electrically connected to the controller and is used to detect the ambient temperature inside the shell.

[0015] Optionally, the photosensitive element can detect visible light and / or infrared light.

[0016] Optionally, the imaging unit includes an imaging panel and a backlight element arranged on a side of the imaging panel away from the light reflecting unit.

[0017] Optionally, the light reflecting unit includes a first reflector and a second reflector, the reflective surface of the first reflector and the reflective surface of the second reflector are arranged opposite to each other, the sunlight is emitted to the second reflector through the light outlet, is converged by the second reflector and reflected to the first reflector, and then reflected to the imaging unit by the first reflector.

[0018] Optionally, the first reflecting mirror is a plane mirror or a curved mirror, and the second reflecting mirror is a concave mirror.

[0019] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a vehicle is provided, comprising a head-up display device as described above.

[0020] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a method for controlling a head-up display device is provided, which adopts any of the head-up display devices as described above, including: a photosensitive element sends the detected sunlight brightness to a controller, wherein a sunshade blocks the sunlight entering through the light entrance so that sunlight that can cause heat damage to the imaging unit is not irradiated onto the photosensitive element; after the sunlight brightness reaches a threshold and lasts for a preset time, the controller performs active cooling and / or passive cooling of the head-up display device.

[0021] Optionally, the photosensitive element sends the detected sunlight brightness to the controller, wherein the sunshade blocks the sunlight entering through the light entrance, so that the sunlight that can cause heat damage to the imaging unit is irradiated onto the photosensitive element, including: the photosensitive element sends the detected sunlight brightness to the controller, wherein the sunshade blocks the sunlight entering through the light entrance, so that the sunlight that can cause heat damage to the imaging panel is irradiated onto the photosensitive element; after the sunlight brightness reaches a threshold and lasts for a preset time, the controller performs active cooling and / or passive cooling of the head-up display device, including: after the sunlight brightness reaches a threshold and lasts for a preset time, the controller controls the backlight element on the back of the imaging panel to reduce the brightness or turn off.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this application include:

[0023] The present application provides a head-up display device, comprising: a housing, an imaging unit and a light reflecting unit disposed within the housing, a light shield disposed on the housing, and a controller. The housing is provided with a light outlet, through which light emitted by the imaging unit is reflected by the light reflecting unit and then emitted from the light outlet. The light transmits light through the windshield to form a predetermined image in front of the windshield. The light shield is provided with a light inlet at one end and a photosensitive element at the other end. The light shield is configured to allow sunlight that could cause heat damage to the imaging unit to be irradiated onto the photosensitive element. The photosensitive element is electrically connected to the controller, which is configured to perform active cooling and / or passive cooling of the head-up display device. The head-up display device, by disposing the light shield and the photosensitive element on the housing, blocks sunlight by the light shield, so that sunlight received by the photosensitive element covers sunlight received by the imaging unit that could cause heat damage to the imaging unit. The photosensitive element then continuously detects sunlight brightness, so that, based on the sensing result of the photosensitive element, the controller activates an active cooling and / or passive cooling protection mechanism to prevent heat damage to the imaging unit due to focused sunlight. The cost of the sunshade and the photosensitive element is low and will not significantly increase the cost of the head-up display device. At the same time, the controller's protection mechanism is only triggered when sunlight that causes heat damage to the imaging unit hits the photosensitive element and meets the set conditions. In this way, energy saving of the head-up display device can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only show certain embodiments of the present application and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other relevant drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0025] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a head-up display device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] FIG2 is a second structural diagram of a head-up display device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a light shield in a head-up display device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] FIG4 is a second structural schematic diagram of a light shield in a head-up display device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] FIG5 is a third structural schematic diagram of a light shield in a head-up display device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] FIG6 is a third structural diagram of a head-up display device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG7 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a head-up display device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG8 is a second flowchart of the method for controlling the head-up display device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0033] Icons: 100-head-up display device; 110-housing; 111-light outlet; 120-imaging unit; 130-light reflecting unit; 131-first reflector; 132-second reflector; 140-light hood; 141-light inlet; 142-photosensitive element; 143-center axis; 144-first light-shielding wall; 145-second light-shielding wall; 146-third light-shielding wall; 147-fourth light-shielding wall; 150-main optical axis; 160-heat mirror; 170-polarizer; 180-fan; 190-temperature sensor; 200-windshield; 300-sunlight. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present application more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Generally, the components of the embodiments of the present application described and shown in the drawings herein can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0035] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the present application as claimed, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present application. It should be noted that, unless there is a conflict, the various features of the embodiments of the present application may be combined with each other, and the combined embodiments are still within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0036] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined or explained in subsequent drawings.

[0037] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," "outer," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or are the orientations or positional relationships in which the product of this application is typically placed when in use. These terms are intended only to facilitate the description of this application and simplify the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0038] It should also be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "disposed," "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] In one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, with reference to Figures 1 to 3, a head-up display device 100 is provided, including: a housing 110, an imaging unit 120 and a light reflecting unit 130 arranged in the housing 110, a light shield 140 arranged on the housing 110, and a controller. The housing 110 is provided with a light outlet 111. The light emitted by the imaging unit 120 is reflected by the light reflecting unit 130 and then emitted from the light outlet 111. After passing through the windshield 200, a preset image is formed in front of the windshield 200 (outside the vehicle); accordingly, when sunlight 300 is incident through the light outlet 111 at a specific angle, the light is reflected by the reflecting unit and irradiated on the imaging unit 120, causing the temperature of the imaging unit 120 to rise rapidly.

[0040] To prevent the imaging unit 120 from burning due to a rapid increase in temperature, a light shield 140 is provided on the housing 110. The light shield 140 is a hollow housing with at least one open end. One opening of the light shield 140 forms a light inlet 141. A photosensitive element 142 is provided at the other end, opposite the light inlet 141. Sunlight 300 enters the light shield 140 through the light inlet 141, allowing only the sunlight 300 that could cause thermal damage to the imaging unit 120 to reach the photosensitive element 142. The provision of the light shield 140 ensures that the sunlight 300 received by the photosensitive element 142 covers the sunlight 300 that would otherwise cause thermal damage to the imaging unit 120, thereby simulating the lighting conditions of the imaging unit 120. The photosensitive element 142 is electrically connected to a controller, which is configured to perform active and / or passive cooling of the head-up display device 100.

[0041] The head-up display device 100 is configured with a light shield 140 and a photosensitive element 142 on the housing 110. The light shield 140 blocks sunlight 300, ensuring that the sunlight 300 received by the photosensitive element 142 covers sunlight 300 that would otherwise cause heat damage to the imaging unit 120. The photosensitive element 142 then continuously monitors the brightness of the sunlight 300. Based on the sensing results of the photosensitive element 142, the controller activates active cooling and / or passive cooling (e.g., reducing the brightness of the imaging unit 120 or shutting down the imaging unit 120) to prevent heat damage to the imaging unit 120 caused by focused sunlight. The light shield 140 and photosensitive element 142 are relatively low-cost and do not significantly increase the cost of the head-up display device 100. Furthermore, the controller's protection mechanism is triggered only when sunlight that could cause heat damage to the imaging unit strikes the photosensitive element and meets a predetermined condition, thereby achieving energy conservation for the head-up display device.

[0042] Optionally, the imaging unit 120 is electrically connected to the controller, and passive cooling includes: the controller controls the imaging unit 120 to reduce brightness or turn off; the head-up display device 100 also includes an active cooling device electrically connected to the controller, and active cooling includes: the controller controls the active cooling device to start.

[0043] Optionally, referring to Figures 3 to 5, the central axis 143 of the sunshade 140 is parallel to the main optical axis 150 of the head-up display device 100. In the cross section of the sunshade 140 in the plane where the central axis 143 is located, the opening angle of the sunshade 140 corresponds to the angle at which the sunlight rotates in the plane where the cross section is located and, after being converged by the light reflecting unit 130, can cause the imaging unit 120 to heat up and be damaged.

[0044] Sunlight 300 follows the path of the principal optical axis 150 and converges onto the imaging unit 120. At different times of the day, sunlight 300 deflects along the principal optical axis 150, causing the position of the light spot converging on the imaging unit 120 to shift and the energy density of the light spot to change. Therefore, whether the deflection angle of sunlight 300 along the principal optical axis 150 damages the imaging unit 120 is the basis for determining the opening angle of the sunshade 140.

[0045] The offset angle of the sunlight 300 along the main optical axis 150 can be decomposed into offset angles in two directions (a first direction and a second direction) perpendicular to each other. Therefore, the sunshade 140 can also block the sunlight 300 from these two directions accordingly. Optionally, the light shielding 140 has a first light shielding wall 144, a second light shielding wall 145, a third light shielding wall 146 and a fourth light shielding wall 147, the first light shielding wall 144 and the third light shielding wall 146 are opposite, the second light shielding wall 145 and the fourth light shielding wall 147 are opposite, there is a first angle α between the first light shielding wall 144 and the third light shielding wall 146, and there is a second angle β between the second light shielding wall 145 and the fourth light shielding wall 147, wherein the first angle corresponds to the angle at which the sunlight 300 rotates along the first direction and can cause the imaging unit 120 to heat up and be damaged after being converged by the light reflecting unit 130, and the second angle corresponds to the angle at which the sunlight 300 rotates along the second direction and can cause the imaging unit 120 to heat up and be damaged after being converged by the light reflecting unit 130, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0046] The angles of the four light-shielding walls of the sunshade 140 can be determined through simulation and actual measurement. For example, by deflecting the sun's light 300 along the principal optical axis 150 of the head-up display 100, and using it as the incident light axis, the sun's light is reflected and converged within the head-up display 100, confirming where the light spot will land on the surface of the imaging unit 120. Theoretically, if the sun's light is deflected along the principal optical axis 150 to a certain angle, the converged light spot will move outside the range of the imaging unit 120. This allows the shape of the sunshade 140's restricted surface in various directions to be determined.

[0047] Please refer to Figure 1. Optionally, the light outlet 111 and the light inlet 141 of the light shield 140 are located on the same surface of the shell 110, so that the light outlet 111 and the light inlet 141 of the light shield 140 are set at the same or close heights to avoid the shell 110 blocking the light inlet 141 of the light shield 140, resulting in some sunlight 300 that can cause heat damage to the imaging unit 120 entering the interior of the shell 110 through the light outlet 111 and irradiating the imaging unit 120, but not entering the light shield 140, thereby making the brightness of the sunlight 300 detected by the photosensitive element 142 inaccurate.

[0048] Optionally, the light sensing element 142 can detect visible light and / or infrared light.

[0049] Of the energy spectrum of sunlight 300 striking the ground, approximately 46% of the energy occurs in visible light with wavelengths below 700 nm and approximately 1% in ultraviolet light. Approximately 54% of the energy occurs in infrared light with wavelengths greater than 700 nm. Photosensitive element 142 can detect visible light, infrared light, or both, effectively measuring the brightness of sunlight 300.

[0050] Optionally, the photosensitive element 142 is a photosensor that can detect visible light and infrared light.

[0051] 2 , optionally, the head-up display device 100 further includes a thermal mirror 160 , which is disposed at any position in the optical path from the imaging unit 120 to the light outlet 111 ; and / or a polarizer 170 , which is disposed at any position in the optical path from the imaging unit 120 to the light outlet 111 .

[0052] The thermal mirror 160 is a heat reflector that can reflect infrared light and transmit visible light. By providing at least one thermal mirror 160 at any position in the optical path from the imaging unit 120 to the light outlet 111, the infrared light in the sunlight 300 can be diverted from the projection optical path, thereby filtering out more than half of the heat in the sunlight 300. Furthermore, the thermal mirror 160 is inexpensive, and providing an additional thermal mirror 160 can achieve the effect of lowering the temperature of the imaging unit 120 without excessively increasing the cost of the head-up display device 100. The polarizer 170 is used to filter the polarized sunlight 300 that penetrates the windshield 200, thereby reducing the heat in the sunlight 300 and achieving the effect of lowering the temperature of the imaging unit 120.

[0053] Optionally, the thermal mirror 160 is disposed on the side of the imaging unit 120 facing the light reflecting unit 130. Placing the thermal mirror 160 on the side of the imaging unit 120 can reduce the area of ​​the thermal mirror 160 and only need to block the imaging unit 120, thereby reducing costs.

[0054] Optionally, the angle between the mirror surface of the heat mirror 160 and the optical path is smaller than 90° and larger than 0°.

[0055] Optionally, the polarizer 170 is disposed between the thermal mirror 160 and the imaging unit 120 .

[0056] Optionally, the active cooling device is a fan 180, which is disposed on the side of the imaging unit 120, with the air outlet of the fan 180 facing the imaging unit 120. The fan 180 is electrically connected to the controller. When the brightness of the photosensitive element 142 reaches a threshold and persists for a preset time, the controller turns on the fan 180. Through active heat dissipation, a rapid airflow is generated within the housing 110, blowing across the surface of the imaging unit 120, and rapidly reducing the temperature of the imaging unit 120.

[0057] In other embodiments, the fan 180 may also be disposed at other locations within the housing 110 to indirectly reduce the temperature of the imaging unit 120 by reducing the ambient temperature within the housing 110 .

[0058] Optionally, the head-up display device 100 further includes a temperature sensor 190, which is electrically connected to the controller and is configured to detect the ambient temperature within the housing 110. When the temperature sensor 190 detects that the ambient temperature within the housing 110 exceeds a threshold value and could cause heat damage to the imaging unit 120, the temperature sensor 190 sends a warning signal to the controller, which then initiates protective mechanisms such as reducing the brightness of the imaging unit 120, shutting down the imaging unit 120, or activating active heat dissipation devices to prevent heat damage to the imaging unit 120 due to focused sunlight.

[0059] Optionally, the imaging unit 120 includes an imaging panel and a backlight element disposed on a side of the imaging panel away from the light reflecting unit 130 .

[0060] The backlight element is positioned behind the imaging panel and emits light toward the imaging panel, which modulates the light to display an image. The image displayed on the imaging panel is reflected by the light reflection unit 130, then emitted from the light outlet 111, passing through the windshield 200 and forming an image in front of the windshield 200.

[0061] For example, the imaging panel is a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) display screen.

[0062] For example, the backlight element is electrically connected to the controller. When the brightness of the sunlight 300 detected by the photosensitive element 142 reaches a threshold and lasts for a preset time, the controller activates a protection mechanism to reduce the brightness of the backlight element or turn off the backlight element to prevent the imaging unit 120 from being damaged by heat due to the focusing of sunlight.

[0063] Please refer to Figure 6. Optionally, the light reflecting unit 130 includes a first reflector 131 and a second reflector 132. The reflective surface of the first reflector 131 and the reflective surface of the second reflector 132 are arranged opposite to each other. The sunlight 300 is emitted toward the second reflector 132 through the light outlet 111, is converged by the second reflector 132, and is reflected to the first reflector 131, and then is reflected by the first reflector 131 to the imaging unit 120.

[0064] It can be understood that when the head-up display device 100 is working, the light emitted by the imaging unit 120 is reflected by the first reflector 131 and then emitted to the second reflector 132. After being converged by the second reflector 132, it is emitted from the light outlet 111, passes through the windshield 200, and forms a preset image in front of the windshield 200.

[0065] Optionally, the first reflecting mirror 131 is a plane mirror or a curved mirror, and the second reflecting mirror 132 is a concave mirror.

[0066] In some variations of the present application, the housing of the head-up display device 100 may also be connected to a drive assembly that drives the housing to rotate. Specifically, when the photosensitive element 142 detects that the brightness of sunlight 300 reaches a set threshold and persists for a preset time, indicating that the imaging unit 120 is about to be damaged by heat, the controller can control the drive assembly to rotate the housing to prevent sunlight from continuing to illuminate the imaging unit 120. Furthermore, the rotation angle of the housing can be determined based on the angular range of sunlight that can cause heat damage to the imaging unit, as simulated when forming the sunshade 140. The rotation direction of the housing can be determined based on the current time, the vehicle's position, and the vehicle's direction of travel. Thus, the rotated housing blocks sunlight that could damage the imaging unit 120. In this embodiment, the imaging unit and light reflection unit within the housing can rotate with the rotation of the housing. Furthermore, the reflection angle of the light reflection unit and / or the image data of the imaging unit can be adjusted based on the relative position of the housing and the windshield to perform projection correction. In this embodiment, the light shield can be connected to the shell through a rotating shaft, so that when the shell rotates, the light shield does not rotate, so that the photosensitive element in the light shield can continue to receive light intensity information of the sunlight 300 that could otherwise cause damage to the imaging unit. When the controller determines that the brightness of the sunlight is less than a threshold and lasts for a preset time based on the signal of the photosensitive element in the light shield, the controller can control the drive component to drive the shell back to its position.

[0067] In other variations of the present application, the sunshade can be connected to a drive assembly that drives the sunshade to rotate. In this embodiment, the sunshade's rotation direction and angle can be determined based on the sunshade's limited angular range for sunlight entry, the current time, the vehicle's location, the vehicle's direction of travel, and other factors to accommodate different vehicle driving postures and conditions. This application allows for many more variations, which are not detailed here.

[0068] This embodiment further provides a vehicle, comprising any one of the above head-up display devices 100 .

[0069] The vehicle includes the same structure and benefits as the head-up display device 100 in the aforementioned embodiment. The structure and benefits of the head-up display device 100 have been described in detail in the aforementioned embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 7 , this embodiment further provides a method for controlling a head-up display device, using any of the head-up display devices 100 described above, including:

[0071] S100: The photosensitive element sends the detected sunlight brightness to the controller, wherein the sunshade blocks the sunlight entering through the light entrance, so that the sunlight that can cause heat damage to the imaging unit is irradiated onto the photosensitive element.

[0072] S200: After the sunlight brightness reaches a threshold and lasts for a preset time, the controller performs active cooling and / or passive cooling of the head-up display device.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 1 , FIG. 4 , and FIG. 5 , at the same moment, due to the presence of the sunshade 140 , the sunlight 300 received by the photosensitive element 142 is the same as the sunlight 300 received by the imaging unit 120, which can cause thermal damage to the imaging unit 120. Therefore, the brightness of the sunlight 300 detected by the photosensitive element 142 can be used to determine whether the imaging unit 120 will be damaged. When the brightness of the sunlight 300 detected by the photosensitive element 142 reaches a set threshold and persists for a predetermined period of time, it indicates that the imaging unit 120 is about to be damaged by thermal damage. At this point, the controller controls the head-up display device 100 to perform active and / or passive cooling to protect the imaging unit 120 from damage.

[0074] The above-described head-up display control method activates the protection mechanism under the following conditions: a. sunlight 300 enters the sunshade 140 and strikes the photosensitive element 142; b. the photosensitive element 142 detects that the brightness of sunlight 300 reaches a threshold; and c. both a and b are continuously detected for a predetermined time. The protection mechanism is activated only when all three conditions are met. Therefore, the above-described head-up display control method can prevent the protection mechanism from being activated unnecessarily frequently.

[0075] Optionally, the imaging unit 120 is electrically connected to the controller, and passive cooling includes: the controller controls the imaging unit 120 to reduce brightness or turn off; the head-up display device 100 also includes an active cooling device electrically connected to the controller, and active cooling includes: the controller controls the active cooling device to start.

[0076] When the control method of the head-up display device above activates a protection mechanism to reduce the brightness of the imaging unit 120 or shut down the imaging unit 120 through the controller to avoid damage to the imaging unit 120, it can also solve the problem of reducing the brightness of the imaging unit 120 or shutting down the imaging unit 120 too frequently in the prior art, thereby achieving energy saving of the head-up display device.

[0077] 8 , optionally, the photosensitive element sends the detected sunlight brightness to the controller, wherein the light shield blocks the sunlight entering through the light inlet so that the sunlight that can cause heat damage to the imaging unit is not irradiated onto the photosensitive element, including:

[0078] S110: The photosensitive element sends the detected sunlight brightness to the controller, wherein the light shield blocks the sunlight entering through the light entrance, so that the sunlight that can cause heat damage to the imaging panel is irradiated onto the photosensitive element.

[0079] When the sunlight brightness reaches a threshold and lasts for a preset time, the controller performs active cooling and / or passive cooling of the head-up display device, including:

[0080] S210: After the sunlight brightness reaches a threshold and lasts for a preset time, the controller controls the backlight element on the back of the imaging panel to reduce the brightness or turn off.

[0081] The backlight element is also one of the reasons that cause the imaging panel to heat up. When the imaging panel is at risk of heat damage under sunlight, timely reducing or turning off the backlight element can effectively protect the imaging panel from damage.

[0082] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Various modifications and variations are possible for those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A head-up display device, characterized in that: include: A housing, an imaging unit and a light reflecting unit arranged in the housing, a light shield arranged on the housing, and a controller, wherein the housing is provided with a light outlet, and the light emitted by the imaging unit is reflected by the light reflecting unit and then emitted from the light outlet, and passes through the windshield to form a preset image in front of the windshield; A light inlet is provided at one end of the sunshade and a photosensitive element is provided at the other opposite end. The sunshade is used to allow sunlight that can cause heat damage to the imaging unit to irradiate the photosensitive element. The photosensitive element is electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is used to perform active cooling and / or passive cooling of the head-up display device.

2. The head-up display device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The central axis of the sunshade is parallel to the main optical axis of the head-up display device. In the cross section of the plane where the central axis is located, the opening angle of the sunshade corresponds to the angle at which the sunlight rotates in the plane where the cross section is located and can cause the imaging unit to heat up and be damaged after being converged by the light reflecting unit.

3. The head-up display device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The light-shielding hood comprises a first light-shielding wall, a second light-shielding wall, a third light-shielding wall and a fourth light-shielding wall, wherein the first light-shielding wall is opposite to the third light-shielding wall, and the second light-shielding wall is opposite to the fourth light-shielding wall, and a first angle is defined between the first light-shielding wall and the third light-shielding wall, and a second angle is defined between the second light-shielding wall and the fourth light-shielding wall, wherein the first angle corresponds to an angle at which the sunlight rotates along a first direction and can cause heat generation and damage to the imaging unit after being converged by the light reflecting unit, and the second angle corresponds to an angle at which the sunlight rotates along a second direction and can cause heat generation and damage to the imaging unit after being converged by the light reflecting unit, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

4. The head-up display device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light outlet and the light inlet of the light shield are located on the same surface of the housing.

5. The head-up display device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: A thermal mirror, the thermal mirror being arranged at any position in the optical path from the imaging unit to the light outlet; And / or, a polarizer, wherein the polarizer is arranged at any position in the light path from the imaging unit to the light outlet.

6. The head-up display device according to claim 1, wherein: The imaging unit is electrically connected to the controller, and the passive cooling includes: the controller controls the imaging unit to reduce brightness or turn off; The head-up display device further includes an active cooling device electrically connected to the controller, and the active cooling includes: the controller controls the active cooling device to start.

7. The head-up display device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The active cooling device is a fan, which is arranged on the side of the imaging unit, with an air outlet of the fan facing the imaging unit, and is electrically connected to the controller.

8. The head-up display device according to claim 1, wherein: A temperature sensor is also included. The temperature sensor is electrically connected to the controller and is used to detect the ambient temperature inside the shell.

9. The head-up display device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The photosensitive element can detect visible light and / or infrared light.

10. The head-up display device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The imaging unit comprises an imaging panel and a backlight element arranged on a side of the imaging panel away from the light reflecting unit.

11. The head-up display device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The light reflecting unit includes a first reflector and a second reflector, wherein the reflecting surface of the first reflector and the reflecting surface of the second reflector are arranged opposite to each other, and the sunlight is emitted toward the second reflector through the light outlet, converged by the second reflector and reflected to the first reflector, and then reflected to the imaging unit by the first reflector.

12. The head-up display device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The first reflector is a plane mirror or a curved mirror, and the second reflector is a concave mirror.

13. A vehicle, characterized in that: It comprises a head-up display device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A method for controlling a head-up display device, using the head-up display device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: include: The photosensitive element sends the detected sunlight brightness to the controller, wherein the sunshade The incoming sunlight is shielded so that the sunlight that can cause heat damage to the imaging unit is not irradiated onto the photosensitive element; After the sunlight brightness reaches a threshold and lasts for a preset time, the controller performs active cooling and / or passive cooling of the head-up display device.

15. The control method of the head-up display device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The photosensitive element sends the detected sunlight brightness to the controller, wherein the light shield shields the sunlight entering through the light inlet so that the sunlight that can cause heat damage to the imaging unit is irradiated onto the photosensitive element, including: The photosensitive element sends the detected sunlight brightness to the controller, wherein the light shield shields the sunlight entering through the light entrance, so that the sunlight that can cause heat damage to the imaging panel is irradiated onto the photosensitive element; After the sunlight brightness reaches a threshold and lasts for a preset time, the controller performs active cooling and / or passive cooling of the head-up display device, including: After the sunlight brightness reaches a threshold and lasts for a preset time, the controller controls the backlight element on the back of the imaging panel to reduce the brightness or turn off.

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