Illumination module, image generation apparatus, display system, and movable device
By using tilted total internal reflection lenses and light-diffusing elements in the head-up display, the light propagation path is adjusted, solving the problem of insufficient light in a wide viewing angle range, improving light intensity and uniformity, and enhancing driving safety and display system performance.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NINGBO ECHENG TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-02
Smart Images
Figure CN2024143916_02072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Lighting module, image generation device, display system and mobile device
[0001] Cross-reference of related applications
[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411947260.X, filed on December 27, 2024, entitled "Lighting Module, Image Generation Apparatus, Display System and Mobile Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field
[0003] This application relates to the field of optical technology, specifically to an illumination module, an image generation device, a display system, and a mobile device. Background Technology
[0004] The backlighting system in the head-up display is used to illuminate the image information, including the instrument panel and navigation information, so that this information can be projected onto the driver's line of sight through the imaging optical path. This avoids the driver frequently looking down at the instrument panel while driving. The virtual image projected onto the windshield must have uniform brightness perceived by the human eye to avoid glare and ensure driving safety.
[0005] Current head-up displays suffer from insufficient light intensity over wide viewing angles. Summary of the Invention
[0006] This application provides a lighting module, an image generation device, a display system, and a mobile device, which can improve the illumination intensity of the large-angle emitted light from the lighting module, thereby increasing the light intensity within a large viewing angle range.
[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an illumination module, comprising a light source, a collimating element, a light-diffusing element, and a diffuser element arranged sequentially; the light source includes a first light-emitting unit, the collimating element includes a first total internal reflection lens, the first light-emitting unit and the first total internal reflection lens are correspondingly arranged, the first total internal reflection lens has a first central axis, and the first central axis is inclined relative to the optical axis of the light-diffusing element; the first total internal reflection lens is configured to collimate the light emitted by the first light-emitting unit; the light-diffusing element is configured to diffract the light after it has been collimated by the collimating element; and the diffuser element is configured to diffuse the light after it has been diffracted by the light-diffusing element.
[0008] In one or more embodiments, on a projection plane perpendicular to a first direction of the light-diffusing element, the first central axis is inclined at a first included angle clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the optical axis of the light-diffusing element; and / or, on a projection plane perpendicular to a second direction of the light-diffusing element, the first central axis is inclined at a second included angle clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the optical axis of the light-diffusing element.
[0009] In one or more embodiments, the first included angle is greater than 0° and the first included angle is less than or equal to a first preset angle; and / or, the second included angle is greater than 0° and the second included angle is less than or equal to a second preset angle.
[0010] In one or more embodiments, the number of the first light-emitting units is multiple, the number of the first total internal reflection lenses is multiple, and one first light-emitting unit is correspondingly arranged with one first total internal reflection lens; in the first direction of the light-diffusing element, at least two first total internal reflection lenses are symmetrical about a first preset center plane, and the first preset center plane is perpendicular to the first direction; and / or; in the second direction of the light-diffusing element, at least two first total internal reflection lenses are symmetrical about a second preset center plane, and the second preset center plane is perpendicular to the second direction.
[0011] In one or more embodiments, the light source further includes a second light-emitting unit, and the collimating element further includes a second total internal reflection lens; the second light-emitting unit is disposed corresponding to the second total internal reflection lens, the second total internal reflection lens has a second central axis, and the second central axis is disposed parallel to the optical axis of the light-diffusing element.
[0012] In one or more embodiments, the light-diffusing element has a first surface close to the light source and a second surface away from the light source; a microlens array is provided on the second surface.
[0013] In one or more embodiments, the second surface is a plane or a curved surface.
[0014] In one or more embodiments, the collimating element is disposed in contact with the first surface.
[0015] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide an image generation apparatus, which includes: a display panel and an illumination module as described in any of the preceding embodiments. The illumination module is disposed on the light-incident side of the display panel.
[0016] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also provide a display system, which includes an emission device and an image generating device as described in the second aspect. The image generating device is disposed on the light-incident side of the emission device.
[0017] Fourthly, embodiments of this application also provide a mobile device, which includes:
[0018] The image generating apparatus as described in the second aspect is configured to output an image to a first target region, and / or includes a display system as described in the third aspect; the display system is configured to output an image to a second target region.
[0019] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application are as follows: This application provides an illumination module, an image generation device, a display system, and a mobile device. It includes a light source, a collimating element, a light-diffusing element, and a diffuser element arranged sequentially. The light source includes a first light-emitting unit, and the collimating element includes a first total internal reflection lens. The first light-emitting unit and the first total internal reflection lens are correspondingly arranged. The first total internal reflection lens has a first central axis, which is tilted relative to the optical axis of the light-diffusing element. The first total internal reflection lens is configured to collimate the light emitted by the first light-emitting unit. The light-diffusing element is configured to even out the light after it has been collimated by the collimating element. The diffuser element is configured to diffuse the light after it has been evenly diffused by the light-diffusing element. By tilting the first total internal reflection lens, the propagation angle of the collimated light can be changed, which not only improves the uniformity of illumination but also increases the illumination intensity of the large-angle emitted light from the illumination module. When subsequently applied to an image generation device or display system, this can improve the illumination intensity over a large viewing angle. Attached Figure Description
[0020] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.
[0021] Figure 1 is a structural block diagram of a lighting module provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0022] Figure 2 is a structural diagram of a lighting module provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0023] Figure 3 is a partial structural diagram of a lighting module provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0024] Figure 4 is a partial structural diagram of another lighting module provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0025] Figure 5 is a partial structural diagram of another lighting module provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0026] Figure 6 is a structural diagram of another lighting module provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0027] Figure 7 is a partial structural diagram of another lighting module provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0028] Figure 8 is a structural diagram of another lighting module provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0029] Figure 9 is a structural diagram of a light-diffusing element provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0030] Figure 10 is another structural diagram of the light-diffusing element provided in the embodiment of this application;
[0031] Figure 11 is a structural diagram of another lighting module provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0032] Figure 12 is a structural block diagram of an image generation device provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0033] Figure 13 is a structural block diagram of a display system provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0034] Figure 14 is a structural diagram of the fifth type of lighting module provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation
[0035] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more detailed description is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that when an element is described as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. When an element is described as being "electrically connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. The terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "bottom," etc., used in this specification indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, technical features involved in the different embodiments of this application described below may be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.
[0037] In related technologies, lighting modules often use total reflection lenses, compound eye lenses, plane mirrors and multiple shaping lenses to homogenize light and control the angle and direction of the beam. Although this method can achieve a certain degree of light homogenization, the large number of optical components used results in a large system size and high cost. Furthermore, the light absorption loss of each lens is significant, leading to low light energy utilization.
[0038] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides an illumination module, an image generation device, a display system, and a mobile device. By tilting the first total internal reflection lens, the direction of the collimated light is altered. Subsequently, when collimating with multiple total internal reflection lens arrays, the method provided by this application allows the light to fill the corresponding areas of the gaps between the multiple total internal reflection lens arrays, improving the uniform light effect. Moreover, it can increase the illumination intensity of the large-angle emitted light from the illumination module. When subsequently applied to an image generation device or display system, it can improve the illumination intensity over a large viewing angle.
[0039] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a lighting module. Referring to FIG1, the lighting module 100 includes a light source 10, a collimating element 20, a light-diffusing element 30, and a diffusion element 40 arranged sequentially.
[0040] The light source 10 includes a first light-emitting unit 11, and the collimating element 20 includes a first total internal reflection lens 21. The first light-emitting unit 11 and the first total internal reflection lens 21 are correspondingly arranged. The first total internal reflection lens 21 has a first central axis O2, which is inclined relative to the optical axis O1 of the light-diffusing element 30.
[0041] The first total internal reflection lens 21 is configured to collimate the light emitted by the first light-emitting unit 11. The light-diffusing element 30 is configured to homogenize the light after it has been collimated by the collimating element 20. The light-diffusing element 40 is configured to diffuse the light after it has been homogenized by the light-diffusing element 30.
[0042] The first light-emitting unit 11 includes a light-emitting diode (LED) chip, an electroluminescent device, a cold cathode fluorescent lamp, a laser diode, or other light-emitting components, which can be used to provide light for illumination.
[0043] The first total internal reflection lens 21 utilizes the principle of total internal reflection to adjust the direction of the light emitted by the first light-emitting unit 11, causing the light to propagate in a parallel or nearly parallel manner, thus achieving collimation. The first central axis O2 of the first total internal reflection lens 21 is its optical axis, which is a virtual straight line. When the light beam passes through the first total internal reflection lens 21 along its first central axis O2, the light does not undergo any changes in optical properties. The first total internal reflection lens 21 can collect and refract light, improving the luminous efficiency of the light source 10, reducing light loss, and increasing light uniformity, enabling near-beam supplementation and far-beam enhancement. Furthermore, the small size of the first total internal reflection lens 21 reduces the size of the lighting module 100, allowing for its application in miniaturized designs.
[0044] The homogenizing element 30 further processes the collimated light, making the light distribution on the output surface more uniform. This ensures consistent light intensity within the illuminated area and reduces unevenness in brightness. The homogenizing element 30 can utilize devices such as microlens arrays and light guides. The optical axis O1 of the homogenizing element 30 is a virtual straight line; when a beam passes through the homogenizing element 30 along its optical axis O1, the light does not undergo any changes in optical properties. This optical axis O1 is typically parallel to the optical axis of the light source 10.
[0045] The diffuser element 40 further diffuses the light after the light homogenization process, resulting in a wider distribution range of light on the output surface of the illumination module 100. The illumination light diffused by the diffuser element 40 can be directly used to illuminate the display panel, transmitting the illumination light onto the display panel at a predetermined angle. The diffuser element 40 can use devices such as a diffusion film. The diffuser element 40 is inclined or vertically arranged relative to the optical axis O1 of the light homogenizing element 30 to adapt to the display panel that is inclined or vertically arranged relative to the optical axis O1 of the light homogenizing element 30.
[0046] When collimating using an array of multiple first total internal reflection lenses (21a, 21b, ..., 21p), as shown in Figure 3, there are arrangement gaps between several adjacent first total internal reflection lenses in the first direction x of the light-diffusing element 30. For example, there is an arrangement gap 210 between first total internal reflection lenses 21a, 21b, 21i, and 21j. If at least one of the first total internal reflection lenses is not tilted, the illumination intensity of the area corresponding to the subsequent arrangement gap 210 will be significantly weaker than the illumination intensity of the area emitted by the first total internal reflection lens. In this application, by tilting the first total internal reflection lens 21, the direction of the collimated light is changed, and the light spot emitted by the first total internal reflection lens 21 overlaps with the area corresponding to at least one arrangement gap 210, effectively enhancing the illumination intensity of the area corresponding to the arrangement gap 210, thereby improving the uniform illuminance of the light-emitting surface of the illumination module 100 and improving the light-diffusing effect. Furthermore, in this application, there is no need to use shaping lenses to adjust the light direction, reducing the number of optical components and thus reducing the size and weight of the system. This facilitates the miniaturization and lightweight design of the lighting module 100, reduces energy loss, and improves light energy utilization, which can reduce system energy consumption and improve the brightness and contrast of the display system. In addition, the lighting module 100 provided in this application does not require the use of expensive new optical components and can directly use the existing total internal reflection lens structure, which can reduce costs and facilitate large-scale application.
[0047] Furthermore, it can improve the illumination intensity of the light emitted from the lighting module at a large angle, that is, increase the illumination intensity of light rays with a larger emission angle. This ensures that when the human eye is within a large field of view (wide viewing angle range), even when the eye is at the edge of the viewing angle range, sufficient illumination intensity can still be observed. This can be further applied to image generation devices or display systems to improve the illumination intensity over a large viewing angle. The emission angle is the angle between the light rays emitted from the light source 10 to the diffuser element 40 and the optical axis of the homogenizing element O1.
[0048] In some embodiments, on a projection plane perpendicular to the first direction x of the light-diffusing element 30, the first central axis O2 is tilted at a first included angle θ1 relative to the optical axis O1 of the light-diffusing element 30, either clockwise or counterclockwise.
[0049] The first direction x can be the direction in which the long side of the emission plane of the light-diffusing element 30 points. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the first central axis O2 is set to be inclined clockwise at a first included angle θ1 relative to the optical axis O1 of the light-diffusing element 30.
[0050] By deflecting the first central axis O2 and the optical axis O1 of the light homogenizing element 30 in the first direction x, the propagation path of the collimated light can be adjusted, thereby effectively controlling the distribution of light and improving the light homogenizing effect.
[0051] In some embodiments, on a projection plane perpendicular to the second direction y of the light-diffusing element 30, the first central axis O2 is set to be tilted clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the optical axis O1 of the light-diffusing element 30 by a second included angle θ2.
[0052] The second direction y can be the direction in which the short side of the emission plane of the light-diffusing element 30 points. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the first central axis O2 is set to be tilted clockwise at a second included angle θ2 relative to the optical axis O1 of the light-diffusing element 30.
[0053] By deflecting the first central axis O2 and the optical axis O1 of the light homogenizing element 30 in the second direction y, the propagation path of the collimated light can be adjusted, thereby effectively controlling the distribution of light and improving the light homogenizing effect.
[0054] In some embodiments, the first included angle is greater than 0° and the first included angle is less than or equal to a first preset angle; and / or, the second included angle is greater than 0° and the second included angle is less than or equal to a second preset angle.
[0055] Specifically, the first preset angle and the second preset angle are determined based on the maximum angle at which light, after passing through the collimating element 20 in the image generation device of the desired application, can precisely illuminate the edge of the display panel, ensuring that the light can evenly and fully cover the entire display panel. In some implementations, both the first preset angle and the second preset angle can be less than 10°, for example, the first preset angle and the second preset angle can be 3°, 5°, 6°, 7°, 9°, etc., or 3.5°, 5.5°, 6.5°, etc.
[0056] By limiting the range of the first and second included angles, it can be ensured that the light emitted by the illumination module 100 can illuminate the display panel at the optimal angle and distribution, thereby providing a clear, uniform, and high-quality display effect. At the same time, it can prevent the light from being excessively tilted or deviated, reduce light loss, and further improve the overall optical performance.
[0057] In some embodiments, there are multiple first light-emitting units 11 and multiple first total internal reflection lenses 21, with one first light-emitting unit 11 corresponding to one first total internal reflection lens 21; in the first direction x of the light-diffusing element 30, at least two first total internal reflection lenses 21 are symmetrical about the first preset center plane S1, and the first preset center plane S1 is perpendicular to the first direction x.
[0058] Specifically, the two first total internal reflection lenses 21 symmetrical about the first preset center plane S1 have opposite tilt directions, the first included angles of the two first total internal reflection lenses 21 symmetrical about the first preset center plane S1 with opposite tilt directions are equal, and / or, the second included angles of the two first total internal reflection lenses 21 symmetrical about the first preset center plane S1 are equal.
[0059] The first preset center plane S1 refers to the plane that passes through the center of the light-diffusing element 30 and is perpendicular to the first direction x.
[0060] Specifically, referring to Figure 3, there are 16 first light-emitting units and first total internal reflection lenses. The first light-emitting units and first total internal reflection lenses are arranged in 2 rows and 8 columns. In Figure 3, the first direction x is the horizontal direction to the right. For example, the first first total internal reflection lens 21a in the first row and the eighth total internal reflection lens 21h in the first row are symmetrical about the first preset center plane S1.
[0061] That is, if the first total internal reflection lens 21a is on the projection plane perpendicular to the first direction x of the light-diffusing element 30, and the first central axis O2 of the first total internal reflection lens 21a is inclined clockwise at a first included angle θ1 relative to the optical axis O1 of the light-diffusing element 30, then the first total internal reflection lens 21h is on the projection plane perpendicular to the first direction x of the light-diffusing element 30, and the first central axis O2 of the first total internal reflection lens 21h is inclined counterclockwise at a first included angle θ1 relative to the optical axis O1 of the light-diffusing element 30.
[0062] If the first central axis O2 of the first total internal reflection lens 21a is tilted counterclockwise by a second angle θ2 relative to the optical axis O1 of the light-diffusing element 30 on the projection plane perpendicular to the second direction y of the light-diffusing element 30, then the first central axis O2 of the first total internal reflection lens 21h is tilted clockwise by a second angle θ2 relative to the optical axis O1 of the light-diffusing element 30 on the projection plane perpendicular to the second direction y of the light-diffusing element 30.
[0063] If the first total internal reflection lens 21a is positioned on a projection plane perpendicular to the first direction x of the light-diffusing element 30, with its first central axis O2 tilted clockwise at a first angle θ1 relative to the optical axis O1 of the light-diffusing element 30, and on a projection plane perpendicular to the second direction y of the light-diffusing element 30, with its first central axis O2 tilted counterclockwise at a second angle θ2 relative to the optical axis O1 of the light-diffusing element 30, then the first total internal reflection lens 21h is positioned on a projection plane perpendicular to the first direction x of the light-diffusing element 30, with its first central axis O2 tilted counterclockwise at a first angle θ1 relative to the optical axis O1 of the light-diffusing element 30, and on a projection plane perpendicular to the second direction y of the light-diffusing element 30, with its first central axis O2 tilted clockwise at a second angle θ2 relative to the optical axis O1 of the light-diffusing element 30.
[0064] The first total internal reflection lenses 21b and 21g, 21j and 21o, 21c and 21f, 21d and 21e, 21i and 21p, 21j and 21o, 21k and 21n, 21l and 21m are all symmetrical about the first preset center plane S1. The symmetry relationship is as described above for the first total internal reflection lenses 21a and 21h, and will not be repeated here.
[0065] Furthermore, whether the two corresponding first total internal reflection lenses (such as first total internal reflection lenses 21b and 21g) in the first direction x are symmetrical about the first preset center plane S1 needs to be determined based on the actual optical path design. For example, when the diffuser element 40 is not tilted in the first direction x, that is, when the incident plane (or exit plane) of the diffuser element 40 is parallel to the first direction x, the two corresponding first total internal reflection lenses (such as first total internal reflection lenses 21b and 21g) are symmetrical about the first preset center plane S1. If the diffuser element 40 is tilted in the first direction x, that is, when the incident plane (or exit plane) of the diffuser element 40 is not parallel to the first direction x, the two corresponding first total internal reflection lenses (such as first total internal reflection lenses 21b and 21g) may not be symmetrical about the first preset center plane S1.
[0066] The above settings can effectively balance and disperse the light, making the light received by the light-diffusing element 30 more uniform. This helps to reduce problems such as light spots and uneven brightness, and improves the light uniformity of the entire lighting module.
[0067] In the above embodiments, the number of the first light-emitting unit and the first total internal reflection lens is not limited, and the number and arrangement can be adjusted according to actual needs.
[0068] In some embodiments, at least two first total internal reflection lenses 21 are symmetrical about a second preset center plane S2 in the second direction y of the light-diffusing element 30, and the second preset center plane S2 is perpendicular to the second direction y.
[0069] Specifically, the two first total internal reflection lenses 21 symmetrical about the second preset center plane S2 have opposite tilt directions, the first included angles of the two first total internal reflection lenses 21 symmetrical about the second preset center plane S2 are equal, and / or, the second included angles of the two first total internal reflection lenses 21 symmetrical about the second preset center plane S2 are equal, and the tilt directions of the two first total internal reflection lenses 21 are opposite.
[0070] The second preset center plane S2 refers to the plane that passes through the center of the light-diffusing element 30 and is perpendicular to the second direction y.
[0071] Specifically, referring to Figure 6, there are 3 first light-emitting units and 3 first total internal reflection lenses. In Figure 6, the second direction y is the vertically downward direction. For example, the first total internal reflection lens 21q and the first total internal reflection lens 21s are symmetrical about the second preset center plane S2. The first included angle and / or the second included angle of the two first total internal reflection lenses are equal.
[0072] That is, if the first total internal reflection lens 21q is on the projection plane perpendicular to the first direction x of the light-diffusing element 30, and the first central axis O2 of the first total internal reflection lens 21q is set to be inclined clockwise at a first included angle θ1 relative to the optical axis O1 of the light-diffusing element 30, then the first total internal reflection lens 21s is on the projection plane perpendicular to the first direction x of the light-diffusing element 30, and the first central axis O2 of the first total internal reflection lens 21s is set to be inclined counterclockwise at a first included angle θ1 relative to the optical axis O1 of the light-diffusing element 30.
[0073] If the first total internal reflection lens 21q is projected onto the second direction y perpendicular to the light-diffusing element 30, and the first central axis O2 of the first total internal reflection lens 21q is tilted counterclockwise by a second included angle θ2 relative to the optical axis O1 of the light-diffusing element 30, then on the projection plane perpendicular to the second direction y of the light-diffusing element 30, the first central axis O2 of the first total internal reflection lens 21q is tilted clockwise by a second included angle θ2 relative to the optical axis O1 of the light-diffusing element 30.
[0074] If the first total internal reflection lens 21q is projected onto a projection plane perpendicular to the first direction x of the light-diffusing element 30, and its first central axis O2 is inclined clockwise at a first angle θ1 relative to the optical axis O1 of the light-diffusing element 30, and its first central axis O2 is inclined counterclockwise at a second angle θ2 relative to the optical axis O1 of the light-diffusing element 30, then the first total internal reflection lens 21s is projected onto a projection plane perpendicular to the first direction x of the light-diffusing element 30, and its first central axis O2 is inclined counterclockwise at a first angle θ1 relative to the optical axis O1 of the light-diffusing element 30, and its first central axis O2 is inclined clockwise at a second angle θ2 ... counterclockwise at a first angle θ1 relative to the optical axis O1 of the light-diffusing element 30, and its first central axis O2 is inclined clockwise at a second angle θ2 relative to the optical axis O1 of the light-diffusing element 30, and its first central axis O2 is inclined clockwise at a second angle θ2 relative to the optical axis O1 of the light-diffusing element 30, and its first central axis O2 is inclined clockwise at a second angle θ2 relative to the optical axis O1 of the light-
[0075] Furthermore, whether the two first total internal reflection lenses 21q and 21s corresponding in the second direction y are symmetrical about the second preset center plane S2 needs to be determined based on the actual optical path design. For example, when the diffuser element 40 is not tilted in the second direction y, that is, when the incident plane (or exit plane) of the diffuser element 40 is parallel to the second direction y, the two first total internal reflection lenses 21q and 21s are symmetrical about the first preset center plane S2. If the diffuser element 40 is tilted in the second direction y, that is, when the incident plane (or exit plane) of the diffuser element 40 is not parallel to the second direction y, the two first total internal reflection lenses 21q and 21s may not be symmetrical about the first preset center plane S2.
[0076] The above settings can effectively balance and disperse the light, making the light received by the light-diffusing element 30 more uniform. This helps to reduce problems such as light spots and uneven brightness, and improves the light uniformity of the entire lighting module.
[0077] In the above embodiments, the number of the first light-emitting unit and the first total internal reflection lens is not limited, and the number and arrangement can be adjusted according to actual needs.
[0078] In some embodiments, the light source 10 further includes a second light-emitting unit. Referring to FIG6, the collimating element 20 further includes a second total internal reflection lens 22a. The second light-emitting unit is correspondingly disposed with the second total internal reflection lens 22a. The second total internal reflection lens 22a has a second central axis, which is parallel to the optical axis O1 of the light-diffusing element 30.
[0079] Furthermore, the second total internal reflection lens 22a is symmetrical about the second preset center plane S2.
[0080] In some embodiments, referring to FIG7, the light source 10 further includes a second light-emitting unit, and the collimating element 20 further includes a second total internal reflection lens (22b, 22c); the second light-emitting unit is correspondingly arranged with the second total internal reflection lens (22b, 22c), and the second total internal reflection lens (22b, 22c) has a second central axis, which is arranged parallel to the optical axis O1 of the light-diffusing element 30.
[0081] Furthermore, the second total internal reflection lens 22b is symmetrical about the first preset center plane S1, and the second total internal reflection lens 22c is symmetrical about the first preset center plane S1.
[0082] The second light-emitting unit includes light-emitting diode (LED) beads, electroluminescent devices, cold cathode fluorescent lamps, laser diodes, or other light-emitting components, which can be used to provide light for illumination.
[0083] In the two embodiments described above, the second total internal reflection lenses (22a, 22b, 22c) utilize the principle of total internal reflection to adjust the direction of the light emitted by the second light-emitting unit, causing the light to propagate in a parallel or nearly parallel manner, thus achieving collimation. The second central axis of the second total internal reflection lenses (22a, 22b, 22c) is the perpendicular bisector of the exit plane of the second total internal reflection lenses (22a, 22b, 22c). The second total internal reflection lenses (22a, 22b, 22c) can collect and refract light, improving the luminous efficiency of the light source 10, reducing light loss and improving light uniformity, thus enabling near-beam supplementation and far-beam enhancement. Furthermore, the second total internal reflection lenses are small in size, allowing for future applications in miniaturized designs.
[0084] The second central axis is set parallel to the optical axis O1 of the light-diffusing element 30. That is, the second total internal reflection lenses (22a, 22b, 22c) are not deflected from the optical axis O1 of the light-diffusing element 30. By adding the second light-emitting unit and the second total internal reflection lenses (22a, 22b, 22c), the lighting module 100 can adjust the brightness and distribution of the light source 10 as needed, which increases the flexibility and expandability of the lighting module 100 and improves the application scenarios of the lighting module 100.
[0085] In some embodiments, the light-diffusing element 30 has a first surface S3 close to the light source 10 and a second surface S4 away from the light source 10; the second surface S4 is provided with a microlens array.
[0086] A microlens array is an optical element composed of a large number of tiny lenses arranged in a regular or irregular manner. The tiny lenses can be convex microlenses, and each microlens can collimate light rays, allowing light rays passing through the microlens array to propagate in a more uniform and parallel manner.
[0087] In this embodiment, a light-diffusing element 30 with a microlens array is selected for light uniformity. By adjusting the shape, size and arrangement of each microlens in the microlens array, the distribution of light can be precisely controlled, which helps to achieve specific lighting effects, such as uniform illumination and light spot shaping.
[0088] In some embodiments, referring to FIG9, the second surface S4 of the light-diffusing element 30 is a plane.
[0089] By adopting a planar design, processing costs can be reduced, thus lowering the cost of the lighting module 100.
[0090] In some embodiments, referring to FIG10, the second surface S4 of the light-diffusing element 30 is a curved surface.
[0091] The specific parameters of the curved surface can be optimized according to specific lighting needs to achieve the best light deflection and uniform light effect.
[0092] By employing a curved surface design, the distribution of light can be effectively controlled, resulting in a more uniform lighting effect, eliminating bright spots and dark areas, and improving the display quality of the image generation device.
[0093] In some embodiments, referring to FIG8, the collimating element 20 is attached to the first surface S3 of the uniform light element 30.
[0094] The collimating element 20 and the first surface S3 of the uniform light element 30 can be bonded together with optical adhesive, thereby reducing the size of the illumination module 100.
[0095] In some embodiments, referring to FIG2, the first surface S3 of the light-diffusing element 30 is non-planar, such as the first surface S3 of the light-diffusing element 30 being composed of at least two planes with different tilt angles.
[0096] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 6 and 8, the first surface S3 of the light-diffusing element 30 is a plane. In this case, the mating surface of the first total internal reflection lens 21 needs to be cut to fit the first surface S3 of the light-diffusing element 30.
[0097] Secondly, this application also provides an image generating apparatus 1000, referring to FIG12. The image generating apparatus 1000 includes: a display panel 200 and an illumination module 100 as described in any of the above embodiments. The illumination module 100 is disposed on the light-incident side of the display panel 200. The diffusion element 40 is attached to the display panel 200, meaning the display panel 200 can be tilted or not tilted in the first direction x, and tilted or not tilted in the second direction y, according to actual needs.
[0098] Furthermore, referring to Figure 3, when the display panel 200 is not tilted in the first direction x, the two first total internal reflection lenses 21a and 21h, 21b and 21g, 21j and 21o, 21c and 21f, 21d and 21e, 21i and 21p, 21j and 21o, 21k and 21n, 21l and 21m can be symmetrically arranged about the first preset center plane S1.
[0099] Furthermore, referring to Figure 3, when the display panel 200 is tilted in the first direction x, the two first total internal reflection lenses 21a and 21h, 21b and 21g, 21j and 21o, 21c and 21f, 21d and 21e, 21i and 21p, 21j and 21o, 21k and 21n, 21l and 21m may not be symmetrically arranged about the first preset center plane S1.
[0100] Furthermore, referring to Figure 6, when the display panel 200 is not tilted in the second direction y, the two first total internal reflection lenses 21q and 21s can be symmetrically arranged about the second preset center plane S2. The first total internal reflection lens 21a itself can be symmetrical about the second preset center plane S2.
[0101] Furthermore, referring to Figure 11, when the display panel 200 and the diffuser element 40 are aligned and tilted in the second direction y, the first total internal reflection lenses 21q and 21s may not be symmetrical about the second preset center plane S2. The first total internal reflection lens 21a itself may also not be symmetrical about the second preset center plane S2.
[0102] In this embodiment, the lighting module 100 has the same structure and function as the lighting module 100 described in any embodiment of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.
[0103] The display panel 200 is configured to receive illumination light emitted from the illumination module 100 and generate a virtual image. The virtual image can be a color image or a black and white image. Specifically, the color of the illumination light output by the illumination module 100 and / or the type of the display panel 200 can be set according to actual needs. For example, the display panel 200 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD).
[0104] In the image generating apparatus 1000, the light output by the illumination module 100 is projected onto the display panel 200, which excites the generation of an image beam.
[0105] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also provide a display system 10000. Referring to FIG13, the display system 10000 includes an emission device 2000 and an image generating device 1000 as described in the second aspect. The image generating device 1000 is disposed on the light-incident side of the emission device 2000.
[0106] In this embodiment, the image generating apparatus 1000 has the same structure and function as the image generating apparatus 1000 described in any embodiment of the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.
[0107] The display system 1000 may be a projector, head-up display, light field screen, projection vehicle light, wearable / head-mounted device, virtual reality device, augmented reality device, etc. The emission device 2000 may include a projection lens, reflector, etc. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the display system.
[0108] For example, the display system 1000 is an Augmented Reality Head-Up Display (AR HUD). The emitting device includes a reflector mechanism, which includes at least one reflector. The reflector can be a curved or flat reflector, and can be configured to be rotatable or non-rotatable. The image generating device projects image light onto the reflector mechanism, which deflects the image light and ultimately projects the image light onto the target area for image display. The AR HUD may include the lighting module described in any embodiment of this application, having the same structure and function as the lighting module 100 described in any embodiment of the first aspect.
[0109] Furthermore, referring to Figure 2 or Figure 8, the AR HUD includes an illumination module 100 comprising a first light-emitting unit 11, a first total internal reflection lens 21, a light-diffusing element 30, and a diffusion element 40. The specific arrangement of these components is as described above and will not be repeated here. In this illumination module 100, the light emitted by the first light-emitting unit 11 passes through the first total internal reflection lens 21, the light-diffusing element 30, the diffusion element 40, the display panel, and the emission device before reaching the human eye.
[0110] In this AR HUD, the light emitted by the first light-emitting unit 11 has the greatest intensity at the optical axis. However, there is an angular deviation between the human eye's field of vision and the optical axis of the light emitted by the first light-emitting unit 11. This results in insufficient intensity of the light emitted by the first light-emitting unit 11 within the human eye's field of vision. Insufficient intensity leads to insufficient brightness of the image seen by the user, thus affecting the user experience. In this embodiment, by using a tilted first total internal reflection lens 21 within the lighting module 100, the light emitted from the first light-emitting unit 11 is deflected for the first time, causing the optical axis of the light emitted by the first light-emitting unit 11 to deflect to match the human eye's field of vision. The change in the propagation direction of the light emitted by the first light-emitting unit 11 increases the exit angle of the light emitted from the first total internal reflection lens 21, thereby increasing the illumination intensity of the large-angle emitted light from the lighting module 100. This increases the illumination intensity of the light with a larger exit angle, thus improving the illumination intensity of the AR HUD's large-angle field of vision. Therefore, when using the AR HUD, even when the human eye is within the large-angle field of vision (large field of view), such as at the edge of the field of view, a sufficiently bright image can still be observed. Furthermore, by using the tilted first total internal reflection lens 21 to change the direction of the collimated light, the illumination intensity in the area corresponding to the gaps in the total internal reflection lens arrangement can be effectively enhanced, thereby improving the uniform illumination of the AR HUD's light-emitting surface and improving the light uniformity effect.
[0111] Furthermore, in some embodiments, when the illumination module 100 used in the AR HUD employs the light-diffusing element 30 shown in FIG10, as shown in FIG14, the first surface S3 of the light-diffusing element 30 is positioned close to the light source 10, and the second surface S4 (curved surface) of the light-diffusing element 30 is positioned away from the light source 10. By designing the surface parameters of the second surface S4 of the light-diffusing element 30, and by forming a wedge-shaped surface with the first surface S3 of the light-diffusing element 30, the light emitted through the first total internal reflection lens 21 can undergo a second optical axis deflection when passing through the light-diffusing element 20, thereby further increasing the emission angle of the light emitted through the illumination module 100, and further improving the illumination intensity of the large-angle emitted light of the illumination module 100, that is, further improving the illumination intensity of the light with a large emission angle, which can further improve the illumination intensity of the large-angle visible range.
[0112] Fourthly, embodiments of this application also provide a mobile device, which includes: an image generating apparatus as described in the second aspect, the image generating apparatus being configured to output an image to a first target region.
[0113] In this embodiment, the image generating apparatus has the same structure and function as the image generating apparatus described in any embodiment of the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.
[0114] Mobile devices can be vehicles such as cars, ships, and airplanes, or they can be robots. The primary target area can be areas that can transmit light, such as windshields, sunroofs, windows, reflective panels, and the ground.
[0115] For example, in a car, the primary target area is the windshield. A black area is set at the bottom or other location of the windshield. An image is projected onto the windshield by an image generating device 1000, displaying information within this specific area. This is PHUD, or Panoramic Head-Up Display. As an innovation in HUD technology, PHUD reduces errors caused by optical reflections, resulting in higher display clarity and stability, and more accurate information reading.
[0116] Fifthly, embodiments of this application also provide a mobile device, the mobile device including: a display system as described in the third aspect; the display system is configured to output an image to a second target area.
[0117] In this embodiment, the display system has the same structure and function as the display system described in any embodiment of the third aspect, and will not be repeated here.
[0118] Mobile devices can be vehicles such as cars, ships, and airplanes, or mobile devices such as robots. The second target area can be areas that can transmit light, such as windshields, sunroofs, car windows, reflective panels, and the ground.
[0119] For example, when the display system is an augmented reality head-up display (AR HUD) and the mobile device is a car, the target area includes one or more of the car's windshield, windows, and sunroof. If the display system is a light field screen, the target area is a transflective panel, which can be located in the passenger seat, the back of the seat, the headrest, etc., without limitation.
[0120] It should be noted that the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.
[0121] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them; under the concept of this application, the technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, the steps can be implemented in any order, and there are many other variations of different aspects of this application as described above, which are not provided in detail for the sake of brevity; although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.
Claims
1. A lighting module, characterized by The light source comprises a first light emitting unit, the collimating element comprises a first total internal reflection lens, the first light emitting unit is arranged correspondingly with the first total internal reflection lens, the first total internal reflection lens has a first central axis, and the first central axis is arranged obliquely relative to the optical axis of the light uniformizing element. The first total internal reflection lens is configured to collimate the light emitted by the first light emitting unit. The light uniformizing element is configured to uniformize the light collimated by the collimating element. The diffusing element is configured to diffuse the light uniformized by the light uniformizing element.
2. The illumination module according to claim 1, wherein, in a projection plane perpendicular to a first direction of the light uniformizing element, the first central axis is arranged obliquely relative to the optical axis of the light uniformizing element by a first included angle clockwise or counterclockwise; and / or, in a projection plane perpendicular to a second direction of the light uniformizing element, the first central axis is arranged obliquely relative to the optical axis of the light uniformizing element by a second included angle clockwise or counterclockwise.
3. The illumination module according to claim 2, wherein, the first included angle is greater than 0° and less than or equal to a first preset angle; and / or, the second included angle is greater than 0° and less than or equal to a second preset angle. The number of the first light emitting units is a plurality, and the number of the first total internal reflection lenses is a plurality, one first light emitting unit is arranged correspondingly with one first total internal reflection lens; in a first direction of the light uniformizing element, at least two first total internal reflection lenses are symmetric about a first preset central plane, and the first preset central plane is perpendicular to the first direction; and / or; in a second direction of the light uniformizing element, at least two first total internal reflection lenses are symmetric about a second preset central plane, and the two first total internal reflection lenses are opposite in the oblique direction, and the second preset central plane is perpendicular to the second direction.
4. The lighting module according to claim 3, characterized in that The light source further comprises a second light emitting unit, and the collimating element further comprises a second total internal reflection lens. The second light emitting unit is arranged correspondingly with the second total internal reflection lens, and the second total internal reflection lens has a second central axis, and the second central axis is arranged parallel relative to the optical axis of the light uniformizing element. The light uniformizing element has a first surface close to the light source and a second surface away from the light source. The second surface is provided with a microlens array.
5. The lighting module of claim 1, wherein, 7. The illumination module according to claim 6, wherein, the second surface is a plane or a curved surface.
6. The lighting module according to any one of the claims 1-5, characterized in that, The collimating element is arranged in close contact with the first surface. The display panel, the illumination module according to any one of claims 1-8; and The illumination module is arranged on the light-incident side of the display panel. The image generation device according to claim 9 is arranged on the light-incident side of the exit device.
8. The lighting module according to claim 6, characterized in that The image generation device according to claim 9 is configured to output an image to a first target area; and / or, the display system according to claim 10.
9. An image generation apparatus characterized by comprising: 10. A display system characterized by, 11. A mobile device, comprising: The display system is configured to output the image to a second target area.