KR20190119093A - Split injection pupil head up display system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

Split injection pupil (or split eye-box) head-up display (HUD) systems and methods are described. The described HUD system method utilizes a split injection pupil design method that enables a modular HUD system and reduces the overall HUD volume aspect while allowing the HUD system viewing eye-box size to be customized. The HUD module utilizes high brightness and small micro-pixel imaging to generate one or more HUD virtual images with one or multiple given viewing eye-box segment sizes. Many such HUD modules displaying the same image, when integrated together in a HUD system, can cause such an integrated HUD system to have a substantially larger eye-box size than that of the HUD module. The volume of the resulting integrated HUD system is substantially smaller in volume than the HUD system using a single large phase drawer. In addition, the integrated HUD system may be composed of multiple HUD modules to scale the eye-box size to maintain a given desired overall HUD system brightness while matching the intended application.

Description

Split injection pupil head up display system and method

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to Heads-Up Displays (HUSs), and more particularly to a HUD system for generating one or more virtual images.

Cited References:

[One] U.S. Patent No. 7,623,560, El-Ghoroury et al, Quantum Photonic Imager and Methods of Fabrication Thereof, Nov. 24, 2009.

[2] U.S. Patent No. 7,767,479, El-Ghoroury et al, Quantum Photonic Imager and Methods of Fabrication Thereof,

[3] U.S. Patent No. 7,829,902, El-Ghoroury et al, Quantum Photonic Imager and Methods of Fabrication Thereof,

[4] U.S. Patent No. 8,049,231, El-Ghoroury et al, Quantum Photonic Imager and Methods of Fabrication Thereof,

[5] U.S. Patent No. 8,098,265, El-Ghoroury et al, Quantum Photonic Imager and Methods of Fabrication Thereof,

[6] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0066921, El-Ghoroury et al, Quantum Photonic Imager and Methods of Fabrication Thereof,

[7] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0033113, El-Ghoroury et al, Quantum Photonic Imager and Methods of Fabrication Thereof,

[8] U.S. Patent No. 4,218,111, Withrington et al, Holographic Heads-up Displays, Aug. 19, 1980,

[9] U.S. Patent No. 6,813,086, Bignolles et al, Head Up Display Adaptable to Given Type of Equipment, Nov. 2, 2004,

[10] U.S. Patent No. 7,391,574, Fredriksson, Heads-up Display, June 24, 2008,

[11] U.S. Patent No. 7,982,959, Lvovskiy et al, Heads-up Display, Jul. 19, 2011,

[12] U.S. Patent No. 4,613,200, Hartman, Heads-Up Display System with Holographic Dispersion Correcting, Sep. 23, 1986,

[13] U.S. Patent No. 5,729,366, Yang, Heads-Up Display for Vehicle Using Holographic Optical Elements, Mar. 17, 1998,

[14] U.S. Patent No. 8,553,334, Lambert et al, Heads-Up Display System Utilizing Controlled Reflection from Dashboard Surface, Oct. 8, 2013,

[15] U.S. Patent No. 8,629,903, Seder et al, Enhanced Vision System Full-Windshield HUD, Jan. 14, 2014,

[16] B. H. Walker, Optical Design of Visual Systems, Tutorial tests in optical engineering, published by The international Society of Optical Engineering (SPIE), pp. 139-150, ISBN 0-8194-3886-3, 2000,

[17] C. Guilloux et al, Varilux S Series Braking the Limits

[18] M. Born, Principles of Optics, 7th Edition, Cambridge University Press 1999, Section 5.3, pp. 236-244.

Head-up displays are in high demand as visual aids that contribute to car safety by allowing motorist drivers to be more visually aware and informed of car dashboard information without turning their sight and attention on the road. However, currently available headflop displays are bulky and too expensive, making them a viable option for use in most cars. Although lesser in terms of cost factors, these same obstacles are faced in applications for head-up displays in aircraft and helicopters. In the case of head-up display automotive applications, volume and cost constraints are further weighted by a wide range of vehicle sizes, types and cost requirements. Therefore, there is a need for a low volume, low volume head-up display suitable for use in small vehicles such as automobiles, small airplanes and helicopters.

Prior art HUD systems can generally be grouped into two types: pupil imaging HUDs and non-pupil imaging HUDs. The pupil imaging HUD typically consists of a relay module that is responsible for intermediate image delivery and pupil formation, and a collimation module that is responsible for image collimation and pupil imaging at the eye position of the viewer (in this specification, an eye-box). (eye-box). The collimation module of the pupil imaging HUD is realized as an inclined curved or flat reflector or HOE (Holographic Optical Element), and the relay module is typically inclined to bend the optical path and compensate for the optical aberration. Non-pupillary imaging HUD defines the system aperture by the light cone angle at the display or intermediate image position by diffusion. For intermediate image HUD systems, a relay module is required, but the HUD aperture is determined by collimation optics alone. Collimating optics are typically axially symmetric but have folding mirrors to meet the required volume constraints. This is determined by the aberration correction need and the system volume.

The prior art described in Reference [8] and shown in FIG. 1A uses a concave HOE reflector (11 in FIG. 1A) as a combiner and collimator to minimize collimation optics and reduce HUD system volume. The resulting HUD system requires complex tilted relay optics (10 in FIG. 1A) to compensate for aberrations and deliver intermediate images. In addition, these HUD systems only work for narrow spectrums.

The prior art described in Ref. [9] and shown in FIG. 1B utilizes a relay optics (REL) module to deliver an intermediate image in the focal plane of a convergent combiner (CMB) mirror (CMB in FIG. 1B). Define the system pupil. The CMB mirror collimates the intermediate image and images the pupil of the system onto the viewer's eye for viewing. This pupil imaging HUD approach essentially involves a complex REL module for packaging and aberration compensation.

The prior art described in Ref. [10] and shown in FIG. 1C is an intermediate image on a diffuse surface (51 in FIG. 1C) and a semi-transmissive collimation mirror (7 in FIG. 1C) as an image source. To use the projection lens (3) to project. The collimation mirror forms an image at infinity, and the aperture of the collimation optics is defined by the angular width of the diffuser.

The prior art described in reference [11] and shown in FIG. 1D is characterized by two liquid crystals for forming an intermediate image on a diffusion screen (5 in FIG. 1D) disposed in the focal plane of the collimating optical module (1 in FIG. An image forming source consisting of a display (LCD) panel (23 in FIG. 1D) is used. The main purpose of the two LCE panels in the image forming source is to achieve sufficient brightness for the viewability of the formed image. To achieve this goal, the two LCD panels in the image forming source are configured to form two contiguous side by side images on the diffusion screen, or the two images are half pixels on the diffusion screen. They overlap and shift horizontally or vertically with each other by half pixels.

The prior art described in Ref. [12] employs a pair of reflective holographic optical elements to achieve holographic dispersion correction and to project a virtual image of a wide area display source within the field of view of the observer. Use HOE. The prior art described in reference [13] also utilizes a pair of holographic optical elements (HOE), ie a transmissive element and a reflective element for projecting an image on a windshield of a vehicle. .

The prior art described in reference [14] and shown in FIG. 1E is directed to a vehicle windshield configured to project an image on a vehicle dashboard with a faceted reflective surface (18 of FIG. 1E). An image projector mounted on the top side is used, wherein the facet reflective surface is configured to reflect the image from the image projector onto the windshield of the vehicle. The vehicle windshield surface is oriented to reflect the image from the dashboard facet reflective surface to the viewer.

The commonality between the briefly described prior art HUD system and many others described in the cited prior art is the high cost and large volume size of the system. In addition, none of the prior art HUD systems found has a system that can be adjusted to match a wide range of sizes and cost ranges of cars and other vehicles and their sizes and costs. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to introduce a head-up display method using multiple emission micro-scale pixel array imagers to realize a HUD system with a significantly smaller volume than a HUD system using a single image forming source. have. A further object of the present invention is to use multiple emission micro-scale pixel array imaging to enable the realization of a modular HUD system that can be adjusted to match a wide range of automotive and small vehicle sizes and price categories and volumes and costs. To introduce a new split injection pupil HUD system. Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

In the following description, like reference numerals are used for like elements, even in other drawings. What is defined in the detailed description, such as detailed structure and design elements, is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the exemplary embodiments. However, the invention may be practiced without these specifically defined ones. In addition, well-known functions or structures will not be described in detail because unnecessary details may obscure the present invention. To understand the present invention and to understand how it can be practiced, some embodiments will be described by way of non-limiting example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1A illustrates a prior art head-up display (HUD) system using a concave HOE reflector as a combiner and collimator to reduce HUD system volume and minimize collimation optics.
FIG. 1B illustrates a prior art head-up display (HUD) system that uses a relay optics (REL) module to deliver intermediate images in the focal plane of a convergent combiner (CMB) mirror and defines the system pupil. Drawing.
1C shows a prior art head-up display (HUD) system using a projection lens 3 to project an intermediate image onto a diffuse surface and a semi-transmissive collimation mirror as an image source. Figure is a diagram.
FIG. 1D illustrates a prior art head-up display (HUD) system using an image forming source consisting of two liquid crystal display (LCD) panels to form an intermediate image on a diffused screen disposed in the focal plane of the collimating optical module. One drawing.
1E uses an image projector mounted on the top side of a vehicle windshield configured to project an image on a vehicle dashboard with a faceted reflective surface, wherein the facet reflective surface is a vehicle's windshield. A prior art head-up display (HUD) system configured to reflect an image from an image projector onto a window.
2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary modular HUD (MHUD) of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between design parameters and constraints of the MHUD of FIG. 2.
4 is a diagram illustrating an optical design and a ray trace dragram of the HUD module having the MHUD assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating optical performance of a HUD module having an MHUD assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 2.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a multi view perspective of an example MHUD assembly design of the MHUD system of the embodiment of FIG. 2.
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of an interface and a control electronic device (board) of the MHUD system of the embodiment of FIG. 2.
8 is a diagram illustrating a novel split eye-box design method of the MHUD system 200 of the embodiment of FIG. 2.
FIG. 9 shows the actual volume of the example MHUD assembly design shown in FIG. 6 installed on the dashboard of a sub-compact automobile.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a ray path of the MHUD system 200 of the present invention including sunlight loading.
11A and 11B are front and side views, respectively, of a solid state emitting pixel array imaging (ie, display element) in a multi-image HUD system embodiment of the present invention, facing outward from the surface of the imaging; A diagram showing odd rows of pixels having an output for generating a first project to be generally projected, and an even row of pixels having an output for generating a second project to be generally projected to a certain downward direction with respect to the first image.
11C and 11D are front and side views, respectively, of the solid state emission pixel array imager in the multi-image HUD system embodiment of the present invention, wherein the solid state emission with the output to produce the second image described above. A diagram showing pixels in an upper region of a pixel array imager (i.e., a display element) and pixels in the lower region of a solid state emitting pixel array imager having an output to produce the above-described first image.
12 illustrates multiple ray paths of an embodiment of a multi-image HUD system of the present invention.
FIG. 13 illustrates the nominal positions of near field virtual images and remote field virtual images in a small volume package in a multi-image HUD system embodiment of the present invention installed on a dashboard of a small vehicle.
FIG. 14 is a side view of a display device of the present invention having a plurality of non-telecentric refractive micro optical elements. FIG.
FIG. 15 is a side view of the display elements of the present invention with multiple tilted refractive micro optical elements. FIG.

Reference in the following detailed description of the invention to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. . The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

A new class of emission micro-scale pixel array imaging has recently been introduced. These devices feature high brightness, very fast multi-color light intensity, and spatial modulation in a single, compact device size that includes all the necessary image processing drive circuitry. Solid state light (SSL) emitting pixels of one such device are light emitting diodes whose on-off state is controlled by a drive circuit contained in a CMOS chip (or device) to which the micro-scale pixel array of the imaging device is attached. (LED) or laser diode (LD). The size of the pixels with such an array of emitters of devices is typically in the range of approximately 5-20 microns, and the typical emission surface area of the device is in the range of approximately 15-150 square millimeters. The pixels in the emissive micro-scale pixel array device are typically individually addressable spatially, colored and temporally via the drive circuitry of their CMOS chip. The brightness of the light generated by such a phaser device can reach several hundred thousand cd / m ² with significantly lower power consumption. One example of such devices is QPI® missing phases (see references [1-7]), which is mentioned in the example embodiment described below. However, it should be understood that the QPI® phaser is merely an example of various types of devices that can be used in the present invention ("QPI" is a registered trademark of Ostendo Technologies, Inc.). Thus, reference to QPI imaging in the following description is intended to be specific to the embodiments disclosed as one specific example of a solid state emission pixel array imaging (hereinafter simply referred to as "imaging") that can be used. It is to be understood that this is for purposes of illustration only and not for purposes of limitation of the invention.

The present invention combines the novel sputtering injection pupil HUD system architecture with the unique functionality of such a convoluted emitting micropixel array device, making it easy for applications where cost and volume constraints are most important, such as for example automotive HUDs. It realizes a low cost, small modular HUD (MHUD) system that can be used. The combination of an emission high brightness micro emitter pixel array, such as a QPI imaging, and the split exit pupil HUD architecture of the present invention, works effectively in high brightness ambient sunlight, while providing a wide range of sizes and A volume of HUD system that is small enough to be installed behind a dashboard or instrument panel of types of vehicles is possible (the word "vehicle" as used herein is most commonly used and allows someone to be placed on the ground, on the water, underwater and in the air. Including any means for moving someone, including but not limited to moving). The low cost and modularity of the split injection pupil HUD architecture made possible by such a finding allows for a modular HUD system that can be customized to meet the wide volume constraints of vehicles. The advantages of the split injection pupil HUD system will become apparent from the detailed description provided herein within the context of the embodiments described below.

2 is a conceptual diagram of a modular HUD (MHUD) system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment, the MHUD system 200 of the present invention consists of an MHUD assembly 210, which is assembled together to form the MHUD 210. Consists of a plurality of modules 215, each module 215 consists of a single imager with associated optics 220 and concave mirror 230. As shown in FIG. 2, the image emitted from each single imaging with associated optics 220 is collimated, enlarged and reflected by its associated concave mirror 230, and partially over the vehicle windshield 240. Reflected to form a virtual image 260 that can be seen in an eye-box segment 255 disposed at the nominal head position of the vehicle driver (operator). As shown in FIG. 2, each module 215 of the MHUD assembly 210 is at the same location from the vehicle windshield 240, each at its corresponding eye-box segment 255 and at any point in time. Placed to form the same virtual image 260, such that multiple modules 215 of MHUD assembly 210 collectively form an aggregated eye-box 250 of MHUD system 200. That is, the virtual image 260 may be partially visible from each of the eye-box segments 255, but may be viewed in its entirety in the aggregated eye-box 250. Thus, the overall size of the eye-box segments 255 of the MHUD system 200 can be customized by selecting an appropriate number of modules 215 with the MHUD assembly 210, with the eye-box segments. The number of modules is user definable. Each of the modules 215 of the MHUD assembly 210 are arranged to form the same virtual image at any point in time, but these images will naturally change over time, for example, the fuel gauge image will change slowly, but yes For example, the display of a GPS navigation system display image will change more quickly, which is so that if the image data of a typical video rate is available, the MHUD system 200 of the present invention will at least frequency up to that video rate. Even if it works as well.

In a preferred embodiment of the MHUD system 200, the eye-box segments 255 of the modules 215 of the MHUD assembly 210 are light ray reflected by their corresponding concave mirror 230. each of which is placed in the exit pupil of the bundle). The aggregate eye-box 250 of the MHUD system 200 is, in fact, a split injection pupil eye formed by an overlap of the eye-box segments 255 of the modules 215 of the MHUD assembly 210. It's a box. This split pupil injection design method of the present invention will be described in further detail below.

In a preferred embodiment, the MHUD assembly 210 of the MHUD system 200 of the present invention consists of a plurality of modules 215 assembled together to form the MHUD assembly 210, each module 215. ) Consists of an imaging device such as a QPI® imaging with associated optics 220 and a concave mirror 230 or another suitable light emitting structure such as an OLED device. Hereinafter, the method of designing the MHUD assembly 210 of the MHUD system 200 of this embodiment of the present invention and its respective modules 215 are related advantages and related design parameters of the MHUD system 200 of the present invention. Following the description of the tradeoff) will be described in more detail.

MHUD System 200 Optical Design Parameter Tradeoffs

In order to recognize the advantages of the MHUD system 200 of the present invention, it is believed that it is important to describe the relationship between the underlying design tradeoffs of typical HUD systems and their associated design parameters. The virtual images generated by the HUD system provide important information such as, for example, navigational information and also manipulate the vehicle while keeping the driver's vision and attention away from the vehicle's exterior or roads, for example. It is superimposed on the natural scene so that the viewer can visually recognize the vehicle motion parameters. Important parameters to consider in the design of the HUD system include the target size of the aggregated eye-box, the desired field of view (FOV), the virtual image size formed, the virtual image resolution and system volume constraints. The relationship between these design parameters and constraints is shown in FIG. 3.

How Modular HUD (MHUD) of the Invention Realizes Volume Reduction

Referring to FIG. 3, the reduction in the size of the imager 200 of the MHUD system 200 results in a smaller effective focal length (EFL), which is the characteristic optical track length of the system. And overall system volume reduction. However, if the eye-box size is maintained, a reduction in the number of phases results in a lower system (F / #) that is accompanied by an increase in optical complexity. This results in a larger system overall. Referring to the concept of the MHUD system 200 shown in FIG. 2, the size of the eye-box segment 255 of each module 215 is adjusted according to the size of the recess 220 to avoid an increase in optical complexity. . Accordingly, adjustment of the volume ratio of each of the modules 215 according to the size of the phase 220 is made. Multiple modules 215 are combined to form an MHUD assembly 210 that can provide an aggregated eye-box 250 of any size. This novel multi-segmented eye-box design concept of the MHUD system 200 of the present invention is realized by dividing the exit pupil of the system formed in the viewer's eye-box into multiple segments, each segment of the present invention. Corresponds to one of the eye-box segments 255 having an aggregated eye-box 250 of the MHUD system 200. This split injection pupil design method of the MHUD system 200 of the present invention thus achieves a smaller volume in overall volume than prior art HUD systems that provide eye-boxes of the same size. Accordingly, the overall HUD volume, complexity, and cost are preferably reduced. Other advantages of the disclosed split injection pupil design method of the MHUD system 200 of the present invention will be described below. Of course, each module is emitting the same image at any point in time, so the vehicle operator is the same at the same location, regardless of which eye-box segment 255 or eye-box segments 255 the operator sees. You will see a virtual image.

In [8-10] the main contributor to the volume of the prior art HUD system using mirror reflectors was identified as concave mirror. In addition to the large size of the mirror itself, a large size that forms a medium sized projected image on a diffused screen or adds a much larger volume incorporating projector imaging and associated projection optics, such as an LCD panel. The size of the image source, which determines the use of phases, also increases in proportion. As noted above, the MHUD system 200 of the present invention is a smaller sized concave mirror assembled together to form the total reflector 235 of the MHUD assembly 210 which is much smaller in size and much smaller in optical track length. By using an MHUD assembly 210 consisting of a number of modules each using 230, a substantially smaller volume is achieved in terms of volume than prior art HUD systems using a single concave mirror as the main reflector. The MHUD assembly 210 using the smaller aperture size phaser 220 has a smaller optical track length, resulting in a MHUD system 200 having a substantially smaller volume and efficient in volume. It allows the use of concave mirrors 230 of small aperture size.

The design of the MHUD system 200 of the present invention typically employs a large collimation beam generated by a single large mirror, in an exemplary embodiment, three equally sized collimation sub-beams. by dividing into sized collimated sub-beams). Each sub-beam is generated by the optical sub-system of module 215. As a result, the optical complexity and focal length (EFL) (or optical track length) of the F / # is reduced, resulting in a reduction in the system's physical volumetric envelope. 4 is an optical design and ray trace diagram of module 215 with MHUD assembly 210. As shown in FIG. 4, the module 215 of the preferred embodiment is composed of one imaging and associated optics 220 and concave mirror 230. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the optics 420 associated with the imager 410 are shown as individual lens optics, but in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the imager associated optics 420 are imager 410. It can be attached directly over the top of the emitting surface of the to form an integrated imaging assembly 220. As shown in FIG. 4, in each module 215, the reflective concave mirror 230 magnifies and collimates the image generated by its corresponding imaging phase (or other imaging phase) 220, While forming one eye-box segment 255 of the aggregated eye-box 250, the optical element 420 associated with the phaser 410 of FIG. 4 is oblique aberration arising from the reflective concave mirror 230. balances tilting aberration with off-axis distortion.

5 shows the optical performance of module 215 of MHUD assembly 210. As shown in FIG. 5, the role of the optical element 420 associated with the phaser 410 is reflective concave to minimize the image swimming effect while maintaining the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) at a sufficiently high level. This is to maintain a balance between tilting aberration and off-axis distortion generated from the shaped mirror 230. For completeness, typically the optical distortion caused by mirror aberrations causes image swimming effects due to variations in the direction of light incident into the viewer's pupils, and the viewer's head moves around in the HUD system eye-box. This results in a perceived false motion of the virtual image depending on the motion (or gaze) (known as the "swimming effect") (Ref. [6]). In binocular optical systems such as the HUD, minimizing the swimming effect is very important because, in extreme cases, excessive swimming effects in virtual images may result in vestibular aspects of the human visual and cognitive system and oculo. motor can cause motion sickness, dizziness, or nausea caused by a conflict between flanks (Refs. [16, 17]).

Another advantage of the split exit pupil method of the MHUD system 200 of the present invention is that the swimming effect is substantially reduced compared to prior art HUD systems using a single mirror with larger optical apertures. The aberration of the smaller optical aperture of the reflective concave mirror 230 is much smaller than that of the relatively large optical aperture reflective mirror used in the prior art single mirror HUD system. Since the swimming effect is directly proportional to the magnitude of the optical distortion (or ray direction deviation) caused by the aberration generated from the HUD reflective mirror, the concave mirror 230 of the many smaller optical apertures of the MHUD system 200 of the present invention. ) Achieve significantly smaller swimming effects compared to prior art HUD systems. Furthermore, due to the angular overlap between the eye-box segments 255 of the MHUD modules 215 (as described in detail in the description of FIG. 8), the recognition of any point in the virtual image 260 is a large number of. It will include optical contributions from the MHUD modules 215. As a result, optical distortion (or ray direction deviation) caused by aberrations of the individual concave mirrors 230 of the multiple MHUD modules 215 is likely to be averaged at any point of the virtual image 260, This reduces the overall swimming effect perceived by the viewer of the MHUD system 200.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the phaser 220 of the MHUD assembly 210 has a higher resolution than the Human Visual System (HVS) can resolve, and the added resolution is concave mirrors 230. It is used for digital image warping pre-compensation of residual optical distortion caused by aberrations arising from In a typical HUD viewing experience, the virtual image is formed at a distance of approximately 2.5m. The lateral acuity of the HVS is approximately 200 micro radians. At such a distance, the HUV can resolve approximately 2500 x 0.002 = 0.5 mm pixels, which is equivalent to approximately 450 x 250 pixel resolution for a virtual image 260 with a 10 "diagonal. Exemplary MHUD assembly 210 The imagers 220 used in the can have the same size of optical aperture, and can provide a resolution much higher than this limit, such as, for example, 640 × 360 resolution or 1280 × 720 resolution. The imagers 220 providing a high resolution enable the use of concave mirrors 230 with optical apertures of the same size, thus maintaining an advantage in the volume of the MHUD assembly 200. The added resolution of the image formations 220 results in optical distortion resulting from aberrations of the concave mirrors 230 and consequently, while maintaining the advantages in the same volume and the maximum achievable resolution in the virtual image 260. foot The swimming effect allows access to virtually eliminate the digital pre-distortion compensation to image.

Each of the reflective concave mirrors 230 is an aspherical surface in which an aspherical or free-form element of the concave mirror 230 is selected to minimize optical aberration of the concave mirror 230 and minimize curvature of the windshield if necessary. may be aspheric or free-form. Each position of the imagers 220 is preferably their associated concave to ensure optimally balanced (somewhat identical) aberration at adjacent edges of any two of the concave mirrors 230. Note that it is axially symmetric about the mirror 230. This is an important design aspect of the MHUD system 200 of the present invention, because it is a virtual image 260 between multiple eye-box segments 255 of the aggregate eye-box 250 of the MHUD system 200. This is because it guarantees a uniform viewing transition of.

6 shows a multi-view perspective view of the MHUD assembly 210. As shown in FIG. 6, the MHUD assembly 210 consists of three reflective concave mirrors 230 assembled together in an enclosure 600. The three concave mirrors 230 may be manufactured separately and then installed together in the enclosure 600 or may be manufactured as a single part and then installed in the enclosure 600. The three concave mirrors 230 may be manufactured using embossed polycarbonate plastic, whether individually assembled or as a single optical part, and then the optical surface is sputtered Using the sputter technique, it can be coated with a thin layer of reflective metal such as silver or aluminum. As shown in FIG. 6, the rear sidewall of the enclosure consists of three separate sections 610, each comprising an optical window 615, the optical window comprising rear sidewall sections 610. Are assembled with their respective concave mirrors 230, they are aligned with the optical axis of their respective concave mirrors 230. As shown in the side perspective view of FIG. 6, each upper edge 617 of the rear sidewall sections 610 is inclined toward the concave mirror 230, thus tilting the rear sidewall sections 610. The imagers 220 mounted on the edge surface 617 can be aligned with the optical axis of their respective concave mirror 230.

As shown in the rear side view perspective of FIG. 6, the rear sidewall sections 610 are assembled together on one side of the back plate 630 and on the opposite side of the back plate 630 the MHUD assembly. A control and interface electronic component (printed circuit board 620) of 210 is mounted. In addition, the rear plate 630 includes thermal cooling fins to dissipate heat generated by the interface electronic component element 620 of the MHUD assembly 210 and the phaser 220. As shown in the back perspective view of FIG. 6, each of the phasers 220 is typically on a flexible electrical board 618 that connects the phaser 220 to the control and interface electronic component 620. It is mounted.

As shown in the back perspective of FIG. 6, the centers of the interface edges of each pair of rear sidewall sections 610 and concave mirrors 230 are photo detectors (PD) 640. And typically include photo-diodes, each of which is arranged and oriented to detect light emitted from the imaging phases 220 into their respective concave mirror 230. Typically, three photo-diodes are used in each module, one for each color of light emitted. The outputs of the photodiodes PD, 640 are connected to the control and interface electronics 620 of the MHUD assembly 210 and have a uniformity control loop implemented within the hardware and software design elements of the interface electronics 620. It is used as input to the uniformity control loop (described below). Typically, the output of the ambient light detector sensor 660, which is an integral part of dashboard brightness control of most vehicles, is provided as input to the control and interface electronics 620 of the MHUD assembly 210.

The control and interface electronics 620 of the MHUD assembly 210 are shown in the block diagram of FIG. 7, including the MHUD interface function 710, the control function 720, and the uniformity loop function 730. Hardware and software devised functional elements. Typically implemented in a combination of hardware and software, the MHUD interface function 710 of the control and interface electronics 620 of the MHUD assembly 210 receives image inputs 715 from the driver assistance system (DAS) of the vehicle. Receive and incorporate the color and luminance correction 735 provided by the control function 720 into the image, and then provide image inputs 744, 745, and 746 to the imager 220 of the MHUD assembly 210. . Although the same input image 715 data is provided to the three imagers 220 of the MHUD assembly 210, the MHUD interface function 710 receives the color and luminance received from the control function 720. Based on the correction 735, in their respective image inputs 744, 745, 746, the color and luminance corrections specified for each phaser 220 are incorporated.

In order to ensure color and luminance uniformity across the multiple segments 255 of the aggregated eye-box 250, the uniformity loop function 730 of the control and interface electronics 620 is the MHUD assembly 210. Receive input signals 754, 755, 756 from photo detectors PD, 640 of each module 215 of, calculate the color and luminance associated with each module 215 of MHUD assembly 210, Compute the color and luminance corrections needed to make the luminance more uniform across multiple segments 255 of the aggregated eye-box 250. This is accomplished with the aid of an initial calibration look-up table that is stored in the memory of the control and interface electronics 620 executed when the MHUD assembly 210 was initially assembled. The color and luminance corrections calculated by the uniformity loop function 730 are provided to the control function 720, which controls the ambient light sensor 650 and the external color and brightness adjustment input command ( The input received from 725 is combined with these corrections to produce color and luminance corrections 735, which are combined with the image data by the MHUD interface function 710, and then the corrected image data is It is provided to imagers 220 as image inputs 744, 745, 746. In incorporating the input received from the ambient light sensor 650 into color and luminance correction, the control function 720 adjusts the luminance of the virtual image of the head-up display in proportion to or in relation to the vehicle external light luminance. do. Image data as used herein means any form of image information, whether received as input to a head-up display, provided in phases, or in any other form.

As previously described, one embodiment of the MHUD system 200 uses an imager 220 having a resolution higher than the maximum HVS resolvable resolution in the virtual image 260, and the image for the imager 220. And means for removing or substantially reducing optical distortion and swimming effects caused by digitally distorting the input. The MHUD interface function 710 of the MHUD assembly 210 of the MHUD system 200 of the embodiment includes a plurality of lookup tables, each lookup table preliminary to residual optical distortion of the concave mirrors 230. And data identifying the digital image distortion parameters required to compensate. These parameters are used by the MHUD interface function 710 so that the image data input to each of the imager 220 precompensates the residual distortion of their corresponding concave mirror 230, the imager Each digital image input of 220 is distorted. Digital image warping parameters included in the look-up table of the MHUD interface function 710 are preliminarily generated from the optical design simulation of the MHUD assembly 210 and are based on optical measurements based on measurements of the residual optical distortion of each module 215. Powered by data, this is done after the digital image distortion pre-compensation is applied by the MHUD interface function 710. The digitally warped image data is thus combined with the color and luminance correction 735 provided by the control function 720, and then the color and luminance corrected and distortion pre-compensated image data is obtained from the MHUD assembly 210. Provided as these are image inputs 744, 745, 746. With this design of the MHUD system 200, the residual optical distortion caused by the concave mirror 230 and the resulting swimming effect are substantially reduced or eliminated together, thereby realizing the distortion-free MHUD system 200. .

As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 6, on the upper side of the MHUD assembly 210, it acts as an optical interface window of the MHUD assembly 210 at the upper surface of the vehicle dashboard, and the solar thermal load at the recess 220. There is a glass cover 430 that functions as a filter to attenuate the solar infrared radiation to prevent it. The glass used should be chosen to be substantially transparent to the wavelength of the light of interest.

The devising method of the MHUD assembly 210 utilizes the characteristics of the HVS to simplify the devise implementation and assembly tolerance of the MHUD assembly 210. First, in viewing the virtual image, the eye pupil with a diameter of approximately 5 mm and the resulting lateral intelligibility are about 1 mm wide enough to be indistinguishable between the concave mirrors 230 of the MHUD assembly 210. Allow a small gap to reach this. Second, the eye angular difference accommodation limit of approximately 0.5 degrees allows a small angular tilt that can reach approximately 0.15 degrees between the concave mirrors 230 of the MHUD assembly 210. do. The allowance of these slopes and gaps account for the significantly relaxed mechanical alignment tolerance requirements for the concave mirror 230 of the MHUD assembly 210 and, therefore, provides a very cost effective manufacturing and assembly approach to the MHUD assembly 210. Make it possible. Any additional tilt and / or alignment requirements can typically be easily adjusted by software.

8 illustrates a novel split eye-box design method of the MHUD system 200 of the present invention. 8 is to show the relationship between the aggregated eye-box 250 and the virtual image 260 of the MHUD system 200. Also shown in FIG. 8 is an exemplary object 810 shown as an arrow on the virtual image 26, displayed by the MHUD system 200. In the design of the MHUD system 200, each of the eye-box segments 255 is typically disposed in the exit pupil of its respective module 215. As a result, within each eye-box segment 255 image information shown to the viewer's eye will be in that angular space. Thus, typically, when the head of the viewer is placed in the central area of each eye-box segment 255, the arrow object (in the virtual image 260), which is shown separately to the viewer in each eye-box segment 255, 810 is fully visible to the viewer, but the tip or end of the arrow object 810 of the virtual image 260 moves the viewer's head to the right or left of the eye-box segment 255, respectively. When gradually vignetted (or faded out). In the design of the MHUD system 200, if the modules 215 are integrated together into the MHUD assembly 210 shown in the perspective view of FIG. 6, the eye-box segments 255 of the modules 215 are shown in FIG. 8. As shown, they overlap, creating an aggregated eye-box 250 of the MHUD system 200. Thus, the aggregated eye-box 250 of the MHUD system 200 is formed by the overlap of the exit pupil regions forming the eye-box segments 255 of the plurality of modules 215 and, thus, the aggregated eye. Image information shown in the viewer's eye in box 250 is an angularly multiplexed view of the virtual image 260 extending over the combined angular field of view (FOV) of the MHUD modules 215. do. As shown in FIG. 8, the arrow object 810 of the virtual image 260 is completely within the overlap region of the eye-box segments 255 that define the aggregated eye-box 250 of the MHUD system 200. Visible, and the arrow object 810 of the virtual image 260 is gradually vignetted when the head of the viewer is moved to the right or left of the peripheral regions of the aggregated eye-box 250, respectively.

The size of the overlap between the eye-box segments 255 of the modules 215 is governed by their angular vignetting profiles 820 in FIG. 8, and the aggregate eye-of the MHUD system 200. Determine the ultimate size of box 250. The latter is defined as the aggregated eye-box 250 region boundaries or dimensions within which the virtual image 260 can be fully viewed with the desired luminance uniformity. 8 shows the resulting angular vignetting profile shield of the MHUD assembly 210 over the entire area of overlapping eye-box segments 255 of modules 215. As shown in FIG. 8, the luminance of the virtual image 260 perceived by the viewer includes the luminance contribution of Λ _R , Λ _C and Λ _L (left, center and right) from the respective modules 215. . The criterion defining the boundaries of the aggregated eye-box 250 is the overlap region A of the eye-box segments 255, within which the luminance λ of the virtual image 260 is given a threshold λ (eg For example, less than 25%). That is, Var _A (Λ _R + Λ _C + Λ _L Is the desired uniformity threshold. Perceived brightness across the virtual image 260, in accordance with this criterion that defines the overlap of the eye-box segments 255 of the modules 215 shown in FIG. 8 and the boundaries of the aggregated eye-box 250. Includes at least 50% of the contribution from one of the modules 215. This means that anywhere within the boundaries of the aggregated eye-box 250 defined by the criteria described above, each module 215 contributes at least 50% of the perceived luminance of the virtual image 260. . Due to this design of the MHUD system 200, the desired luminance uniformity of the virtual image 260 is a criterion for defining the size of the aggregated eye-box 250. This design criterion is shown in the design example of FIG. 8 using the uniformity threshold λ = 25% to create a 120 mm wide aggregated eye-box 250. As shown in FIG. 8, if the uniformity threshold λ = 37.5% is used, an aggregated eye-box 250 is defined that is approximately 25% wider in approximately 150 mm dimensions.

As shown in FIG. 8, in an eye-box segment region extending beyond the right and left sides of the aggregated eye-box 250 of the MHUD system 200, as the head of the viewer moves into this region, The arrow object 810 gradually becomes vignetted or disappears. By way of the design of the MHUD system 200, the addition of the module 215 to the right or left side of the MHUD assembly 210, shown in FIG. 6, is defined as previously defined design criteria by the MHUD system. Extending the lateral width of the aggregated eye-box 250 to the right or left of 200, where the arrow object 810 of the virtual image 260 can be seen completely with the desired luminance uniformity. The addition of another row of modules 215 to the MHUD assembly 210 causes a similar effect in the vertical direction to extend the height of the aggregated eye-box 250. Thus, by this modular design method of the MHUD system 200 of the present invention, by adding more modules 215 to the MHUD assembly 210, an arbitrary sized aggregate eye with optional width and height dimensions can be made. Box 250 can be realized.

In essence, the split ejection pupil modular design of the MHUD system 200 of the present invention is characterized by a plurality of concave mirrors 230 and concavities 220 each having a relatively small aperture and achieving a short optical track length. This makes it possible to use and replaces a much larger optical source and a single mirror of much longer optical length than those used in prior art HUD systems. Thus, the small aperture imagers 220 and the concave mirrors 230 of the MHUD modules 215 collectively utilize a large single image source and a single mirror to achieve an eye-box of the same size. Substantially smaller volumes can be achieved than can be achieved by prior art HUD systems. In addition, the size of the achieved aggregated eye-box 250 of the MHUD system 200 can be adjusted by using an appropriate number of modules 215 as the basic design elements. Conversely, the volume of the MHUD system 200 achieves an aggregated eye-box 250 of a larger size than can be achieved by a prior art HUD system that can fit into the same available volume, It can be matched with the volume available in the vehicle dashboard area.

To illustrate the advantages in volume of the MHUD system 200 of the present invention, the perspective view of FIG. 6 achieves a 120 × 60 mm aggregate eye-box 250 based on a luminance uniformity threshold of λ = 25%. For example, the design dimensions of the MHUD assembly 210 are shown using three imagers 220 each having an optical aperture size of 6.4 × 3.6 mm and two concave mirrors each having an optical aperture size of 60 × 100 mm. . Based on the design dimensions shown in FIG. 6, the overall capacity of the MHUD assembly 210 may be approximately 1350 cc (1.35 liters). In comparison, the total capacity of a prior art HUD system using a single large aperture mirror and a single large image source to achieve the same eye-box size can be up to 5000 cc (5 liters). Thus, the method of designing the MHUD system 200 of the present invention makes it possible to achieve a HUD system having a volume efficiency (or smaller) of 3.7 times or more than the prior art HUD system. To see the advantages in this volume, FIG. 9 shows the volume of the MHUD assembly 210 design example shown in FIG. 6 installed on the dashboard of a small vehicle. As shown in Figure 9, an efficient design in the volume of the MHUD system 200 of the present invention is the addition of HUD functionality in a vehicle with a very constrained dashboard volume that the prior art HUD system simply cannot adjust. To be made.

10 shows a ray path of the MHUD system 200. As shown in FIG. 10 and described previously, and as shown in FIG. 2, the three imagers 220 with the MHUD assembly 210 are each of the same resolution (eg, 640 × 360 pixels). After the three images are reflected by three of their respective concave mirrors 230, the entire 120 × 60 mm set eye-box 250 of the design example described above is angled. And address 640 x 360 spatial resolution throughout the 125 x 225 mm virtual image 260 of the design example described above. In FIG. 10, design requirements for generating a luminance of 10,000 cd / m ^{2 in} the virtual image 260 are shown. By typical windshield reflectivity of approximately 20% and the boundary definition criteria of the aggregated eye-boxes 250 described above, each of the three phases 200 produces a luminance of approximately 25,000 cd / m ² . Even less, all of the control and interface electronics 620 of the MHUD assembly 210 and the three imagers 22 consume a total of approximately 2 W to produce a luminance of 25,000 cd / m ² , which is known in the art. Is approximately 25% of the power consumption of the HUD system.

Referring to the MHUD system 200 performance shown in FIG. 5, the encircled energy plot of FIG. 5 shows the geometric blur of the collimated light beam from the optical aperture of the concave mirror 230 of size 180 microns. It represents the geometrical blur radius. According to an example of the designation of each of the modules 215 shown in FIG. 6 with an effective focal length of 72 mm, the 180 micron blur size indicated in the encircled energy diagram of FIG. 5 is determined by each module 215. An angular spread of 0.143 degrees is provided for the light beam originating at the pixel of 220 and collimated by its corresponding concave mirror 230. The swimming effect (MTF) associated with the angular spread of 0.143 degrees over the entire beam width from pixel whole resolution is determined by the effective beam width sampled by the pupil size. The MTF plot of FIG. 5 shows each MTF of modules 215 calculated for a typical eye pupil opening of 4 mm diameter. Smaller angle spreads result in a smaller swimming radius in the virtual image 260. For the virtual image 260 seen 2.5 m from the aggregate eye-box 250 of the MHUD system 200, the corresponding swimming radius for the MHUD system 200 design example would be 6.2 mm. Prior art HUD systems using a single mirror having an optical aperture size equal to the overall aperture size of the MHUD assembly 210 have an optical aperture approximately 2.4 times larger than the optical aperture of the module 215. Since the aberration blur size directly proportional to the cube of the aperture size (reference [18]), which can not be deliberately achieved by designed, fifth-order aberration (5 ^th order aberration) is larger than third order aberrations ^(3-th order If aberration occurs, a prior art single mirror HUD system with an optical aperture size equal to the overall aperture size of the MHUD assembly 210 design example may have a corresponding swimming radius of approximately 14.3 mm, but otherwise Otherwise, the prior art single mirror HUD system will typically have a corresponding swimming radius of approximately 39.7 mm, which is 6.2 times larger than the switching radius achieved by the design example of the MHUD system 200. It should also be noted that by the aberration precompensation method described above, the swimming radius of the MHUD system 200 can be greatly reduced or even completely eliminated below the above-described value of this design example.

10 shows a ray path of the MHUD system 200 with solar load. As shown in FIG. 10, the reverse optical path of sunlight hitting the windshield of the vehicle may reach the aggregated eye-box region, causing glare in the virtual image 260. In the design of the MHUD system 200 of the present invention, the amount of solar ray that can reach the collective eye-box 250 is much smaller than in the prior art HUD system. First, assuming that the optical transmission of windshield 240 is 80%, light rays from the sun are attenuated by windshield 240 up to 80% of its brightness. Second, the solar ray transmitted through the windshield 240 and reflected by one of the concave mirrors 230 toward its corresponding image formation 220 is directed towards the assembly of the concave mirrors 230. Prior to reflection, it is further attenuated by up to 5% of its brightness by an anti-reflective (AR) coating on the optical aperture of the imager 220. Third, this reverse path sunlight is further attenuated by up to 20% of its brightness when reflected by windshield 240 toward aggregate eye-box 250. As described above, modules hit by sunlight because the phaser 220 and concave mirror 230 of each module 215 contribute up to 50% to the brightness of the virtual image 260. Sun glare reflected from 215 will be further attenuated by 50% in the virtual image 260. Therefore, based on this path attenuation analysis, sunlight reaching the aggregated eye-box 250 is attenuated up to 0.4% of its brightness (much less than 1%). As the MHUD system 200 can produce 0.4% solar glare and luminance above 10,000 cd / m ² in the virtual image 260, the MHUD system 200 has a Unified Glare Rating (UGR) of approximately 28 dB. Solar brightness above 250,000 cd / m ² , which is equivalent to the glare ratio to image intensity, can be tolerated. The glass cover 430 is for infrared absorption, but is transparent to the light of the wavelengths used in the head-up display of the present invention, so that the sun loading heat is formed by the concave mirror 230 assembly ( 220) It should be noted that it does not concentrate behind.

In the above-described embodiment, multiple modules are arranged side by side to provide overlapping eye-box segments to provide an aggregated eye-box 250 that is wider than the eye-box segments 255 itself. However, if necessary, instead or in addition, the eye-box segments of modules 215 may also be stacked to provide a taller assembly eye-box 250, with all modules in the same location on the front of the vehicle. The modules can be arranged to display the same virtual image. The stack to provide the tall aggregate eye-box 250 is generally not a stack of modules, but rather a stack of eye-box segments is larger and substantially horizontal on the dashboard for additional modules because of the typical slope of the windshield. It should be appreciated that this can be achieved simply using the phosphorus region. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the image emitted from each single imaging with associated optics 220 is collimated, magnified and reflected by its associated concave mirror 230, and partially in vehicle windshields ( 240 to form a virtual image 260 visible within the eye-box segment 255 disposed at the nominal head position of the vehicle driver (operator). In some embodiments, the degree of collimation achieved by the concave mirror will not necessarily be perfect and will be intentionally set to limit how far in front of the vehicle the virtual image will be formed. In some examples, concave mirrors can be intentionally designed to distort the collimation to offset, in fact, the curvature of the windshield, any subsequent aberration, which is the most obvious example.

It has been described previously that off-axis distortion, oblique aberration, and color and luminance correction may be made in the control and interface electronics 620 of the MHUD assembly 210 of FIG. 2 (or see FIG. 6). Of course, the image segment from each module 215 or lateral position correction of each image may be made in the control and interface electronics 620 (or mechanically) such that the dual images or dual image portions are not displayed. . It should also be noted that "luminance correction" has at least two main aspects. The first and most obvious is to correct the brightness fluctuations between modules so that the image brightness (and color) from different modules do not differ from each other. Related to this, however, is the fact that image distortion and other factors can cause variations in the brightness of image parts within individual modules, in that changes in pixel spacing due to distortion can cause visual luminance aberrations. . Faced with this, since the luminance of each individual pixel in each module becomes individually controllable, if necessary, the pixel luminance is increased locally in the area where the pixel spacing is increased and in the area where the pixel spacing is reduced. May be reduced locally. Finally, a typical solid state emission pixel array imaging is not a square imaging, typically a rectangle of non-uniform dimensions. As a result, the choice of imaging phase can provide additional variables that can be useful in the design of the head-up display of the present invention.

Table 1 below shows the key performance characteristics of the QPI system based MHUD system 200 of a particular embodiment of the present invention, which show their performance advantages over prior art HUD systems, using a single large mirror and a single large image source. Indicates. As shown in Table 1, the split injection pupil MHUD system of the present invention outperforms the prior art HUD system by a number of factors within each performance category. In addition, because of its relaxed manufacturing tolerances and small size mirrors as described above, the MHUD system 200 of the present invention is expected to be much more cost effective than the prior art with comparable eye-box sizes.

Performance Comparison Parameter Prior art HUD * QPI Combat Based MHUD Color reproduction
(Ratio of NTSC) 80% 140%
Programmable Virtual image century 6,000 cd / m ² > 10,000 cd / m ² Contrast ratio 400: 1 > 100,000: 1 Power consumption
(Phase + drive electronic components) > 8W <2W Relative size
(HUD assembly) 100% <25% Aberration-induced swimming effect 100% <16%

* HUD of the prior art based on using a high brightness LCD panel as an image source

Near field  And Remote  email Image  Multi-image head-up display system

In many HUD system applications, the HUD system preferably displays a number of virtual images immediately in front of the viewer, while at the same time safe viewability of additional information while keeping the viewer's attention away from driving. It may be desirable to provide. In this context, multiple virtual images can be displayed by the HUD system, where, for example, the first virtual image is displayed remotely (this is typically employed in conventional HUD systems), The second virtual image is displayed at a short distance. Preferably, the HUD system viewer will be able to see the virtual images of both without having to turn his or her head off the road and while the driver keeps an eye on the driving situation.

In an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention of the present disclosure, the previously described split exit pupil design architecture includes a plurality of display elements 220 (ie, imaging and associated optics 220), as shown in FIG. 2. And each display element 220 is configured to modulate a plurality of images at different angles.

In one aspect of the multi-image head-up display system of the present invention, the system may comprise a plurality of modules 215, each of which is a solid state emitting pixel array imaging (ie, display element). 220 and the first and second virtual images generated by the solid state emission pixel array imager 220 can be viewed in the eye-box segment by collimating, enlarging and reflecting toward the vehicle windshield. And a concave mirror 230 configured to form second virtual images. Multiple modules may be combined such that the eye-box segments 255 provide a head-up display with a collective eye-box 250 larger than the eye-box segment 255 of each module 215. And the collective eye-box 250 is positioned at the nominal head position of the vehicle driver. In a first aspect of a multi-image head-up display system embodiment of the present invention, the solid state emission pixel array imager 220 includes a first set of pixels associated with a separate first set of micro-optic elements and a separate set of pixels. And a second set of pixels associated with two sets of micro optical elements. The first set of micro-optical elements is configured to direct the output from the individual first set of pixels to produce the first image described above, whereby it is visible at a first distance from the aggregation eye-box 250. The first virtual image is created. The second set of micro-optical elements is configured to direct the output from the individual second set of pixels to produce the above-described second image, thereby viewing at a second distance from the aggregation eye-box 250. A second virtual image is created. The micro-optical device may include non-telecentric lenses or non-telecentric optical elements configured to enable overall pixel output that is inclined to the surface of the solid state emission pixel array imaging unit 220.

In a first aspect of an embodiment of a multi-image head-up display system of the present invention, the first distance may be far and the second distance may be near. The first set of pixels may be a user defined first set of pixels of the solid state emitting pixel array imager 220, and the second set of pixels may be user defined first of the solid state emitting pixel array imagers 220. There may be two sets of pixels. The first set of pixels may be pixels in an odd numbered sequence of solid state emitting pixel array imager 220, and the second set of pixels may be pixels in an even numbered sequence of solid state emitting pixel array imager 220. The first set of pixels may be pixels in an even numbered sequence of solid state emitting pixel array imager 220, and the second set of pixels may be pixels in an odd numbered sequence of solid state emitting pixel array imager 220. The first set of pixels may be pixels having at least 50% of the pixel area of the solid state emitting pixel array imager 220, and the second set of pixels are residual pixels of the solid state emitting pixel array imager 220. It may be a balance of the area. The first set of pixels may be the upper region or upper portion of the solid state emitting pixel array imager 220, and the second set of pixels may be the lower region or lower portion of the solid state emitting pixel array imager 220. have.

11A and 11B and 11C and 11D show non-limiting examples of such multiple image light modulation display elements 220, which represent a predetermined set of 2D arrays of pixels on the display element 220. Each of a predetermined set of individual pixels, such as pixel rows or pixel columns, is a micro that directs or directional modulates the light emitted from each pixel in a predetermined unique direction. It is configured to include an optical element.

11A and 11B and 11C and 11D show examples in which the multi-image display element 220 is designed to modulate two images simultaneously, each of the first image and the second image being a surface of the display element 220. From different directions. When such display elements 220 are used within the context of the split exit pupil HUD design architecture of FIG. 2, the modulated first image (described above) is remote (eg, approximately) from the HUD system eye-box 250. 2.5m) produces a first virtual image that can be viewed, while the modulated second image produces a second virtual image that can be seen at a near (eg, approximately 0.5m). These two viewable virtual images can be modulated simultaneously by the multi-image split exit pupil HUD system, and the HUD system viewer can display two virtual images modulated by multiple display elements 220 of the split exit pupil HUD system. The first or second virtual images can be selectively viewed simply by redirecting his / her gaze in the plane of the vertical axis by an angle proportional to the angular slope (or separation) of the modulation direction of the images.

11A and 11B show multiple displays of a split exit pupil HUD system by allowing their optical apertures to be divided into two groups of display pixels, such as, for example, odd numbered display pixels and even numbered display pixels. A top view and a side view of a display element 220 in one embodiment of the invention in which the elements 220 are configured to modulate the first and second images is shown, where a group of pixels, ie , Pixels in the odd numbered sequence modulate the first image, while pixels in the second group, ie pixels in the even numbered sequence, modulate the second image. Such directional modulation function of the HUD system display elements 220 is a micro-optical element or a micro lens element associated with each of the image modulation pixel groups to directionally modulate the light emitted from their associated pixels in a predetermined image direction. Can be realized by devising them. For example, in the case shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the micro-optical elements associated with the pixels in the odd numbered rows direct light emitted from the pixels in the associated group to form the first image, while the even numbered. The micro-optic elements associated with the pixels of the row direct light emitted from the pixels of that group to form a second image. Although the rays are shown in parallel for each image in FIGS. 11A-11D, it should be understood that in fact they will be unfolded entirely from the phaser 220 to expand or enlarge the image size as needed. The pixel emission angles, as will be described in more detail below, can be enabled by the use of non-telecentric micro optical lens elements in the form of non-telecentric QPI® imaging.

In using the single image split ejection pupil HUD design architecture described previously, the multiple imagers 220 are the same 2 to ensure that two virtual images exist within the aggregate eye-box 250 of the split ejection pupil HUD system. It should be noted that each of the two images is modulated in a different direction, where each of the two resulting virtual images is modulated across the set eye-box 250 and viewed in different vertical (or azimuth) directions. .

In the preferred embodiment of the additional multi-image HUD system shown in FIGS. 11C and 11D, the plurality of display elements 220 of the split exit pupil multi-image HUD system, respectively, have two regions or regions of pixels. That is, in the illustrated example, it has an optical aperture divided into an upper region of pixels and a lower region of pixels. In this embodiment, two images that are modulated in different directions are each modulated by a single dedicated pixel region. For example, as shown in FIGS. 11C and 11D, the upper region of the pixels of the optical aperture of the display element 220 (which may be any user defined portion of the pixel set) is the first image defined above. In order to form the bottom portion of the pixels of the optical aperture of the display element 220, while having their micro-optical elements designed to direct light emitted from each of the pixels of the display element 220 with an upper area of pixels. The regions have their micro-optical elements designed to direct light emitted from each of the pixels of the display element 220 with the lower region of the pixels to form a second image as defined above. The pixel emission angles may be provided by the use of non-telecentric micro-optic elements in the form of non-telecentric imaging 220, as will be described in more detail below.

12 shows a preferred embodiment of the multi-image split injection pupil HUD system of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12, the plurality of display elements (imager) 220 each modulates two virtual images, wherein the first image is modulated in the upper direction and the second image is modulated in the lower direction. .

Multiple display elements 220 simultaneously modulate the first image and the second image to angularly fill the eye-box 250 of the multi-image split exit pupil HUD system, as shown in FIG. 8. Collimated light buldles with first and second images modulated (generated) by a number of display elements 220 are collimated by concave mirrors 230 and mounted on a windshield. After being reflected onto the eye-box 250 by two different inclination angles within the eye-box 250, the multi-image split ejection pupil HUD system viewer can thus be viewed as a remote field ( Focus on two independent and simultaneously modulated virtual images having a first virtual image visible at 260-1) and a second virtual image visible at near field 260-2. Angular separation in the vertical (azimuth) direction by an angle 220-3 proportional to the directional separation angle 220-4 between the two images modulated by the plurality of display elements 220. do.

The two virtual images are at different first and second virtual distances because their ray bundles are collimated at different levels (different degrees). The concave mirror 230 collimation is designed to achieve a far-field virtual image distance from the eye-box 250. As a specific example of a particular embodiment, the micro-optical elements of the non-telecentric QPI® phaser described below are designed to introduce additional collimation of light emitted from each pixel associated with the non-telecentric QPI® elements. . The combined collimation achieved by the cooperation of the non-telecentric micro-optic elements and the concave mirror 230 is the far-field virtual image distance and near-field virtual image from the eye-box 250. By achieving a near-field virtual image distance, a multi-image HUD can display both remote and near field virtual images simultaneously.

As shown in FIG. 13, the multi-image split exit pupil HUD system viewer is modulated by the HUD system by only redirecting his / her gaze in a vertical (azimuth) direction by an angle (220-3). One of the first and second virtual images can be viewed (focused). Since the two virtual images are independently and individually modulated by two separate groups of pixels with display elements (eg 220), each of the first and second images displayed to the viewer would be of interest to the viewer. Can contain different information.

FIG. 13 shows, in a non-limiting example, that the remote field virtual image is in focus of the viewer at a distance of approximately 2.5 m (approximately at the end of the front hood of the car), and the near field virtual image is approximately 0.5 m at the outside of the windshield of the car Lower edge) shows the nominal position of the first and second images modulated by the multi-image split exit pupil HUD system, which is focused on the viewer.

It should be noted that the HUD multi-image functions described do not preferably result in an increase in volume of the multi-image split ejection pupil HUD system shown schematically in FIG. 6. The interface 710, the control function 720, and the uniformity loop 730 of the display elements (imager) 220 remain unchanged as shown in FIG. 7.

The main differences in the contrast between the single image split injection pupil HUD system described and the implementation and design method of the multi-image split injection pupil HUD system are as follows.

1. The plurality of display elements (imagers) 220 has a function of modulating a plurality of images in different directions as described in the previous embodiment.

2. The vertical Field of View (FOV) of the multi-image split exit pupil HUD system is angularly divided into two directional regions, thereby allowing simultaneous modulation of two angularly spaced images.

3. Image input 715 to multiple display elements (images) 220 consists of two images, each of which is (digitally) addressed with the corresponding pixel group described in the previous embodiment.

In FIG. 14, non-telecentric micro-optical elements 1250-1 are realized as refractive optical elements (ROEs) and selected at an angle that is generally inclined relative to the surface of the display element 220. An example of the non-telecentric QP constellation described above is shown that can be used to direct light outputs to provide a near field virtual image.

In the embodiment of FIG. 14, the directional modulation side of the pixel level refractive non-telecentric micro-optic elements 1250-1 is formed by successive layers of dielectric material 1310 and 1320 with different refractive indices. It can be realized using a decentered micro lens 1250-1. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device 220 having a plurality of non-telecentric refractive micro-optical devices 1250-1. In this embodiment, the array of pixel level non-telecentric micro optical elements 1250-1 may be formed using, for example, semiconductor lithography, etching and deposition techniques. A plurality of layers of semiconductor dielectric material, such as silicon oxide for low index layer 1310 and silicon nitride for high index layer 1320, monolithically at the wafer level. Can be prepared. As shown in FIG. 14, the pixel level micro-optical elements 1250-1 of the array are realized using multiple layers, with dielectric materials 1310 and 1320 having different refractive indices being desired non-telephony. The refractive surface of the pixel level micro-optic elements 1250-1, where the refraction micro-lens element center position is gradually varied across the micro-lens array as required to obtain centric characteristics and image projection directions. Deposited continuously (sequential) to form.

In Fig. 15, an alternative example of the non-telecentric QPI® phaser described above is shown, where the non-telecentric micro-optical elements 1250-2 provide the desired non-telecentric properties and Realized as inclined refractive optical elements (ROEs) that gradually vary back across the micro-lens array as required to obtain the image projection direction, and generally with respect to the surface of the imaging phase 220. It can be used to direct selected pixel light outputs at an oblique angle to provide a near field or second image. In this embodiment, the directional modulation sides of the pixel level refractive non-telecentric micro optical elements 1250-2 are inclined micros formed by successive layers of dielectric material 1410 and 1420 having different refractive indices. It is realized using the lens 1250-2.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a display element 220 with a plurality of sloped refractive micro-optical elements 1250-2. In this embodiment, the array of pixel level non-telecentric micro-optic elements 1250-2 may be fabricated using semiconductor lithography, etching and deposition techniques, for example, Multiple layers of semiconductor dielectric material, such as silicon oxide for low index of refraction layer 1410 and silicon nitride for high index of refraction layer 1420, may be monolithically fabricated at the wafer level. As shown in FIG. 15, the array of pixel level non-telecentric micro optical elements 1250-2 is formed to form a refractive surface of the pixel level non-telecentric micro optical elements 1250-2. It is realized using multiple layers of dielectric material 1410, 1420 having different refractive indices, which are deposited successively (sequential).

Thus, the present invention has a number of aspects, each of which may be practiced alone or in various combinations or in sub-combinations as desired. For the purpose of illustration and not of limitation, specific preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed and described herein, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that those skilled in the art will, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by all the claims below. It will be appreciated that various changes in form and detail may be made.

Claims (9)

As a vehicle head-up display,
With multiple modules,
Each module
Solid state emissive pixel array imager; And
First and second virtual images arranged to collimate, magnify, and reflect the first and second images generated by the solid state emission pixel array imager toward the vehicle windshield, and are visible within the eye-box segment It has a concave mirror (concave mirror) to form a,
Multiple modules are arranged such that the eye-box segments are combined to provide a head-up display with an aggregated eye-box larger than each module's eye-box segment, the aggregate eye-box being the nominal head position of the vehicle driver. head position)
The solid state emission pixel array imaging machine includes a first set of pixels associated with the individual first set of micro optical elements, a second set of pixels associated with the second individual set of micro optical elements,
The first set of micro-optical elements is configured to project an image from the respective first set of pixels outwardly from the surface of the solid state emitting pixel array imager, whereby A first virtual image is created that is visible at the first distance,
The second set of micro-optical elements is configured to project an image from the individual second set of pixels in an inclined direction downward relative to the first image, thereby viewing at a second distance from the assembly eye-box. Where a second virtual image can be created
Head-up display.
The method of claim 1,
The first distance is far and the second distance is near
Head-up display.
The method of claim 1,
The first set of pixels consists of a user defined first set of pixels of the solid state emitting pixel array imager, and the second set of pixels comprises a user defined second set of pixels of the solid state emitting pixel array imager Consisting of
Head-up display.
The method of claim 1,
The first set of pixels consists of pixels in an odd numbered sequence of solid state emitting pixel arrays, and the second set of pixels consists of pixels in an even numbered sequence of solid state emitting pixel arrays
Head-up display.
The method of claim 1,
The first set of pixels consists of the even-numbered pixels of the solid state emitting pixel array imager, and the second set of pixels consists of the odd-numbered pixels of the solid state emission pixel array imager
Head-up display.
The method of claim 1,
The first set of pixels consists of pixels having at least 50% of the pixel area of the solid state emitting pixel array imager, and the second set of pixels consists of the remaining pixel areas of the solid state emitting pixel array imager.
Head-up display.
The method of claim 1,
The first set of pixels consists of an upper region of the solid state emitting pixel array imager, and the second set of pixels consists of a lower region of the solid state emitting pixel array imager
Head-up display.
The method of claim 1,
The number of i-box segments and modules is a user defined number of i-box segments and modules.
Head-up display.
The method of claim 1,
The first set of pixels consists of a user defined first set of pixels of the solid state emission pixel array imager, and the second set of pixels comprises a user defined second set of pixels of the solid state pixel array imager Wherein the number of i-box segments and modules is a user defined number of i-box segments and modules
Head-up display.

Images