Head-Up Display Uniform Illumination via Lens Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-up displays suffer from brightness unevenness in the virtual images displayed, which affects the observer's view due to non-uniform illumination from multiple light source elements.
Innovation Solution
A head-up display configuration featuring a first lens that directs light from multiple light source elements to illuminate the same area on a spatial light modulation element, combined with a diffusion plate to ensure uniform light distribution, and a reflective optical unit to project the image, resulting in a uniform brightness virtual image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple light source elements are arranged to illuminate the spatial light modulation element, then the luminance of the virtual image is improved, but brightness unevenness occurs in the displayed image
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device is segmented into multiple light source elements arranged in the first direction, with each element having its own first lens. This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of light paths from each source element, enabling uniform illumination distribution across the spatial light modulation element while maintaining high luminance.
Solution Approach 2:
A diffusion member is introduced as an intermediary between the first lens and the spatial light modulation element. This diffusion member uniformly distributes the light beams from multiple light source elements across the incident surface of the spatial light modulation element, eliminating brightness unevenness while preserving overall luminance.
2Manufacturing precision
If light from multiple light source elements is directed to the same area, then illumination uniformity is improved, but optical path complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the spatial dimension by arranging light source elements and their corresponding first lenses in a specific geometric configuration. Each first lens is positioned to direct light from its associated light source element to the same target area on the spatial light modulation element, achieving uniform illumination through three-dimensional optical path design rather than complex two-dimensional routing.
Solution Approach 2:
Each first lens serves multiple functions: it collects light from its associated light source element, directs the light to the target area on the spatial light modulation element, and works in conjunction with the diffusion member to ensure uniform distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate optical components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves uniform brightness in the virtual image viewed by the observer, reducing brightness unevenness and enhancing the display quality.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens which takes in from an incident surface the light emitted from the plurality of light source elements and emits the light from an emission surface... The first lens changes an optical path of light emitted from each of the light source elements
Implementation Method 2
a diffusion member disposed on a side of the emission surface of the first lens... takes in from an incident surface the light having been emitted from the plurality of light source elements and having passed through the first lens and the diffusion member
Implementation Method 3
a spatial light modulation element which takes in from an incident surface the light having been emitted from the plurality of light source elements and having passed through the first lens and the diffusion member, modulates the taken-in light in accordance with image information
Implementation Method 4
an optical element which reflects the light emitted from the spatial light modulation element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A head-up display includes: a plurality of light source elements (111) which are arranged in a first direction and emit light; first lens (112) which takes in from an incident surface the light emitted from the plurality of light source elements and emits the light from an emission surface; diffusion member (114) disposed on a side of the emission surface of the first lens; a spatial light modulation element (115) which takes in from an incident surface the light having been emitted from the plurality of light source elements (111) and having passed through first lens (112) and diffusion member (114), modulates the taken-in light in accordance with image information, and emits the modulated light from an emission surface; and an optical element (500) which reflects the light emitted from spatial light modulation element (115). First lens (112) changes an optical path of light emitted from each of light source elements (111) such that the light emitted from the each of light source elements (111) reaches the same area on the incident surface of spatial light modulation element (115).