Driving method, image modulation method, related device, and storage medium

Abstract

A driving method, an image modulation method, a related device, and a storage medium. When an image modulator is driven by a supersaturated voltage, the brightness emitted by an image modulation module is effectively enhanced. The driving method comprises: firstly, obtaining a first frame corresponding to a target pixel, wherein the first frame corresponds to a first driving voltage, the first driving voltage corresponds to a first bit value, and the first driving voltage is a supersaturated voltage used by the target pixel to modulate a light beam; and secondly, inserting M target subframes into the first frame to obtain a second frame, wherein M is any integer greater than 1, the target subframes correspond to a second driving voltage, the second driving voltage corresponds to a second bit value, and among the M target subframes, two adjacent target subframes are spaced by a subframe of the first frame, or, two adjacent target subframes are spaced by part of a subframe.

Description

A driving method, image modulation method, related equipment and storage medium

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on December 27, 2023, with application number 202311833013.2 and application name “A driving method, an image modulation method, related equipment and a storage medium”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the fields of optical communication technology and image display, and in particular to a driving method, an image modulation method, related equipment, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0003] To achieve projection imaging, an image modulation module is required to modulate the light beam. For example, the image modulation module can be liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS). The LCOS is driven by a digital drive method, such as pulse width modulation (PWM).

[0004] In order to make the image projected by LCOS have sufficient brightness, it is necessary to improve the brightness of the modulated light beam emitted by LCOS. To this end, LCOS converts the driving voltage into a first saturation voltage, a second saturation voltage, and a third saturation voltage through a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), wherein the first saturation voltage is the voltage at which LCOS modulates the red light beam to emit maximum brightness, the second saturation voltage is the voltage at which LCOS modulates the green light beam to emit maximum brightness, and the third saturation voltage is the voltage at which LCOS modulates the blue light beam to emit maximum brightness. Then, LCOS modulates the red light beam, the green light beam, and the blue light beam by the first saturation voltage, the second saturation voltage, and the third saturation voltage, respectively.

[0005] However, in the process of LCOS modulating the light beam, the switching speed of different saturation voltages is very fast, often reaching 240 Hz or even 360 Hz. The driving circuit provides the driving voltage for LCOS. The driving circuit has parasitic capacitance, which makes it impossible to switch the saturation voltage quickly. Moreover, the parasitic capacitance will cause the driving voltage to drop slowly, resulting in unstable voltage reflectivity (VR) characteristics and poor direct current (DC) balance, which reduces the life of the liquid crystal in the LCOS. Frequently switching the driving voltage to different saturation voltages through the DAC will increase the power consumption of the DAC.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The embodiments of the present application provide a driving method, an image modulation method, related devices, and a storage medium, which effectively improve the brightness of the output of the image modulation module when the image modulator is driven by an oversaturation voltage.

[0008] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a driving method for an image modulation module, the method comprising a plurality of pixels, each pixel comprising a first electrode, a second electrode, and a liquid crystal positioned between the first and second electrodes. The method comprises: first, obtaining a first frame corresponding to a target pixel, the target pixel being one of the plurality of pixels; the first frame corresponding to a first driving voltage, which is the absolute value of the difference between the voltage applied to the first electrode and the voltage applied to the second electrode. The first driving voltage corresponds to a first bit value, such that the target pixel, to which the first driving voltage is applied, is in an on state to emit a modulated light beam, thereby enabling the modulated light beam emitted by the target pixel to project an image. For example, the first bit value is bit 1. The first driving voltage is the supersaturation voltage of the modulated light beam of the target pixel. Next, M target subframes are inserted into the first frame to obtain a second frame, where M is an arbitrary integer greater than 1; the target subframes correspond to a second driving voltage, which is the absolute value of the difference between the voltage applied to the first electrode and the voltage applied to the second electrode. The second driving voltage corresponds to a second bit value, for example, bit 0. Among the M target subframes, a portion of the first frame is spaced between two adjacent target subframes. For example, a subframe of the first frame is spaced between two adjacent target subframes. Another example is a portion of the subframe is spaced between two adjacent target subframes. Finally, the target pixel is driven using the second frame.

[0009] Using the method shown in the aspect, the controller drives the image modulator to perform image modulation through a digital driving method. Using the digital driving method, the driving voltage applied to the target pixel is fixed, and there is no need to switch the size of the driving voltage, thereby avoiding the instability caused by the parasitic capacitance of the driving circuit during the voltage conversion process, and improving the stability of the VR curve and the DC balance. Since there is no need to switch the size of the driving voltage, the power consumption caused by switching the driving voltage is reduced, and the red light beam, blue light beam and green light beam can be switched and modulated at any time according to actual needs. There is no need to limit the timing of modulation between the light beams, which improves the flexibility of color sequence design during image modulation. Moreover, the light beams of different wavelengths are uniformly driven by an oversaturation voltage, which can also ensure that the maximum brightness value emitted by each pixel of the image modulator is basically not lost, effectively improving the maximum brightness value emitted by the image modulator.

[0010] Based on the first aspect, in an optional implementation, after obtaining the first frame corresponding to the target pixel, the method further includes: dividing the first frame into N subframes, where N is any integer greater than 1, wherein the N subframes include a first subframe and a second subframe that are adjacent in time, the first subframe corresponds to a first polarity of a first driving voltage, the second subframe corresponds to a second polarity of the first driving voltage, and the first polarity is opposite to the second polarity.

[0011] By adopting this implementation, the first polarity is opposite to the second polarity, which can avoid the liquid crystal ion aggregation effect and ensure that the liquid crystal has a longer life.

[0012] Based on the first aspect, in an optional implementation manner, inserting M target subframes into the first frame to obtain the second frame includes: inserting one target subframe between the first subframe and the second subframe.

[0013] By adopting this implementation method, the target subframe can be inserted at a higher frequency in the first frame, thereby ensuring that when the target pixel is driven by an oversaturation voltage, the maximum brightness value emitted by each pixel of the image modulator is basically not lost, effectively improving the maximum brightness value emitted by the image modulator.

[0014] Based on the first aspect, in an optional implementation, the M target subframes include a first target subframe and a second target subframe that are adjacent in time, the first target subframe corresponds to the third polarity of the second driving voltage, the second target subframe corresponds to the fourth polarity of the second driving voltage, and the third polarity is opposite to the fourth polarity.

[0015] With this implementation, the third polarity is opposite to the fourth polarity, which can avoid the liquid crystal ion aggregation effect and ensure that the liquid crystal has a longer life.

[0016] Based on the first aspect, in an optional implementation, inserting M target subframes into the first frame to obtain the second frame includes: inserting the M target subframes into the first frame, and any two target subframes that are adjacent in time are separated by K subframes, where K is any integer greater than 1.

[0017] By adopting this implementation, it is ensured that multiple target subframes are inserted into the first frame in a uniform manner, thereby ensuring the maximum brightness value emitted by the image modulator.

[0018] Based on the first aspect, in an optional implementation, inserting M target subframes into the first frame to obtain the second frame includes: randomly inserting the target subframe into the N subframes between two temporally adjacent subframes.

[0019] By adopting this implementation, the target subframe can be randomly inserted into the first frame as needed, thereby improving the efficiency of obtaining the second frame.

[0020] Based on the first aspect, in an optional implementation, inserting M target subframes into the first frame to obtain the second frame includes: inserting at least one target subframe into an imaging subframe, the imaging subframe being each subframe in the N subframes, or the imaging subframe being part of the N subframes.

[0021] The step of spacing a portion of the subframe between two adjacent target subframes includes: spacing a portion of the imaging subframe between two adjacent target subframes.

[0022] By adopting this implementation method, the target subframe can be inserted at a higher frequency in the first frame, thereby ensuring that when the target pixel is driven by the supersaturation voltage, the maximum brightness value emitted by each pixel of the image modulator is basically not lost, effectively improving the maximum brightness value emitted by the image modulator.

[0023] In the second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for image modulation, which is applied to an image modulation module, the image modulation module including a pixel array and a controller, the pixel array including a plurality of pixels, the method including: the controller obtains a first frame corresponding to a target pixel, the target pixel being one of the plurality of pixels, the first frame corresponding to a first driving voltage, the first driving voltage corresponding to a first bit value, the first driving voltage being an oversaturation voltage of a modulated light beam of the target pixel; the controller inserts M target subframes into the first frame to obtain a second frame, the M being any integer greater than 1, the target subframe corresponding to a second driving voltage, the second driving voltage corresponding to a second bit value, and any two adjacent target subframes in the M target subframes are separated by a subframe of the first frame, or, between two adjacent target subframes, a portion of the subframe is separated; the controller drives the target pixel through the second frame; the pixel array receives the target light beam; the target pixel to which the second frame is applied modulates the target light beam to emit a modulated light beam, and the modulated light beam is used for projection imaging. For the description of the beneficial effects of this aspect, please refer to the first aspect, and no further details will be given.

[0024] Based on the second aspect, in an optional implementation, after the controller obtains the first frame corresponding to the target pixel, the method further includes: the controller divides the first frame into N subframes, where N is any integer greater than 1, wherein the N subframes include a first subframe and a second subframe that are adjacent in time, the first subframe corresponds to a first polarity of a first driving voltage, the second subframe corresponds to a second polarity of the first driving voltage, and the first polarity is opposite to the second polarity.

[0025] Based on the second aspect, in an optional implementation manner, the controller inserting M target subframes into the first frame to obtain the second frame includes: the controller inserting one target subframe between the first subframe and the second subframe.

[0026] Based on the second aspect, in an optional implementation, the M target subframes include a first target subframe and a second target subframe that are adjacent in time, the first target subframe corresponds to the third polarity of the second driving voltage, the second target subframe corresponds to the fourth polarity of the second driving voltage, and the third polarity is opposite to the fourth polarity.

[0027] Based on the second aspect, in an optional implementation manner, inserting M target subframes into the first frame to obtain the second frame includes:

[0028] The M target subframes are inserted into the first frame, and any two temporally adjacent target subframes are spaced apart by K subframes, where K is any integer greater than 1.

[0029] Based on the second aspect, in an optional implementation manner, inserting M target subframes into the first frame to obtain the second frame includes:

[0030] Among the N subframes, the target subframe is randomly inserted between two temporally adjacent subframes.

[0031] Based on the second aspect, in an optional implementation, inserting M target subframes into the first frame to obtain the second frame includes:

[0032] In an imaging subframe, at least one target subframe is inserted. The imaging subframe is each subframe in the N subframes, or the imaging subframe is a part of the N subframes.

[0033] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip comprising a communication interface and a controller connected to the communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to input and / or output signaling or data; and the controller is used to execute a computer executable program so that the method described in any one of the first aspects above is executed.

[0034] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a projection system, comprising a light source, a polarization conversion module, a lens, a controller, and a pixel array, wherein the controller and the pixel array are configured to perform the method described in any one of the second aspects above; the light source is configured to transmit an input light beam to the polarization conversion module; the polarization conversion module is configured to convert the polarization state of the input light beam to obtain the target light beam;

[0035] The lens is used to receive the modulated light beam from the pixel array and emit an imaging light beam according to the modulated light beam, and the imaging light beam is used for projecting an image. For the description of the beneficial effects of this aspect, please refer to the first aspect, and the details are not repeated here.

[0036] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a head-up display system, comprising a light deflection module and a projection system as described in the fourth aspect; the projection system is used to transmit the imaging light beam to the light deflection module; the light deflection module is used to transmit the amplified imaging light beam to the windshield, and the imaging light beam forms a virtual image through the windshield.

[0037] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a vehicle lamp, comprising a fixing base and the projection system as described in the fourth aspect, wherein the fixing base is used to fix the projection system on a vehicle.

[0038] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a vehicle, comprising a vehicle body and a windshield, the vehicle also comprising a head-up display system as described in the fifth aspect and / or comprising the headlights as described in the sixth aspect; the controller is used to obtain vehicle driving related information; the controller is also used to drive the pixel array to modulate the vehicle driving related information on the target light beam to obtain the modulated light beam.

[0039] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a pair of smart glasses, comprising a frame, a lens, a light source, a controller, and a pixel array, wherein the controller and the pixel array are used to execute the method described in any one of the second aspects above, the frame is used to fix the lens, the light source, the controller, and the pixel array; the light source is used to transmit the input light beam to the pixel array; the lens is used to receive the modulated light beam from the pixel array and project an image of the modulated light beam.

[0040] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are called by a computer, the method described in any one of the first aspects above is executed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] FIG1 is a structural diagram of a first embodiment of a projection system provided by the present application;

[0042] FIG2 is a structural diagram of an embodiment of an LCOS provided in the present application;

[0043] FIG3 is an example diagram of a VR curve of LCOS provided in this application;

[0044] FIG4 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a driving method provided by the present application;

[0045] FIG5 shows an example diagram of multiple target image subframes;

[0046] FIG6 shows an example diagram of a dark state subframe;

[0047] FIG7 shows an example of the first frame;

[0048] FIG8 shows a first example of a second frame provided by the present application;

[0049] FIG9 shows an example diagram of liquid crystal states under different driving voltages provided by this application;

[0050] FIG10 shows a second example of a second frame provided by the present application;

[0051] Figure 11 is an example of the brightness comparison of LCOS output;

[0052] FIG12 shows a third example of the second frame provided by this application;

[0053] FIG13 is an example diagram of a VR curve of a target pixel provided in this application;

[0054] FIG14 is an example diagram of a gamma curve of a target pixel;

[0055] FIG15 is a flowchart of an embodiment of an image modulation method provided by the present application;

[0056] FIG16 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the projection system provided by the present application;

[0057] FIG17 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of a chip according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] FIG18 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of a head-up display system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] FIG19 is a structural diagram illustrating an embodiment of a projection vehicle lamp provided by the present application;

[0060] FIG20 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of a vehicle provided in this application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0062] The embodiment of the present application provides a projection system. The projection system shown in this embodiment can be applied to portable projectors, home theaters, commercial projections (such as light shows, concerts), outdoor projections, conference presentations, classroom presentations, theater projections, smart gesture interactive projections, head-up displays (HUDs), augmented reality head-up display systems (AR-HUDs), AR glasses, and virtual reality (VR) glasses, etc., without specific limitation. Figure 1 is an example diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the projection system provided by the present application. The projection system includes a light source 101, a polarization conversion module 104, an image modulation module 105, and a lens 106.

[0063] The light source 101 shown in this embodiment is used to emit an input light beam. The input light beam is white light, which can also be called white light, achromatic light, or colorless light. The input light beam is the result of a mixture of multiple colored lights in certain proportions. The light source 101 can be an incandescent lamp (e.g., a tungsten-halogen lamp), a gas discharge lamp (e.g., a high-pressure mercury lamp or a xenon lamp), a metal halide lamp, or a fluorescent lamp. A beam processing system can also be included between the light source 101 and the polarization conversion module 104. For example, the beam processing system includes a homogenizing device for homogenizing the input light beam. For example, the homogenizing device can be a fly-eye lens, a free-form surface lens, or a homogenizing rod. The beam processing system also includes a lens assembly for collimating the input light beam to the polarization conversion module 104. A color filter wheel can also be included between the light source 101 and the polarization conversion module 104 shown in this embodiment. The color filter wheel is rotatable and coated with blue, green, and red colors. During a first time period, the blue coating of the color filter wheel rotates into the transmission path of the white light. Then, only the blue light beam can pass through the color filter wheel and be transmitted to the polarization conversion module 104. During the second time period, the green coating of the color filter wheel rotates into the transmission path of white light. Then, only the green light beam can pass through the color filter wheel and be transmitted to the polarization conversion module 104. During the third time period, the red coating of the color filter wheel rotates into the transmission path of white light. Then, only the red light beam can pass through the color filter wheel and be transmitted to the polarization conversion module 104. In this example, the intersection of any two time periods among the first, second, and third time periods on the time axis is empty. It can be understood that the polarization conversion module 104 receives the blue, green, and red light beams in a time-sharing manner.

[0064] The above examples take the light emitted by the light source 101 as white light as an example. In other examples, the light source 101 may also be a laser array or a transmitter based on a light-emitting diode (LED). The laser array may include one or more lasers, and the laser may be a laser diode (LD), a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) or a Fabry-Perot laser, etc. Then, the input light beam emitted by the light source 101 is a laser beam. Optionally, a light combining module may be included between the light source 101 and the polarization conversion module 104, and the light combining module is used to combine the input light beams and transmit the combined input light beams to the polarization conversion module 104.

[0065] In this example, the polarization conversion module 104 is used as a polarization beam splitter (PBS). The polarization conversion module 104 splits the blue light beam to obtain s-polarized light (light with a polarization direction perpendicular to the incident plane) and p-polarized light (light with a polarization direction parallel to the incident plane). Only the s-polarized light is reflected by the polarization conversion module 104 to the image modulation module 105. The image modulation module 105 performs image modulation on the blue s-polarized light to output a first modulated light beam. Similarly, the image modulation module 105 performs image modulation on the green s-polarized light from the polarization conversion module 104 to output a second modulated light beam. The image modulation module 105 performs image modulation on the red s-polarized light from the polarization conversion module 104 to output a third modulated light beam. Each image modulation module shown in this embodiment can be an LCOS or liquid crystal display (LCD), or any other type of image modulation module that performs image modulation based on the liquid crystal included. Since the image modulation module 105 receives the blue light beam, the green light beam and the red light beam in time sharing, the image modulation module 105 transmits the blue first modulated light beam, the green second modulated light beam and the red third modulated light beam to the lens in time sharing.

[0066] Lens 106 receives a blue first modulated light beam, a green second modulated light beam, and a red third modulated light beam. Lens 106 forms images of the blue first modulated light beam, the green second modulated light beam, and the red third modulated light beam, respectively, to output imaged light beams. The imaged light beams specifically include a blue first imaging light beam, a green second imaging light beam, and a red third imaging light beam. The blue first imaging light beam, the green second imaging light beam, and the red third imaging light beam are emitted from lens 106 in a time-sharing manner. The switching time between the first, second, and third imaging light beams is relatively fast, and combined with the integration effect of the human eye, the user subjectively perceives the three colors of red, green, and blue being modulated simultaneously, resulting in a color image. Lens 106 includes one or more lenses. Each lens forms a magnified real image of the blue first modulated light beam, the green second modulated light beam, and the red third modulated light beam. The lenses can be convex or concave. Optionally, the projection system shown in this embodiment may further include a projection screen. Then, the real images corresponding to the first imaging light beam, the second imaging light beam, and the third imaging light beam emitted by the lens 106 can be displayed on the projection screen.

[0067] The projection system shown in this example also includes a controller connected to each image modulation module, the controller being used to control the voltage applied to each image modulation module, wherein the controller can be implemented by one or more chips or one or more integrated circuits. For example, the controller can be one or more optical digital signal processors (oDSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system-on-chips (SoCs), central processor units (CPUs), network processors (NPs), microcontroller units (MCUs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), network card chips, storage interface chips, or other integrated chips, the details of which are not described in detail. In this embodiment, each image modulation module is an LCOS as an example. LCOS has advantages such as small pixel size, small pixel spacing, and high background reflectivity. It is widely used in the field of projection display and has characteristics such as high resolution, high contrast, and high brightness. Figure 2 is an exemplary structural diagram of an embodiment of the LCOS provided in this application. The left side of Figure 2 shows an exemplary top-view structural diagram of the pixel array 210 included in the LCOS. The pixel array 210 specifically includes multiple pixels, each of which supports independent adjustment. Controlling the liquid crystal phase in the pixel can adjust the amount of phase modulation applied by the pixel to the light beam. The right side of Figure 2 shows a side view of the structure of any pixel 211 included in the pixel array 210. Pixel 211 includes a second panel 201, a first panel 202, a liquid crystal layer 203, a drive circuit (not shown in Figure 2), and two layers of alignment films 206. The second panel 201 is positioned opposite the first panel 202. The second panel 201 is parallel to the first panel 202. The second panel 201 can be a silicon backplane, and the first panel 202 can be a transparent glass cover. The liquid crystal layer 203 is located between the second panel 202 and the second panel 201 and contains a plurality of liquid crystals. The liquid crystals deflect when a voltage is applied to the electrode layer. The drive circuit is used to generate an electric field to control the deflection of the liquid crystals in the liquid crystal layer 203. The two layers of alignment films 206 are located on opposite sides of the liquid crystal layer 203.One of the two alignment films 206 is located between the liquid crystal layer 203 and the second panel 201, and the other alignment film 206 is located between the liquid crystal layer 203 and the first panel 202. The alignment film 206 is used to give the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer 203 an initial orientation. Specifically, the driving circuit includes a second electrode 205 and a first electrode 204. The second electrode 205 is located between the liquid crystal layer 203 and the second panel 201. The first electrode 204 is located between the liquid crystal layer 203 and the first panel 202. The two layers of the alignment film 206 are located between the second electrode 205 and the first electrode 204. When the second electrode 205 and the first electrode 204 are energized, the deflection of the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer 203 is controlled. In this embodiment, the first electrode 204 is an indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent electrode and the second electrode 205 is a pixel electrode.

[0068] A first voltage is applied to the first electrode 204, and a second voltage is applied to the second electrode 205. The difference in absolute value between the first and second voltages creates different electric fields between the first and second electrodes 204, 205. Under the influence of these different electric fields, the liquid crystals in the liquid crystal layer 203 deflect at different angles. Because liquid crystal is a birefringent material, this deflection results in a change in the equivalent birefringence, thereby achieving varying degrees of phase modulation on the received light beam.

[0069] Figure 3 is an example of a VR curve for an LCOS provided in this application. Specifically, the coordinate system shown in Figure 3 includes a first curve 301, a second curve 302, and a third curve 303. The ordinate of the coordinate system in Figure 3 represents the normalized reflectivity of the LCOS. A higher normalized reflectivity indicates a higher brightness emitted from the LCOS. The abscissa in Figure 3 represents the difference in driving voltages, where the difference in driving voltages is the absolute value of the difference between a first voltage applied to a first electrode and a second voltage applied to a second electrode. First curve 301 shows the brightness of a first, blue, modulated light beam emitted from the LCOS, as the difference in driving voltage increases. Second curve 302 shows the brightness of a second, green, modulated light beam emitted from the LCOS, as the difference in driving voltage increases. Third curve 303 shows the brightness of a third, red, modulated light beam emitted from the LCOS, as the difference in driving voltage increases. Comparing the first, second, and third curves 301, 302, and 303, we can see that as the difference in the LCOS driving voltage increases, the normalized reflectivity increases, and thus, the brightness of the modulated light beam emitted by the LCOS also increases. However, when a specific driving voltage difference is reached, the brightness of the LCOS reaches its maximum. If the driving voltage difference continues to increase, the brightness of the LCOS actually decreases. The driving voltage difference that maximizes the LCOS's brightness is called the saturation voltage. A voltage less than the saturation voltage is called an undersaturation voltage, and a voltage greater than the saturation voltage is called an oversaturation voltage. The saturation voltage varies for different wavelengths; the shorter the wavelength, the lower the saturation voltage. For example, for the blue first curve 301, the brightness of the first modulated light beam emitted by the LCOS is maximum when the driving voltage difference is 4.9V. When the driving voltage difference exceeds 4.9V, the brightness of the first modulated light beam emitted by the LCOS decreases. For the first modulated light beam, if the driving voltage difference is 4.9 V, it is saturated. If the driving voltage difference is less than 4.9 V, it is undersaturated. If the driving voltage difference is greater than 4.9 V, it is oversaturated. The saturation voltage of the green second curve 302 is greater than the saturation voltage of the blue first curve 301, and the saturation voltage of the red third curve 303 is greater than the saturation voltage of the green second curve 302.

[0070] Because the liquid crystal layer 203 is oversaturated and the saturation points of light of different wavelengths are different, if the same driving voltage (i.e., the absolute value of the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage) is applied to the liquid crystal layer 203, if the green channel is at the saturation voltage, the red channel voltage will be undersaturated and the blue channel voltage will be oversaturated. Both undersaturation and oversaturation will result in loss of brightness and reduce the efficiency of LCOS.

[0071] An embodiment of the present application provides a driving method. The driving method shown in this embodiment is used to apply a voltage to the LCOS, so that the LCOS can modulate the received light beam to emit a modulated light beam. The method shown in this embodiment ensures that the output brightness of the image modulation module is substantially not lost, while also ensuring stable VR characteristics and DC balance performance, thereby improving the life of the image modulation module. Figure 4 is a flowchart of an embodiment of the driving method provided by the present application.

[0072] Step 401: The controller obtains a target image subframe.

[0073] The controller shown in this embodiment can be a device inside the LCOS or external to the LCOS. There is no specific limitation, as long as the controller can apply voltage to the LCOS. Figure 5 shows an example diagram of multiple image subframes. To achieve image modulation of the LCOS, the controller obtains an image frame from an image source. The image frame includes multiple image subframes arranged in sequence on the time axis. For example, the controller shown in Figure 5 converts an image frame into image subframe 501, image subframe 502, and image subframe 503, which are arranged in sequence at time t, and so on, to image subframe 504, image subframe 505, and image subframe 506, and so on, to image subframe 507, image subframe 508, and image subframe 509. Among them, image subframe 501, image subframe 502, image subframe 503, etc. are used to modulate the red light beam. Image subframe 504, image subframe 505, and image subframe 506, etc. are used to modulate the blue light beam. Image subframe 507, image subframe 508, and image subframe 509 are used to modulate the green light beam. The image source may be a video or a picture. For example, if the controller is located within the LCOS, the LCOS includes an external interface. The controller receives an image source from any electronic device via the external interface. The external interface is connected to the electronic device. The external interface may be an external bus interface, a front-side bus, a display interface, a video display interface, or a graphics interface. The video display interface may be a digital visual interface (DVI), a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), or a video graphics array (VGA). Alternatively, the LCOS may include an internal interface. The LCOS memory is connected to the controller via the internal interface. The controller receives the image source from the memory via the internal interface. The internal interface may be a bus, a local input / output (I / O) bus, a hub interface bus, or the like.

[0074] The target image subframe shown in this embodiment may be any image subframe obtained by the controller, such as a plurality of image subframes shown in FIG. 5 .

[0075] Step 402 : The controller determines whether the target pixel is in an on state. If not, step 403 is executed; if so, step 405 is executed.

[0076] The target pixel in this embodiment is any one of the multiple pixels included in the LCOS pixel array. For example, the target pixel may be pixel 211 shown in FIG. 2 . The controller drives the pixel using a digital drive method, such as PWM. To this end, the controller obtains a bit corresponding to the target pixel based on the target image subframe. For example, when the controller determines that the target image subframe is image subframe 501, the controller determines that the bit corresponding to the target pixel is 0 when modulating image subframe 501. This indicates that the target pixel is in an off state corresponding to the second bit value. When the controller determines that the target pixel corresponds to the second bit value, the controller applies a voltage to the target pixel according to the second bit value, which turns the target pixel off. When the controller determines that the bit corresponding to the target pixel is 1 when modulating image subframe 501, this indicates that the target pixel is in an on state corresponding to the first bit value. When the controller determines that the target pixel corresponds to the first bit value, the controller applies a voltage to the target pixel according to the first bit value, which turns the target pixel on. This embodiment uses the first bit value of bit 1 as an example, without specific limitation. This embodiment uses the second bit value of bit 0 as an example, without specific limitation.

[0077] For example, when the controller determines that the target image subframe is image subframe 501, the LCOS includes P pixels, and the controller divides image subframe 501 into P regions. Specifically, for example, each of the P regions can be a pixel. The P regions in image subframe 501 correspond one-to-one to the P pixels included in the LCOS. Specifically, the controller obtains the target region included in image subframe 501, where the target region is the region among the P regions corresponding to the target pixel of the LCOS. The controller determines the state of the target pixel based on the target region. The target pixel has two states, one is an on state and the other is an off state. If the target region is not projected, the bit corresponding to the target pixel is determined to be 0, and therefore the target pixel is in the off state. The off state means that the liquid crystal included in the target pixel does not deflect, so as shown in Figure 1, the target pixel of the LCOS does not emit a light beam toward the lens. If the target region is projected, the bit corresponding to the target pixel is determined to be 1, and therefore the target pixel is in the on state. The on state means that the liquid crystal included in the target pixel is deflected, thereby changing the phase difference of the light beam passing through the target pixel. Then, by controlling the phase of the light beam, the target pixel modulates the light beam. Therefore, as shown in Figure 1, the modulated light beam emitted by the target pixel will be transmitted to the lens.

[0078] Step 403: The controller obtains a dark-state subframe corresponding to the target pixel.

[0079] When the controller determines that the target pixel is in the off state, the controller obtains a dark-state subframe corresponding to the off state. The controller then applies a voltage to the target pixel based on the dark-state subframe to turn the target pixel off. For an explanation of the dark-state subframe, please refer to Figure 6, which shows an example diagram of a dark-state subframe. When the controller drives the target pixel using the dark-state subframe, the target pixel is turned off. The dark-state subframe includes a correspondence between a first voltage and time, and also includes a correspondence between a second voltage and time. The first voltage is the voltage applied by the controller to the first electrode of the target pixel, and the second voltage is the voltage applied by the controller to the second electrode of the target pixel. In this embodiment, when the controller drives the target pixel using the dark-state subframe, it applies a drive voltage to the target pixel. The drive voltage is the absolute value of the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage. This embodiment does not limit the magnitude of the drive voltage; as long as the target pixel is in the off state when the drive voltage is applied, it suffices. For example, the drive voltage can be 0, etc. This embodiment uses a drive voltage of 1.1V as an example.

[0080] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, if the target pixel corresponding to the image subframe 501 is in the off state, the dark subframe is the dark subframe 601 shown in Figure 6. The duration of the dark subframe 601 is from t0 to t1. It should be noted that this embodiment does not limit the duration of the dark subframe 601. In the dark subframe 601, the first voltage is 0V and the second voltage is -1.1V. Then, when the controller modulates the image subframe 501, it applies 0V to the first electrode and -1.1V to the second electrode. Then, the driving voltage corresponding to the dark subframe 601 is |0-(-1.1)|=1.1. By analogy, if the target pixel corresponding to the image subframe 502 is in the off state, the dark subframe is the dark subframe 602 shown in Figure 6. The duration of the dark subframe 602 is from t1 to t2. It should be noted that this embodiment does not limit the duration of the dark subframe 602. In the dark subframe 602, the first voltage is 4.7V and the second voltage is 5.8V. Therefore, the controller applies 4.7V to the first electrode and 5.8V to the second electrode when modulating the image subframe 502. Therefore, the driving voltage corresponding to the second dark subframe 602 is |4.7-5.8|=1.1.

[0081] In this embodiment, to avoid the liquid crystal ion clustering effect and ensure a longer liquid crystal lifespan, it is necessary to periodically reverse the polarity of the liquid crystal drive electric field, that is, the positive and negative polarity of the liquid crystal drive voltage, so that the drive voltage of the target pixel is periodically reversed, thereby effectively improving the lifespan of the liquid crystal. For example, the controller obtains two adjacent image subframes on the time axis, namely image subframe 501 and image subframe 502. Moreover, the target pixels corresponding to image subframes 501 and 502 are both in the off state. Therefore, the polarity of the dark state subframe 601 corresponding to image subframe 501 is opposite to the polarity of the dark state subframe 602 corresponding to image subframe 502. Continuing with FIG6 , the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage of dark state subframe 601 is positive. As shown in FIG6 , the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage of dark state subframe 601 is 0-(-1.1)=1.1. In contrast, the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage of adjacent dark state subframe 602 is negative. 6 , the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage of the dark subframe 602 is 4.7-5.8=-1.1. Since the polarity of the driving voltage applied between two adjacent dark subframes is opposite, the life of the liquid crystal is effectively increased.

[0082] Step 404: The controller drives the target pixel according to the dark sub-frame.

[0083] For example, as shown in FIG6 , if the target image subframe is image subframe 501, and the controller obtains a corresponding dark-state subframe 601 based on the target pixel of target image subframe 501, then the controller applies no power to the first electrode and a voltage of -1.1 V to the second electrode during the duration from time t0 to time t1. It can be understood that during the duration of dark-state subframe 601, the target pixel remains in the off state.

[0084] Step 405: The controller obtains the first frame corresponding to the target pixel.

[0085] The controller is used to apply a voltage to the target pixel according to the first frame so that the target pixel is in the on state. For an explanation of the first frame, please refer to Figure 7, wherein Figure 7 is an example diagram of the first frame. When the controller drives the target pixel through the first frame, the target pixel is in the on state. The first frame includes a correspondence between a first voltage and time, and the first frame also includes a correspondence between a second voltage and time. For an explanation of the first voltage and the second voltage, please refer to step 403, and details will not be repeated. In this embodiment, when the controller drives the target pixel through the first frame, it applies a first driving voltage to the target pixel. It can be seen from the above description that in order to make the target pixel in the on state, the first driving voltage corresponds to bit 1. This embodiment does not limit the size of the first driving voltage, as long as the target pixel is in the on state when the first driving voltage is applied to the target pixel. For example, the first driving voltage may be 4.9V.

[0086] As shown in this embodiment, the first frame corresponding to bit 1 includes N subframes, where N is any integer greater than 1, and the specific value of N is not limited in this embodiment. This embodiment does not limit the duration of the first frame. For example, the duration of N subframes starts from t0 and ends at tM. In the example shown in Figure 7, taking N as 7 as an example, the first frame includes 7 subframes. That is, the first subframe 701, the second subframe 702, the third subframe 703, the fourth subframe 704, the fifth subframe 705, the sixth subframe 706 and the seventh subframe 707. This example takes the first driving voltage corresponding to each subframe as 4.9V as an example. For example, in the first subframe 701, the first voltage is 4.7V and the second voltage is -1.1V. Then, the first driving voltage corresponding to the first subframe 701 is |4.7-(-1.1)|=5.8. In the second subframe 702 , the first voltage is 0V and the second voltage is 5.8V. Therefore, the first driving voltage corresponding to the second subframe 702 is |0−5.8|=5.8.

[0087] In this embodiment, to avoid the liquid crystal ion clustering effect and ensure a longer lifespan of the liquid crystal, it is necessary to periodically reverse the polarity of the liquid crystal driving electric field, that is, the positive and negative polarity of the liquid crystal driving voltage, so that the driving voltage of the target pixel is periodically reversed, thereby effectively improving the lifespan of the liquid crystal. That is, in the first frame, the polarities of two adjacent subframes are opposite. For example, in the first subframe 701, the first polarity is positive (that is, the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage of the first subframe 701 is positive), while in the adjacent second subframe 702, the second polarity is negative (that is, the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage of the second subframe 702 is negative). As shown in Figure 7, the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage of the first subframe 701 is 4.7-(-1.1)=5.8, while the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage of the second subframe 702 is 0-5.8=-5.8. It can be understood that in the first frame shown in this embodiment, the absolute values ​​of the first driving voltages of different subframes are all 5.8V, so that when the controller drives the target pixel according to each subframe, it can apply the first driving voltage of 5.8V to the target pixel. Moreover, between two adjacent subframes (for example, the first subframe 701 and the second subframe 702), the polarity of the applied first driving voltage is opposite, which effectively improves the life of the liquid crystal.

[0088] The first driving voltage shown in this embodiment is the supersaturation voltage of the modulated light beam of the target pixel. For a description of the supersaturation voltage, please refer to the corresponding description of FIG3 and will not be repeated here. As shown in FIG3, when the supersaturation voltage is applied to the target pixel, the brightness of the target pixel output is reduced. Using the steps shown below in this embodiment, it is possible to ensure that the brightness of the target pixel output is not lost or is almost not lost when the supersaturation voltage is applied to the target pixel, thereby improving the brightness of the target pixel output.

[0089] Step 406: The controller converts the first frame into a second frame.

[0090] As shown in step 405, if the controller drives the target pixel according to the first frame, the target pixel will not emit the modulated light beam at the maximum brightness. For this reason, the controller shown in this embodiment converts the first frame into the second frame. Then, if the controller drives the target pixel according to the second frame, the target pixel will emit the modulated light beam at the maximum brightness. Specifically, the controller inserts M target subframes into the first frame to obtain the second frame, where M is an arbitrary integer greater than 1, and the target subframe corresponds to a second driving voltage, which corresponds to bit 0. In the M target subframes, any two adjacent target subframes are separated by a portion of the first frame. As shown in this embodiment, the first frame can be converted into the second frame in a variety of optional ways, which are specifically described as follows:

[0091] Option 1

[0092] In conjunction with Figures 7 and 8, Figure 8 shows the first example diagram of the second frame provided by this application. As shown in this example, among the N subframes included in the first frame, a target subframe is inserted between any two temporally adjacent subframes. Based on Figure 7, a first target subframe 801 is inserted between the first subframe 701 and the second subframe 702. A second target subframe 802 is inserted between the second subframe 702 and the third subframe 703. A third target subframe 803 is inserted between the third subframe 703 and the fourth subframe 704. A fourth target subframe 804 is inserted between the fourth subframe 704 and the fifth subframe 705. A fifth target subframe 805 is inserted between the fifth subframe 705 and the sixth subframe 706. A sixth target subframe 806 is inserted between the sixth subframe 706 and the seventh subframe 707. The specific insertion method can be, for example, taking the first subframe 701 and the second subframe 702 as an example, replacing the corresponding relationship between the voltage and time of the portion of the first subframe 701 adjacent to the second subframe 702 with the first target subframe 801. For example, the duration of the first subframe starts at time t0 and ends at time t2. The time period between time t1 and time t2 included in the first subframe is adjacent to the second subframe 702. In this example, the controller replaces the time period between time t1 and time t2 included in the first subframe 701 with the first target subframe 801. For another example, taking the first subframe 701 and the second subframe 702 as an example, the corresponding relationship between the voltage and time of the portion of the second subframe 702 adjacent to the first subframe 701 can be replaced with the first target subframe 801. For another example, taking the first subframe 701 and the second subframe 702 as an example, the corresponding relationship between the voltage and time of the part of the first subframe 701 adjacent to the second subframe 702, and the corresponding relationship between the voltage and time of the part of the second subframe 702 adjacent to the first subframe 701, are both replaced with the first target subframe 801.

[0093] Each target subframe shown in this embodiment corresponds to a second driving voltage, and the second driving voltage corresponds to bit 0. This embodiment takes the second driving voltage as 1.1V as an example. This embodiment does not limit the magnitude of the second driving voltage, as long as the second driving voltage corresponds to bit 0. For example, if the controller drives the target pixel according to the first target subframe 801, then the controller does not apply power to the first electrode, and the second voltage applied to the second electrode is -1.1V. Therefore, the second driving voltage = |0-(-1.1)| = 1.1V.

[0094] FIG9 is a diagram showing examples of liquid crystal states under different driving voltages provided by the present application.

[0095] When the controller applies a second driving voltage (e.g., 1.1V) to the target pixel, the liquid crystal of the target pixel is in state A. When the controller applies a first driving voltage (e.g., 5.8V) to the target pixel, the liquid crystal of the target pixel is in state C. The first driving voltage shown in the present embodiment is an oversaturation voltage, and the second driving voltage is an undersaturation voltage. When the voltage applied to the target pixel is the second driving voltage, the liquid crystal is in a pre-tilt state. As the driving voltage increases, the greater the deflection angle of the liquid crystal, when the B state is reached, the modulation amplitude reaches a maximum, and this voltage is called a saturation voltage. The deflection state of the liquid crystal is called a steady state B. In this example, the saturation voltage of the target pixel is 4.9V. When the driving voltage increases further, such as when the oversaturation voltage reaches 5.8, the deflection angle of the liquid crystal increases further, and the amplitude of the target pixel modulation output decreases instead, so the brightness of the target pixel emission also decreases. This oversaturation state is described as state C. It can be understood that steady state B is a state between state A and state C. If the liquid crystal is switched between state A and state C at a relatively high frequency, the viscosity characteristics of the liquid crystal can be utilized to dynamically stabilize the liquid crystal in steady state B. If the controller shown in this embodiment drives the target pixel according to the second frame, then the oversaturation voltage (i.e., the second driving voltage) and the undersaturation voltage (i.e., the first driving voltage) will be switched at a relatively high frequency and applied to the target pixel, causing the liquid crystal in the target pixel to emit the modulated light beam in steady state B, thereby ensuring that the target pixel emits the modulated light beam at maximum brightness.

[0096] In combination with Figures 10 and 11, Figure 10 shows a second example diagram of the second frame provided by the present application. Figure 11 is an example diagram of the brightness comparison of the LCOS output. The second frame shown in Figure 10 takes the target subframe inserted into the first frame at a high frequency to obtain the second frame as an example. In the second frame shown in Figure 10, there is a target subframe between two adjacent subframes. The subframe shown in this example corresponds to bit 1, and the target subframe corresponds to bit 0. In the example shown in Figure 10, a duty cycle of 95% is taken as an example. The waveform 1101 shown in Figure 11 refers to an example in which the controller only applies an oversaturation voltage to the target pixel. It can be seen that the target pixel is always in state C, so the brightness emitted by the target pixel is always lower than the brightness emitted when it is in steady state B. The waveform 1102 shown in Figure 11 refers to an example in which the controller applies the second frame shown above to the target pixel. It can be seen that the target pixel has been fluctuating slightly near steady state B, so the brightness emitted by the target pixel is always the maximum brightness. As shown in this embodiment, even if an oversaturation voltage is applied to the target pixel, the brightness emitted by the target pixel is almost at the maximum value, ensuring that the brightness emitted by the target pixel is substantially not lost.

[0097] As shown in the present embodiment, among the M target subframes inserted into the first frame, the polarities of the second drive voltages corresponding to any two target subframes adjacent in time are opposite. For example, the M target subframes include a first target subframe and a second target subframe adjacent in time, the first target subframe corresponding to the third polarity of the second drive voltage, the second target subframe corresponding to the fourth polarity of the second drive voltage, and the third polarity is opposite to the fourth polarity. For the description of the third polarity being opposite to the fourth polarity, please refer to the above description of the first polarity being opposite to the second polarity, and detailed description will not be given. Since the polarities of the second drive voltages corresponding to the two adjacent target subframes shown in this embodiment are opposite, even if the target subframes are inserted at high frequency in the first frame, the DC balance will not be destroyed.

[0098] Option 2

[0099] As shown in this example, the second frame includes N subframes and M target subframes. Any two target subframes that are adjacent in time are separated by K subframes, where K is any integer greater than 1. For example, FIG12 shows the third example diagram of the second frame provided by this application. In the example shown in FIG12, any two adjacent target subframes are separated by two subframes. For example, the second subframe includes the first subframe, the second subframe, the third subframe, and the fourth subframe in sequence. By analogy, the second subframe and the third subframe are separated by a first target subframe, and the fourth subframe and the fifth subframe are separated by a second target subframe. It can be seen that, among the M target subframes shown in this embodiment, any two target subframes that are adjacent in time are separated by two subframes. This embodiment does not limit the value of K. It can be understood that, using the second frame shown in this example, the M target subframes are evenly distributed in the second frame. For the description of the target subframe and each subframe included in the first frame, as well as the description of inserting the target subframe, please refer to Optional Mode 1, which will not be described in detail.

[0100] Option 3

[0101] This example shows that a target subframe can be randomly inserted between two temporally adjacent subframes in the N subframes included in the first frame. For a description of the target subframe and each subframe included in the first frame, as well as a description of inserting the target subframe, please refer to Optional Method 1, and the details are not repeated here.

[0102] Option 4

[0103] In the above-mentioned optional method 1 and optional method 3, the target subframe is inserted between two temporally adjacent subframes as an example. In this optional method, the target subframe can be inserted inside the subframe. Specifically, the first frame includes an imaging subframe, and the imaging subframe is each subframe in the N subframes, or the imaging subframe is a part of the subframes in the N subframes. The controller inserts at least one target subframe in the imaging subframe. If the controller inserts multiple target subframes in the imaging subframe, they are inserted into the same imaging subframe, between two adjacent target subframes, with a part of the imaging subframe spaced apart. For the description of the target subframe and each subframe included in the first frame, as well as the description of inserting the target subframe, please refer to optional method 1 and the details will not be repeated.

[0104] Step 407: The controller drives the target pixel through the second frame.

[0105] For example, referring to the example shown in FIG8 , during the duration of the first subframe 701, a voltage of 4.7 V is applied to the first electrode, and a voltage of -1.1 V is applied to the second electrode. During the duration of the first target subframe 801, no power is applied to the first electrode, and a voltage of -1.1 V is applied to the second electrode, and so on. The specific embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0106] Figure 13 is an example VR curve for a target pixel provided in this application. As shown in Figure 13, the saturation voltage of the modulated light beam at the target pixel is 4.9V. When the saturation voltage (i.e., 4.9V) is applied to the target pixel, the brightness of the target light beam emitted is 78 nits. In other words, 78 nits is the maximum brightness emitted by the target pixel.

[0107] Figure 14 is an example of a gamma curve for a target pixel. The horizontal axis of the gamma curve ranges from 0 to 255 grayscale values. Curve 1401 in Figure 14 shows the maximum brightness of the target pixel when it is driven by an oversaturation voltage, resulting in a loss of approximately 8% in maximum brightness. Curve 1402 shows the maximum brightness of the target pixel when it is driven by the second frame shown in this embodiment, resulting in a loss of approximately 0.65% in maximum brightness, essentially achieving zero loss in maximum brightness.

[0108] Using the method described in this embodiment, a controller drives an image modulator (e.g., LCOS) to perform image modulation via a digital drive method. With this digital drive method, the drive voltage applied to the target pixel is fixed, eliminating the need to switch the drive voltage magnitude. This avoids instability caused by the parasitic capacitance of the drive circuit during voltage conversion, improving the stability of the VR curve and DC balance. Without the need to switch the drive voltage magnitude, power consumption associated with switching the drive voltage is reduced. Furthermore, the red, blue, and green light beams can be switched and modulated at any time as needed, eliminating the need to restrict the timing of modulation between the beams, thereby increasing the flexibility of color sequence design during image modulation. Furthermore, using the method described in this embodiment, light beams of different wavelengths are uniformly driven with an oversaturation voltage, ensuring that the maximum brightness value emitted by each pixel of the image modulator is substantially unaffected, effectively improving the maximum brightness value emitted by the image modulator. As shown in the corresponding description of FIG. 3 , the saturation voltages for modulating the blue beam, green beam, and red beam increase in sequence. If the first drive voltage is equal to the saturation voltage for modulating the red beam, then the first drive voltage is the oversaturation voltage for modulating the green and blue beams. Because the first driving voltage is the saturation voltage for modulating the red light beam, the controller can directly apply the first driving voltage to the image modulation module, ensuring the brightness value emitted from the image modulation module after the image modulation module modulates the light beams. If the image modulation module needs to modulate blue and green light beams, the controller can convert the first frame into a second frame, and the controller drives the image modulation module to modulate the green and blue light beams via the second frame. Therefore, when the image modulation module is driven with an oversaturation voltage, it is ensured that the brightness value emitted from the image modulation module after the image module modulates the blue and green light beams is substantially not lost. Therefore, even when the image modulation module is driven with an oversaturation voltage, the image modulation module can still emit the modulated light beams at the maximum brightness value. For another example, if the first driving voltage is the oversaturation voltage for modulating the red, green, and blue light beams, respectively, the controller can convert the first frame into a second frame, and the controller drives the image modulation module to modulate the red, green, and blue light beams via the second frame. Then, when the image modulation module is driven by an oversaturated voltage, it is ensured that after the image module modulates the red light beam, the blue light beam and the green light beam, the brightness value emitted from the image modulation module is basically not lost, so that even if the image modulation module is driven by an oversaturated voltage, the image modulation module can still emit the modulated light beam with the maximum brightness value.

[0109] The present application also provides an image modulation method. The image modulation module performs the image modulation method shown in this embodiment, and can modulate the light beam to emit a modulated light beam. The lens can project the modulated light beam into an image. For an explanation of the imaging, please refer to the corresponding description of Figure 1. The details are not repeated here. Figure 15 is a flowchart of the steps of an embodiment of the image modulation method provided by the present application.

[0110] Step 1501: The controller obtains a target image subframe.

[0111] Step 1502 : The controller determines whether the target pixel is in an on state. If not, step 1503 is executed. If so, step 1505 is executed.

[0112] Step 1503: The controller obtains a dark-state subframe corresponding to the target pixel.

[0113] Step 1504: The controller drives the target pixel according to the dark sub-frame.

[0114] Step 1505: The controller obtains the first frame corresponding to the target pixel.

[0115] Step 1506: The controller converts the first frame into a second frame.

[0116] Step 1507: The controller drives the target pixel through the second frame.

[0117] For the description of the execution process of steps 1501 to 1507 shown in this embodiment, please refer to steps 401 to 407 corresponding to Figure 4, and the details are not repeated here.

[0118] Step 1508: The image modulation module receives the light beam.

[0119] Step 1509: The image modulation module modulates the light beam to output a modulated light beam.

[0120] In this embodiment, after executing step 1504, the target pixel to which the dark subframe is applied, or after executing step 1507, the target pixel to which the second frame is applied, modulates the light beam to output a modulated light beam. For a description of light beam modulation by the image modulation module, please refer to the corresponding description of FIG. 1 , and detailed description is omitted here.

[0121] The projection system provided in the embodiment of the present application is shown in Figure 1 as an example, which is not limited thereto. The projection system provided in the embodiment of the present application can also be shown in Figure 16, where Figure 16 is an example diagram of the structure of the second embodiment of the projection system provided in the present application.

[0122] The projection system shown in this embodiment includes a light source 1601, a beam splitting component 1602, a first polarization conversion module 1603a, a first image modulation module 1604a, a second polarization conversion module 1603b, a second image modulation module 1604b, a third polarization conversion module 1603c, a third image modulation module 1604c, a light combining module 1605, and a lens 1607. For detailed descriptions of each component, please refer to the corresponding description of FIG. 1 and are not described in detail here.

[0123] The light source 1601 shown in this embodiment is used to emit an input light beam. For the description of the input light beam, please refer to the embodiment corresponding to Figure 1, and the details will not be repeated here. The spectroscopic component 1602 is used to split the input light beam to obtain a blue light beam, a green light beam and a red light beam. The first polarization conversion module 1603a is used to receive the blue light beam and perform spectroscopic analysis. The third polarization conversion module 1603c is used to receive the red light beam and perform spectroscopic analysis. The second polarization conversion module 1603b is used to receive the green light beam and perform spectroscopic analysis. The target light beam received by the first image modulation module 1604a is a blue S-polarized light after spectroscopic analysis, the target light beam received by the second image modulation module 1604b is a green S-polarized light after spectroscopic analysis, and the target light beam received by the third image modulation module 1604c is a red S-polarized light after spectroscopic analysis. The light combining module 1605 receives the modulated light beam from the first image modulation module 1604a, the modulated light beam from the second image modulation module 1604b, and the modulated light beam from the third image modulation module 1604c, and combines the modulated light beams to obtain an imaging light beam. The light combining module 1605 can be a prism, etc. The light combining module 1605 can use spectral light combining, polarization light combining, or aperture light combining to output the modulated light beam, and the specific light combining method is not limited. The lens 1607 receives the modulated light beam and emits an imaging light beam according to the modulated light beam, and the imaging light beam is used for projection imaging. The projection system shown in this embodiment also includes a controller. For the description of the controller driving each image modulation module, please refer to any of the above embodiments, and the details will not be repeated.

[0124] The embodiment of the present application also provides a chip, wherein Figure 17 is an example diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the chip provided by the present application. The chip shown in this embodiment includes a controller 1702 and a communication interface 1701, wherein the controller 1702 is connected to the communication interface 1701. The controller 1702 implements the interaction of signaling and data through the communication interface 1701, for example, obtaining an image source from the communication interface 1701. The controller 1702 is used to execute a computer program or instruction so that the chip can execute the method shown in the embodiment of Figure 4 or Figure 15 above. Optionally, the chip shown in this embodiment may include a memory 1703 for storing computer programs or instructions, and can also be used to store the image source shown in the above embodiment.

[0125] An embodiment of the present application also provides an image modulator. For the description of the image modulator, please refer to the above description of the LCOS structure, and the details will not be repeated here.

[0126] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are called by a computer, they execute the method shown in the embodiment of Figure 4 or Figure 15 above.

[0127] Figure 18 is an example diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the head-up display system provided by the present application. The head-up display (HUD) system shown in this embodiment includes a projection system 1801 and a light deflection module 1803. For the description of the structure of the projection system 1801, please refer to any embodiment shown in Figure 1 or Figure 16, and the details are not repeated here. The HUD system projects vehicle-related information in front of the driver's field of view. Vehicle-related information can be instrument information (such as vehicle speed) or navigation information, etc. Then, the driver sees vehicle-related information in front of the field of view without having to look down at the instrument panel or central control display screen under the steering wheel, thereby improving the braking reaction time in an emergency and improving driving safety.

[0128] The projection system 1801 shown in this embodiment can modulate vehicle-related information on the target light beam and emit an imaging light beam 1811. The light deflection module 1803 can form an enlarged virtual image 1812 of the imaging light beam in front of the vehicle. Among them, the light deflection module 1803 shown in this embodiment can be a curved mirror. The curved mirror will enlarge the light spot of the imaging light beam 1811 to transmit it to the windshield 1805 of the vehicle. The windshield 1805 reflects the imaging light beam 1811 to the driver's eyes to form an image. That is, the reverse extension line of the image formed in the driver's eyes forms a virtual image 1812 in front of the vehicle. This embodiment takes the application of the HUD system to a vehicle as an example. In other examples, the HUD system can also be applied to driving tools that require a driver to drive, such as ships, airplanes, and helicopters.

[0129] This embodiment also provides a vehicle. The vehicle includes the HUD system and windshield shown in FIG18 . Of course, the vehicle may also include other components, such as a steering wheel, a processor, a memory, a wireless communication device, and sensors, etc., which are not specifically limited in this embodiment.

[0130] FIG19 is a diagram illustrating the structure of an embodiment of a projection lamp provided in the present application. The projection lamp includes a mounting base and a projection system 1901. The mounting base can fix the projection system 1901 to the vehicle. For a description of the projection system 1901, please refer to the embodiment shown in FIG1 or FIG16 , and the details are not repeated here. The projection system 1901 modulates a target light beam to output an imaging light beam. The imaging light beam emitted from the projection system 1901 can form an image on the road surface on which the vehicle is traveling. Specifically, the imaging light beam displays a target light pattern in the road surface projection area of ​​the road surface to form an image. The target light pattern formed by the imaging light beam can be a light blanket displayed in the road surface projection area. The light blanket prompts the driver with information about the vehicle's advanced driving assistance system (ADAS), key data on the vehicle dashboard (fuel consumption, engine speed, temperature, etc.), vehicle speed information, steering wheel angle information, or vehicle body posture data, etc., through the modulated image, color, light pattern, etc., which are not limited to the specific embodiments in this embodiment. The imaging light beam displayed in a target light pattern emitted by the projection lamp shown in this embodiment can also be used to illuminate the road surface around the vehicle, etc., to improve driving safety or navigation efficiency.

[0131] The projection lamp shown in this embodiment is used for vehicle illumination and image projection. It can be a low-beam or adaptive high-beam headlight, enabling assisted autonomous driving. The vehicle can be an autonomous vehicle (also known as a self-piloting automobile), a car, truck, motorcycle, bus, lawn mower, recreational vehicle, amusement park vehicle, tram, golf cart, train, or cart.

[0132] This embodiment provides smart glasses. The smart glasses shown in this embodiment can be AR glasses or VR glasses. Smart glasses cleverly integrate virtual information with the real world, utilizing a wide range of technologies, including multimedia, 3D modeling, real-time tracking and registration, intelligent interaction, and sensing. They simulate computer-generated virtual information, such as text, images, 3D models, music, and videos, and then apply it to the real world. The two types of information complement each other, thereby achieving an "augmentation" of the real world. With the increasing variety of smart products, user convenience is also increasing. The smart glasses include a frame, lenses, a light source, a controller, and a pixel array. For a description of the light source, controller, and pixel array, please refer to any of the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 15, or 16 above, and detailed description is omitted here. The lenses, light source, controller, and pixel array are fixed to the frame. The light source is used to transmit the input light beam to the pixel array; the lenses are used to receive the modulated light beam from the pixel array and project an image of the modulated light beam. Specifically, the pixel array projects the modulated light beam onto the lens facing the wearer's eye, so as to utilize the reflective function of the lens to reflect the modulated light beam into the wearer's eye.

[0133] This application also provides a vehicle. Figure 20 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of the vehicle provided herein. In one embodiment, vehicle 2000 is configured for fully or partially autonomous driving. The vehicle shown in this embodiment includes a vehicle body, which is used to mount a sensor system 2020, an ADAS 2010, peripheral devices 2030, a computer system 2040, a projection lamp 2050, and a HUD system 2060.

[0134] Sensor system 2020 includes several sensors that sense information about the environment surrounding vehicle 2000. For example, sensor system 2020 may include a positioning system (which may be a global positioning system (GPS), the BeiDou system, or other positioning systems), an inertial measurement unit (IMU), radar, a laser rangefinder, and a camera. Sensor system 2020 may also include sensors for the internal systems of monitored vehicle 2000 (e.g., an in-vehicle air quality monitor, a fuel gauge, an oil temperature gauge, etc.). Sensor data from one or more of these sensors can be used to detect objects and their corresponding characteristics (position, shape, direction, speed, etc.). This detection and identification is a key function for the safe operation of autonomous vehicle 2000. The positioning system can be used to estimate the geographic location of vehicle 2000. The IMU is used to sense changes in the position and orientation of vehicle 2000 based on inertial acceleration. In one embodiment, the IMU may be a combination of an accelerometer and a gyroscope. Radar can use radio signals to sense objects within the surrounding environment of vehicle 2000. In some embodiments, in addition to sensing objects, radar can also be used to sense the speed and / or direction of travel of an object. This embodiment does not limit the specific type of radar; for example, the radar can be a millimeter-wave radar or a lidar. A laser rangefinder can use lasers to sense objects in the environment in which vehicle 2000 is located. In some embodiments, the laser rangefinder may include one or more laser sources, a laser scanner, and one or more detectors, among other system components. A camera can be used to capture multiple images of the surrounding environment of vehicle 2000. The camera can be a still camera, a video camera, a monocular / binocular camera, or an infrared imager.

[0135] ADAS2010 senses the surrounding environment at all times while the vehicle is in motion, collects data, and identifies, detects, and tracks static and dynamic objects. Combined with navigation map data, it performs systematic calculations and analysis, allowing the driver to proactively detect potential dangers and effectively increasing driving comfort and safety. For example, ADAS2010 can control the vehicle using data acquired by the sensing system 2020. Another example is that ADAS2010 can control the vehicle using vehicle-mounted data, which can include key data on the vehicle's dashboard (fuel consumption, engine speed, temperature, etc.), vehicle speed information, steering wheel angle information, or vehicle posture data.

[0136] Vehicle 2000 interacts with external sensors, other vehicles, other computer systems, or users through peripheral devices 2030. Peripheral devices 2030 may include a wireless communication system, an onboard computer, a microphone, and / or a speaker. In some embodiments, peripheral devices 2030 provide a means for the user of vehicle 2000 to interact with a user interface. For example, the onboard computer can provide information to the user of vehicle 2000. The user interface can also operate the onboard computer to receive user input. The onboard computer can be operated via a touch screen. In other cases, peripheral devices 2030 can provide a means for vehicle 2000 to communicate with other devices located within the vehicle. For example, a microphone can receive audio (e.g., voice commands or other audio input) from the user of vehicle 2000. Similarly, a speaker can output audio to the user of vehicle 2000. The wireless communication system can wirelessly communicate with one or more devices directly or via a communication network.

[0137] Some or all functions of the vehicle 2000 are controlled by the computer system 2040. The computer system 2040 can control the functions of the vehicle 2000 based on inputs received from various systems (e.g., the sensing system 2020, the ADAS 2010, the peripheral device 2030) and from the user interface. The computer system 2040 may include at least one processor that executes instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as a memory. The computer system 2040 may also be a plurality of computing devices that control individual components or subsystems of the vehicle 2000 in a distributed manner. This embodiment does not limit the type of processor. For a description of the processor type, please refer to the above description of the controller included in the light source, and no further details are given.

[0138] The processor can obtain vehicle driving-related information from peripheral device 2030, sensor system 2020, and / or ADAS 2010 and transmit it to projection light 2050. For a description of projection light 2050, see FIG19 . The processor transmits the vehicle driving-related information to HUD system 2060. For a description of HUD system 2060, see FIG18 . The details are not further described.

[0139] As described above, the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the above embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A driving method, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtaining a first frame corresponding to a target pixel, where the target pixel is one of a plurality of pixels for modulating a light beam, the first frame corresponds to a first driving voltage, the first driving voltage corresponds to a first bit value, and the first driving voltage is the over-saturation voltage for the target pixel to modulate the light beam; Inserting M target sub-frames into the first frame to obtain a second frame, where M is any integer greater than 1, the target sub-frame corresponds to a second driving voltage, the second driving voltage corresponds to a second bit value, and among the M target sub-frames, between two adjacent target sub-frames, there is an interval of the sub-frames of the first frame, or, between two adjacent target sub-frames, there is an interval of a part of the sub-frames; Driving the target pixel with the second frame.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein After obtaining the first frame corresponding to the target pixel, the method further includes: Dividing the first frame into N sub-frames, where N is any integer greater than 1, and among the N sub-frames, there are a first sub-frame and a second sub-frame adjacent in time, the first sub-frame corresponds to a first polarity of the first driving voltage, the second sub-frame corresponds to a second polarity of the first driving voltage, and the first polarity and the second polarity are opposite.

3. The driving method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The interval of the sub-frames of the first frame between two adjacent target sub-frames includes: The target sub-frame is located between the first sub-frame and the second sub-frame.

4. The driving method according to claim 3, wherein The M target sub-frames include a first target sub-frame and a second target sub-frame adjacent in time, the first target sub-frame corresponds to a third polarity of the second driving voltage, the second target sub-frame corresponds to a fourth polarity of the second driving voltage, and the third polarity and the fourth polarity are opposite.

5. The driving method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inserting M target sub-frames into the first frame to obtain a second frame includes: Inserting the M target sub-frames into the first frame, and between two adjacent target sub-frames in time, there is an interval of K sub-frames, where K is any integer greater than 1.

6. The driving method according to claim 2, wherein The inserting M target sub-frames into the first frame to obtain a second frame includes: Randomly inserting the target sub-frame between two adjacent sub-frames in time among the N sub-frames.

7. The driving method according to claim 2, wherein The inserting M target sub-frames into the first frame to obtain a second frame includes: Inserting at least one target sub-frame into an imaging sub-frame, where the imaging sub-frame is each of the N sub-frames, or, the imaging sub-frame is a part of the N sub-frames.

8. The driving method according to claim 7, characterized in that The interval of a part of the sub-frames between two adjacent target sub-frames includes: Between two adjacent target sub-frames, there is an interval of a part of the imaging sub-frame.

9. A method for image modulation, characterized in that, The method is applied to an image modulation module, the image modulation module includes a pixel array and a controller, the pixel array includes a plurality of pixels, and the method includes: The controller obtains a first frame corresponding to a target pixel, where the target pixel is one of the plurality of pixels, the first frame corresponds to a first driving voltage, the first driving voltage corresponds to a first bit value, and the first driving voltage is the over-saturation voltage for the target pixel to modulate the light beam; The controller inserts M target sub - frames into the first frame to obtain a second frame, where M is any integer greater than 1, and the target sub - frames correspond to a second driving voltage, the second driving voltage corresponds to a second bit value, and among the M target sub - frames, between two adjacent target sub - frames, there is an interval of sub - frames of the first frame, or, between two adjacent target sub - frames, there is an interval of a part of the sub - frames; The controller drives the target pixels through the second frame; The pixel array receives a target light beam; The target pixels to which the second frame is applied modulate the target light beam to emit a modulated light beam, and the modulated light beam is used for projection imaging. After the controller obtains the first frame corresponding to the target pixels, the method further includes:

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The controller divides the first frame into N sub - frames, where N is any integer greater than 1, and among the N sub - frames, there are a first sub - frame and a second sub - frame adjacent in time. The first sub - frame corresponds to a first polarity of a first driving voltage, the second sub - frame corresponds to a second polarity of the first driving voltage, and the first polarity is opposite to the second polarity. Between two adjacent target sub - frames, the interval of sub - frames of the first frame includes:

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein The target sub - frame is located between the first sub - frame and the second sub - frame. The M target sub - frames include a first target sub - frame and a second target sub - frame adjacent in time. The first target sub - frame corresponds to a third polarity of the second driving voltage, the second target sub - frame corresponds to a fourth polarity of the second driving voltage, and the third polarity is opposite to the fourth polarity.

12. The driving method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Comprising a communication interface and a controller connected to the communication interface, the communication interface is used for inputting and / or outputting signaling or data; 13. A chip, characterized in that, The controller is used for executing a computer - executable program such that the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is executed. Comprising a light source, a polarization conversion module, a lens, a controller, and a pixel array, the controller and the pixel array are used for executing the method according to any one of claims 9 - 12; 14. A projection system, characterized in that, The light source is used for transmitting an input light beam to the polarization conversion module; The polarization conversion module is used for converting the polarization state of the input light beam to obtain the target light beam; The lens is used for receiving the modulated light beam from the pixel array and emitting an imaging light beam according to the modulated light beam, and the imaging light beam is used for projection imaging. Comprising an optical deflection module and the projection system according to claim 14; 15. A head-up display system, characterized in that, The projection system is used for transmitting the imaging light beam to the optical deflection module; The optical deflection module is used for transmitting the magnified imaging light beam to the windshield, and the imaging light beam forms a virtual image through the windshield. Comprising a fixing base and the projection system according to claim 14, the fixing base is used for fixing the projection system on a vehicle.

16. A vehicle lamp, characterized in that, Comprising a vehicle body and a windshield, the vehicle further includes the head - up display system according to claim 15 and / or includes the vehicle lamp according to claim 16; 17. A vehicle, characterized in that, The controller is used for obtaining vehicle driving - related information; ​ The controller is further configured to drive the pixel array, modulate the vehicle driving related information onto the target beam to obtain the modulated beam.

18. An intelligent glasses, characterized in that, The smart glasses include a frame, lenses, a light source, a controller, and a pixel array. The controller and the pixel array are configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 9-12. The frame is configured to fix the lenses, the light source, the controller, and the pixel array. The light source is configured to transmit the input beam to the pixel array. The lenses are configured to receive the modulated beam from the pixel array and project an image of the modulated beam.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when called by a computer, cause the method according to any one of claims 1-8 to be executed.

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