WO2016076600A1 - Head-up display device - Google Patents

Abstract

A head-up display device of an embodiment comprises: a plurality of image generation units which are arranged adjacent to each other; a control unit for providing image data to the plurality of image generation units and controlling driving of the plurality of image generation units; and a virtual image optical unit for receiving image information output from the plurality of image generation units and generating a virtual image, wherein the virtual image optical unit includes a virtual image conversion mirror. Accordingly, the present invention can convert a plurality of pieces of image information into a virtual image and transmit the virtual image, thereby transferring various information to a driver using a large screen.

Description

Head up display device

Embodiments relate to a head up display device.

A head-up display is a front display device that displays various information necessary for driving at the position of the coordinator or driver's gaze with the external view and displays it as a virtual image in order to minimize gaze movement of the coordinator or the driver. . Such head-up display devices are generally known.

In the case of the head-up display device for a vehicle, information on the instrument panel or navigation information may be displayed on the windshield, which is the driver's field of view, so that the driver may easily grasp driving information without moving the field of view.

However, in order to provide a variety of information to the driver, a head-up display device capable of implementing a large screen is required, but in the case of the conventional head-up display device, since the size of the image generating device that supplies an image is limited, the information is provided only within a limited screen. There is a limit to what you can do.

That is, in the conventional head-up display apparatus, there is a cost problem to enlarge the image generating unit, and the size of the virtual image has a problem of space limitation because the size of the reflective member must be enlarged in the vehicle.

The embodiment can display a variety of information on a large screen, and provides a head-up display device which is advantageous in terms of cost since the image generating unit having a conventional size can be used as it is.

Embodiments may include a plurality of image generators disposed adjacent to each other; A controller configured to provide image data to the plurality of image generators and to control driving of the plurality of image generators; And a virtual image optical unit configured to receive image information output from the plurality of image generating units and generate a virtual image. The virtual image optical unit may include a head-up display apparatus including a virtual image conversion mirror having a curvature.

In one embodiment, a head up display apparatus includes: at least one light source unit emitting light provided to the plurality of image generators; At least one lens unit for guiding light emitted from the at least one light source unit to the plurality of image generating units; It may further include.

The virtual image optical unit may include at least one redirection mirror for changing a projection direction of the image information, and the at least one redirection mirror may be a total reflection mirror.

The plurality of image generators may include a first image generator and a second image generator disposed adjacent to each other in the left and right directions.

In this case, the distance between the center of the first light exit surface and the center of the second light exit surface of the first image generator may be as follows. (Where d is the distance between the center of the first light exit surface and the center of the second light exit surface, Px is the length in the horizontal direction of the image generating unit, and the length in the horizontal direction of the first light exit surface is P1. And when the horizontal length of the second light exit surface is P2, Px corresponds to the smaller value of P1 and P2).

Px <d <(3 * Px)

The plurality of image generators may include a first image generator and a second image generator disposed adjacent to each other in the vertical direction.

In this case, the distance between the center of the first light exit surface and the center of the second light exit surface of the first image generator may be as follows. (Where d is the distance between the center of the first light exit surface and the center of the second exit plane, Py is the length in the longitudinal direction of the image generating unit, and the length in the longitudinal direction of the first light exit surface is P1; When the length of the second light exit surface in the longitudinal direction is P2, Py corresponds to the smaller value of P1 and P2)

Py <d <(3 * Py)

The first normal line passing through the center of the first light exit plane of the first image generator and the second normal line passing through the center of the second light exit plane of the second image generator may not be parallel to each other.

An angle formed between the first normal line and the second normal line may be greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 40 degrees.

The first normal and the second normal may be symmetrical with respect to an imaginary center line, and the imaginary center line is a center of the first light emitting surface and the first point which is an intersection point of the first normal and the second normal. And a virtual line connecting a second point, which is a center point of a line connecting the center of the second light exit surface.

The light emitting surface of the plurality of image generating units may have the same size.

The size of the light exit surface of the plurality of image generators may be different.

The plurality of image generating units may include a driving motor unit.

The head-up display device of the embodiment may further include a detection sensor unit for detecting a change in the eye position of the driver.

And a calculator configured to extract the position change values of the plurality of image generators corresponding to the eye position change values detected by the detection sensor unit.

Another embodiment includes a plurality of image generators disposed adjacent to each other; A controller configured to provide image data to the plurality of image generators and to control driving of the plurality of image generators; And a virtual image optical unit configured to receive image information output from the plurality of image generating units and generate a virtual image. The virtual image optical unit may include at least one direction changing mirror for switching the projection direction of the image information, and the at least one direction switching mirror may provide a head-up display device that is a total reflection mirror.

The virtual image optical unit may further include a driving unit to move the turning mirror.

Another embodiment includes a plurality of image generators disposed adjacent to each other; A controller configured to provide image data to the plurality of image generators and to control driving of the plurality of image generators; And a virtual image optical unit configured to receive image information output from the plurality of image generating units and generate a virtual image. The plurality of image generating units may be disposed adjacent to each other in up, down, left, and right directions, and the control unit may provide a head-up display apparatus in which positions of the plurality of image generating units or arrangement angles between the plurality of image generating units are controlled. have.

At least one size of the light exit surface of the plurality of image generators may be different.

In addition, the light emitting surface of the plurality of image generating units may have the same size.

The head-up display apparatus according to the embodiment may provide the driver with various image information without adding or resizing other optical members, including a plurality of image generating units, and combining the image information of the plurality of image generating units to display the image information of the large screen. Can be provided to the driver.

1 is a block diagram of a head-up display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

2 to 3 is a view showing an embodiment of a vehicle equipped with a head-up display device of an embodiment,

4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating embodiments of arrangement of an optical unit, a lens unit, and an image generating unit;

5A to 7B are diagrams illustrating an embodiment of a head-up display apparatus having different arrangements of a plurality of image generating units.

8 is an enlarged view of an arrangement of a plurality of image generating units.

9 is a view briefly showing embodiments of arrangement of a plurality of image generating units;

10 is a diagram illustrating a simulation result for the head-up display device according to one embodiment;

11 is a view showing an embodiment of a vehicle equipped with a head-up display device of an embodiment;

12 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the head-up display apparatus.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings an embodiment of the present invention that can specifically realize the above object.

In the description of the embodiment according to the present invention, when described as being formed on the "on" or "on" or "under" of each element, the upper or lower (lower) (on or under) includes both the two elements are in direct contact with each other (directly) or one or more other elements are formed indirectly between the two elements (indirectly). In addition, when expressed as "up" or "on (under)", it may include the meaning of the downward direction as well as the upward direction based on one element.

Furthermore, the relational terms used below, such as "first" and "second", "upper" and "lower", etc., do not necessarily require or imply any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements. It may be used only to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element.

In the drawings, the thickness or size of each component is exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for convenience and clarity of description. In addition, the size of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size.

1 is a block diagram of a head-up display apparatus 100 according to an embodiment.

The head-up display apparatus 100 may include a light source unit 110, a lens unit 120, a plurality of image generators 130, a virtual image optical unit 150, and a controller 170.

The plurality of image generators 130 may generate image information and output the image information as optical information.

Although the first image generator 130a and the second image generator 130b are illustrated as the plurality of image generators 130 in the block diagram of FIG. 1, the head-up display apparatus 100 of the embodiment is not limited thereto. It may include three or more image generating units.

The plurality of image generators 130 may be disposed adjacent to each other.

The plurality of image generators 130 may be display devices.

For example, the plurality of image generators 130 may include at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a digital light processing (DLP), or a liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS). It is not limited to the type of the image generating unit 130.

The plurality of image generators 130 may generate and display various image information from the image data provided by the controller 170.

For example, when the head-up display device is used for a vehicle, the plurality of image generators 130 may provide the driver with information about a vehicle's speed, driving direction, navigation, and the like, which are information regarding driving of the vehicle.

The controller 170 may provide image data to the plurality of image generators 130 and control driving of the plurality of image generators 130.

The controller 170 may further include a data converter to provide image data that can be displayed by the plurality of image generators.

For example, in the case of a vehicle head-up display device, the controller 170 may be connected to a vehicle information providing unit (not shown), and the vehicle information providing unit may include various sensors or control units mounted on the inside and outside of the vehicle. .

Here, the vehicle information providing unit may be a vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit), the controller 170 and the vehicle ECU may be electrically connected.

The ECU may store and control information about the driving of the vehicle and the device of the vehicle, and the controller 170 may receive the information data and convert the information data into image data to implement the image information.

For example, the controller 170 may execute a process of converting driving information transmitted from an ECU, which is an internal system of a vehicle, to data that can be displayed.

In addition, the controller 170 may serve to supply power required by the head-up display apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. For example, the controller 170 may supply power to each of the light source 110 and the image generator 130.

In addition, the controller 170 may control the position of the plurality of image generators 130 or the arrangement angle between the plurality of image generators 130.

The plurality of image generators may adjust the spatial position by the controller 170, and the image generator 130 may further include a driving motor unit (not shown) to adjust the position.

The driving motor unit may be controlled by a signal supplied from the controller 170.

The controller 170 may provide image data having information to the plurality of image generators 130, and each image generator 130 may generate different images using the image data received from the controller 170. .

According to the control signal and the image data input from the control unit 170, the image provided by each image generating unit 130 may be output as a separate image and displayed, and the image information provided by each image generating unit is combined It may be displayed as one image.

The virtual image optical unit 150 may receive image information output from the plurality of image generators 130 and generate an image converted into a virtual image.

The plurality of image generating units 130 may project the image information generated from the image data supplied from the controller 170 to the virtual image optical unit 150, and the projected image passes through the virtual image optical unit 150 and the virtual image. The image may be converted into and output as a virtual image.

The virtual image optical unit 150 may include at least one reflective member, for example, the at least one reflective member may include any one of a flat, concave, convex, or custom preform mirror. .

The at least one reflective member may be formed by including a reflective layer including at least one of Al (Aluminum), Ag (Silver), and Au (Gold) on the surface.

The virtual image optical unit 150 may have a structure in which at least one reflective member is disposed in various forms.

The virtual image optical unit 150 may include a virtual image conversion mirror having a curvature.

The virtual image conversion mirror may generate a virtual image by reflecting or diffracting the image information projected from the image generating unit. For example, the virtual image conversion mirror may be a concave mirror.

In addition, the virtual image optical unit 150 may include at least one turning mirror. The redirection mirror may change the projection direction of the image information output from the plurality of image generators and supplied.

The turning mirror may be a total reflection mirror by changing and reflecting the direction of the projected image.

Referring to FIG. 1, the head up display apparatus 100 may include at least one light source unit 110 and at least one lens unit 120.

The at least one light source unit 110 may emit light provided to the plurality of image generators 130.

In one embodiment, the light source unit 110 may be one or more than two.

The light source unit 110 may include at least one light source in the form of a light emitting diode (LED), a light emitting device package having a light emitting device (LED) fixed to a body, or a light emitting module further comprising an optical member in the light emitting device package. have.

However, the shape of the light source included in the light source unit 110 is not limited thereto, and may include various types of light sources such as a laser diode.

For example, the light source unit 110 may include at least one light emitting device as a light source, and the at least one light emitting device may be a side view type light emitting device or a top view type light emitting device. have.

When the light source unit 110 is formed to include at least one light emitting device, the light emitting device may emit blue light or ultraviolet light or may emit light of a red wavelength region or a green wavelength region.

In addition, when the light source unit 110 includes a plurality of light emitting elements, the plurality of light emitting elements may emit light of different emission wavelength regions, or may emit light having the same wavelength band, and different wavelengths. The light emitting device emitting light of a region may be combined to emit white light.

Meanwhile, when the light source unit 110 includes the light emitting device package as a light source, the light emitting device package may emit white light by combining a light emitting device emitting blue light, a red phosphor, and a green phosphor. In addition, the light emitting device package may emit white light by combining a light emitting device emitting blue light and a yellow or yellow green phosphor. However, the combination of the light emitting element and the phosphor in the light emitting device package is not limited to the illustrated and various combinations may be used.

The at least one light source unit 110 may include a substrate for electrical connection. A plurality of light source units 110 may be disposed on one substrate, or each light source unit 110 may include a separate substrate.

In addition, when a plurality of light sources are disposed in one light source unit 110, the plurality of light sources may be disposed on the substrate and included in the light source unit 110.

The substrate may have an electrode pattern for electrical connection with the outside, and may be a printed circuit board (PCB) substrate made of any one material selected from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glass, polycarbonate (PC), and silicon (Si). It may be formed in the form of a film.

In addition, the substrate may be selectively used a single layer PCB, multilayer PCB, ceramic substrate, metal core PCB, etc., PCB substrate may be a hard type (Hard type) substrate for supporting the light source, but is not limited to this, flexible type It may be a substrate of a flexible type.

The head up display apparatus 100 according to the embodiment may further include at least one lens unit 120.

The lens unit 120 may induce light emitted from the light source unit 110 to the image generator 130.

The lens unit 120 may serve to concentrate or diffuse light in order to guide the light to the image generating unit 130.

The lens unit 120 may be disposed on the optical axis of at least one light source unit 110.

The lens unit 120 may be, for example, an acrylic resin series such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthlate (PET), cyclic olefin copolymers (COC), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), or It may be formed transparently, including any one of the MS (Mathacylate styrene) resin, the lens unit 120 is not limited to the illustrated material.

On the other hand, for example, when the LCD is used as the image generating unit 130, since the LCD includes a separate light source (BLU (Back Light Unit)), the head-up display does not include the light source unit 110 and the lens unit 120 Embodiments of the device are also possible.

Hereinafter, the head-up display apparatus 100 mounted on the vehicle 200 will be described in order to facilitate understanding of the head-up display apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. However, the head-up display apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 may be mounted on various vehicles such as airplanes in addition to the vehicle 200 illustrated in the following drawings.

2 to 3 are schematic diagrams of a vehicle 200 including the head-up display apparatuses 100a and 100b. The control unit 170 of FIG. 1 is omitted in the drawings of FIGS. 2 and 3.

Although the head up display apparatuses 100a and 100b may be disposed under the windshield glass 202 in the vehicle 200 of FIGS. 2 to 3, the head up display apparatuses 100a and 100b may be disposed in the vehicle. The arrangement position of 100b) is not limited to this.

Referring to FIG. 2, the head up display apparatus 100a of the exemplary embodiment included in the vehicle 200 includes a light source unit 110, a lens unit 120, a plurality of image generators 130, and a virtual image conversion mirror 150a. It may include.

Referring to the optical path indicated by the arrow in FIG. 2, image information, which is optical information output from the plurality of image generating units 130, is transferred to the virtual image conversion mirror 150a and image information converted by the virtual image conversion mirror 150a. Is projected toward the windshield glass 202 to finally supply the virtual virtual image 190 to the driver 210.

Meanwhile, when the vehicle further includes a combiner (not shown) on the windshield glass, a virtual image may be formed on the combiner. The combiner may include a holographic pattern to convey an image projected by the virtual image optic to the driver.

Referring to FIG. 3, the illustrated vehicle 200 includes the head up display apparatus 100b according to another embodiment.

The head-up display apparatus 100b illustrated in FIG. 3 may include a plurality of image generators 130, a virtual image conversion mirror 150a, and a direction change mirror 150b.

According to the optical path shown in FIG. 3, the images supplied from the plurality of image generators 130 are transferred to the turning mirror 150b, and the turning mirror 150b reflects the transferred images to change the traveling direction. Can be projected onto the virtual image conversion mirror 150a.

In the virtual image conversion mirror 150a having a curvature, the incident image light may be converted into a virtual image and transmitted to the windshield glass 202.

The driver 210 may view the virtual image 190 virtually formed on the opposite side of the windshield glass by being converted by the virtual image optics 150a and 150b.

In the illustration of the vehicle 200 of FIGS. 2 to 3, the virtual image optical unit variously arranges at least one reflective member, such as a turning mirror or a virtual image converting mirror, so that the image information supplied from the image generating unit may wind the image in front of the plane or the vehicle. The shielded glass can be passed to the driver or passengers as a virtual image.

The at least one reflective member included in the virtual image optical unit 150 may be disposed to meet the space conditions of an airplane or a vehicle interior compartment, and according to the distance between the virtual image 190 and the driver 210 displayed. The arrangement of each reflective member included in the can be adjusted and optimized.

Although not shown for this purpose, the turning mirror or the virtual conversion mirror of the virtual image optical unit may further include a driving unit to enable movement. Operation of the reflective member may be controlled by the controller 170.

4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating an arrangement form of the light source unit 110, the lens unit 120, and the plurality of image generators 130, which are part of the head-up display apparatus.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4A, a plurality of light source units 110 and a plurality of image generators 130 may be included, and the light emitted from the plurality of light source units 110 passes through the lens unit 120. 130 can be delivered respectively.

In addition, referring to FIG. 4B, light supplied from one light source unit 110 may be diffused through the lens unit 120, and may be supplied to the plurality of image generators 130, respectively.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4C, the light source unit 110 may include a plurality of light source units 110, a plurality of lens units 120, and a plurality of image generators 130, and the lens unit 120 may be disposed on the light source unit 110. The image generating unit 130 may be disposed on the unit 120 to form the image generating modules 140a and 140b, and the plurality of image generating modules 140a and 140b may be disposed.

The lens unit 120 may be disposed on an optical axis of the light source unit 110. For example, the optical axes of the light source unit 110, the lens unit 120, and the image generator 130 that are disposed in a straight line may coincide with each other. have.

In addition, the arrangement of the light source unit 110, the lens unit 120, and the plurality of image generators 130 included in the head-up display device of the embodiment is not limited to the example of FIGS. 4A to 4C, and various combinations of arrangements are provided. It can have

 In embodiments of the head-up display apparatus, the plurality of image generators may include a first image generator and a second image generator disposed adjacent to each other.

Referring to FIG. 5A, the first image generator 130a and the second image generator 130b may be disposed adjacent to each other in the left and right directions.

FIG. 5A briefly illustrates an arrangement of a plurality of image generators and a virtual image in a direction of looking at a windshield glass at a driver's seat inside a vehicle. In FIG. 5A, the display of the control unit and the virtual image optical unit is omitted.

For example, in FIG. 5A, the first image generator 130a and the second image generator 130b may be adjacent to each other in the x-axis direction. Sides of the neighboring first image generator 130a and the side of the second image generator 130b may be spaced apart from each other or two sides may be in contact with each other.

Image information of the first image generator 130a and the second image generator 130b that have passed through the virtual image optical unit (not shown) may be displayed as the virtual images 190a and 190b on the windshield glass 202.

The information provided from the plurality of image generators 130a and 130b disposed adjacent to each other in the left and right directions may be displayed as the virtual images 190a and 190b in the left and right directions in the windshield glass 202.

FIG. 5B is a simplified side cross-sectional view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 5A.

Image information generated by the plurality of image generators 130a and 130b disposed adjacent to each other in the left and right directions is supplied to the direction changing mirror 150b to change the projection direction, and is further supplied to the virtual image conversion mirror 150a to provide the image information. May be converted into a virtual image and projected onto the windshield glass 202. In this case, the driver 210 may view the virtual virtual image 190 formed on the opposite side of the driver with the windshield glass 202 interposed therebetween.

In FIG. 5B, as shown in FIG. 5A, the image generators are arranged adjacent to each other in the x-axis direction, and are arranged at the same y-axis coordinates. Can be seen.

6A and 7A, which illustrate a vehicle including an embodiment of a head-up display device, illustrates an arrangement of a plurality of image generators in a direction facing a windshield glass surface from a driver's seat inside a vehicle. will be.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6A, the first image generator 130a and the second image generator 130b, which are the plurality of image generators, are disposed adjacent to each other in the left and right directions, and the light of each of the image generators 130a and 130b is disposed. The exit faces may be arranged not to be parallel to each other.

6B illustrates an enlarged layout of the plurality of image generators 130a and 130b in FIG. 6A. Referring to FIG. 6B, the image passing through the center of the first light exit surface 131a of the first image generator 130a is illustrated. The second normal 133b passing through the center of the first light emission surface 131b of the first normal 133a and the second image generator 130b may not be parallel.

When the angle formed between the first normal line 133a and the second normal line 133b is θ ₁ , θ ₁ may be greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 40 degrees.

6A and 6B, when the light emitting surfaces 131a and 131b of the plurality of image generating units adjacent to each other in the left and right directions are arranged at a predetermined angle without being parallel to each other, the plurality of light emitting surfaces are straight. 5A, the space in which the plurality of image generators 130a and 130b are disposed may be smaller than in the case of FIG. 5A.

Therefore, when the angle angle θ ₁ is greater than 0 degrees, the plurality of image generating units 130a and 130b are arranged so that the light output planes are not parallel to each other, thereby reducing the arrangement space of the head-up display device. have.

However, when the angle θ ₁ is larger than 40 degrees, the optical paths may overlap with each other from the plurality of image generators 130a and 130b, which may cause distortion of the optical paths. Therefore, the virtual images seen by the driver may overlap each other and may not be realized as a complete image.

Referring to FIG. 6B, an interval between the first image generator 130a and the second image generator 130b disposed to be adjacent to the left and right may be as follows. Here, d represents a distance between the center of the first light emitting surface 131a of the first image generating unit disposed adjacent to the center of the second light emitting surface 131b of the second image generating unit. In addition, Px may be a smaller value between P1 which is the length in the horizontal direction of the first light exit surface 131a and P2 which is the length in the transverse direction of the second light exit surface 131b.

Px <d <(3 * Px)

For example, when P1 ≧ P2, the distance d between two light exit surfaces 131a and 131b disposed adjacent to the left and right may be greater than P1 and less than three times P1.

If the distance d between the plurality of light emitting surfaces is less than or equal to the horizontal length Px of the image generator having a long horizontal direction in a plurality of neighboring image generators, the image information projected by the plurality of image generators is distorted. May cause

On the other hand, when the distance d between neighboring light exit surfaces is more than three times the largest value Px among the horizontal lengths of the image generating unit, the size of the virtual image optical unit must be larger than when using one image generating unit. There is.

FIG. 7A illustrates a case in which the head-up display device according to another embodiment is included. The first image generator 130a and the second image generator 130b, which are the plurality of image generators, may be disposed to be adjacent to each other in the vertical direction. .

For example, referring to FIG. 7A, the first image generator 130a and the second image generator 130b may be disposed adjacent to each other in the y-axis direction, and the lower portion of the first image generator 130a may be disposed. And the upper part of the second image generator 130b may be disposed adjacent to each other.

The lower surface of the first image generator 130a and the upper surface of the second image generator 130b that are adjacent to each other may be spaced apart or two adjacent surfaces may be in contact with each other.

As shown in FIG. 7A, when the first image generator 130a and the second image generator 130b are disposed adjacent to each other in the vertical direction, the virtual image information 190a, which is projected onto the windshield glass 202, 190b may also be displayed adjacent to each other in the vertical direction.

FIG. 7B is a side view illustrating an exemplary embodiment in which the first image generator 130a and the second image generator 130b are disposed adjacent to each other in the vertical direction.

In FIG. 7B, image information generated and projected by the first image generator 130a and the second image generator 130b disposed adjacent to each other is transmitted to the virtual image optical unit 150 and then reflected and windshield glass as a virtual image. Can be delivered in a direction.

In FIG. 7B, the solid lines and the dotted lines briefly illustrate transmission paths of the image information generated by the first image generator 130a and the second image generator 130b, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 7B, the first light exit surface 131a of the first image generator 130a and the second light exit surface 131b of the second image generator 130b may not be parallel to each other.

That is, the first image generator 130a and the second image generator 130b may be disposed to form a predetermined angle between the first light exit surface 131a and the second light exit surface 131b.

The first normal line 133a passing through the center of the first light exit surface 131a and the second normal line 133b passing through the center of the second light exit surface 131b may not be parallel to each other.

An angle θ ₂ formed between the first normal line 133a and the second normal line 133b may be greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 40 degrees.

When the angle θ ₂ between the first normal 133a and the second normal 133b is greater than 0 degrees, the light information output from the plurality of light exit surfaces is transmitted to the incident surface of the virtual image optical unit of limited size. Can be.

Thus, the angle θ ₂ When is greater than 0, there is an effect that the size of the head-up display device of the embodiment including a plurality of image generating unit can be reduced.

However, when the angle angle θ ₂ is greater than 40 degrees, image information transmitted from the plurality of image generating units may cause optical interference with each other, which may cause a problem in that the image is distorted and displayed.

7A to 7B, since the first light emitting surface 131a of the first image generating unit and the second light emitting surface 131b of the second image generating unit are not parallel to each other and are disposed at a predetermined angle, two light emitting surfaces Compared to the case in which the parallel arrangement is made, the arrangement space of the image generator can be reduced.

In addition, when the light output surfaces of the plurality of image generating units adjacent to each other in the vertical direction are not parallel, the received image information is converted into a virtual image as in the case of including one image generating unit without increasing the size of the reflecting member. There is an effect that can be displayed. In this case, the reflective member may correspond to the virtual image optical unit serving as a light incident surface to receive the image information supplied from the plurality of image generating units.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the first image generator 130a and the second image generator 130a and the second image generator 130b may be disposed adjacent to each other vertically as shown in FIG. 7B. The arrangement interval between the image generator 130b may be as follows.

Here, d denotes the distance between the center of the first light emitting surface 131a of the first image generating unit and the center of the second light emitting surface 131b of the second image generating unit disposed adjacent to each other in the vertical direction. In addition, Py may be a smaller value between P1 which is the length in the longitudinal direction of the first light exit surface 131a and P2 which is the length in the longitudinal direction of the second light exit surface 131b.

Py <d <(3 * Py)

Images projected by the plurality of image generating units when the distance d between the plurality of light emitting surfaces disposed adjacent to each other in the vertical direction is less than or equal to the vertical length Py of the image generating unit having the long vertical length among the plurality of image generating units Information can distort each other.

On the other hand, when the distance d between neighboring light exit surfaces is more than three times the largest length Py among the longitudinal lengths of the image generating unit, the size of the virtual image optical unit must be larger than when using one image generating unit. There is.

For example, when the light output surfaces 131a and 131b of two image generators adjacent to each other in the vertical direction are arranged not to be parallel as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7B, the incident surface of the virtual image optical unit includes only one image generator. The same size as that of the head-up display device can be used as it is.

 As described above, the size of the image generating unit may be the same as that of the conventional image generating unit in the head-up display apparatus embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A, 6A, and 7A, and the size of the reflective member of the virtual image optical unit may not be increased. A plurality of virtual images may be implemented on a large screen.

In addition, in the case of FIGS. 6A and 7A, the light emitting surfaces of the plurality of image generating units are arranged not to be parallel to each other, thereby realizing a large screen providing various information and reducing the space occupied by the head-up display device. Can be.

6A and 7A, when the light output planes of the plurality of image generating units are not parallel to each other, the centers of the first normal line and the second light exit surface passing through the center of the first light exit plane are Passing second normals may be symmetrical with respect to the virtual centerline.

FIG. 8 is a diagram briefly illustrating a case in which two light exit surfaces 131a and 131b are not parallel to each other. The first normal 133a and the second normal 133b may be symmetric about an imaginary center line L. Referring to FIG. Can be.

The imaginary center line L is formed by the center of the first point Q1 and the first light exit surface 131a and the second light exit surface 131b which are the intersection points of the first normal 133a and the second normal 133b. It may be an imaginary line connecting the second point Q2 which is the center point of the line connecting the center.

The plurality of image generators may output different image information.

For example, in the plurality of image generators, the first image generator may display information including a traveling speed, which is information related to the driving of the vehicle, and the second image generator may include navigation information or surrounding location, which is information outside the vehicle. Information and the like can be displayed.

The sizes of the light exit surfaces of the plurality of image generators may be the same.

The light exit planes of the plurality of image generators may have different sizes.

In addition, the size of the light exit surface of the at least one image generator may be different from the size of the light exit surface of the remaining image generators in the plurality of image generators.

9 is a diagram illustrating embodiments of a method of arranging a plurality of image generators.

In embodiments, a plurality of image generators may be disposed adjacent to each other, the controller may provide image data to the plurality of image generators, and the driving of the plurality of image generators may be controlled by the controller.

Referring to FIG. 9, the size of the light exit surface of the at least one image generator may be different from the size of the light exit surface of the remaining image generators, and the plurality of image generators may include three or more image generators. May have

In FIG. 9A, the first image generator 130a and the second image generator 130b, which are the plurality of image generators, may be adjacent to each other in a diagonal direction.

Referring to FIG. 9B, the light emission planes of the first image generator 130a and the second image generator 130b may be different from each other.

FIG. 9C illustrates an example in which three image generators are arranged, and image generators having different sizes may be disposed adjacent to each other in the vertical direction or the left and right directions. For example, at least one size of the light emitting surface of the plurality of image generating units 130a, 130b, and 130c may be different, and the size of the light emitting surface of the plurality of image generating units 130a, 130b, and 130c is the largest. The plurality of image generators 130a and 130b may be disposed adjacent to each other in the left and right directions on the large image generator 130c.

Referring to FIG. 9D, the plurality of image generators may include first to fourth image generators 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d. In addition, the first image generator 130a and the second image generator 130b may be arranged to be adjacent to each other in the left and right directions, and the third image generator 130c and the fourth arranged to be adjacent to each other in the left and right directions. The image generator 130d may be disposed adjacent to each other in the vertical direction of the first image generator 130a and the second image generator 130b.

Here, the light exit surfaces of the image generators 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d may be arranged not to be parallel to each other.

In addition, the side and upper and lower surfaces facing each other among the image generators 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d disposed adjacent to each other may be spaced apart from each other or two adjacent surfaces may be disposed in contact with each other.

As described above, the plurality of image generators arranged adjacent to each other in up, down, left, and right directions may control the position of the plurality of image generators or the arrangement angle between the plurality of image generators by the controller.

9A to 9D are limited embodiments related to the arrangement of the plurality of image generators, and the plurality of image generators 130 in the head-up display apparatus may have various arrangements without being limited to those shown. .

FIG. 10 is a view briefly illustrating a result of optical simulation of an embodiment of a head-up display apparatus including a plurality of image generators 130a and 130b.

The simulation diagram of FIG. 10 uses the same virtual image converting mirror 150a and direction changing mirror 150b as those used in the conventional head-up display device as the configuration of the virtual image optical unit, and uses a plurality of image generating units 130a and 130b. Results for the case of containing conditions.

In FIG. 10, the arrangement of the generated virtual image 190 is displayed along with a transmission path of image information represented by solid and dotted lines.

According to the result of FIG. 10, the virtual image 190, which is a virtual image generated by the plurality of image generating units 130a and 130b and generated through the direction change mirror 150b and the virtual image conversion mirror 150a, is a windshield glass surface. The driver 210 may obtain various information through the virtual image 190 displayed on the front surface.

In the case of the head-up display device according to the above-described embodiments, a plurality of image generators may be provided to provide various information as a plurality of images, and the image information generated by the plurality of image generators may be arranged in a mosaic form. One image information can be displayed on a large screen.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment in which one virtual image 190 is displayed by collecting image information generated by the plurality of image generators 130. Referring to the example of FIG. 11, four image generators 130a are illustrated. , 130b, 130c, and 130d are disposed adjacent to each other up, down, left, and right, and the image information generated therefrom is converted into a virtual image and the image projected onto the windshield glass 202 includes a plurality of virtual images 190a, 190b, 190c, and 190d. Can be projected onto the area.

In addition, the virtual images 190a, 190b, 190c, and 190d projected by the image generators 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d may be combined into a mosaic and displayed as an image representing one piece of information.

12 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a head-up display apparatus including a plurality of image generators.

In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the head-up display apparatus 100 may include a detection sensor in addition to the light source unit 110, the lens unit 120, the plurality of image generating units 130a and 130b, the control unit 170, and the virtual image optical unit 150. The unit 160 may further include.

In the following, descriptions overlapping with the above-described embodiments will not be described again, and will be described based on differences.

The detection sensor unit 160 may detect a change in the eye position of the driver.

The detection sensor unit 160 may include a camera module (not shown) to track the eye position of the driver.

The camera module may be an infrared camera, an RGB camera, or the like. For example, an iris recognition camera module for detecting movement of the iris may be used.

Also, an operation unit (not shown) for extracting position change values of the plurality of image generators 130a and 130b may be included in response to the driver's eye position change value detected by the detection sensor unit 160.

For example, the detection sensor unit 160 detects a change in the position of the driver's eyes using a camera module and adjusts and positions the image generators 130a and 130b to display the virtual image at the driver's gaze position. The signal may be transmitted to the controller 170 to be able to.

In this case, the signal transmitted to the controller 170 may be a result calculated by the calculator, and the calculator may extract and transmit a value regarding an arrangement interval or an arrangement angle of the plurality of image generators 130a and 130b.

In addition, when the head-up display device including the detection sensor unit 160 is included in the vehicle, the control unit of the head-up display device via the vehicle ECU 205 receives the information obtained from the camera module disposed outside the vehicle. 170).

The camera disposed outside the vehicle may provide images of external signs, lanes, and pedestrian information in front, rear, left, and right of the vehicle.

The information provided from the camera mounted on the vehicle is converted into image data by the controller 170, and is generated as image information by the plurality of image generators 130a and 130b receiving the converted data, and the generated image information is virtual image optical. It may be displayed as a virtual image via the unit 150.

In addition, the detection sensor unit 160 of the head-up display device and the information input from the outside of the vehicle may be combined and transmitted to the driver.

For example, when it is detected that the driver's gaze is directed toward the side mirror, vehicle exterior information obtained from the side mirror may be displayed as a virtual image.

That is, the detection sensor unit 160 that detects the driver's eye position transmits the driver's eye position change information to the controller 170, and the controller 160 transmits the vehicle exterior information in the side mirror direction through the vehicle ECU 205. Can be received. The image generating unit 130a or 130b generates an image by using data about the external information of the vehicle, and the generated image information may be displayed as a virtual image on the windshield glass surface via the virtual image optical unit.

The controller 170 may be electrically connected to the vehicle ECU 205.

The vehicle ECU 205 may transmit driving information of the vehicle to the controller 170, and the controller 170 may transmit information obtained through the detection sensor unit 160 to the vehicle ECU 205.

Based on the information input from the vehicle ECU 205 or the detection sensor unit 160, the controller 170 may change the position of the image generator or generate image data provided to the image generators 130a and 130b. .

Although the above description has been made based on the embodiments, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may not have been exemplified above without departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiments. It will be appreciated that many variations and applications are possible.

For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiment can be modified. And differences relating to such modifications and applications will have to be construed as being included in the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

Embodiments for carrying out the invention have been described fully in the foregoing "Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention".

The head-up display according to the embodiment may implement a virtual image in which various pieces of information necessary for driving are superimposed with an external view on a large screen.

Claims (20)

1. A plurality of image generators disposed adjacent to each other;

   A controller configured to provide image data to the plurality of image generators and to control driving of the plurality of image generators; And

   A virtual image optical unit configured to receive image information output from the plurality of image generating units and generate a virtual image; Including;

   The virtual image optical unit includes a virtual image conversion mirror having a curvature.
2. The display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: at least one light source unit emitting light provided to the plurality of image generators; And

   At least one lens unit for guiding light emitted from the at least one light source unit to the plurality of image generating units; Head up display device further comprising.
3. The head-up display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the virtual image conversion mirror is a concave mirror.
4. The head-up display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of image generators comprises a first image generator and a second image generator disposed adjacent to each other in a left and right direction.
5. The head-up display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of image generators comprises a first image generator and a second image generator disposed adjacent to each other in the vertical direction.
6. The method of claim 4 or 5, wherein the first normal line passing through the center of the first light exit surface of the first image generator and the second normal line passing through the center of the second light exit plane of the second image generator are not parallel. Not the head-up display device.
7. The head-up display device of claim 4, wherein a distance between a center of a first light exit surface of the first image generator and a center of a second light exit surface of the second image generator is as follows.

   Px <d <(3 * Px)

   (Where d is the distance between the center of the first light exit surface and the center of the second light exit surface, Px is the length in the horizontal direction of the image generating unit, and the length in the horizontal direction of the first light exit surface is P1. And when the horizontal length of the second light exit surface is P2, Px corresponds to the smaller value of P1 and P2).
8. The head-up display device of claim 5, wherein a distance between a center of a first light exit surface of the first image generator and a center of a second light exit surface of the second image generator is as follows.

   Py <d <(3 * Py)

   (Where d is the distance between the center of the first light exit surface and the center of the second light exit surface, Py is the length in the longitudinal direction of the image generating unit, and the length in the longitudinal direction of the first light exit surface is P1). And when the longitudinal length of the second light exit surface is P2, Py corresponds to the smaller value of P1 and P2).
9. The head-up display device of claim 6, wherein an angle formed between the first normal line and the second normal line is greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 40 degrees.
10. The method of claim 6, wherein the first normal and the second normal are symmetrical with respect to an imaginary center line.

    The imaginary center line connects a first point, which is an intersection point of the first normal line and the second normal line, and a second point, which is a center point of a line connecting the center of the first light exit surface and the center of the second light exit surface. Pre-headed head up display device.
11. The head-up display device of claim 1, wherein the light emitting surface of the plurality of image generating units has the same size.
12. The head-up display device of claim 1, wherein sizes of light exit surfaces of the plurality of image generators are different from each other.
13. The head-up display device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of image generators comprises a driving motor.
14. The head-up display device of claim 1, further comprising a detection sensor unit configured to detect a change in the eye position of the driver.
15. The head-up display device of claim 14, further comprising a calculator configured to extract the position change values of the plurality of image generators in response to the eye position change values detected by the detection sensor unit.
16. A plurality of image generators disposed adjacent to each other;

    A controller configured to provide image data to the plurality of image generators and to control driving of the plurality of image generators; And

    A virtual image optical unit configured to receive image information output from the plurality of image generating units and generate a virtual image; Including;

    The virtual image optical unit includes at least one direction changing mirror for changing the projection direction of the image information, and the at least one direction changing mirror is a total reflection mirror.
17. The method of claim 16,

    The virtual image optical unit further comprises a driving unit for moving the direction turning mirror.
18. A plurality of image generators disposed adjacent to each other;

    A controller configured to provide image data to the plurality of image generators and to control driving of the plurality of image generators; And

    A virtual image optical unit configured to receive image information output from the plurality of image generating units and generate a virtual image; Including;

    The plurality of image generating units are disposed adjacent to each other vertically and horizontally.

    And a position of the plurality of image generating units or an arrangement angle between the plurality of image generating units is controlled by the controller.
19. The method of claim 18,

    And at least one light emitting surface of the plurality of image generating units is different.
20. The method of claim 18,

    The head-up display device having the same size of the light exit surface of the plurality of image generating unit.

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