Display apparatus, vehicle-mounted system, and vehicle

Abstract

The present application provides a display apparatus, a vehicle-mounted system, and a vehicle. The display apparatus comprises an image generation module, an optical imaging module, and a window module. The present application, by means of a first polarization unit, controls image light emitted from different grayscale-level pixel regions of the image generation module to be circularly polarized light having different handedness. Then, by means of cooperation with a second polarizing unit of the window module, the present application achieves partial or full absorption of a light beam emitted from a region having a lower grayscale level, enabling full or partial emission of a light beam emitted from a region having a higher grayscale level. The present application reduces output luminance of regions having lower grayscale levels, thereby improving overall display device contrast and enhancing display performance. In addition, the technical solution provided by the present application does not require additional increases in overall display apparatus dimensions, and does not affect display luminance of virtual images.

Description

A display device, an in-vehicle system, and a vehicle Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of display technology and the field of intelligent vehicle driving technology, and more specifically, to a display device, an in-vehicle system, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) display devices have become increasingly popular technological products in recent years. Their optical components are mainly divided into an image generation module, an optical imaging module, and a viewing window module. The image generation module outputs an image source, which is then imaged by the imaging module and projected onto the human eye. The viewing window module also generally participates in the imaging process and performs functions such as protection and light suppression.

[0003] Virtual image display devices such as light field screens require high brightness from the light source of the image generation module. The image generation module typically uses a liquid crystal display (LCD) to output the image source, generally requiring a brightness of 3000 nits or higher for the LCD screen. However, current automotive LCD screens generally have a brightness of 400-800 nits, and due to limitations in the capabilities of the liquid crystal and film itself, the overall contrast of the virtual image in the display device is relatively low. When using a brighter LCD screen to output the image source, the high-brightness backlight will further reduce the contrast of the virtual image, thus affecting the display effect of the virtual image.

[0004] Therefore, how to solve the problem of low contrast of virtual images caused by LCD image sources in virtual image imaging devices is a problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a display device, vehicle system, and vehicle that improves the overall contrast of the display device by controlling the polarization state of the emitted light beams from the image source in the image generation module and the dark image, and by cooperating with the polarization film material of the window module to reduce the brightness of the emitted light from the dark image. This application can improve the contrast of virtual image imaging in the display device, enhance the display effect, and the technical solution provided by this application does not require additional increase in the overall size of the display device, nor does it affect the display brightness of the virtual image.

[0006] In a first aspect, a display device is provided. The display device includes an image generation module, an optical imaging module, and a viewing module. The image generation module includes a light source and a first polarization unit, and the viewing module includes a second polarization unit. The light source emits image light, which is linearly polarized. The first polarization unit generates first circularly polarized light and second circularly polarized light based on the image light, the first and second circularly polarized lights having opposite rotation directions. The optical imaging module emits the first and second circularly polarized light into the viewing module. The second polarization unit generates first linearly polarized light based on the first circularly polarized light and absorbs the second circularly polarized light. The viewing module emits the first linearly polarized light.

[0007] Based on the above solution, by setting polarization units in the image generation module and the window module of the display device, and having the two polarization units cooperate with each other, the brightness of the emitted light in dark areas of the image is reduced. This improves the overall contrast of the display device and the contrast of the virtual image. Furthermore, the technical solution provided in this application does not require additional increase in the overall size of the display device, nor does it affect the display brightness of the virtual image.

[0008] It should be understood that the first and second circularly polarized lights rotate in opposite directions, including one being left-handed circularly polarized light and the other being right-handed circularly polarized light.

[0009] It should be understood that in some specific implementations, the first circularly polarized light and the second circularly polarized light rotating in opposite directions are also referred to as the first circularly polarized light and the second circularly polarized light having a specific phase difference.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second polarization unit includes a first optical element and a second optical element. The first optical element is used to generate second linearly polarized light based on first circularly polarized light, and to generate third linearly polarized light based on the second circularly polarized light. The second optical element is used to generate first linearly polarized light based on the second linearly polarized light and to absorb the third linearly polarized light.

[0011] Based on the above scheme, the first optical element is used to convert circularly polarized light with different rotation directions into linearly polarized light with different polarization directions. The second optical element is used to absorb linearly polarized light in one direction and emit linearly polarized light in other directions. This reduces the brightness of the emitted light in dark areas of the image.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the image generation module further includes a driving unit. The driving unit is used to determine a pixel region of a first grayscale level and a pixel region of a second grayscale level based on the image signal from the display device. The first grayscale level and the second grayscale level are grayscale levels of different shades. The driving unit is also used to apply a first driving voltage to the pixel region of the first grayscale level in the first polarization unit and to apply a second driving voltage to the pixel region of the second grayscale level in the first polarization unit. The pixel region of the image generation module with the first grayscale level emits first circularly polarized light, and the pixel region of the image generation module with the second grayscale level emits second circularly polarized light.

[0013] Based on the above scheme, by applying different voltages to pixel regions of different gray levels, a phase difference is generated in the emitted light beams from these regions, resulting in circularly polarized light with different rotation directions. Combined with the setting of the absorption axis direction of the polarizing material in the second polarization unit, this absorbs the emitted light beams from pixel regions with lower gray levels, thereby reducing the brightness of the emitted light from these areas.

[0014] As an example, and not a limitation, taking an 8-bit grayscale with 256 gray levels as an example, the pixel area of ​​the first gray level includes pixel areas with a gray level not equal to 0, i.e., pixel areas with gray levels 1 to 255. The pixel area of ​​the second gray level includes pixel areas with a gray level of 0. Therefore, the brightness of the emitted light from the gray level 0 area can be reduced, while the contrast of the virtual image in the pixel areas with gray levels not equal to 0 can be improved.

[0015] As an example and not a limitation, the pixel region of the first gray level and the pixel region of the second gray level can be any two pixel regions with different gray levels, wherein the pixel region of the first gray level has a higher gray level than the pixel region of the second gray level. This allows for a reduction in the emitted light brightness of the lower gray level region, thereby increasing the contrast of the virtual image formed in the higher gray level pixel region.

[0016] As an example and not a limitation, the pixel region of the first gray level includes the pixel region with a gray level of 255, i.e., the brightest pixel region. The pixel region of the second gray level includes the pixel region with a gray level of 0, i.e., the darkest pixel region. The pixel region of gray levels 1-254 can also be divided into one or more regions of different gray levels. The pixel region of the first gray level has the highest transmittance of image light emitted from the viewport module, and the pixel region of the second gray level has the lowest transmittance of image light emitted from the viewport module. The transmittance of image light emitted from the viewport module of other gray level pixel regions is between that of the first and second gray level pixel regions, and the transmittance gradually increases as the gray level gradually increases.

[0017] It should be understood that this application does not impose any special limitations on the division of other gray levels between the first and second gray levels. For example, a gray level can be divided into one gray level per unit, or into one gray level per ten gray levels, etc. This application does not impose any special limitations on this. The finer the granularity of the gray level division, the higher the overall display dynamic range distribution of the display device.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the absolute values ​​of the first driving voltage and the second driving voltage are the same, but their directions are opposite.

[0019] Based on the above scheme, by applying voltages of opposite directions but the same value, a specific phase difference is generated in the image light from different grayscale pixel regions, thereby converting linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light with different rotation directions. This application achieves beam polarization state conversion by applying voltage, without increasing the overall size of the display device or affecting the display brightness of the virtual image. It places lower requirements on the complexity of the overall display device, facilitating installation, delivery, and subsequent maintenance.

[0020] It should be understood that the first driving voltage and the second driving voltage are in opposite directions, meaning that one voltage has a positive value and the other has a negative value; and the absolute values ​​of the first driving voltage and the second driving voltage are the same.

[0021] As an example, and not a limitation, let the voltage value of the first driving voltage be Vsat1, and the voltage value of the second driving voltage be Vsat2. Then, Vsat1 = -Vsat2.

[0022] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the polarization direction of the second linearly polarized light is perpendicular to the absorption axis of the second optical element. The polarization direction of the third linearly polarized light is parallel to the absorption axis of the second optical element.

[0023] Based on the above scheme, the absorption axis of the second optical element is axially aligned parallel to the polarization direction of the third polarized light and perpendicular to the polarization direction of the second linearly polarized light. This maximizes the absorption of the emitted beam in the dark region, reducing the brightness of the emitted light in the dark region. This, in turn, improves the imaging contrast of the beam in the non-dark region.

[0024] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the slow axis of the first optical element forms a 45-degree angle with the absorption axis of the second optical element.

[0025] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the optical imaging module includes a curved mirror, which is used to magnify the virtual image formed by the light beam emitted from the image generation module.

[0026] Based on the above scheme, the curved mirror in the optical imaging module is used to magnify the formed virtual image, which can improve the user's viewing experience.

[0027] Secondly, an in-vehicle system is provided. This in-vehicle system includes a display device and a seat as provided in the first aspect or any implementation thereof, wherein the seat is for a user to sit on the seat and view images displayed on the display device.

[0028] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a means of transportation. This means of transportation includes a display device as described in some implementations of the first aspect or an in-vehicle system as described in some implementations of the second aspect.

[0029] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the vehicle also includes a windshield. The windshield is used to reflect the first linearly polarized light from the display device to the human eye.

[0030] It should be understood that the beneficial effects of any of the implementation methods in the second to third aspects mentioned above can be referred to the first aspect mentioned above and any of its possible implementation methods, which will not be elaborated here. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle 100 to which this application embodiment applies.

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of an intelligent cockpit display system 200 applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another application scenario of the intelligent cockpit display system 300 applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0034] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the HUD device application scenario applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0035] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a display device 500 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the optical structure of an image generation module 510 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the optical structure of a window module 530 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the optical structure of a display device 500 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of polarization state conversion of a light beam by a display device 500 according to an embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the cockpit of a vehicle provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the optical path 1300 of the display device provided in the embodiment of this application applied to a HUD device.

[0042] Figure 12 is a circuit diagram of the display device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0043] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a possible functional framework of a means of transportation provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] The following description is provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application.

[0046] First, the terms "first," "second," and various numerical designations used in the textual descriptions or drawings of the embodiments of this application shown below are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to describe a specific order or sequence, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, "first polarization unit," "second polarization unit," etc., are used to distinguish different polarization optical elements.

[0047] Second, the terms “comprising” and “having” and any variations thereof in the embodiments of this application shown below are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such processes, methods, products or devices.

[0048] Third, in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Embodiments or designs described as "exemplarily" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. The use of words such as "exemplarily" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0049] Fourth, in the embodiments of this application, image light refers to light carrying an image (or image information) used to generate an image, and can also be called imaging light.

[0050] Fifth, in the accompanying drawings of this application, the thickness, size, and shape of the various optical elements have been slightly exaggerated for ease of illustration. Specifically, the shapes of the optical elements shown in the drawings are illustrated by way of example. Furthermore, the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not drawn strictly to scale.

[0051] Sixth, unless otherwise specified, all terms used in this application (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. It should also be understood that terms (e.g., those defined in common dictionaries) shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.

[0052] Seventh, the waveplate in the embodiments of this application, also known as a phase retardation plate, is a birefringent crystal with a certain thickness, such as quartz crystal. A waveplate can generate a relative phase delay between two polarization components of polarized light whose vibration directions are perpendicular to each other, thereby changing the polarization characteristics of the light. Waveplates mainly include quarter-wave plates (QWPs) and half-wave plates (HWPs). The QWP, also called a 1 / 4 waveplate, generates a phase delay of π / 2 times between the ordinary ray (o-ray) and the extraordinary ray (e-ray) when light is incident normally through it. When linearly polarized light is incident perpendicularly on the 1 / 4 waveplate, and the polarization of the light makes an angle θ with the optical axis of the waveplate, the outgoing linearly polarized light becomes elliptically polarized light. Specifically, when θ = ±45°, the outgoing light is circularly polarized.

[0053] It is understood that the embodiments described in this application are only some of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, with the development of technology and the emergence of new scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0054] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0055] Currently, virtual image display devices such as AR and VR are being widely used in various industries, such as intelligent driving, and are constantly being developed and innovated.

[0056] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle 100 to which this application embodiment applies.

[0057] Specifically, vehicle 100 may include a sensing system 120, a display device 130, and a computing platform 150. The sensing system 120 may include one or more sensors for sensing information about the environment surrounding vehicle 100. For example, the sensing system 120 may include a positioning system, which may be a Global Positioning System (GPS), a BeiDou system, or another positioning system. As another example, the sensing system 120 may include one or more of the following: an inertial measurement unit (IMU), lidar, millimeter-wave radar, ultrasonic radar, and a camera device.

[0058] Some or all of the functions of vehicle 100 can be controlled by computing platform 150. Computing platform 150 may include one or more processors, such as processor 151, processors 152 to 15n (n being a positive integer), where a processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a type of microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits, where these logical relationships are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor may be a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). In reconfigurable hardware circuits, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the processor loading instructions to implement some or all of the functions of the aforementioned units. In addition, it can also be hardware circuits designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as a type of ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), tensor processing unit (TPU), deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc. Furthermore, the computing platform 150 may also include a memory for storing instructions. Some or all of the processors 151 to 15n can call and execute the instructions in the memory to achieve the corresponding functions.

[0059] It is understood that the display device and vehicle system provided in this application embodiment can be applied to the vehicle shown in FIG1. ​​The display device provided in this application embodiment can be an example of display device 130 in FIG1. ​​For example, display device 500 in the following embodiments can be display device 130 shown in FIG1, or it can be included in display device 130. That is, all or part of display device 130 shown in FIG1 has the structure and function of the display device in this application embodiment. Furthermore, the display device provided in this application can be applied to both left-hand drive and right-hand drive vehicles. This application embodiment does not limit the type of vehicle.

[0060] The aforementioned vehicle 100 may also be a vehicle including a cabin as shown in Figure 2 and / or Figure 3.

[0061] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of an intelligent cockpit display system 200 applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0062] As shown in Figure 2, the intelligent cockpit display system 200 includes at least one display device 101 and at least one seat 102. Figure 2 illustrates an example with one display device and one seat, where the display device 101 is mounted on the back of the seat 102. The display device 101 can generate a magnified virtual image at a relatively far distance from the image plane by receiving an external video signal (also known as a signal source), providing viewers with a large-screen, long-distance visual experience and meeting the needs of users in various application scenarios such as leisure and entertainment, and business office work.

[0063] It should be noted that the display device 101 can also be installed on the headrest of the seat 102. Alternatively, when the intelligent cockpit display system also includes an instrument panel, the display device 101 can also be installed on the instrument panel, as shown in the cockpit system 300 of Figure 3.

[0064] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another application scenario of the intelligent cockpit display system 300 applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0065] When the display device 101 is installed on the instrument panel 202, it can also be designed to be retractable into the instrument panel 202. In this case, the outer shell of the display device 101 can be designed and styled with reference to the shape and color of the instrument panel 202 to achieve perfect unity with the appearance of the instrument panel 202, thus achieving the goal of aesthetics for the cockpit system 300. To further enhance the intelligence of the cockpit system, in the system 300, with the user's authorization and consent, detectors can be used to detect the user's posture and position, and the display device 101 can automatically display information based on the user's posture and position. For example, when it is detected that the user is in front of the instrument panel 202 or the user's eyes are looking at the display device 101, the display device 101 can automatically rise or slide out from the instrument panel 202 and autonomously adjust to a suitable position and angle before displaying the image.

[0066] It should also be noted that, in this embodiment, the display device 101 may be installed on the back of the seat 102, the headrest, or the dashboard 202 before leaving the factory. Alternatively, it may be installed on the back of the seat 102, the headrest, or the dashboard 202 after leaving the factory by modifying the seat 102, headrest, or dashboard 202 respectively. This application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0067] It is understood that the intelligent cockpit display systems 200 and 300 shown in Figures 2 and 3 are merely examples, and the intelligent cockpit systems applicable to the embodiments of this application may also include intelligent steering wheels, etc. That is, the intelligent cockpit display systems applicable to the embodiments of this application are not limited to those shown in Figures 2 or 3, but may also be other systems including the intelligent cockpit display systems 200 or 300 shown in Figures 2 or 3, or other systems similar to those in Figures 2 or 3. This application does not impose any limitations.

[0068] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the HUD device application scenario applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0069] As shown in Figure 4, a head-up display (HUD) device is installed in the vehicle. The HUD projects vehicle status information, external object indicators, and navigation information through the windshield into the driver's field of vision. Status information includes, but is not limited to, vehicle speed, mileage, fuel level, coolant temperature, and headlight status. External object indicators include, but are not limited to, safe following distance, surrounding obstacles, and reversing camera image. Navigation information includes, but is not limited to, directional arrows, distance, and travel time.

[0070] The virtual images corresponding to navigation information and external object indications can be superimposed on the real environment outside the vehicle, giving the driver an augmented reality visual experience. This can be used for applications such as AR navigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. Because the virtual images corresponding to navigation information can be combined with the real-world scene, HUD devices are typically used in conjunction with the vehicle's advanced driver assistance system (ADAS).

[0071] It should be noted that the HUD device shown in Figure 4 above is a single-focal-plane display, but this application is not limited to this. That is, the HUD device applicable to the embodiments of this application can also be a HUD device in multi-focal-plane application scenarios, etc.

[0072] It is understood that the above application scenarios are all illustrated using the embodiments of this application applied to vehicles as examples. The term "vehicle" is used in a broad sense and can refer to means of transportation (such as commercial vehicles, passenger cars, trains, etc.), amusement equipment, toy vehicles, etc. This application does not specifically limit the type of vehicle. The scenarios applicable to this application include, but are not limited to, road vehicles, water vehicles, air vehicles, or entertainment equipment. For example, it includes, but is not limited to, driving vehicles such as airplanes or ships.

[0073] Furthermore, the display device provided in this application can also be applied to other display systems. That is, Figures 2 to 4 above are only vehicle application scenarios applicable to the embodiments of this application, but the application scenarios of the embodiments of this application include, but are not limited to, vehicle display systems.

[0074] The optical components of a virtual image display device mainly include an image generation module, an optical imaging module, and a viewing window module. The image generation module outputs an image source, which is then imaged by the imaging module and projected onto the human eye. The viewing window module also generally participates in the imaging process and performs functions such as protection and light suppression.

[0075] Virtual image display devices such as light field screens require high brightness from the light source of the image generation module. Due to the advantages of LCD screens, such as high brightness, low cost, and eye protection, image generation modules often use LCDs as image sources. The brightness of the LCD screen used as the image source is generally required to reach 3000 nits or higher. However, currently used LCD screens are limited by their own liquid crystal and film capabilities, and the high-intensity backlight caused by the high brightness of the LCD when used as an image source results in low contrast and poor display effect for virtual images.

[0076] Currently, commonly used LCD screens typically have a brightness of 400-800 nits, but the brightness of image source LCD screens used in display devices needs to reach 3000 nits or higher. On the one hand, high-brightness backlighting can cause photogenerated carriers in thin-film transistors (TFTs), leading to TFT leakage, affecting the degree of liquid crystal deflection, and thus degrading contrast. On the other hand, due to process errors in the polarization axis angles of the upper and lower polarizers of the liquid crystal cell, as well as deviations from the specification center of the alignment film of the liquid crystal layer, factors such as pretilt angle and alignment angle can cause the blacks displayed on the LCD screen to be insufficiently dark, thereby reducing contrast.

[0077] To improve the image quality of display devices, the LCD backlight source in virtual image display devices can use direct-lit sub-millimeter light-emitting diodes (mini LEDs) to enhance display contrast. However, using direct-lit mini LEDs significantly increases module thickness, directly impacting the placement of display devices in various application scenarios.

[0078] In view of this, this application proposes a display device that, by controlling the polarization state of the emitted light beams from the image source and the dark image in the image generation module, and in conjunction with the polarization film material of the window module, reduces the emitted light brightness of the dark image, thereby improving the overall contrast of the display device. This application can improve the contrast of virtual image imaging in the display device, achieving the effect of improving the display image quality. Furthermore, the technical solution provided by this application does not require additional increase in the overall size of the display device, nor does it affect the display brightness of the virtual image.

[0079] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a display device 500 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0080] The display device 500 includes an image generation module 510, an optical imaging module 520, and a window module 530. The image generation module 510 includes a first polarization unit 540, and the window module 530 includes a second polarization unit 550.

[0081] Specifically, the image generation module 510 also includes a light source 511. When the display device 500 is operating, the driving unit 512 modulates the light beam emitted by the light source 511 according to the image information of the input signal to generate image light, also known as an image beam. The first polarization unit 540 is used to convert the polarization state of the image beam emitted by the light source 511, and the image beam emitted by the light source 511 is linearly polarized light. The first polarization unit 540 converts linearly polarized light with a first gray level into first circularly polarized light, and converts linearly polarized light with a second gray level into second circularly polarized light. The rotation directions of the first and second circularly polarized lights are opposite.

[0082] It should be understood that in some specific implementations, the light source is also referred to as an image source, backlight source, etc., and this application does not make any special limitation on this.

[0083] It should be understood that, due to differences in image information, the image beams emitted from different pixels have different gray levels. This application does not specifically limit the number of bits in the gray level. As an example and not a limitation, the following description uses an 8-bit gray level as an example. An 8-bit gray level has 256 gray levels, including 0 to 255.

[0084] As an example and not a limitation, the first grayscale beam includes beams with a grayscale value of not 0, that is, beams with grayscale values ​​from 1 to 255.

[0085] As an example and not a limitation, the second grayscale beam includes beams with a grayscale of 0.

[0086] It should be understood that in some implementations, the area of ​​the light beam emitted from the image generation module 510 with a gray level that is not 0 is also referred to as the display area, display screen, etc.

[0087] It should be understood that in some implementations, the area of ​​the light beam with a gray level of 0 emitted from the image generation module 510 is also referred to as a dark area, dark image, black area, black image, etc.

[0088] It should be understood that in some specific implementations, grayscale is also referred to as gray level, and this application does not specifically limit this. The technical solution proposed in this application can also be applied to other bit grayscale levels, including but not limited to 10-bit grayscale. For the sake of brevity, this application will not elaborate further here, and it should not be considered that other grayscale classifications exceed the protection scope of this application.

[0089] In one specific implementation, the first circularly polarized beam is left-handed circularly polarized light, and the second circularly polarized beam is right-handed circularly polarized light.

[0090] In another specific implementation, the first circularly polarized beam is right-handed circularly polarized light, and the second circularly polarized beam is left-handed circularly polarized light.

[0091] Specifically, the optical imaging module 520 is used to change the propagation direction of the light beam, so that the first circularly polarized light and the second circularly polarized light enter the viewing window module 530. The second polarization unit 550 in the viewing window module 530 generates linearly polarized light 3 based on the first circularly polarized light; the second polarization unit 550 is also used to absorb the second circularly polarized light.

[0092] Based on the above technical solution, by controlling the polarization state of the display screen of the image source and the emitted light beam of the dark screen in the image generation module, the linearly polarized light beams with a gray level of 0 and those with a gray level of non-zero are converted into circularly polarized light with opposite rotation directions. Then, in conjunction with the polarization unit in the window module, the light beam with a gray level of 0 in the image is absorbed, which significantly reduces the brightness of the image in the dark area, thereby improving the contrast of the overall virtual image.

[0093] In some optional implementations, the driving unit 512 is used to generate a driving signal to drive the optical structure in the light source 511, so that the linearly polarized beams of the first gray level and the second gray level emitted from the light source 511 have a phase difference. This allows the linearly polarized light of different gray levels to be converted into circularly polarized light with different rotation directions after passing through the first polarization unit 540.

[0094] The optical structure of the image generation module 510 is described below using Figure 6 as an example. It should be understood that the image generation module 510 can also have other optical structures, and this application does not impose any special limitations on them.

[0095] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the optical structure of an image generation module 510 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0096] The first polarization unit 540 includes a thin-film transistor (TFT) 2 and a liquid crystal layer (LC) 2. The first polarization unit 540 can be integrated on the light-emitting surface of the light source.

[0097] By way of example and not limitation, the light-emitting surface of the light source 511 may also include, but is not limited to, a polarizer (POL) 1, a TFT 1, an LC 1, a color filter (CF), and a POL 2. The backlight source emits a light beam carrying image information, and under the action of the driving unit 512, the light source 511 emits a light beam carrying image information. The image light emitted from the light source 511 is modulated by the first polarization unit 540 and then emitted from the image generation module 510.

[0098] It should be understood that in some specific implementations, a polarizer is also referred to as a polarizing film, and this application does not make any special limitation on this.

[0099] In one specific implementation, the light source 511 includes an LCD light-emitting surface, and the driving unit 512 includes a driving chip for the LCD light-emitting surface. This application does not impose any special limitations on this.

[0100] The driving unit 512 is used to output driving signal 1 according to the input signal of the display device. Driving signal 1 is used to control the TFT1 to display the image.

[0101] The driving unit 512 is also used to output a driving signal 2 according to the input signal of the display device. The driving signal 2 is used to control the TFT 2 to generate a phase difference in the light signals output by the pixel units of different gray levels. The timing of the driving signal 1 and the driving signal 2 is consistent.

[0102] Drive signal 2 outputs a first drive voltage and a second drive voltage. For pixel areas of the first grayscale (display area), drive signal 2 outputs the first drive voltage; for pixel areas of the second grayscale (dark area), drive signal 2 outputs the second drive voltage. The timing control signal of the drive voltage output by drive signal 2 is consistent with the drive voltage output by drive signal 1 to TFT 1. By controlling the values ​​of the first drive voltage and the second drive voltage, the polarization state of the light beams in different grayscale areas of the image output by image generation module 510 can be controlled respectively.

[0103] It should be understood that the driving unit 512 is only an illustrative description and may include one or more driving chips. Driving signal 1 and driving signal 2 may be output by the same driving chip or by different driving chips, and this application does not make any special limitation in this regard.

[0104] Optionally, the optical imaging module 520 includes one or more optical elements for generating virtual images, such as mirrors, lenses, etc., which are not limited in this application. The number and / or types of optical elements included in the optical imaging module 520 can be determined according to specific application scenarios or design requirements.

[0105] In this application, the window module 530 can also be referred to as a window, optical window, window, window unit, etc. The window module 530 is a transparent window used in an optical system, allowing light to enter or leave the system. The main function of the window module 530 is to integrate virtual images or information into the real-world field of view. By overlaying or embedding virtual content within the user's field of view, it provides interactivity and augmented reality experiences. Furthermore, the window module 530 can also be used to separate two sides of the environment, such as separating the interior and exterior of a display device, isolating the interior and exterior of the display device to protect internal components. That is, while allowing light to pass through, it also prevents contamination, maintains a vacuum, and prevents oxidation. For example, the dust cover in a HUD device can serve as a window module for the HUD device. It does not change the optical magnification; it only affects the optical path length in the optical path.

[0106] It should be noted that this application does not limit the number of substrates (or base materials) included in the window module 530. The following description, in conjunction with the window module 530 in Figure 7, exemplarily illustrates a window module provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0107] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the optical structure of a window module 530 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0108] The second polarization unit 550 includes a beam-splitting glass, a quarter-wave plate (QWP), and a POL3. The second polarization unit 550 can be disposed on the light-emitting side of the window module.

[0109] The window module 530 receives circularly polarized light with different rotation directions, converts the first circularly polarized light into linearly polarized light 3 for emission, and absorbs the second circularly polarized light. This significantly reduces the brightness of the dark image and improves the contrast of the virtual image displayed by the display device 500.

[0110] The optical path structure of the display device 500 will now be described with reference to Figure 8.

[0111] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the optical structure of a display device 500 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0112] The display device 500 includes an image generation module 510, an optical imaging module 520, and a window module 530. The image generation module 510 integrates a first polarization unit 540, and the window module 530 integrates a second polarization unit 550.

[0113] As an example and not a limitation, the display device 500 shown in FIG8 uses a birdbath architecture as a virtual image imaging system. The display device 500 may also use other architectures as a virtual image imaging system. This application does not make any special limitation in this regard, nor should it be considered that display devices using other architectures are outside the protection scope of this application.

[0114] The beam emitted from the image generation module 510 has undergone polarization modulation by the first polarization unit 540, causing the first grayscale region to emit first circularly polarized light and the second grayscale region to emit second circularly polarized light. The beam emitted from the image generation module 510 is reflected by the beam-splitting glass of the window module 530 and the optical imaging module 520 to form a virtual image. After passing through the beam-splitting glass and the second polarization unit 550, the beam from the first grayscale region is emitted normally, while the beam from the second grayscale region is absorbed.

[0115] By way of example and not limitation, the optical imaging module 520 includes a curved mirror for magnifying the image of the virtual image.

[0116] A first polarization unit 540 is integrated on the POL 2 of the LCD panel. The control chip of the first polarization unit 540 reads image information from an externally input video signal, identifies the display area and the dark area, applies a first driving voltage to the pixel area of ​​the first grayscale, and applies a second driving voltage to the pixel area of ​​the second grayscale. The first and second driving voltages are used to cause the first polarization unit 540 to generate circularly polarized light with opposite rotation directions. The absolute values ​​of the first and second driving voltages are the same.

[0117] As an example, and not a limitation, let the first driving voltage be Vsat1 and the second driving voltage be Vsat2. Then, Vsat1 = -Vsat2, |Vsat1| = |Vsat2|. Driving signal 2 controls the thickness of the LC2 liquid crystal cell and applies the first and second driving voltages to different grayscale regions of TFT2, causing the LC2 liquid crystal layer to achieve a π / 2 phase change in response to the emitted light beam, thus functioning as a QWP (Quick Phase Shifter).

[0118] In one specific implementation, a phase change of +π / 2 is applied to the pixel region of the first gray level, and a phase change of -π / 2 is applied to the pixel region of the second gray level.

[0119] In another specific implementation, a phase change of -π / 2 is applied to the pixel region of the first gray level, and a phase change of +π / 2 is applied to the pixel region of the second gray level.

[0120] It should be understood that different phase changes are achieved for pixel regions of different gray levels. The first polarization unit 540 and the second polarization unit 550 cooperate with each other to make the light beam with phase change emitted from the pixel region of the first gray level, and the light beam with phase change emitted from the pixel region of the second gray level is absorbed.

[0121] It should be understood that in some specific implementations, the POL 2 of the LCD panel is also referred to as the upper POL, and this application does not make any special limitation on this.

[0122] The modulation of the light beam by the first polarization unit 540 and the second polarization unit 550 will be described below with reference to Figure 9.

[0123] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of polarization state conversion of a light beam by a display device 500 according to an embodiment of this application.

[0124] The backlight source of the image generation module 510 emits a light beam to carry image information. The driving unit 512 generates a driving signal 1 based on the input signal. Driving signal 1 acts on TFT 1 of the light source 511, causing the light beam emitted by the backlight source to carry image information, thus causing the light source 511 to emit an image light beam. The image light emitted from POL2 of the light source 511 is linearly polarized. After passing through TFT 2 and LC2 in the first polarization unit 540, the emitted image light undergoes a change in polarization state. Under the action of driving signal 2, the image light in the display area changes from linearly polarized to first circularly polarized light, and the image light in the dark area changes from linearly polarized to second circularly polarized light.

[0125] For ease of description, this description uses the example of the first circularly polarized light being left-handed and the second circularly polarized light being right-handed, without constituting a special limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0126] It should be understood that in some specific implementations, circularly polarized light is also called circularly polarized light, and linearly polarized light is also called linearly polarized light; this application does not make any special limitation on this.

[0127] The first circularly polarized light emitted from the display area of ​​the image generation module 510 passes through the beam-splitting glass of the window module 530 and then enters the optical imaging module 520. The optical imaging module 520 is used to adjust the incident direction of the light beam. After adjustment by the optical imaging module 520, the first circularly polarized light passes through the beam-splitting glass again and enters the QWP, exiting as linearly polarized light 1. The polarization direction of linearly polarized light 1 is perpendicular to the absorption axis of POL3, thus allowing the linearly polarized light to exit normally. After exiting POL3, linearly polarized light 1 is converted into linearly polarized light 3.

[0128] The second circularly polarized light emitted from the dark area of ​​the image generation module 510 follows the same optical path as the first circularly polarized light. After passing through the beam-splitting glass of the window module 530 and being reflected by the optical imaging module 520 to form a virtual image, it passes through the beam-splitting glass again and is incident on the QWP. After exiting the QWP, the second circularly polarized light becomes linearly polarized light 2. The polarization direction of linearly polarized light 2 is parallel to the absorption axis of POL3, so the light is absorbed by the window module 530, and the brightness of the dark image will decrease significantly.

[0129] It should be understood that when the polarization direction of linearly polarized light 2 is parallel to the absorption axis of POL3, the absorption axes of POL2 and POL3 can be parallel or perpendicular, and this application does not impose any special limitation on this.

[0130] It should be understood that the absorption axis of POL3 and the slow axis of QWP are at a 45-degree angle.

[0131] It should be understood that the absorption axis of POL2 and POL3 and the slow axis of QWP shown in the figure are only one specific implementation method, and this application does not make any special limitation on them.

[0132] It should be understood that the absorption axes of POL2 and POL3 and the slow axis of QWP can also be implemented in other ways, so that linearly polarized light 1 can be smoothly emitted from the window module 530 and linearly polarized light 2 can be absorbed by the window module 530. For the sake of brevity, this application will not list them all here, nor should it be considered that other implementations of the technical solution of this application exceed the protection scope of this application.

[0133] It should be understood that the optical structures and / or optical elements included in the first polarization unit 540 and the second polarization unit 550 provided in this application are only one specific implementation. The first polarization unit 540 and the second polarization unit 550 may also include other optical structures and / or optical elements to allow the light beam from the display area to exit smoothly from the window module 530 and to allow the light beam from the dark area to be absorbed by the window module 530. For the sake of brevity, this application will not list them all here, nor should it be considered that other implementations of the technical solution of this application exceed the protection scope of this application.

[0134] Based on the above technical solution, by controlling the polarization state of the emitted light beams from the image source and the dark image in the image generation module, and cooperating with the polarization film material of the window module, the brightness of the emitted light from the dark image is reduced, thereby improving the overall contrast of the display device. This application can improve the contrast of virtual image imaging in the display device, enhance the display effect, and the technical solution provided by this application does not require additional increase in the overall size of the display device, nor does it affect the display brightness of the virtual image.

[0135] It should be understood that in the implementation of Figures 5 to 9, the image screen, which serves as the image source, is divided into a dark area with a gray level of 0 and a display area with a gray level of non-zero. By applying voltages of equal value but opposite direction to the TFT2 in the first polarization unit 540, the dark area display area of ​​the image generation module 510 emits circularly polarized light with different rotation directions.

[0136] By way of example and not limitation, the first polarization unit 540 includes an electro-controlled liquid crystal that modulates the phase difference of the emitted light beams in the dark region and the display region by two driving voltages, thereby causing the dark region display region of the image generation module 510 to emit circularly polarized light with different rotation directions.

[0137] Furthermore, different voltages can be applied to pixel units at different gray levels according to gamma grayscale to generate different phases and achieve difference control. This results in different phases of the circularly polarized light emitted from different grayscale regions of the image generation module 510. The light beam emitted from the image generation module 510 is then processed by the second polarization unit 550 in the window module 530, making the transmittance of circularly polarized light with different phases different, thereby achieving different transmittance of the light beam for different grayscale images. This greatly improves contrast while further ensuring a high display dynamic range distribution.

[0138] As an example rather than a limitation, the description uses 256 gray levels from 0 to 255.

[0139] Table 1. Comparison of voltage values ​​for drive signal 1 and drive signal 2

[0140] Table 1 shows that the driving unit 512 generates driving signal 1 based on the different gray levels L0 to L255 of the input signal, which acts on TFT1 of the light source 511, so that the light beam emitted by the backlight source carries image information. The driving unit 512 also generates driving signal 2 based on the different gray levels of the input signal, which acts on TFT2, so that the display areas of different gray levels in the image beam emitted by the light source 511 have different phase differences. The light beams of different gray level display areas emitted by the image generation module 510 have different phase differences. The circularly polarized light with different phase differences is converted into linearly polarized light with different polarization directions by QWP in the second polarization unit 550. The linearly polarized light with different polarization directions then passes through POL3 in sequence. The polarization component of the linearly polarized light in the absorption axis direction of POL3 is absorbed, and the polarization component in other directions is transmitted; thus, the transmittance of the linearly polarized light with different polarization directions is different. Among them, the transmittance of gray level 0 is L0, the transmittance of gray level 255 is T255, T0 is the minimum value, and T255 is the maximum value.

[0141] In summary, the technical solution disclosed in this application minimizes the transmittance of the dark region and increases the transmittance of the display area with higher grayscale, which can greatly improve the contrast while still ensuring a high display dynamic range distribution.

[0142] In one specific implementation, the polarization direction of the polarized beam in the region with a gray level of 0 is parallel to the absorption axis of POL3 and is completely absorbed; the polarization direction of the polarized beam in the region with a gray level of 255 is perpendicular to the absorption axis of POL3; and the angle between the polarization direction of the polarized beam in the regions with gray levels of 1 to 254 and the absorption axis of POL3 increases sequentially.

[0143] It should be noted that Figures 5 to 9 above are only some, not all, embodiments of the present application. Furthermore, the description of the display devices in Figures 5 to 9 does not exhaust all possible implementations of the first polarization unit and the second polarization unit. The first polarization unit can also, in other ways, make the light beams emitted from pixels in different grayscale regions circularly polarized light with opposite rotation directions. The second polarization unit can also, in other ways, make the light beam emitted from the display area absorb the light beam from the dark area, thereby reducing the brightness of the dark image and improving the overall contrast of the display device. It is understood that the display devices in Figures 5 to 9 are described using an example where the first polarization unit is a combination of TFT and LC, the first optical element is a QWP, and the second optical element is a POL; this application is not limited to this.

[0144] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the cockpit of a vehicle provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0145] As shown in the figure, the vehicle includes a display device 2000, which is installed inside the dashboard. The display device 2000 includes the display apparatus 500 provided in this embodiment.

[0146] Optionally, in addition to being installed on the dashboard, the display device 2000 provided in this application embodiment can also be installed on other structural equipment of the vehicle, such as the seat back, the inner wall of the vehicle, the control panel, the processing table, etc., and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0147] Optionally, the operating table can be a resuscitation operating table on an ambulance, a kitchen operating table on a motorhome, etc.; the processing table can be a bar on a motorhome, a dining table in a passenger cabin, an office desk, etc., and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0148] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the optical path 1300 of the display device provided in the embodiment of this application applied to a HUD device.

[0149] When the display device 500 is applied in a HUD device, as shown in the figure, the HUD device includes a windshield 1310. Simultaneously, the optical imaging module 520 in the display device 500 includes a first curved reflector 131 and a second curved reflector 132. The viewing window module 530 is a dust cover. This dust cover includes a beam-splitting glass and a second polarization unit 550. Specifically, the light source 511 generates image light and transmits it to the first polarization unit 540. The first polarization unit 540 converts the image light from different grayscale display areas into circularly polarized light of different phases and outputs the circularly polarized light of different phases to the first curved reflector 131. The first curved reflector 131 reflects the circularly polarized light of different phases to the second curved reflector 132; the second curved reflector 132 continues to reflect the circularly polarized light of different phases to the dust cover. Circularly polarized light of different phases passes through a beam-splitting glass and is incident on a second polarization unit 550. The second polarization unit 550 converts the circularly polarized light of different phases into linearly polarized light of different polarization directions, absorbs the polarized component of the linearly polarized light in the polarization direction parallel to the absorption axis of the second optical element, and emits polarized light in other polarization directions. The linearly polarized light transmitted by the second polarization unit 550 is incident on a windshield 1310, which reflects the linearly polarized light to the user's eye, allowing the user to view a virtual image generated based on the transmitted linearly polarized light.

[0150] For example, the dark region is defined as the display area with a grayscale value of 0, and the display area is defined as the region with a grayscale value other than 0. As shown in the figure, when the first polarization unit 540 includes a TFT and an LC, and the second polarization unit 550 includes a QWP as the first optical element and a POL as the second optical element, the image light emitted by the light source 511 passes through the first polarization unit 540, with the display area emitting first circularly polarized light and the dark region emitting second circularly polarized light. Subsequently, after reflection by the first curved reflector 131 and the second curved reflector 132, the circularly polarized light enters the beam-splitting glass and the second polarization unit 550 in the window module 530. After passing through the QWP, the first circularly polarized light is converted into linearly polarized light 1, and the second circularly polarized light is converted into linearly polarized light 2. After passing through the POL3, the linearly polarized light 1 is converted into linearly polarized light 3 and emitted, while the linearly polarized light 2 is absorbed by the POL3. The emitted linearly polarized light 3 is incident on the windshield 1310, and the windshield 1310 reflects the linearly polarized light to the human eye, so that the user can see a virtual image generated based on the transmitted linearly polarized light.

[0151] The image generated by the linearly polarized light 3 emitted from the dust cover can be an augmented reality display image, used to display information such as indications of external objects and navigation information. Alternatively, it can be a status display image, used to display the status information of the vehicle. Taking a car as an example, the vehicle's status information includes, but is not limited to, information such as speed, mileage, fuel level, coolant temperature, and headlight status.

[0152] It is understandable that HUD devices can be used in various modes of transportation, including but not limited to cars, airplanes, trains, or ships.

[0153] It is also understood that the absorption axis directions of POL2 and POL3 are not limited in the display device shown in the figure. Furthermore, the display device 500 shown in the figure is illustrated using a combination of TFT and LC as the first polarization unit, a QWP as the first optical element, and a POL as the second optical element as an example; this application is not limited to this.

[0154] Figure 12 is a circuit diagram of the display device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0155] As shown in the figure, the circuitry in the display device mainly includes a main processor (host CPU) 1201, an external memory interface 1202, an internal memory 1203, an audio module 1204, a video module 1205, a power supply module 1206, a wireless communication module 1207, an I / O interface 1208, a video interface 1209, a display circuit 1210, and a modulator 1212. The main processor 1201 and its peripheral components, such as the external memory interface 1202, the internal memory 1203, the audio module 1204, the video module 1205, the power supply module 1206, the wireless communication module 1207, the I / O interface 1208, the video interface 1209, and the display circuit 1210, can be connected via a bus. The main processor 1201 can also be referred to as a front-end processor.

[0156] Furthermore, the circuit diagrams illustrated in the embodiments of this application do not constitute a specific limitation on the display device. In other embodiments of this application, the display device may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine some components, or split some components, or have different component arrangements. The illustrated components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0157] The main processor 1201 includes one or more processing units, such as an application processor (AP), a modem processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a controller, a video codec, a digital signal processor (DSP), a baseband processor, and / or a neural network processing unit (NPU). These different processing units can be independent devices or integrated into one or more processors.

[0158] The main processor 1201 may also include a memory for storing instructions and data. In some embodiments, the memory in the main processor 1201 is a cache memory. This memory can store instructions or data that the main processor 1201 has just used or is recurring. If the main processor 1201 needs to use the instruction or data again, it can directly retrieve it from the memory. This avoids repeated accesses, reduces the waiting time of the main processor 1201, and thus improves the efficiency of the system.

[0159] In some embodiments, the display device may further include multiple input / output (I / O) interfaces 1208 connected to the main processor 1201. Interfaces 1208 may include inter-integrated circuit (I2C) interfaces, inter-integrated circuit sound (I2S) interfaces, pulse code modulation (PCM) interfaces, universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART) interfaces, mobile industry processor interfaces (MIPI), general-purpose input / output (GPIO) interfaces, subscriber identity module (SIM) interfaces, and / or universal serial bus (USB) interfaces, etc. The aforementioned I / O interfaces 1208 can connect to devices such as mice, touchpads, keyboards, cameras, speakers, microphones, etc., and can also connect to physical buttons on the display device (e.g., volume buttons, brightness adjustment buttons, power buttons, etc.).

[0160] The external memory interface 1202 can be used to connect an external memory card, such as a Micro SD card, to expand the storage capacity of the display device. The external memory card communicates with the main processor 1201 through the external memory interface 1202 to perform data storage functions.

[0161] Internal memory 1203 can be used to store executable program code, including instructions. Internal memory 1203 may include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system, at least one application program required for a function (such as a call function, time setting function, etc.), etc. The data storage area may store data created during the use of the display device (such as a phone book, world time, etc.). Furthermore, internal memory 1203 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, universal flash storage (UFS), etc. The main processor 1201 executes various functional applications and data processing of the display device by running instructions stored in internal memory 1203 and / or instructions stored in memory located in the main processor 1201.

[0162] The display device can implement audio functions, such as music playback and phone calls, through the audio module 1204 and application processor.

[0163] The audio module 1204 is used to convert digital audio information into analog audio signals for output, and also to convert analog audio input into digital audio signals. The audio module 1204 can also be used for encoding and decoding audio signals, such as for playback or recording. In some embodiments, the audio module 1204 may be located in the main processor 1201, or some functional modules of the audio module 1204 may be located in the main processor 1201.

[0164] The video interface 1209 can receive externally input audio and video signals, specifically including High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Digital Visual Interface (DVI), Video Graphics Array (VGA), and DisplayPort (DP). The video interface 1209 can also output video. When the display device is used as an in-vehicle display, the video interface 1209 can receive speed and power signals from peripheral devices, as well as externally input VR video signals. When the display device is in use, the video interface 1209 can receive video signals from an external computer or terminal device.

[0165] The video module 1205 can decode the video input from the video interface 1209, such as performing H.264 decoding. The video module can also encode video captured by the display device, such as performing H.264 encoding on video captured by an external camera. Furthermore, the main processor 1201 can also decode the video input from the video interface 1209 and then output the decoded image signal to the display circuit 1210.

[0166] The display circuit 1210 and modulator 1212 are used to display the corresponding image. In this embodiment, the video interface 1209 receives an externally input video source signal. After decoding and / or digitizing the video module 1205, it outputs one or more image signals to the display circuit 1210. The display circuit 1210 drives the modulator 1212 to image the incident polarized light according to the input image signal, and then outputs the image light. In addition, the main processor 1201 can also output one or more image signals to the display circuit 1210.

[0167] In this embodiment, the display circuit 1210 and the modulator 1212 are electronic components in the image generation module described above. The display circuit 1210 can be a specific implementation of the driving unit 512, or it can be another driving circuit.

[0168] The power module 1206 provides power to the main processor 1201 and the light source 1200 based on the input power (e.g., DC power). The power module 1206 may include a rechargeable battery, which can provide power to the main processor 1201 and the light source 1200. The light emitted by the light source 1200 can be transmitted to the modulator 1212 for imaging, thereby forming an image light signal.

[0169] The wireless communication module 1207 enables the display device to communicate wirelessly with the outside world. It can provide solutions for wireless communication such as wireless local area networks (WLAN) (e.g., wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks), Bluetooth (BT), global navigation satellite system (GNSS), frequency modulation (FM), near field communication (NFC), and infrared (IR). The wireless communication module 1207 can be one or more devices integrating at least one communication processing module. The wireless communication module 1207 receives electromagnetic waves via an antenna, performs frequency modulation and filtering of the electromagnetic wave signal, and sends the processed signal to the main processor 1201. The wireless communication module 1207 can also receive signals to be transmitted from the main processor 1201, perform frequency modulation and amplification, and then convert them into electromagnetic waves for radiation via the antenna.

[0170] In addition, the video data decoded by the video module 1205 can be input not only through the video interface 1209, but also wirelessly received through the wireless communication module 1207 or read from external memory. For example, the display device can receive video data from the terminal device or the in-vehicle entertainment system through the vehicle's wireless local area network, and the display device can also read audio and video data stored in external memory.

[0171] The aforementioned display device can be installed on a vehicle, as shown in Figure 13.

[0172] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a possible functional framework of a means of transportation provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0173] As shown in the figure, the functional framework of a vehicle may include various subsystems, such as the sensor system 12, control system 14, one or more peripheral devices 16 (one is shown as an example), power supply 18, computer system 20, and in-vehicle display system 22. Optionally, the vehicle may also include other functional systems, such as an engine system that provides power to the vehicle, etc., which are not limited herein.

[0174] The sensor system 12 may include several detection devices that can sense the measured information and convert the sensed information into electrical signals or other required forms of information output according to a certain rule. As shown in the figure, these detection devices may include a global positioning system (GPS), a vehicle speed sensor, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a radar unit, a laser rangefinder, a camera device, a wheel speed sensor, a steering sensor, a gear sensor, or other components used for automatic detection, etc., and this application does not limit them.

[0175] The control system 14 may include several components, such as the steering unit, braking unit, lighting system, automatic driving system, map navigation system, network time synchronization system, and obstacle avoidance system shown in the figure. Optionally, the control system 14 may also include components such as a throttle controller and an engine controller for controlling the vehicle's speed; this application is not limiting.

[0176] Peripheral device 16 may include several components, such as the communication system, touch module, user interface, microphone, and speaker shown in the figure. The communication system is used to enable network communication between the vehicle and other devices. In practical applications, the communication system can employ wireless or wired communication technologies to achieve network communication between the vehicle and other devices. The wired communication technology can refer to communication between the vehicle and other devices via network cables or fiber optic cables.

[0177] Power source 18 represents a system that provides electricity or energy to the vehicle, which may include, but is not limited to, rechargeable lithium batteries or lead-acid batteries. In practical applications, one or more battery components in the power source are used to provide electrical energy or power for vehicle startup, and the type and materials of the power source are not limited in this application.

[0178] Several functions of the vehicle are controlled and implemented by the computer system 20. The computer system 20 may include one or more processors 2001 (the figure shows one processor as an example) and a memory 2002 (also called a storage device). In practical applications, the memory 2002 may be located inside the computer system 20 or outside the computer system 20, for example, as a cache in the vehicle, etc., which is not limited in this application.

[0179] Processor 2001 may include one or more general-purpose processors, such as a graphics processing unit (GPU). Processor 2001 can be used to run relevant programs or instructions corresponding to programs stored in memory 2002 to implement the corresponding functions of the vehicle.

[0180] The memory 2002 may include volatile memory, such as RAM; it may also include non-volatile memory, such as ROM, flash memory, HDD, or SSD; or it may include a combination of the above types of memory. The memory 2002 can be used to store a set of program code or instructions corresponding to the program code, so that the processor 2001 can call the program code or instructions stored in the memory 2002 to implement the corresponding functions of the vehicle. In this application, the memory 2002 may store a set of program code for vehicle control. The processor 2001 can call this program code to control the safe driving of the vehicle. The specific details of how to achieve safe vehicle driving are described below in this application.

[0181] Optionally, in addition to storing program code or instructions, the memory 2002 may also store information such as road maps, driving routes, and sensor data. The computer system 20 can be integrated with other components in the vehicle functional framework diagram, such as sensors in the sensor system and GPS, to realize the vehicle's related functions. For example, the computer system 20 can control the vehicle's direction of travel or speed based on data input from the sensor system 12; this application does not impose limitations on this.

[0182] The in-vehicle display system 22 may include several components, such as a controller and an in-vehicle display. The controller 222 generates images (e.g., images of VR content) according to user instructions and sends these images to the in-vehicle display for display. The in-vehicle display may include an image generation module, a window module, and a touch window module. Passengers can view the target image displayed on the in-vehicle display through the window module. Alternatively, passengers can interact with the in-vehicle display through a touch window module. The functions of some components in the in-vehicle display system can also be implemented by other subsystems of the vehicle; for example, the controller can also be a component within the control system.

[0183] The figures in this application show four subsystems: sensor system 12, control system 14, computer system 20, and vehicle display system 22. These are merely examples and do not constitute a limitation. In practical applications, vehicles can combine several components according to different functions to obtain subsystems with corresponding functions. In practical applications, vehicles may include more or fewer systems or components, and this application does not impose any limitations.

[0184] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein should have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The above description is merely one embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made based on this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A display device, characterized in that, include: The system comprises an image generation module, an optical imaging module, and a viewing module. The image generation module includes a light source and a first polarization unit, and the viewing module includes a second polarization unit. The light source is used to emit image light, which is linearly polarized light; The first polarization unit is used to generate a first circularly polarized light and a second circularly polarized light based on the image light, wherein the first circularly polarized light and the second circularly polarized light rotate in opposite directions; The optical imaging module is used to emit the first circularly polarized light and the second circularly polarized light into the window module; The second polarization unit is used to generate first linearly polarized light based on the first circularly polarized light and to absorb the second circularly polarized light; The window module is used to emit the first linearly polarized light.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second polarization unit includes a first optical element and a second optical element, wherein, The first optical element is used to generate a second linearly polarized light based on the first circularly polarized light, and to generate a third linearly polarized light based on the second circularly polarized light; The second optical element is used to generate the first linearly polarized light based on the second linearly polarized light and to absorb the third linearly polarized light.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The image generation module also includes a driving unit. The driving unit is used to determine the pixel region of the first gray level and the pixel region of the second gray level according to the image signal of the display device, wherein the first gray level and the second gray level are gray levels of different gray levels. The driving unit is further configured to apply a first driving voltage to the pixel region having the first gray level in the first polarization unit, and to apply a second driving voltage to the pixel region having the second gray level in the first polarization unit. The image generation module emits the first circularly polarized light from the pixel region of the first gray level, and the image generation module emits the second circularly polarized light from the pixel region of the second gray level.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The absolute values ​​of the first driving voltage and the second driving voltage are the same, but their directions are opposite.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The polarization direction of the second linearly polarized light is perpendicular to the absorption axis of the second optical element, and the polarization direction of the third linearly polarized light is parallel to the absorption axis of the second optical element.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The slow axis of the first optical element forms a 45-degree angle with the absorption axis of the second optical element.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The optical imaging module includes a curved mirror, which is used to magnify the virtual image formed by the light beam emitted from the image generation module.

8. A vehicle-mounted system, characterized in that, Includes the display device and seat as described in any one of claims 1 to 7. The seat is used for a user to sit on the seat and view the images displayed by the display device.

9. A means of transportation, characterized in that, Includes the display device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or the vehicle system according to claim 8.

10. The means of transport according to claim 9, characterized in that, This also includes the windshield. The windshield is used to reflect the first linearly polarized light from the display device to the human eye.

Images