Head-up display providing a gamified experience to the driver during calibration mode

CN117452635BActive Publication Date: 2026-09-29GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
View PDF 2 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202310102913.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-07-25
Filing Date
2023-01-28
Publication Date
2026-09-29
Estimated Expiration
2043-01-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

然而,在装配厂重新校轴和创建更新的畸变图是昂贵的,并且也增加了周期时间

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN117452635B_ABST
    Figure CN117452635B_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

A heads-up display system for displaying graphics on a windshield of a vehicle to provide a gamified experience to a driver includes a driver monitoring system including one or more cameras that determine a position of a head of a driver of the vehicle and an eye position of the driver, a graphics projection module to generate images on the windshield of the vehicle, and one or more controllers in electronic communication with the driver monitoring system and the graphics projection module. The controller executes instructions to command the graphics projection module to generate a vertical alignment graphic on the windshield of the vehicle. The vertical alignment graphic indicates when the eye position of the driver is at a nominal height of an eye box of the heads-up display.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a head-up display that provides a gamified experience to the driver during calibration mode. Background Technology

[0002] A head-up display (HUD) displays information (such as vehicle speed and navigation instructions) directly on the windshield of a vehicle within the driver's forward field of vision. Therefore, HUDs provide information to the driver without requiring them to take their eyes off the road. In some cases, HUDs can be used in augmented reality displays, which overlay images onto the windshield to enhance the driver's view of the vehicle's external environment, requiring precise alignment of the image relative to the driver.

[0003] The head-up display (HUD) is calibrated at the manufacturer, assuming it will be installed in an ideal vehicle with a suitable windshield shape. The HUD is then sent to the final assembly plant, where it is installed in the vehicle. Although the HUD has already been calibrated at the manufacturer, it requires re-boresight and an update of the distortion map at the vehicle level. This is necessary due to variations in the vehicle's internal construction and the windshield shape. However, re-boresight and creating the updated distortion map at the assembly plant are costly and increase cycle time.

[0004] Therefore, although current methods for calibrating head-up displays have achieved their intended purpose, there is a need in the art for an improved, cost-effective method for calibrating head-up displays. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to several aspects, a head-up display system is disclosed for displaying graphics on the windshield of a vehicle to provide a gamified experience to the driver. The head-up display system includes: a driver monitoring system including one or more cameras for determining the position of the driver's head and the driver's eye position; a graphics projection module for generating an image on the windshield of the vehicle; and one or more controllers that electronically communicate with the driver monitoring system and the graphics projection module. The controllers execute instructions to receive a user-generated prompt indicating the activation of a calibration mode for the head-up display system. In response to receiving the user-generated prompt, the one or more controllers activate the calibration mode. The one or more controllers receive an eye position indicator from the driver monitoring system indicating the driver's eye position and determine the driver's eye position. The one or more controllers command the graphics projection module to generate a vertically aligned graphic on the windshield of the vehicle. The vertically aligned graphic indicates when the driver's eye position is at the nominal height of the head-up display's eyebox.

[0006] In one aspect, the vertical alignment graphic is a horizontal alignment arrow that changes color to indicate when the driver's eyes are at the nominal height of the eye box.

[0007] In another aspect, the one or more controllers execute instructions to generate a horizontal alignment graphic on the vehicle's windshield based on the driver's eye position, in response to determining that the driver's eye position is at the nominal height of the eye box.

[0008] In another aspect, the horizontal alignment graphic indicates when the driver's eyes are positioned at the horizontal orientation center of the eye box.

[0009] In one aspect, the controller executes instructions to command the graphics projection module to generate a boresight graphic on the windshield of the vehicle, wherein the boresight graphic includes a curved bottom profile that follows the curvature of the steering wheel.

[0010] In another aspect, the view axis graphic includes one or more arrows that indicate the direction in which the view axis graphic is to be moved so that the curved bottom profile of the view axis graphic is aligned with the curvature of the steering wheel.

[0011] In another aspect, the visual axis graphic changes color to indicate when the driver's eye position is not in the horizontal orientation center of the eye box.

[0012] In one aspect, the controller executes instructions to command the graphics projection module to generate one or more distorted graphics on the windshield of the vehicle.

[0013] In another aspect, the head-up display system further includes a downward-facing display containing a screen, wherein the downward-facing display is in electronic communication with one or more controllers. In yet another aspect, the one or more controllers execute instructions to command the downward-facing display to display one or more calibration controls on the screen.

[0014] In one aspect, the driver adjusts the shape of the distorted graphic to eliminate distortion by manipulating one or more calibration controls, thereby performing distortion compensation adjustment.

[0015] On the other hand, the driver performs distortion compensation for more than one distorted pattern.

[0016] In another aspect, one or more controllers execute instructions to determine distortion compensation values ​​based on distortion parameters corresponding to each distorted pattern.

[0017] In one aspect, more than one distortion pattern includes one or more of the following: trapezoidal distortion pattern, pincushion distortion pattern, smile distortion pattern, shearing distortion pattern, asymmetric shearing horizontal right distortion pattern, asymmetric pincushion horizontal right distortion pattern, asymmetric shearing horizontal left distortion pattern, and asymmetric pincushion horizontal left distortion pattern.

[0018] In another aspect, one or more controllers execute instructions to determine the reward assigned to the driver for completing the head-up display system calibration, where the reward is in the form of brand incentive points.

[0019] In one aspect, a vehicle includes a windshield and a head-up display (HUD) system for displaying graphics on the windshield to provide a gamified experience to the driver. The HUD system includes: a driver monitoring system including one or more cameras for determining the position of the driver's head and the driver's eye position; a graphics projection module for generating an image on the windshield; and one or more controllers in electronic communication with the driver monitoring system and the graphics projection module. The controllers execute instructions to receive a user-generated prompt instructing the driver to activate a calibration mode of the HUD system. In response to receiving the user-generated prompt, the one or more controllers activate the calibration mode. The one or more controllers receive an eye position indicator from the driver monitoring system indicating the driver's eye position and determine the driver's eye position. The one or more controllers command the graphics projection module to generate a vertically aligned graphic on the windshield, wherein the vertically aligned graphic indicates when the driver's eye position is at the nominal height of the HUD's eye box.

[0020] In one aspect, a method is disclosed for displaying graphics on the windshield of a vehicle via a head-up display system to provide a gamified experience to the driver. The method includes receiving, by one or more controllers, a user-generated prompt instructing the initiation of a calibration mode for the head-up display system. In response to receiving the user-generated prompt, the method includes initiating the calibration mode. The method includes receiving, by the controllers, an eye position indicator from a driver monitoring system, indicating the driver's eye position, and determining the driver's eye position. The driver monitoring system includes one or more cameras that determine the position of the driver's head and the driver's eye position. The method includes commanding a graphics projection module to generate a vertically aligned graphic on the windshield of the vehicle, wherein the vertically aligned graphic indicates when the driver's eye position is at the nominal height of the eye box of the head-up display. Finally, in response to determining that the driver's eye position is at the nominal height of the eye box, the method includes generating a horizontally aligned graphic on the windshield of the vehicle based on the driver's eye position.

[0021] In another aspect, the method includes instructing a graphics projection module to generate a sight axis graphic on the windshield of a vehicle. The sight axis graphic includes a curved bottom profile that follows the curvature of the steering wheel.

[0022] In another aspect, the method includes instructing a graphics projection module to generate one or more distorted graphics on the windshield of a vehicle.

[0023] In one aspect, the method includes determining a reward to be assigned to the driver for completing the calibration of the head-up display system, wherein the reward is in the form of brand incentive points.

[0024] Other areas of application will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the descriptions and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a disclosed head-up display system that provides a gamified experience to the driver during calibration mode, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A heads-up display system, according to an exemplary embodiment, is shown operating in calibration mode to ensure that the driver's eye position is centered within the eye box;

[0028] Figure 3 This is an illustration of an eye box for a head-up display according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0029] Figure 4 shows a downward-view display illustrating one or more alignment controls according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0030] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A head-up display system is shown that operates in calibration mode and generates alignment graphics according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0031] Figure 6 A head-up display system is shown that operates in calibration mode and generates exemplary distortion graphics according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0032] Figure 7 A menu showing different distortion patterns that can be used during calibration mode, according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0033] Figure 8 This is a process flowchart illustrating a method for providing a gamified experience to a driver when calibrating a head-up display, according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or its uses.

[0035] refer to Figure 1 An exemplary head-up display system 10 is illustrated. The head-up display system 10 displays graphics on the windshield 12 of a vehicle 14 to provide a gamified experience to the driver 18 during calibration of the head-up display system 10. The head-up display system 10 includes one or more controllers 20 that electronically communicate with a graphics projection module 22, a driver monitoring system 24, and a user input device 26. The graphics projection module 22 is configured to generate an image on the windshield 12 of the vehicle 14 and includes projection equipment for creating excitation light for projecting the image. The driver monitoring system 24 includes one or more cameras 32 located within the interior cab 34 of the vehicle 14 for determining the position of the driver 18's head 38 and the position of the driver 18's eyes. Figure 1 In the example shown, the user input device 26 is a keyboard; however, it should be understood that other user input devices, such as, but not limited to, microphones, may also be used. One or more controllers 20 also communicate electronically with a downward-facing display 40, which may be located in the dashboard 42 within the interior cab 34 of the vehicle 14 (see [link to dashboard]). Figure 2A and Figure 2B Next to or below. It should be understood that vehicle 14 can be any type of vehicle, such as, but not limited to, a car, truck, SUV, van, or motorhome.

[0036] Figures 2A-2BThis is an exemplary interior view of the windshield 12, in which the head-up display system 10 is operating in calibration mode to ensure the eye position of the driver 18. Figure 1 The eye box 50 located in the head-up display system 10 (see...) Figure 3 The head-up display 10 first ensures that the driver's 18's eye position is centered within the eye box 50, as described below during calibration mode. Once the driver's 18's eye position is centered within the eye box 50, the head-up display 10 is calibrated and a calibration diagram is calculated to account for structural variations within the vehicle 14 and shape variations in the windshield 12. It should be understood that the head-up display 10 does not require calibration at the final assembly plant. Instead, the head-up display 10 can be calibrated at a dealership or by the customer without requiring special equipment.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the eye box 50 of the head-up display system 10. (Reference) Figure 1 and Figure 3 The horizontal field of view 54 and the vertical field of view 56 define the display size 58 of the head-up display system 10, where the display size 58 represents the area where the head-up display system 10 generates graphic images. The eye box 50 is a volume within the interior cab 34 of the vehicle 14, where the driver's head 38 can view the entire display size 58 of the head-up display system 10.

[0038] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2A The head-up display system 10 is activated by receiving a user-generated prompt. For example, the driver 18 can activate the calibration mode by entering input using the user input device 26. Upon entering the calibration mode, the driver 18 then adjusts the steering wheel 60 of the vehicle 14 to its highest position. One or more controllers 20 receive a user-generated prompt instructing the activation of the head-up display system 10's calibration mode. In response to receiving the user-generated prompt, one or more controllers 20 activate the calibration mode and receive an eye position indicator from the driver monitoring system 24, indicating the driver 18's eye position. One or more controllers 20 determine the driver 18's eye position based on the eye position indicator received from the driver monitoring system 24. Then, based on the driver 18's eye position, one or more controllers 20 command the graphics projection module 22 to generate a vertical alignment graphic 62 on the windshield 12 of the vehicle 14. The vertical alignment graphic 62 indicates when the driver 18's eye position is within the eye box 50 of the head-up display 10 (see [link to image]). Figure 3 The nominal height N.

[0039] exist Figure 2AIn the example shown, the vertical alignment graphic 62 is such that the horizontal alignment arrow changes color to indicate when the driver 18's eye position is at the nominal height N of the eye box 50. Figure 3 Specifically, in a non-limiting embodiment, the vertical alignment graphic 62 is colored red to indicate that the driver 18's eyes are outside the eye box 50, and turns yellow as the driver 18 adjusts his or her vertical height within the interior cab 34 of the vehicle 14 and moves toward the nominal height N of the eye box 50. The driver 18 can adjust his or her vertical height by adjusting the height of his or her seat. Once the driver 18's eyes are inside the eye box 50, the vertical alignment graphic 62 turns green. It should be understood that although arrows are shown, other types of graphics, such as text indicating instructions, may also be used.

[0040] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2B Once the driver 18 has adjusted his or her vertical height and the eye position is at the nominal height N of the eye box 50, Figure 3 Then one or more controllers 20 generate a horizontal alignment graphic 64 on the windshield 12 of the vehicle 14 based on the eye position of the driver 18. The horizontal alignment graphic 64 indicates when the driver 18's eye position is within the eye box 50 of the head-up display 10 (see...). Figure 3 The horizontal orientation center C of the ) is located in Figure 2B In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the horizontal alignment graphic 64 is a vertically aligned arrow that changes color to indicate when the driver 18's eye position is at the horizontal orientation center C of the eye box 50. Figure 3 For example, the horizontal alignment graphic 64 is colored red to indicate that the driver 18's eye position is not at the horizontal orientation center C of the eye box 50, and turns yellow as the driver 18 approaches the horizontal orientation center C of the eye box 50, and turns green once the driver 18's eye position is at the horizontal orientation center C of the eye box 50.

[0041] Once the driver's eyes are positioned within eye box 50 ( Figure 3 The driver 18 can select various options displayed on the downward-facing display 40 to display one or more axle alignment controls 68 on the screen, such as... Figure 4A As shown. In Figure 4A In the example shown, the alignment control 68 includes an up / down slider 68A, a left / right slider 68B, and a rotation slider 68C; however, it should be understood that other controls may also be used. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the alignment control 68 may alternatively be implemented as a voice or gesture control. Then, refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 5AOne or more controllers 20 command the graphics projection module 22 to generate a view axis graphic 70 on the windshield 12 of the vehicle 14. The view axis graphic 70 includes a curved bottom profile 72 that follows the curvature 74 of the steering wheel 60. The view axis graphic 70 also includes one or more arrows 76. The arrows 76 indicate the direction in which the view axis graphic 70 is to be moved so that the curved bottom profile 72 of the view axis graphic 70 is aligned with the curvature 74 of the steering wheel 60, such as... Figure 5B As shown. In Figure 5A In the example shown, arrow 76 indicates that the view axis graphic 70 will move to the right and down to align with the curvature 74 of the steering wheel 60.

[0042] In one embodiment, the visual axis graphic 70 changes color to indicate when the driver 18's eye position is not at the horizontal orientation center C of the eye box 50, or at the nominal height N of the eye box 50. Figure 3 For example, in one embodiment, the visual axis graphic 70 is colored yellow to indicate that the driver 18's eye position is not at the horizontal orientation center C or nominal height N of the eye box 50, but turns green once the driver 18 moves his or her head to change his or her eye position to align with the horizontal orientation center C or nominal height N of the eye box 50.

[0043] Once the curved bottom profile 72 of the view axis graphic 70 is aligned with the curvature 74 of the steering wheel 60, one or more controllers 20 store one or more view axis parameters in memory. It should be understood that the original x,y coordinates of the head-up display system 10, determined during factory calibration, are stored in the memory of one or more controllers 20, and the view axis parameters include offset values ​​x',y' of the head-up display system 10 at the vehicle level, where the offset values ​​x',y' replace the original x,y coordinates of the head-up display system 10. Then, one or more controllers 20 instruct the graphics projection module 22 to generate a graphic instructing the driver 18 to move the steering wheel 60 downwards from its highest position.

[0044] Now for reference Figure 6 One or more controllers 20 then command the graphics projection module 22 to generate one or more distorted graphics 80 on the windshield 12 of the vehicle 14, wherein the distorted graphics 80 are adjusted by the driver 18 to compensate for distortion caused by changes in the shape of the windshield 12. Figure 6 In the example shown, the distorted shape 80 is trapezoidal; however, as... Figure 7 As shown and described below, other types of graphics can also be used. One or more controllers 20 also command the lower-view display 40 to generate one or more calibration controls 86, such as... Figure 4B As shown, this is used to adjust the distortion of the distorted graphic 80 displayed on the windshield 12 of the vehicle 14. Figure 4BIn the example shown, one or more calibration controls 86 include an up / down slider 86A, a left / right slider 86B, and a rotation slider 86C.

[0045] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, the distortion of the trapezoidal distortion pattern 80 can be adjusted along the two parallel sides 82. Specifically, as shown by arrow 84, the upper parallel side 82A can be adjusted in the outward direction, and the lower parallel side 82B can be adjusted in the inward direction. However, in another embodiment, the upper parallel side 82A can be adjusted in the inward direction, and the lower parallel side 82B can be adjusted in the outward direction. (See reference...) Figure 1 , Figure 4B and Figure 6 The driver 18 performs distortion compensation adjustment by manipulating one or more calibration controls 86 to adjust the shape of the distortion pattern 80 to eliminate distortion introduced by changes in the shape of the windshield 12. Once the distortion has been removed from the distortion pattern 80, the shape of the distortion pattern 80 is finalized and converted into one or more distortion parameters. In one embodiment, when the driver 18 performs distortion compensation adjustment, the distortion pattern 80 changes color to indicate when the driver 18's eye position is not at the horizontal orientation center C or nominal height N of the eye box 50. Figure 3 ).

[0046] Although Figure 6 A trapezoidal shape for distortion compensation is shown, but it should be understood that other types of projection distortion can also be corrected. In this embodiment, driver 18 can correct more than one type of projection distortion. Figure 7 This is an example menu that includes several different types of distortion graphics 90. In Figure 7 In the examples shown, the distorted patterns 90 include trapezoidal distorted patterns 90A, pincushion distorted patterns 90B, smile distorted patterns 90C, shear distorted patterns 90D, asymmetric shear horizontal right distorted patterns 90E, asymmetric pincushion horizontal right distorted patterns 90F, asymmetric shear horizontal left distorted patterns 90G, and asymmetric pincushion horizontal left distorted patterns 90H. Figure 7 Arrow 92 shown indicates the adjustment direction of the distorted graphic 90.

[0047] Once the driver 18 has adjusted the distortion compensation for one or more distortion patterns 80, one or more controllers 20 determine a distortion compensation value based on the distortion parameters corresponding to each distortion pattern 80. The distortion compensation value is a two-dimensional matrix comprising the distortion compensation value for each distortion pattern 80 adjusted by the driver 18. It should be understood that the distortion compensation value replaces the original two-dimensional matrix stored in the memory of one or more controllers 20, where the original two-dimensional matrix was used to compensate for distortions introduced by the optical components of the head-up display system 10. The one or more controllers 20 can then calculate a calibration map based on the distortion compensation value. The distortion compensation map produces a shaped or pre-distorted image that takes into account the shape variations of the windshield 12, where the pre-distorted image is then projected onto the windshield 12 by the graphics projection module 22.

[0048] Once the distortion compensation map is calculated and calibration is complete, one or more controllers 20 determine the reward to be assigned to the driver 18 to complete the calibration of the head-up display system 10. The reward may be in the form of brand incentive points, which the driver 18 can redeem for goods or services. One or more controllers 20 instruct the graphics projection module 22 to generate an image notifying the driver 18 of the reward. It should be understood that granting brand incentive points provides a gamified experience that motivates and engages the driver.

[0049] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a method 200 for providing a gamified experience to a driver 18 during the calibration of a head-up display system 10. (Reference) Figure 1 and Figure 8 Method 200 can begin at block 202. In block 202, the head-up display system 10 is activated in calibration mode by receiving a user-generated prompt. For example, driver 18 can activate calibration mode by entering input into user input device 26. Method 200 can then proceed to block 204.

[0050] In box 204, when entering calibration mode, the driver 18 will position the steering wheel 60 of the vehicle 14 (see...). Figure 2A and Figure 2B Adjust it to the highest position. Then, method 200 can proceed to box 206.

[0051] In block 206, in response to receiving a user-generated prompt, the one or more controllers 20 initiate a calibration mode and receive an eye position indicator from the driver monitoring system 24, indicating the eye position of the driver 18. The one or more controllers 20 determine the eye position of the driver 18 based on the eye position indicator received from the driver monitoring system 24. Method 200 can then proceed to block 208.

[0052] In box 208, one or more controllers 20 command the graphics projection module 22 to generate an alignment graphic 62 on the windshield 12 of the vehicle 14 based on the eye position of the driver 18 (see...). Figure 2A ), wherein the vertical alignment graphic 62 indicates when the driver 18's eye position is at the nominal height N of the eye box 50. Figure 3 Then, method 200 can proceed to decision box 210.

[0053] In decision box 210, one or more controllers 20 continue to monitor the eye position of the driver 18 until the eye position of the driver 18 is at the nominal height N of the eye frame 50. Figure 3 As described above, driver 18 adjusts his or her vertical height by adjusting the seat height position. Once driver 18's eye position is at the nominal height N of eye box 50, method 200 can then proceed to box 212.

[0054] In frame 212, in response to determining that the driver 18's eye position is at the nominal height N of the eye box 50, Figure 3 One or more controllers 20 command the graphics projection module 22 to generate a horizontally aligned graphic 64 on the windshield 12 of the vehicle 14 based on the driver 18's eye position. Figure 2B ), wherein the horizontal alignment graphic 64 indicates when the driver 18's eye position is located at the horizontal orientation center C of the eye box 50. Figure 3 Then, method 200 can proceed to decision box 214.

[0055] In decision box 214, one or more controllers 20 continue to monitor the eye position of the driver 18 until the eye position of the driver 18 is located at the horizontal orientation center C of the eye box 50. Figure 3 Once the driver 18's eye position is at the horizontal orientation center C of the eye box 50, method 200 can then proceed to box 216.

[0056] In box 216, one or more controllers 20 command the view display 40 to display one or more alignment controls 68 on screen 66. Figure 4A Then, method 200 can proceed to box 218.

[0057] In box 218, one or more controllers 20 command the graphics projection module 22 to generate a view axis graphic 70 on the windshield 12 of the vehicle 14 (see...). Figure 5A and Figure 5B Then, method 200 can proceed to decision box 220.

[0058] In decision box 220, driver 18 continues to operate axle alignment control 68 ( Figure 4A), until the curved bottom profile 72 of the view axis graphic 70 matches the curvature 74 of the steering wheel 60 ( Figure 5A and Figure 5B Alignment. The one or more controllers 20 then store one or more view axis parameters in memory. Then, method 200 can proceed to block 222.

[0059] In box 222, one or more controllers 20 command the graphics projection module 22 to generate a graphic instructing the driver 18 to move the steering wheel 60 downwards from its highest position. One or more controllers 20 also command the downward-facing display 40 to display one or more calibration controls 86 on screen 66. Figure 4B Then, method 200 can proceed to box 224.

[0060] In box 224, one or more controllers 20 command the graphics projection module 22 to generate one or more distorted graphics 80 (such as...) on the windshield 12 of the vehicle 14. Figure 6 (As shown). Then, method 200 can proceed to decision box 226.

[0061] In decision box 226, driver 18 adjusts the shape of distorted graphic 80 ( Figure 6 ) to continuously perform distortion compensation adjustments by manipulating one or more calibration controls 86 ( Figure 4B The distortion is removed by a method called 200. Once the distortion is removed from the distorted graphic 80, the shape of the distorted graphic 80 is finalized and converted into one or more distortion parameters. As described above, the driver 18 can perform distortion compensation on more than one distorted graphic 80. Then, method 200 can proceed to block 228.

[0062] In box 228, one or more controllers 20 determine distortion compensation values ​​based on distortion parameters corresponding to each distorted pattern 80. Figure 6 One or more controllers 20 can then calculate a calibration map based on the distortion compensation value. Then, method 200 can proceed to block 230.

[0063] In box 230, one or more controllers 20 determine the reward assigned to the driver 18 to complete the calibration of the head-up display system 10. Then, method 200 can terminate.

[0064] With extensive reference to the accompanying drawings, the disclosed head-up display system offers various technical effects and benefits. Specifically, this disclosure provides a method for calibrating the head-up display system at a dealership or by the vehicle's customer, rather than at the final assembly plant. This, in turn, reduces the total cost associated with the vehicle. Furthermore, the disclosed method provides rewards for drivers calibrating the head-up display. These rewards provide a gamified experience that incentivizes and engages drivers.

[0065] A controller can refer to electronic circuitry, combinational logic circuitry, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a processor (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that executes code, or a combination of some or all of the above, or as part of such a system, for example, in a system-on-a-chip. Furthermore, the controller can be microprocessor-based, such as a computer having at least one processor, memory (RAM and / or ROM), and associated input and output buses. The processor can run under the control of an operating system residing in memory. The operating system can manage computer resources so that computer program code embodied as one or more computer software applications (e.g., an application residing in memory) can have instructions that are executed by the processor. In alternative embodiments, the processor can directly execute the application, in which case the operating system can be omitted.

[0066] The description in this disclosure is exemplary in nature only, and any changes that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this disclosure are intended to fall within its scope. Such changes should not be considered as departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A head-up display system for displaying graphics on the windshield of a vehicle to provide a gamified experience to the driver, the head-up display system comprising: A driver monitoring system, the driver monitoring system including one or more cameras for determining the position of the driver's head and the position of the driver's eyes; A graphics projection module for generating an image on the windshield of the vehicle; as well as One or more controllers, which communicate electronically with the driver monitoring system and the graphics projection module, wherein the controllers execute instructions to: Receive a user-generated prompt instructing the user to activate the calibration mode of the head-up display system; In response to receiving the user-generated prompt, the calibration mode is activated; Receive an eye position indicator from the driver monitoring system that indicates the driver's eye position, and determine the driver's eye position; as well as The command instructs the graphics projection module to generate a vertically aligned graphic on the windshield of the vehicle, wherein the vertically aligned graphic indicates when the driver's eye position is at the nominal height of the eye box of the head-up display system; The command instructs the graphics projection module to generate one or more distorted graphics on the windshield of the vehicle; The head-up display system further includes a downward-facing display containing a screen, wherein the downward-facing display is in electronic communication with the one or more controllers; The one or more controllers thereon execute instructions to: The driver is instructed to display one or more calibration controls on the screen. These controls allow the driver to adjust the shape of the distortion pattern to eliminate distortion caused by changes in the windshield shape, thereby performing distortion compensation adjustment. Once the distortion compensation pattern is calculated, calibration is complete. The one or more controllers then determine the reward to be assigned to the driver to complete the calibration of the head-up display system.

2. The head-up display system of claim 1, wherein the vertical alignment graphic is a horizontal alignment arrow that changes color to indicate when the driver's eye position is at the nominal height of the eye box.

3. The head-up display system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more controllers execute instructions to: In response to determining that the driver's eye position is at the nominal height of the eye box, a horizontal alignment pattern is generated on the windshield of the vehicle based on the driver's eye position.

4. The head-up display system of claim 3, wherein the horizontal alignment graphic indicates when the driver's eye position is located at the horizontal orientation center of the eye box.

5. The head-up display system of claim 1, wherein the one or more controllers execute instructions to: The command instructs the graphics projection module to generate a visual axis graphic on the windshield of the vehicle, wherein the visual axis graphic includes a curved bottom profile that follows the curvature of the steering wheel.

6. The head-up display system of claim 5, wherein the visual axis graphic includes one or more arrows, the one or more arrows indicating the direction in which the visual axis graphic is to be moved so that the curved bottom profile of the visual axis graphic is aligned with the curvature of the steering wheel.

7. The head-up display system of claim 5, wherein the visual axis graphic changes color to indicate when the driver's eye position is not at the horizontal orientation center of the eye box.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Automobile, vehicle-mounted head-up displaying system and projection image height adjusting method

    CN105774679A

  • Projection e.g. head up display, calibration system for e.g. motor vehicle, has control unit controlling unit for automatic adjustment of calibration, so that distortion free function, of projection is satisfied

    DE102005037797A1