Liquid crystal indicator can have thin structure, and has been used in a lot of application.Recently, developed large screen projection formula liquid crystal indicator.A kind of typical projection type liquid-crystal display device comprises enlarged image is projected to projecting lens on the screen.In addition, can come enlarged image with the optical element beyond the projecting lens.
For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No.5-188340 has announced a kind of projection type liquid-crystal display device, and it comprises liquid crystal indicator, be used to amplify Fenier lens and a screen of the image that liquid crystal indicator produces.In the case, this liquid crystal indicator also comprises convergence transmissive element array and screen.Each assemble transmissive element array all be suitable for forming one with the big or small identical upright real image of thing, and each Fenier lens all is used to amplify the image of auto-convergence transmissive element array.
These assemble transmissive element, be to be that the plastics or the glass of the transparent bar form of 1mm to 2mm is made by diameter, thereby the refractive index of each transparent bar is radially changed along it.By its length of suitable selection and index distribution, can assemble transmissive element with each and form upright real image with size identical with thing.A plurality of convergence transmissive elements are provided with in approximating mode, and the end surfaces of these elements is configured to delegation or in a plane, thereby form the convergence transmissive element of a delegation or an array.Assemble the transmissive element array, can be used as imaging device, be used to produce upright real image with size identical with thing.Compare with common spherical lens, adopt the imaging device of this convergence transmissive element array to have some advantages, promptly focal length is very very brief, and optical property is expert at or the plane on be uniformly, thereby do not need the distance between the lens is regulated.
Yet, when this convergence transmissive element array is used as imaging device, can not change the magnification of image, though can change the magnification that each assembles transmissive element by the length that changes element.This is that one is overlapped in the array inconsistently on one, and can not form normal image because each assembles the enlarged image that transmissive element produces.Therefore, convergence sees through element arrays and is merely able to be used as full-scale imaging device, and need provide a multiplying arrangement through outside the element arrays in convergence.
Japanese Examined Patent Publications (Kokoku) No.58-33526 and No.61-12249, announced a kind of imaging device, it comprises and assemble to see through element arrays and as the convex lens and the concavees lens of multiplying arrangement, these lens are set to be assembled the light incident side that sees through element arrays or penetrate side outward.Convex lens or concavees lens can be simple lens or the compound lens be made up of a plurality of lens elements, to realize desirable magnification.Yet, when being used in the liquid crystal indicator with multiplying arrangement, produced a problem to this imaging device, promptly the resolution of lens is assigned to the neighboring area from central division and is changed.
Have been found that if be under the condition of every millimeter four dialogue and stain, if resolution MTF greater than 50%, then can obtain good image at 4 (1p/mm).Yet, in above-mentioned prior art, be difficult to obtain to have image usually greater than 50% resolution MTF.Light need become the angle of about 10 degree with the normal with respect to LCD panel, by the neighboring area of LCD panel, to guarantee that resolution MTF is greater than 50%.Angle in the neighboring area is more little, and the magnification of device is more little.Its result adopting under the situation of convex lens or concavees lens with assembling through element arrays, can not realize having the liquid crystal indicator of thin structure, can provide the liquid crystal indicator with thin structure though assemble through element arrays itself.
Therefore, need a kind of amplifier element, it can use with assembling through element arrays, and it can realize having the liquid crystal indicator of thin structure.In above-mentioned Japanese-Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No.5-188340, announced with assembling to see through the Fenier lens that element arrays adopts, but in this prior art, do not announced the use-pattern of this Fenier lens.The inventor finds recently, if Fenier lens is used as amplifier element, can obtain good result.
Further, in liquid crystal indicator, a problem is, the brightness of image on the neighboring area of screen, and the image brightness with respect on the screen center zone has been reduced.
Purpose of the present invention provides a kind of Fenier lens, and it has such structure, promptly makes light incide on its surface with structure.
Another object of the present invention is the display device that has thin structure by Fenier lens suitably being set, providing.
Another object of the present invention provides a kind of display device, and wherein the brightness of screen is improved.
According to an aspect of the present invention, provide a Fenier lens, it comprises body, and this body has smooth surface and has the surface of structure and have periodic ridge.Each ridge all comprises smooth top-this top and smooth surface greater than upward extending abreast-and at least one inclined surface that extends to smooth surface from smooth top, and is arranged on the light shield layer on the smooth top of each ridge.
This smooth top preferably has the width that the position according to ridge changes.In the case, at least one inclined surface comprises a misunderstanding, and main inclined surface-it is set at a side on smooth top and obtains suitable design, so that the main secondary inclined surface on main inclined surface and the opposite side different with main inclined surface that is arranged on smooth top of light incides body.
The width on smooth top is preferably determined by following relation:
Wherein d is the width on smooth top, and p is the spacing of ridge, and r incides chief ray on the body and the angle between the axle, θ from main inclined surface
1Be the angle of main inclined surface with respect to smooth surface, and θ
2Be the angle of secondary inclined surface with respect to axle.
According to another aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of display device, it comprises: at least one picture regulator, convergence see through element arrays, and its receives light from described at least one picture regulator to form a upright real image; A Fenier lens, it comprises the body with flat surfaces and has the surface with structure of periodic ridge, this Fenier lens obtains suitable setting, thereby light is incided on the surface with structure of Fenier lens from assembling through element arrays; And, a screen, its receives through overconvergence and sees through element arrays and Fenier lens and from the light of described at least one picture regulator.
Each ridge preferably includes a smooth top and at least one inclined surface, and extend with flat surfaces abreast greater than last on this smooth top, and this inclined surface extends towards flat surfaces from smooth top; And on the smooth top of each ridge, provide a light shield layer.
These smooth tops preferably have the width that the position according to ridge changes.This at least one inclined surface preferably includes: a main inclined surface, and it is set at a side on smooth top and obtains suitable design, thereby light is mainly incided on the body from main inclined surface; And, a secondary inclined surface, it is set on the side different with main inclined surface of smooth top.
This at least one picture regulator preferably includes a plurality of LCD panel, and convergence sees through element arrays and Fenier lens is set on each LCD panel.Four groups of LCD panel preferably are set, assemble through element arrays and Fenier lens, and each group is set in each four/part of rectangular area, total viewing area of screen, the required viewing area of element arrays and Fenier lens reception image is big four times than seeing through from one group of LCD panel, convergence.
On the screen or near and in adjacent LCD panel, assemble to see through between element arrays and the Fenier lens group, be provided with dividing plate, scatter to the adjacent group from one group to prevent light.
Screen preferably has predetermined viewing area, and described at least one picture regulator has the main viewing area and the peripheral compensatory zone of suitable setting, thereby make main viewing area see through element arrays and Fenier lens and on predetermined viewing area, form an image, and peripheral compensatory zone see through element arrays and Fenier lens and form an image outside predetermined viewing area through overconvergence through overconvergence.The peripheral compensatory zone of described at least one picture regulator preferably is controlled, so that an image to be provided, the part of the image that this image provides with main viewing area near at least one picture regulator the peripheral compensatory zone substantially is identical substantially.
Between two adjacent lcd display boards, the described peripheral compensatory zone of a LCD panel is preferably controlled, so that an image to be provided, this image is identical substantially with the part of the image that main viewing area from adjacent LCD panel provides, and this LCD panel is near the peripheral compensatory zone of a described LCD panel.
According to a further aspect in the invention, provide a display device, it comprises: at least one picture regulator; Optical lens, the image output that is used to amplify described at least one picture regulator; A screen, be used to receive through described optical lens and from the image of described at least one picture regulator, this screen has predetermined viewing area, and described at least one picture regulator has the main viewing area and the peripheral compensatory zone of suitable setting, thereby make main viewing area on this predetermined viewing area, form an image, and described peripheral compensatory zone has formed an image through described optical lens outside this predetermined viewing area through described optical lens.
From below in conjunction with the description of accompanying drawing to most preferred embodiment, the present invention may be better understood.In the accompanying drawings:
Fig. 1 is the cut-open view of liquid crystal indicator according to an embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a planimetric map, has shown the setting of four LCD panel of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 A to 3C has shown the feature of assembling transmissive element of Fig. 1;
Fig. 4 has shown the propagation of light in assembling transmissive element;
Fig. 5 has shown the formation of upright real image, and this resembles has the size identical with thing;
Fig. 6 is the schematic isometric that the convergence of Fig. 1 sees through element arrays;
Fig. 7 has shown how imaging surface and resolution reduce;
Fig. 8 is the transverse sectional view of the Fenier lens of Fig. 1;
Fig. 9 is the partial plan of the Fenier lens of Fig. 8;
Figure 10 is the transverse sectional view of a part of the Fenier lens of Fig. 8 and 9;
Figure 11 is the transverse sectional view of traditional Fenier lens;
Figure 12 and Figure 10 are similar, but have comprised Several Parameters, are used to calculate the width of the light shield layer on the smooth top of the ridge on the surface with structure of Fenier lens;
Figure 13 is the planimetric map of the LCD panel of correction;
Figure 14 has shown the image that is produced by the main viewing area of LCD panel and peripheral compensatory zone;
Figure 15 has shown the image that is produced by two adjacent lcd display boards on screen;
Figure 16 has shown the image that is produced by main viewing area, and by the image of the peripheral compensatory zone of the LCD panel of Figure 15;
Figure 17 is the schematic transverse sectional view that similar liquid crystal indicator is set with Figure 13;
Figure 18 is a transverse sectional view, has shown the path from main viewing area and peripheral compensatory zone to the light of screen;
Figure 19 is a planimetric map, has shown a pixel on the screen;
Figure 20 is the planimetric map of several pixels of the image on the screen; And
Figure 21 has shown how the image brightness on the neighboring area of screen reduces.
Fig. 1 and 2 has shown according to liquid crystal indicator 10 of the present invention.Liquid crystal indicator 10 comprises four LCD panel 12, and these LCD panel 12 are set in each four/part of a rectangular area.Each LCD panel 12 comprises an effective viewing area 12a and is positioned at this effective viewing area 12a non-display area 12b on every side; This non-display area 12b is connected on the plate driving circuit or the like to drive needed to the liquid crystal on the plate.Therefore, on non-display area 12b, do not form image, and if directly see four LCD panel 12, discontinuous image just formed.This embodiment is by providing amplifier element, and realized the continuous multi demonstration from the discontinuous image of four LCD panel 12.
In Fig. 1, liquid crystal indicator 10 is included in the background light 14 on the rear side of plate 12, and is arranged on the convergence transmissive element array 16 on the front side of each plate 12.Each assembles the area that sees through element arrays 16, greater than the area of effective viewing area 12a, by the total area less than the plate 12 that comprises non-display area 12b.Each is assembled through element arrays 16 and can both form and the identical upright real image of thing size, the i.e. image of LCD panel 12 generations.
Liquid crystal indicator 10 comprises being separately positioned on assembles the Fenier lens 18 that sees through on the outgoing side of element arrays 16.Each Fenier lens 18 comprises a transparent body, and this transparent body has flat surfaces 18a and xsect is zigzag profiled surface 18b, and has concentric periodic ridge 19, shown in Fig. 8 and 9.In the present invention, Fenier lens 18 obtains suitable setting, thereby light is mainly incided on the profiled surface 18b of Fenier lens 18.In being provided with in Fig. 1, profiled surface 18b is facing to array 16.Flat surfaces 18a thereby be set on the light exit side.
Liquid crystal indicator 10 also comprises a screen 22, and it has the screen Fenier lens 20 on the front side of Fenier lens 18.Advance to screen 22 in the mode of dispersing from Fenier lens 18 emitted light beams, be not interrupted thereby the light beam that adjacent Fenier lens 18 is sent meets on screen 22.Therefore, watch the people of screen 22 can not see the non-display area 12b of LCD panel 12.LCD panel 12 is examples of visual modulating device, and the visual modulating device of other types (it merges light) also can adopt.
Array 16 comprises a plurality of convergence transmissive element 16a, and has shown a feature of assembling transmissive element 16a in Fig. 3 A to 3C.Assembling transmissive element 16a is made by the plastics or the glass of the transparent rod-type of diameter 1mm to 2mm.Refractive index in the element 16a body is along radially changing, shown in Fig. 3 C.The distribution of refractive index n (r), by following formulate:
N (r)=n
0(1-g
2r
2/ 2) wherein r is a distance apart from the longitudinal axis, n
0Be the refractive index on the longitudinal axis, and g is the distributed constant of refractive index.
Light enters from the end surfaces of assembling transmissive element 16a, and light to the higher part bending of its refractive index, thereby makes light advance along periodic serpentine path, as shown in Figure 4 by when assembling transmissive element 16a.Cycle P is represented by P=2/ π/g.If the length Z that assembles transmissive element 16a is according to concerning that P/2<Z<3P/4 selects, and then can form the upright real image with size identical with thing, as shown in Figure 5.Distance L is the distance between thing and the image.
Fig. 6 has shown such situation, promptly wherein assemble transmissive element 16a and arrange in the mode of close proximity each other, and their end surfaces is set on the line or plane in, thereby form array 16.Can form upright real image by array 16 with size identical with thing.Adopt to assemble the imaging device of the array 16 that transmissive element 16a forms, have the optical property advantage of uniform on focal length very short and line or the plane.Yet the array 16 of assembling transmissive element 16a composition can not change the magnification of image with respect to thing, though each magnification of assembling transmissive element 16a can change when the length of element 16 changes.This is because each enlarged image of assembling transmissive element 16a formation is superimposed on array 16 inconsistently each other, and does not form normal image on array 16.Therefore, the array 16 of assembling transmissive element 16a composition is merely able to be used as full-scale imaging device, and Fenier lens 18 is used as multiplying arrangement.
In this embodiment, the
effective coverage 12a of
LCD panel 12 is 211.2mm * 158.4mm, and required magnification (the area sum of the area of
effective coverage 12a and
inactive area 12 is divided by the area of
effective coverage 12a) is 1.09.For assembling
transmissive element 16a, refractive index n is 1.507, and the distributed constant g of refractive index is 0.1847, and length Z is 18.89mm, and diameter is 1.18mm.Amplify
Fenier lens 18 usefulness refractive indexes and be 1.494 propylene and make, and have that such radius-of-curvature-promptly wherein curvature of centre (cuy) is-0.00813668, the second order constant is-0.775202 * 10
-8, three rank constants are 0.318549 * 10
-13, the quadravalence constant is-0.720974 * 10
-19, and five rank constants are-0.717576 * 10
-25The light that sends from the outermost peripheral position of
Fenier lens 18 is 28.3 degree with respect to the angle of the normal of Fenier lens 18.Screen
Fenier lens 20 be used to assemble with respect to the various angles of parallel beam from amplifying the light beam that
Fenier lens 18 sends, and be to be that 1.537 MS makes by refractive index.Resolution MTF in this example shows in following table:
AEP(°) | MTF(%) |
| 2(1p/mm) | 4(1p/mm) |
28.3 | 89.7 | 64.0 |
In another embodiment, the shape of the profiled
surface 18b of
Fenier lens 18 has obtained change, thereby makes the angle (AEP) of the light that partly sends from the outermost peripheral of
Fenier lens 18 obtain changing.Check resolution MTF when changing angle (AEP).In this example, the refractive index n of assembling
transmissive element 16a is 1.505, and the distributed constant of refractive index g is 0.1847, and length Z is 18.895mm, and distance L is 20mm.The thickness of
Fenier lens 18 is 2mm, and refractive index is 1.494.
Fenier lens 18 is provided with in contact with the
array 16 of assembling
transmissive element 16a composition.In this is provided with, the curvature of
Fenier lens 18 is set to parabolical, thereby make the light beam (be called main beam) parallel with the outermost peripheral part outgoing of angle (AEP), and focus is on the position of the line by
Fenier lens 18 from
Fenier lens 18 with the optical axis of Fenier lens 18.Resolution MTF in this example is displayed in the following table.It should be noted that profiled
surface 18b is positioned at light incident side, and
flat surfaces 18a is positioned at light exit side.
AEP(°) | MTF(%) |
| 2(1p/mm) | 4(1p/mm) |
10 | 99.7 | 98.9 |
20 | 98.1 | 92.7 |
30 | 88.7 | 61.1 |
40 | 88.9 | 61.5 |
As from this table as seen, even in 40 angles of spending (AEP), the mtf value that is obtained is gratifying.Notice that this result obtains in such setting, promptly wherein profiled surface 18b is positioned at light incident side and flat surfaces 18a is positioned at light exit side.
We can say that image in one plane forms basically, yet the imaging surface is some bending.Therefore, if focus is in a position on the straight line at the center by Fenier lens 18, then the mtf value on peripheral position can reduce to some extent.In above-mentioned table, at (AEP) is the mtf value at 10 to 30 degree places, be when focus is in position on the straight line at the center by Fenier lens 18, to obtain, but spend the mtf value that angles (AEP) are located 40, thereby be the mtf value that makes Fenier lens 18 centers when focus is adjusted when equating, obtained with the mtf value that the outermost peripheral of Fenier lens 18 is partly located.
Following table has shown when
flat surfaces 18a is in light incident side and profiled
surface 18b and is in identical in light exit side and other condition and the above-mentioned example the best test result of the resolution MTF that is obtained.This result should be in the resolution MTF that obtains when light incident side and
flat surfaces 18a are in light exit side as the surperficial 18b that is shaped and compare.
AEP(°) | MTF(%) |
| 2(1p/mm) | 4(1p/mm) |
10 | 95.8 | 84.0 |
12 | 90.8 | 65.0 |
13 | 86.9 | 55.4 |
14 | 81.6 | 41.5 |
15 | 76.1 | 28.8 |
20 | 26.6 | 5.5 |
According to by the estimation carried out of observation screen, have been found that the image that is produced, when mtf value under the condition of 4 (1p/mm) greater than 50% the time, be good.Therefore, in this compare test, we can say that the angle (AEP) that is equal to or less than 13 degree is gratifying, but the bending of Fenier lens is limited in this scope.
The inventor has carried out further trial, to analyze the reason that resolution MTF reduces when flat surfaces 18a is in light incident side and profiled surface 18b and is in light exit side.
As shown in Figure 7, have been found that the focal length of Fenier lens 18, peripheral when mobile towards it when the position from the center of Fenier lens 18, become shorter, and distortion taken place with respect to screen 22 in the imaging surface, shown in dotted line F.In Fig. 7, has shown and assembled array 16 and the Fenier lens 18 that transmissive element 16a forms, but Fenier lens 18 is to be provided with like this that the surperficial 18b that promptly is shaped is in light exit side.
In analysis to distortion imaging surface, note the angle (AIM) between the light beam 30 and 31, light beam 30 with 31 in the both sides of main beam and they be identical with the angle of main beam.Light beam 30 and 31 angle (AIM) when light incides on the Fenier lens 18, become less, and when light during from Fenier lens 18 outgoing angle (AIM) become bigger, no matter and which surface is positioned at light incident side.This tendency when the angle between incident or the light that converges and incident or the exit surface increases, is enhanced, that is, this tendency is stronger for profiled surface 18b.Therefore, the angle between the light beam 30 and 31 (AIM), light becomes bigger from being provided with of profiled surface 18b outgoing therein, and image is formed on the position far away than screen 22 when angle (AIM) is big, thereby has reduced resolution MTF.Light is under the situation of flat surfaces 18a outgoing therein, and angle (AIM) does not become big like this, and in the case, can form image on screen 22.
Figure 10 has shown the details of the Fenier lens 18 of Fig. 1.As mentioned above, Fenier lens 18 has flat surfaces 18a and profiled surface 18b, and has concentric periodic ridge 19 on the surperficial 18b that is shaped.Each ridge 19 all comprises one greater than last smooth top 19a and inclined surface 19b who extends from smooth top 19a towards flat surfaces 18a who extends abreast with flat surfaces 18a.On a smooth top 19a side relative, be provided with a less surperficial 19c with inclined surface 19b.On the smooth top 19a of each ridge 19, be provided with a light shield layer 19d.Light shield layer 19d can be by printing, and easily forms, because smooth top 19a is parallel with flat surfaces 18a.
Figure 11 has shown traditional Fenier lens with ridge 19 18.The smooth top 19a that it should be understood that Figure 10 is that the top by the ridge 19 that cuts off Figure 10 forms.In traditional Fenier lens 18 shown in Figure 10, a problem is arranged, i.e. the light beam of scattering produces ghost image.That is, if near the position of light S less surperficial 19c is incident on the inclined surface 19b, light S is reflected by less surperficial 19c, and has changed its path uncontrollably, thereby has caused ghost image.Light shield layer 19d is set, exactly in order to address this problem.
As from Fig. 8 as seen, the shape of ridge 19 or slope change according to the position on the ridge 19, and the width of smooth top 19d preferably changes according to the position on the ridge 19.
As shown in figure 12, surperficial 19c can tilt with respect to flat surfaces 18a, to make Fenier lens 18.As what will explain, be arranged on the main inclined surface 19b of the side of smooth top 19a, be to design like this, be that light mainly incides on the body of Fenier lens 18 from main inclined surface 19b, and secondary inclined surface 19c is set on the opposite side that smooth top 19a goes up and main inclined surface 19b is opposing.
The width of smooth top 19a, preferably determine by following relation:
Wherein d is the width of smooth top 19a, and p is the spacing of ridge 19, and r incides chief ray on the body with respect to the angle of axle, θ from main inclined surface 19b
1Be the angle of main inclined surface 19b with respect to flat surfaces 18a, and θ
2Be the angle of secondary inclined surface 19c with respect to the axle of Fenier lens 18.
Figure 13,17 and 18 has shown the liquid crystal indicator of revising 10, and it comprises four groups of LCD panel 12, assembles array 16 and Fenier lens 18 and screen 22 that transmissive element 16a forms.On corresponding four/part that these four groups are set at the rectangular area.Total viewing area of screen 22, bigger four times than receive the required predetermined viewing area 22p of image from one group of LCD panel 12, the array 16 of assembling transmissive element 16a composition and Fenier lens 18.That is, screen 22 all has predetermined viewing area 22p for each LCD panel 12.
In two adjacent groups LCD panel 12, assemble on array 16 that transmissive element 16a forms and the screen 22 between the Fenier lens 18 or near, be provided with a dividing plate 26, scatter to the adjacent group from one group to prevent light.
Each LCD panel 12 comprises effective viewing area 12a and the non-display area 12b around effective viewing area 12a, as described in conjunction with Figure 2.Effectively viewing area 12a is divided into main viewing area 12x and peripheral compensatory zone 12y.Main viewing area 12x, array 16 and Fenier lens 18 through overconvergence transmissive element 16a forms form image on predetermined viewing area 22p.Periphery compensatory zone 12y, array 16 and Fenier lens 18 through overconvergence transmissive element 16a forms just form image in the outside of predetermined viewing area 22p.That is, peripheral compensatory zone 12y is for not contribution of the formation of the actual image on the screen 22, but compensated the luminance loss in the neighboring area of LCD panel 12.As an example, effectively viewing area 12a comprises 640 * 480 pixels, and main viewing area 12x comprises 620 * 465 pixels.
As shown in figure 14, the peripheral compensatory zone 12y of LCD panel 12 has been subjected to control, so that a visual I to be provided
1, this image I
1With part I from the image of the LCD panel 12 main viewing area 12x the peripheral compensatory zone 12y near
1Basic identical.
As shown in Figure 15 and 16, the peripheral compensatory zone 12y of LCD panel 12 is controlled, so that a visual I to be provided
2, and visual I
2With image area I from the main viewing area 12x of adjacent lcd display board 12
2Basic identical, and this main viewing area 12x is positioned near the peripheral compensatory zone 12y of described LCD panel 12.
Figure 19 has shown an element 50 of the image on the screen 22.Element 50 should be that several light beams focus on a point thereon, but in practice, owing to amplify the aberration of Fenier lens 18, light beam will be dispersed on certain zone 51.Therefore, the brightness of element 50 has been reduced.Figure 20 has shown several elements 50,50a, 50b, 50c and 50d, and their dispersion zone 51,51a, 51b, 51c and 51d.Element 50 receives the next light from other elements 50a, 50b, 50c and 50d, and the brightness of element 50 will to a certain degree be compensated.Figure 21 has shown the peripheral part of screen 22 when peripheral compensatory zone 12y is not provided. Several elements 50,50a, 50b, 50c and 50d are wherein arranged on the peripheral part of screen 22, and their dispersion zone 51,51a, 51b, 51c and 51d, but the brightness of these elements is not compensated, because do not have unnecessary light component outside predetermined viewing area 22p.
As shown in figure 18, periphery compensatory zone 12y has produced light outside predetermined viewing area 22p, but, but can comprise that from the light that peripheral compensatory zone 12y sends scattered light composition-these scattered light compositions compensate the reduction of the brightness on the peripheral part of screen 22 to the not contribution of formation of actual image.